06.16.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 10:09 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 Theme: Everything done in the church should edify others, not bring chaotic confusion. Key verses: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, as a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (v. 26) “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.” (v. 29-30) “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” What God said to me: Dwayne, be very careful how you interpret this passage. Some would try to use this teaching to stifle participation among the church, saying only 2 or 3 persons should speak during a church gathering. Others would go to the other extreme and claim that Paul is endorsing and encouraging everyone to speak and participate. They believe as long as there is a veil or assumption of Spirit-led “order” then anything goes. But extremism is the very thing Paul was trying to prevent. Yes, several can and often should participate, but no, anything does not go. There must be order which is sanctioned and guarded by certain key prophets or pastors. And only those leaders should speak and be regarded with authority, as though they speak from me. And even they should be judged by the other godly and wise leaders. This prevents chaos and heresy from slipping among my church. Find the balance, Dwayne. Teach your people. Encourage your people to stand and share if and only as they feel led. But warn them of the consequences of speaking out of turn, unscripturally, or inappropriately. What I said to God: Thank You, Father, for making this more clear to me. We need not “throw the baby out with the bath water” as some have done. Participation among your members is wonderful and needed. They are not to be spectators, cowed down and hushed up. Yet, leadership and pastoral authority is a must and should be respected and heeded. As one of those leaders in Your Church, help me lead with humility, care, watchfulness, and sensitivity.
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06.15.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:41 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:13-25 Theme: God gave the gift of tongues for non-believers — not to be exercised among other believers. Key verses: “Therefore let him who speaks pray that he may interpret.” (v. 13) “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” (v. 15) “I thank God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than then thousand words in a tongue.” (v. 18-19) “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.” (v. 22) “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.” (v. 24) What God said to me: Dwayne, for some reason this has always been a divisive topic among my believers. But it shouldn’t be. The fact is that tongues — the supernatural ability to speak in lanquages one does not personally know — is a gift I gave to select believers in the Body of Christ. At Pentecost I gave that gift temporarily to many so the onlooking Jews and unbelievers would see my divine working and remember Isaiah’s prophecy regarding tongues. Clearly, according to Paul, I also give the gift on tongues to some individual believers, allowing them to pray “in the spirit.” Whether those who do not possess or exercise that gift appreciate it or agree with it is not really important to its validation. Paul himself spokes with other tongues. And to say it was a dispensational gift meant only for the apostles and 1st Century saints is unfounded. So don’t condemn or judge those humble and upright Christians who save they pray in private in tongues. That is between them and me. Your responsibility is to guard the gathering of believers where you are in charge. Tongues without interpretation serves only to confuse and tear down, not build up and convict others. What I said to God: Father, thank You for this definitive word about tongues. This has always been such a difficult and divisive topic for me and among my friends. Forgive us for wanting to pass such teaching as this passage through our own sifter of experience, understanding and personal bias. Your Holy Word speaks for itself. I don’t have to understand it or like it all. I respect and pray for those among us who exercise the gift of tongues in a scriptural and private way. May we in public always seek to build up those around us more than ourselves. That is the essence of Biblical corporate worship…
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06.05.09
Posted in Thoughts on Psalms at 8:47 am by Administrator
Text: Psalm 127 Theme: Any project or institution not initiated and empowered by God is useless, tiresome, and distracting. Key verses: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…” (v. 1-3a) What God said to me: Son, I tire of watching you grow tired, of seeing you try to initiate and produce income and new resources. I grow impatient with how you often ignore me and our time together in the mornings. Instead you run straight to your computer to check your email, hoping someone has rewarded your efforts. How many times do I have to tell you, I am your source in life. I can do more with and through and for you in 5 minutes than you can in a week of struggling on your own. Without me, you are kicking against a brick wall. Only I can break down the barriers than prevent you from prospering and succeeding. Only I can lead you in the direction that will best honor me and bring joy and rest to you and your family. I have blessed you beyond what you can imagine with a precious wife and children. Be very careful that you don’t work so hard and so many long hours that you don’t invest time with them. They are my gift to you, but they are also your responsibility to love, cherish and nourish in my Word and ways. Dwayne, seek first my Kingdom and righteousness. Trust me to be your Vine, your source of all you need. I will add all the earthy things necessary for you and your family. Just trust me, glorify me, shine for me, and live for me daily. What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for speaking so clearly to my heart this morning. I so appreciate You still loving and putting up with me. I am amazed by Your mercy and grace and patience. Please forgive me for trying to build my company and my house on my own. I cannot. I must listen to Your still small voice and obey You implicitly everyday. I commit this day to You to live it only for You and trust You for the outcome.
