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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