Everyone has some gifts

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen .1 Peter 4:10-11    


Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses.  


Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions speaking and serving.

God Wants To Be Found

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

GOD STILL PERFORMS MIRACLES

 

Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." 

The Lord confirmed the preaching of His Word with miracles. If Jesus and the first century Christians needed the Word confirmed with the miraculous (Heb. 2:4), then we do too. There is no scripture that says these miraculous signs have passed away.

Some people have interpreted "that which is perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13:10, as being the complete Bible. This has led them to believe that the gifts of the Spirit have ceased. Although God's Word is perfect (Ps. 19:7), it is not the "perfect thing" that is referred to here. 1 Corinthians 13:8 does say that tongues shall cease, but it will not happen until "that which is perfect is come."

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, "when that which is perfect is come, we shall see face to face." This speaks of seeing the Lord face to face, instead of vaguely, as through a dark glass, as it is now. Some might argue that this is speaking in a symbolic sense, instead of literally face to face. But the next comparison in this verse says that then, "when that which is perfect is come," we shall know all things even as we are also known. There is no other way to interpret this, except as a description of when we will stand before the Lord, after this life. Then we will be face to face, and know all things even as also we are known.

Verse eight says that at the time prophecies fail and tongues cease, knowledge will vanish away. This is talking about the next life, or the new heavens and earth, because one of the signs of the end times is that knowledge shall increase (Dan. 12:4).

So the "that which is perfect" that Paul speaks of, cannot be the Bible. It has to be either our glorified body, or Jesus at His second coming. Either way, these verses establish that until "that which is perfect is come," tongues and prophecy will remain. They are still valid gifts, and even today, it is God's will to accompany the preaching of His Word with miracles.

CHRIST IS ALIVE IN US

John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." 


When Jesus cried, "It is finished," He was not referring to the whole plan of salvation as being completed. He still had to descend into the lower parts of the earth and lead the captives out (Eph. 4:8-9), as well as come back from the dead and ascend to the Father to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

Paul made it very clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17, that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins.

Why is the resurrection so important? The resurrection of Jesus makes Christianity different from religion because we are dealing with a real, live person, not just principles. Christianity is fellowship with a real person who is alive.

Also, forgiveness of sins is not obtained by a doctrine, but by Christ Himself. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He can not give salvation to us. However, He did rise from the dead and now He lives forever to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

It is Christ living in us that gives us power to live a victorious life. If there was no resurrection, there would be no power.

The resurrected life of Jesus is the guarantee of our physical regeneration.

Because Jesus conquered death, the fear and sting of death have been removed for us. This produces great comfort for those who believe.

So, faith in the present ministry of Jesus is essential to true Christianity, and would be impossible if Jesus was not alive. Without Jesus being alive, Christianity would be just another dead religion.

BE PATIENT AS YOU WAIT FOR THE LORD'S RETURN

Dear brothers and sisters,* be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

James 5:7-8

The farmer must wait patiently for his crops to grow; he cannot hurry the process. But he does not take the summer off and hope that all goes well in the fields. There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest. In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ's return. We cannot make him come back any sooner. But while we wait, there is much work that we can do to advance God's kingdom. Both the farmer and the Christian must live by faith, looking toward the future reward for their labors.

Don't live as if Christ will never come. Work faithfully to build his kingdom--the King will come when the time is right.

"THE BOOK OF PSALMS"

 Psalms For Living And Worship 

Like the skilled fingers on the strings of a harp, the Psalms touch and
move the hearts of those individuals who will read and meditate upon
them.  Every emotion known to man is expressed in the Psalms, including
fear and faith, hope and doubt, trust and anxiety, as inspired men of
God shared their personal spiritual journeys in the service of God.  The
Psalms should be a constant resource to help the Christian learn how to
praise and pray, to meditate and contemplate, to face life and death.

In an attempt to illustrate the value of the Psalms and encourage their
frequent reading, I offer the following sampling of what Psalms might be
read at different times in your life.

Are you remorseful and penitent for your sins?  Read Psalms 51, 32

Are you experiencing affliction, and remain comfortless?  Read Psalm 22

Are you steadfast in times of distress, and want encouragement?  Read
Psalms 27, 31

Are you under various mental strains?  Read Psalms 41, 70

Are you falsely accused?  Read Psalm 7

Are you in trouble?  Read Psalms 54, 63

Are you tempted?  Read Psalm 130

Are you wanting in confidence?  Read Psalms 61, 91

Are you envious of the wicked?  Read Psalm 73

Are you in a position of authority and need to be reminded of your
responsibilities?  Read Psalms 82, 101

Do you need to be reminded of the importance of humility?  Read Psalm
131

Do you need to be reminded of the futility of this life?  Read Psalms
39, 49, 90

Do you desire to pray for others?  Read Psalm 20

Do you wish to praise God for His mercies in helping people through
adverse circumstances?  Read Psalms 34, 40

Do you wish to praise God for common blessings He has bestowed upon
people?  Read Psalm 46, 48, 66, 67

