Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 12:12-14    “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” As David pointed out in the 139 th Psalm, we are wonderfully made. Scientists estimate that the average human body is made up of 37.2 trillion cells. There are multiple main organs that control bodily function in harmony with each other including moving blood through the body, supplying oxygen, motor control, reproduction, and the list goes on. We have appendages that allow us to grasp objects, walk upright (physically), and defend ourselves. Yet, we can and will (as individuals) come to demise at some point as long as time stands. We all know that our body can survive without some of its members. It is possible to...

Psalm 119:129-132    "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.  (130)  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.  (131)  I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.  (132)  Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name." I remember when the Lord was first making me aware of my call into the ministry. I wish I could tell you that from a small child, I have loved the Word of God, but that would not be truthful. I had to look for a Bible on the night that the Lord began speaking distinctly to my heart. I knew I had one (somewhere), but I could only find the "table top" model. You know, the huge white Bible that people used to have laying on the coffee table. I finally found my personal size Bible, but didn't know where to start reading. I just opened it and began reading. God is so good! We know that, don't we? It isn't...

1 Corinthians 12:7-11    “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” Although the Spirit is gives a diversity of gifts, and the Lord gives differences of administrations, and God gives diversities of operations, there is a oneness of purpose. The expression (manifestation) of the Spirit is for the profit (benefit), not only of the individual, but also of those with whom we come into contact. Whether we are blessed with the word of wisdom or the word of knowledge, it comes by the same Hol...

Psalm 119:125-128    "I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.  (126)  It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.  (127)  Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.  (128)  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way." "I am thy servant."  What a wonderful statement to be able to make! But I ask myself, "Can I truly say that of myself?" Am I truly the servant of God? Am I? Are you?  Do I serve Him constantly, or do I only serve when it's convenient for me? Yes, these are hard questions that deserve an answer. How seriously do I take the Word of God? Again, it is no coincidence that the longest chapter in the Bible is dedicated completely to the Word of God and its importance in our lives.   "I am thy servant. I love thy commandments above gold. I esteem all thy precepts ... to be right." The w...

1 Corinthians 12:4-6    “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” Paul begins this chapter by speaking to the church about spiritual gifts. These gifts were applied to both Jews and Gentiles. Spiritual gifts testify first and foremost that Jesus is Lord (see verse 3). It is easy for us to look at someone else and think “I wish I had that gift!” We can also readily see that there are many gifts in the church. Some are pastors or deacons or song leaders. These are gifts that are highly visible in their administration. However, there are many other gifts that we sometimes overlook. We all know a special someone who has a knack for being an encourager. They brighten up our day simply by their presence. While we might fail to think of it in this fashion, this is a spiritual gift. Some gifts that are viewed as com...