Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 11:8-10    “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” As we consider these scriptures, we cannot lose sight of the focus of Paul’s instruction; that we should be followers of Christ (1Co 11:1). He gives us instruction of how that we are to behave ourselves in the worship of God. In order to truly worship Him, our attention must be on Christ and His church. Regardless of the “natural” order of things, nothing supersedes our need for, and devotion to, Him. Paul’s instruction was to be sure that we see Christ. The man should have his head, which is Christ, uncovered . Nothing or no one should overshadow the influence of Christ. The woman should have her head, which is the man, covered . Even her husban...

1 Corinthians 11:5-7    “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.” Before we begin any discussion of these verses, we need to be reminded of what is ultimately under consideration. In verse three of this chapter, Paul says “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” We must not lose sight of Christ in the discussion of this or any other scripture. Although it is often socially unacceptable in this day and time, the word of God established an order to things. Over the years, the male gender has abused this order and in return ...

Psalm 119:33-36    "Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  (34)  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  (35)  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.  (36)  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." As you know, the entire 119th Psalm is devoted to the Word of God and its importance in our lives. It is the longest chapter in the Bible which again speaks to me of its importance in my life. Today's four verses show us how we should approach the Word of God. It is a prayer for the Lord to teach, give understanding, and enable me to follow in the Word of God each day. Without God, I cannot find the understanding that is found through God's Word. The word, teach, speaks of the words of the Bible flowing into our hearts and minds. We are taught to read the Bible from an early age. I admit to you that th...

1 Corinthians 11:1-4    “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.” In chapter ten of this epistle, Paul has instructed us to do everything we do to the glory of God. We have been counseled to seek the good of others ahead of our own desires. Paul shows by his writing and his actions that this is the way he lives his life. In this first verse of chapter eleven, Paul affirms that to live in this manner is according to the example that our Lord and Savior has left for us. He has told us how we must live if we would indeed be Christians. He has also given us a guide concerning following the ministers God sends among us: follow them on...

1 Corinthians 10:31-33    “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” In order to properly understand these scriptures, we must first recognize that there are things that cannot be done to the glory of God. It is impossible to sin to the glory of God. We cannot by willful disobedience glorify God, nor will we ever glorify God by being a stumbling block to any of our brothers or sisters. Paul has carefully counseled us as to the things we are able to do; the many things that are lawful for us to engage in. We have also been cautioned that these things, while lawful, may not be expedient. With these principles in mind, we are told to eat, drink, and do whatever else we do in a manner that glorifies God. We may not always be able t...