Do you desire to meditate upon the characteristics of God and praise Him
especially for His grace and mercy?  Read Psalms 23, 103, 121, 145, 146

Do you desire to meditate upon the attributes of God, such as His power?
Read Psalms 8, 19, 65, 66, 97, 99, 104, 111, 139

Do you desire to mediate upon the magnificence of the Scriptures?  Read
Psalms 19, 119

Do you wish to gain instruction regarding the contrast between the
righteous and the wicked?  Read Psalms 1, 15, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37,
52, 127, 128

Do you wish to reflect upon the Messiah and His kingdom?  Read Psalms 2,
16, 22, 40, 45, 72, 110

Do you desire to review the history of Israel?  Read Psalms 78, 105, 106

To Accompany Morning Prayer - Read Psalms 5, 94, 95

To Accompany Evening Prayer - Read Psalms 4, 90, 139, 141

To Prepare For Private Devotion - Read Psalms 23, 27, 91, 103, 104, 138,
146

To Prepare For Public Worship - Read Psalms 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100,
122, 133, 134, 145, 147, 148

To Enhance The Observance Of The Lord's Supper - Read Psalm 22

To Enhance The Collection For The Saints - Read Psalms 41, 112

Obedient to the Word

"He arose and went into the house, and he poured the oil on his head and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel."'"  - 2 Kings 9:6 


Throughout the Bible, anointing confirmed that a person had been set apart for God's service, called to accomplish a special task. Anointing also symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit to provide God's power and gifts.
      We see this anointing at work in the life of Jehu. God sent the prophet Elisha to find Jehu and anoint him as king. After the anointing, Elisha told Jehu that his assignment was to "strike the house of Ahab," so God could "avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD" (v. 7).
      Jehu took his task seriously and completed his assignment. He eliminated not only Ahab's family, but also Baal worship in Israel. What a promising beginning!
      But though he had been called and anointed by God, Jehu later gave himself to idol worship, worshiping "the golden calves that were at Bethel and that were at Dan" (2 Kings 10:29). He even led Israel into further idol worship.
      In the end, Jehu "was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart" (2 Kings 10:31). Yes, he was zealous. And for a time he faithfully focused on God's call. But in spite of being anointed, he turned aside, straying from full devotion to God.
      Jehu's example is a warning to all of us. Everyone can be tempted. No one is immune from the possibility of compromising in their obedience to God-even those who know Him, serve Him, and are anointed to serve Him.
      Make sure to base your life on God's Word. Be alert to temptation. Cultivate an intimate relationship with Him, and stay sensitive to His Spirit. 

Manipulation

"As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." - Ephesians 4:14 

Declaring Thanks

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy." - Psalm 107:1-2  

Every day, it can be easy to focus on our problems. We think about issues we face, trials we’re going through, difficulties in our families or jobs. The future can seem uncertain. Our challenges and obstacles can seem overwhelming. We can feel hopeless or depressed, confused or afraid.

But the Bible tells us that, in every situation, we are to be thankful! We are constantly to declare our thanks to God. We need to realize just how much we have to be thankful for. God is good, and we can trust Him. His mercy endures forever. No matter what we’ve done or what we face, He never runs out of mercy.

As we read Psalm 107, we find many reasons to give Him thanks. He delivers us from our distresses, helps us when we’re hungry and thirsty, and leads us to shelter. He satisfies us when our souls are “longing” (v. 9). He breaks our“chains in pieces” if we face “darkness and the shadow of death” (v. 14). If we’re sick, He sends His Word and heals us. He protects us. And, if we need peace, He calms the storm.

Many times, we may struggle when we focus on our problems or needs. But the Psalmist commands us to give thanks to God…at all times. In fact, he gives this order: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” By declaring our thankfulness, we entrust our lives and what we face into God’s hands.

Today, reflect on your life and think about all that God has done for you. Think about His promises. Then start thanking Him, and continue to thank Him. He is worthy! And He is good!

LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS

Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, 'This is what Ahithophel counseled...Now therefore, send quickly and tell David.'"2 Samuel 17:15-16 

 King David's own son, Absalom, stole the hearts of Israel and led a revolt against his father. Taking control of Jerusalem, he declared himself the new king.
      As many shifted allegiance to Absalom, David felt compelled to flee. But some remained loyal to David, including Hushai, his friend, who returned to Jerusalem at David's request, offering his services to Absalom. David told Hushai to relay any important news to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and they would relay the message through their sons.
      The system worked perfectly. David learned of Absalom's strategy and was spared because of the loyalty and faithfulness of these friends and followers. 
      Faithfulness is important to God. The Bible describes how He rewards loyalty and looks for people who are faithful: "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor" (Proverbs 21:21)..."I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).
      Jesus described how, at the end of the age, God will reward those who are "faithful and sensible," and tell them, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).
      How can we prove our faithfulness? By being faithful in everything-particularly the little things. May we be righteous and dependable in every task, and trustworthy even with the "unrighteous wealth" of the world and the things that belong to others (Luke 16:10-12). 
      Ask God to help you to be loyal and faithful-the kind of person He and others can count upon and trust.