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05.26.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:41 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 Theme: Our greatest desire and purpose in worship should be to edify and exhort others in the Church. Key verses: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” (v. 1) “He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.” (v. 5b) “Now brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? (v. 6) “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (v. 12) What God said to me: Son, my Word is extremely clear and consistent throughout. I care for people. I left my church on this earth to reach people. I want people to know the Truth. I sent my Son to die for people. And when you are more interested in building up yourself, in seeking some spiritual high or estactic experience, than you are in clearly communicating my Gospel and my message to others, then you have missed the whole point of why you are there. Paul wasn’t putting down tongues. In fact he said he would like them all at Corinth to speak in tongues. But tongues was the last thing on Paul’s priority list because it served no purpose to edify the Body. And it is the Body that I am most concerned with. Dwayne, be sure as you lead and participate in church services and activities that you seek to encourage and edify my people. Your own needs and desires are secondary. I’ll take care of you as you obediently follow me and allow me to speak through you words of knowledge and revelation, comfort and love. What I said to God: Thank You, my Father, for meeting with me this morning. I know You are obligated because of my lackluster performance before You. Rather, You choose to meet with me because of Your mercy and grace. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for speaking to me and explaining God’s Word to me today. I want to follow and obey. I want to seek those spiritual gifts and unique God-given abilities that best help the Church of Jesus Christ. I praise You for saving me and for forgiving me and for blessing me beyond my imagination. Fill me today, and use me to bless others in return. I love You and need You today.
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05.19.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 8:07 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:27 - 13:13 Theme: Nothing else matters if we don’t love. Key verses: “…eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” (12:31) “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong…If I have the gift of prophecy…and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (13:1-2) “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (v. 8) “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face…” (v. 12a) “And now there three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (v. 13) What God said to me: Good morning, sunshine. Glad to see you could make it to meet with me today. You have been really busy lately — all those emails and self-imposed deadlines. Guess you think those are more important than making time for me first and foremost. Well, you are wrong. I am the vine — your vine. I am your source for creativity, productivity, and all your abilities. You can do nothing without me. Remember, take time to be holy and everyday be still and know that I am God. Now, regarding this passage, I certainly helped Paul outdo himself on this one. Talk about giving creativity, I poured out onto Paul’s mind and hand to write some of the most poignant, beautiful and wise words in all of Scripture. Paul had incredible knowledge. He was a preacher of preachers. His fame and noteriety had far exceeded anyone else’s during his day. Yet, Paul knew that none of that would matter in the end. All that would matter is what would remain the test of time and God’s test of fire. Love is that which will always last. If fact, without love, nothing else we possess or claim to accomplish will mean anything. Dwayne, do you love, I mean really love, those you minister to? Is your primary motivation for the promotional alerts you send out to help and encourage and love others? Why do you do this ministry of yours? Is it to build your name and prominence, or is it first of all to build my Kingdom and to serve others before yourself? And what about how you see and treat your wife at home? Do you love her sincerely, unselfishly, and deeply? Or do you give in order to get? Is your love somehow conditional, based on what she gives you in return? Even as my Son was hanging on the cross, he was thinking of others before himself. What remained even at death was selfless, godly love for other people. That was the example my Son, Jesus, set for you. Follow Him. What I said to God: Thank You, my holy Father, for speaking to me through your Holy Spirit this morning. Oh how I love Your Word. It is my meditation day and night! — Or at least it should be and had better be. Teach me to love. Teach me to care deeply and selflessly. Examine me, search me, O God, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
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04.29.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 10:52 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Theme: We should treat those in the Body who don’t seem so special as the truly special ones. Key verses: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.” (v. 12) “But in fact God has arranged the part of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?” (v. 18-19) “…those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensible, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts needno special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (v. 22-25) What God said to me: Dwayne, it’s simple: I love and want every member of my family and church. And I will make sure every faithful member gets his or her share of honor from me. You should do the same. Son, you have always been out front receiving lots of accolades and special treatment. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that. I am glad you have been appreciated and respected for your labor. However, you should recipricate as often as possible and deliberately seek to honor those who sit in the congregation, who clean the church restrooms, who keep the nursery, and who do the less “honorable” tasks within my house. You are no more “special” in my eyes than they. And you are no more needed in my church than they. Be sure you always maintain that perspective and humble yourself constantly. I am raising you up to influence thousands, even millions, in the future. But never forget the “little people” along the way — for in my sight they are the giants. What I said to God: Precious and majestic Father, I love You and thank You for speaking so clearly to me this morning. Thank You for this peaceful moment sitting here on my back porch. Thank You for creating the birds that are singing and the water that is gurgling in my pool. You have made all things good. And today you have reminded me (beyond any shadow of doubt!) that You have made all believers good and worthy of proper honor. Who can I encourage today and this week that doesn’t receive much encouragement and attention within our church and the Body? I die to myself and my ambitions and desires. I yeild myself completely to You today. Please protect my family and lead them to love You more today.
