03.31.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 8:09 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 Theme: God’s roles for men and women are not to be reversed or misrepresented. Key verses: “Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (v. 2-3) “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors his head…” (v. 5) “Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head…” (v. 11) “Nevertheless, neither is man indepedent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.” (v. 11-12) “But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.” (v. 15) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is a difficult and often divisive passage. First of all, you must approach this study with humility and a submissive heart, not assuming you already know how I feel about this topic. The appropriate roles for men and for women have been debated in churches and in Christian families for centuries. No matter what you type here and interpret from this chapter, someone will disagree with you vehemently. But nevermind that; just concentrate on what Paul lays out and willingly accept it face value. First of all, Paul praises the Corinthians for keeping the “traditions” he delivered to them. Those traditions refer to my edicts and precepts. However, apparently they needed some correction and guidance in how they presented themselves in their particular roles as male and female. The head covering Paul kept refering to represented submission. Men were not to have their heads covered; women were. Simply put, in that culture, women were to wear a head dress to signify their submission to their husband as head of their family and of them. Even when they prayed and prophesied, women were to do so under the authority of their husbands and the men of the church. But then notice that Paul was careful to say that men need women and women need men. I have designed both sexes and consider them both to equally important. Paul went on to say it is not even natural to subvert and reverse the roles. A woman’s God-given role and her submission to and representation of that role in public “is a glory to her.” I love women just as much as men and their part in my Kingdom and in the family is just as spiritual and vital. And I revel in watching a lady who serves and submits to me receive the glory she deserves. What I said to God: Holy Lord, days like this and passages like this one help me see better how much You honor women and why You get so upset when we men distort and denigrate them and treat them as though they exist to please us. That is so far from the truth. You love us all equally and our roles on this earth as we relate to each other are all significant and needed. Forgive us when we want to reject the order of authority You have laid down for us. Forgive us men for not wanting to properly lead in our homes and churches. And forgive the women in the church who rebel against men’s authority or ignore it. Furthermore, thank You for the godly ladies in many churches who reluctantly fill some positions of leadership when there are no men willing to do it. Lord, please help me honor my wife and love her as You loved Your Bride, the church, and gave Yourself for her.
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02.05.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:53 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 Theme: Our actions do not please God if they offend other people. Key verses: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (v. 24) “If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you…But if anyone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it…” (v. 27-28) “So whether you eat or drink of whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble…even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (v. 31-33) What God said to me: Dwayne, you are still physically sick right now, so we’ll make this shorter than normal. Try to focus though and grasp what I want to tell you. This passage is key in your relationship with me. My followers who don’t understand and embrace this attitude and approach in their daily lives will not honor me. What was Paul’s ultimate goal in this life? He wanted to see people saved. That was his burden and greatest desire. That is why he tried to please everyone in every way. He wasn’t implying that he comprimised his walk and his convictions. Rather, Paul went out of his way to accomodate and bless others. He put their concerns and needs before his own. If fact, he went as far as to put their opinions before his own. Notice he said you can eat of anything set before you unless someone speaks and says your food is for idols. Of course, that is a ridiculous statement, since I made everything, and idols are nothing. However, their opinion was enough to keep Paul — and should prevent all my children — from partaking of that particular food. Now look at v. 31 in context. Paul said whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do for my glory. If your attitude is ultimately bring me glory and honor, sometimes it will mean not eating or not drinking certain things — simply because someone around you might be offended. What I said to God: Father, thank You for helping me see this passage — that I quote so often — in a different and deeper light. What I do “for the glory of God” must therefore also be for good of man. I cannot seperate my responsibility to You with my responsibility to others. Help me love them like You do.
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01.22.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:25 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Theme: Participating in sin is worshiping the devil. Key verses: “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” (v. 14) “And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (v. 16b) “Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?” (v. 18b) “…the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealously? Are we stronger than he?” (v. 20-22) What God said to me: Dwayne, your sin angers me. I am a jealous God and will have no other gods before me. Yet, everytime you indulge in your petty sin (that so easily besets you), you in reality worship Satan. When you worship Satan, you turn your back on me completely. Like you read in Matthew Henry’s Commentary: “What a manifest self-contradiction must that man’s conduct be that would partake of the Lord’s table, and yet partake of the table of demons! God and mammon can never be served together, nor fellowship be at once had with Christ and Satan. Those who communicate with devils must virtually renounce Christ.” And then again, “God cannot endure a rival in matter of worship; nor give his glory, nor suffer it to be given, to another.” These are words pointed straight at you, my son. Yes, you are my child, and I will chasten you harsely if needed to correct you. And if you do not heed my correction, I can and will shorten your life, destroying you suddenly, before you have fulfilled your mission on this earth. I do not mess around with blatant, willful sin in my children. “This should be considered by all who continue in the love and liking of sin, and in league with it, while yet they profess to keep up communion with Christ.” Those words by Henry should shout loudly in your head and heart today. To worship the devil is very, very dangerous. Be more than a hearer of my Word. For your sake, your family’s sake, and the sake of those I have called you to impact, be a doer of my Word. Worship only me. I demand it. What I said to God: Lord, I admit, I wanted to put finishing this devotional journaling off until tomorrow or indefinitely. When I read what MH had commentated, it hit me right between the eyes. I have never made the specific and undeniable connection between my moments of rebellion and worshipping the devil. I now see that I am doing more than “hurting” you; I am angering you. Furthermore, I am pledging my allegiance to the devil, the one who hates my soul and wants to destroy me and my family! How could I ever look his way, much less lay my body at his feet in surrender? Oh, my God and Father, please forgive me. Thank You for speaking so directly and blatantly to me today. Help me live this message — and boldy share it with Your family.
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01.21.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 6:57 am by Administrator
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01.19.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:28 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13 Theme: God allows temptations but expects and helps us overcome them. Key verse: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” What God said to me: Dwayne, you have got to make time for me and for journaling every day this week. NO excuses. Like your pastor said yesterday in his message (from me), when your time alone with me wanes, so does your fire and your burden for the lost. I also expect you to share your faith with people this week and memorize scriptures from my Word. Now, regarding today’s passage, yes, I do allow temptations to come on you — just as I allow you to be in this world. To walk through dirt means you will get your feet dirty. And to be in the world means you will come in direct contact with what the world says is important; you will come face to face with temptations of your flesh. I even allow the forces of darkness — perhaps Satan himself — to tempt you. Do you think yourself immune? Are you better and more special than Jesus my Son? He endured excruciating times of temptation. Yet, he overcame. He kept his mind and heart focused on me. He quoted my Word and ultimately remained submitted to me and doing my will above his own. So must you, my child. You have the same Spirit living in you that raised Christ from the dead. You have all the power you need to withstand every temptation and having done all to still be standing. I will never allow you to be tempted more strongly than you — at your present level of maturity and experience — can handle. If you fall, it is your fault and noone elses. You often consciously or subconsciously place the blame on someone else or on your circumstances. That only prolongs your inability to overcome and the inevitability of you falling yet again. I love you and am not punishing you by allowing these temptations. I have a plan and purpose in it all. But that plan is for you to become stronger and more successful in winning your battles, not for you to keep giving in and losing them. What I said to God: Holy God, it always amazes me how much inspiration and insight can be packed into one little verse in Your Word. I fully expected this day — because we only had one verse to focus on — would be shorter. But You know I needed to hear from You and hear quite a bit! Please help me not only hear You, but obey You today and all this week. I really do desire to become more and more consistent in winning the battles of temptation that come along. I know I can and must because of Your love and through Your power. Protect my family and church from Satan’s onslaught and help them overcome as well.
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01.13.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:07 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 Theme: We must not fall to temptations like the Israelites did in the wilderness. Key verses: “…all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea…” (v. 2) “For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” (v. 4-6) “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (v. 12) What God said to me: Dwayne, good to have you back journaling today. I know you think it’s ok to skip and only occasionally make time to write your devotions in this manner. But you must discipline your time and your mind to put aside other activities and pressing needs to journal in my presence. This is your source for renewal, direction, and ongoing discipleship. Now, notice 2 things about this passage: First, Paul pointed out that they Children of Israel had me with them, protecting and guiding them, performing amazing miracles for them as I provided for their every need. So it is with you today. You have my same power and love and presence available to you. That should comfort and excite you, and give you boldness at every turn. However, it should also make you thankful and cause you to passionately protect against not having those incredible blessings in your life. Second, notice what the Children of Israel did that angered me and made them fall. They became idolaters. Their mind and focus was on pleasing themselves, indulging their appetites, while being ungrateful to me, their Source. They sinned sexually, again to gratify their sinful flesh. And on top of that, they complained to me, as though they had any reason to be disgruntled or feel abandoned! I was their great and mighty God. Yet, they spat in my face and rejected my love. Thus, I destroyed them. So, my child — who is not immuned from the same repulsive attitudes, actions, and fate — take heed, lest you also fall. What I said to God: Holy Lord, I have been so sinful and rebellious at times. I have completely ignored Your presence and Your gentle warnings to my spirit. I have done my own thing my own way, way to often. I know I must learn from the mistakes of our forefathers, yet I seem to keep repeating some of them over and over. Please cleanse me, but then also please empower me to say no over and over to my temptations. I know that I am just as capable of falling as any other Christian. I must beat my body, lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I love You and adore You today. Please fill me with Your Spirit and lead me in Your way everlasting.