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04.20.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:51 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 Theme: Spiritual gifts are given in order to profit the entire body. Key verses: “The manisfestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (v. 7) “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (v. 11) What God said to me: Dwayne, I have given you the gift of knowledge and insight into my Word — especially in the area of worship and praise. Your responsibility is to write and speak and teach what I have shown you to as many of my people as possible. Your goal of impacting 100,000 through your worship study is not at all far-fetched. You must keep your eyes on that goal. Your motive is not to pad your own pockets or build your name, but rather to impact and build my Kingdom by making disciples. That is a worthy goal that I will honor if you will ask, seek and knock constantly. Your gift is no more special than anyone elses, mind you. But nonetheless, your mission is to use it to profit the entire church. I will give you the finances, creativity and resources to do what I have called and gifted you to do. Just stay the course, keep your motives pure, and trust me above your circumstances and setbacks. What I said to God: Lord, thank You so much for speaking to me this morning. What a grand reminder and encouraging word today! I am so thankful I made time to sit at Your feet in Your Word. As I hide away this week to video tape and develop more resources, help me stay focused and determined to think outside the box to how we can get the message you have given me out to the masses of believers and churches, where it can make the greatest impact for You. Protect my family while I’m gone please. I love and adore You and lay my life before You today. Please open doors for me to share Your Good News today with someone I meet.
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04.18.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 7:37 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Theme: The same God works through each of our individual gifts to accomplish His purpose. Key verses: “There are a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (v. 4-6) What God said to me: Dwayne, my servant, this is exactly what I have been impressing on you for some time now. This passage expresses it more succinctly than anywhere else in Scripture. You cannot please me more than to do what I have gifted you and intended for you to do. Man looks at various ministries and automatically assumes one is more important and more blessed than another. An evangelist may see thousands come to Christ while a faithful missionary may only see a few respond to his message. One pastor may see hundreds added to his congregation while another pastor — who is just as creative and full of faith — may see a fraction of that numerical growth. Jesus expressed this principle and reality in the parable of the sower. Some who sowed seeds saw a harvest of a hundredfold, but others saw only sixty or even thirtyfold. You see, Dwayne, in my economy, I do not determine your success based on your success in human terms of results. Rather, you are successful in my eyes if and when you do exactly what I lead you to do and you passionately seek to use all of your talents and spiritual gifts to honor me and build my kingdom. Choose justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. That is what is required of you, my son. Nothing more and nothing less. Now, go and fulfill your mission… What I said to God: Thank You, most holy and faithful Lord! Praise You this early Saturday morning. I lift Your name on high and want to honor You with my life today. Thank You for reminding me I don’t have to compete with the output and success of my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. I have been uniquely gifted to accomplish a certain work on this earth. My job is to complete that work — no matter how glamorous or not so glamorous that job may be to others, no matter how insignificant or unimpressive it may appear, and no matter how difficult and lengthy it may be. There are many gifts, but thankfully, we serve the same God, who at judgment will give to each man according to his works. You are my judge, and You are only one I must please and serve. Help me maintain that focus, and stay the course with joy!
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04.16.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:14 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 Theme: Some in the Corinthian church were allowing themselves to be controlled by demons in the name of Christianity. Key verses: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led…no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (v. 1-3) What God said to me: Dwayne, ignorance abounds among my servants. As it was with the Corinthians, so it still is today. I get blamed for a lot of stuff I really have nothing to do with. Some back then were mimicking the pagan practices of mystery religions in which they used to be a part. They brought those practices into my church. They even got drunk and had sexual orgies in my name! These are extreme cases, of course. Most of my people are much more “enlightened” and “dignified” than to go that far. But given the right set of circumstances and led by the right false teacher, many of my children would willfully participate and get dangerously carried away into gross abominations against me. That is yet another reason why strong Biblical teaching on the proper practice of worship is so very important. Some back then were even blaspheming my Son while they were supposedly teaching my Word in their worship services! A worship experience void of the Holy Spirit can be no worship experience at all, for only the Holy Spirit can lead one to speak the truth about Christ. Without my Spirit, demonic forces can mislead and confuse and ultimately cause people — well-meaning people — to be led into fallacy. What I said to God: Lord, thank You for Your Word that corrects us and warns us. Thank You for reminding me today that I must be emptied of me and my opinions and desires and filled with Your Holy Spirit every time I teach others Your Word. I see how easy it would be to assume I know the truth when in fact I am being deceived by a lie from Satan. That is why I must search Your Scripture, the only reliable source of revelation and instruction about You and Your Son. I humble myself before You today. Please fill me and use me for Your glory only.
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04.14.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 4:25 am by Administrator
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