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01.02.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:34 am by Administrator
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01.01.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 12:55 pm by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Theme: Our life’s run must be focused, deliberate and determined. Key verses: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes goes into strict training…” (v. 24-25) “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (v. 26-27) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is very straight-forward and simple. And it is timely for you to meditate on this passage on this day, the first day of 2009. As you look to the year ahead of you, be sure you decide now to set your face like a flint and run hard after me. There is a certain way you should run if you are to win the prize I have awaiting you, the prize of the high calling of me in my Son. First, you must go into strict training. Think about that for a moment. Training is intense and it is daily. Boot camp means working harder than you ever have before, getting up earlier than you want, and pushing yourself beyond anything you have done before. Spiritual boot camp means making more time with me daily. It means guarding your mind and your actions, and investing more time listening to me and reading and studying my Word. In 2009, you will need to be more disciplined than ever before in your daily routine. Push yourself to reach new goals and acheive new heights in your spiritual growth, in your witnessing and mentoring toward others, and in your ministries. Secondly, you need to be more determined to win than ever before. You must be more careful to make the most of every opportunity that I send your way. Dwayne, sometimes you waste time and get bogged down in details that you have no business dealing with. Seek me everyday and ask what I want you to do. Then do it with all your might. Don’t be haphazard and non-chalant. And don’t sit around and wait for life to happen to you. Waiting on me includes working and serving and knocking and seeking. Continue to claim Matthew 7:7 and watch me open up bigger and more exciting doors for you in 2009 than you can imagine. Third, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of the life I have for you. Dwayne, you tread dangerously close to the line and the edge sometimes. You play around with thoughts and intents that are rebellious and ungodly. You must rid yourself of all such activities and motives. There is no time to waste. Your enemy, the devil, wants to destroy you and all that I have built up in and through you. Be very careful in 2009 for traps, for there will be several. I am your Shepherd, and if you let me, I will lead you around those ditches that could shipwreck your faith, your ministries, your family, and your life. Paul was so determined to live for me and win his prize that he “beat his body.” Die to your flesh in 2009. And keep it dead. What I said to God: Holy Father, I confess that I have been aimless and careless several times this past year. I confess my rebellion and my desire to satisfy my own flesh rather than honor You. Please cleanse me and forgive me. Help me listen and follow every whisper from Your Holy Spirit. I know much lies ahead. And unto whom much is given, much will be required. Help me live up to the calling wherewith You have called me. What a privilege to know and serve You!
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12.22.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:45 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 Theme: Paul went far beyond the norm or the average to assure he would win the rewards of the gospel. Key verses: “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (v. 11-12) “If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” (v. 17-19) “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. What God said to me: Dwayne, this explanation by Paul is so far removed from the thinking and attitudes of many of my children that it goes right over their heads. A more carnally minded and less passionate person might wonder why Paul would voluntarily pass up the opportunity to be supported by the Corinthian church and why Paul would voluntarily not marry like the other apostles. Clearly Paul did not condemn any of these actions or expectations. So what was the purpose? Well, if you read carefully you can see that Paul made it very clear. He did not want anything to hinder in the slightest way him preaching and living the gospel. His life was so absorbed in that one mission that he was willing — yea wanting — to give up anything that might be in the least either competing or perceived as competing with his main purpose and passion in life. Oh, how I long to see that kind of love and determination in more of my servants. Dwayne, I blessed you with the church you are now in, where you are compensated well for your ministry among them. However, would you be willing to give up that salary and continue to work there if it meant being more effective and more persuasive for my gospel? Are you willing to say like Paul, “I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast”? That is what set Paul apart as one of my choicest servants. I am not asking you to no longer receive what is rightfully and needfully yours in my Kingdom. I am simply asking you if you are willing to. Keep a close and constant check on the real attitude and motives of your heart. What I said to God: Woe is me, Lord, for I am undone. You cut deep into the very thoughts and intents of my heart today. Am I in fact willing to give up my cushy job and share the gospel simply for the gospel’s sake — not receiving any reward for myself other than the knowledge that the gospel is being preached most purely and powerfully? How much do I really love the gospel? How much do I share it when I’m not being paid? Actions speak louder than words. Do I show through my daily life that I love the cross of Christ and the Christ of the cross enough that I will settle for nothing less than my all poured for it and for Him? And do I love others as myself and as Christ has loved the church? I’m afraid I’m in no danger of being called a Paul in that regard. Oh God, change my heart.
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12.12.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:28 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 8 Theme: We should love others, rather than offend them through our knowledge. Key verses: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” (v. 2-3) “We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.” (v. 4) “But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.” (v. 7) “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?” (v. 9-10) “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” (v. 13) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is a very simple principle to grasp, yet few of my children choose to heed it. Knowing the truth about various freedoms you have in me does not set you free from your obligation to other believers. Those who have not yet discovered the freedoms you enjoy may be offended and tempted to turn away from their faith altogether if they see you “indulging.” Rather than excuse your conduct based on your enlightenments, you should respond like Paul. You should cease your activities in their presence and in their hearing. Your knowledge of what does not defile could in fact defile you before me if you ignore my little ones and don’t place their welfare over your own. What I said to God: Thank You, holy One, for speaking to me today. Please help me search my heart and my habits to see if I might be a stumbling block to believers around me. I know that begins at home with my children. May I love others more than I love myself and my “knowledge.”
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