Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 11:20-22    “When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.” Historically, it is believed that the early church met together and had an actual meal before the taking of the bread and wine in what we today refer to as Communion or the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s admonishment to the church at Corinth would seem to indicate this was the practice there. The brethren came together for a meal and the fellowship that goes with it prior to taking the wine and unleavened bread in token of the Lord’s blood and body. However, Paul rebuked them for the manner in which they had come to conduct themselves. His injunction was not so much against the act of me...

Psalm 119:65-68    "Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.  (66)  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.  (67)  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.  (68)  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." I love how God's dealings with me are secured by those words in verse 65, "... according unto thy word." As I read those words, I am made certain that the Word of God is effectual. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians concerning the Word of God, "... ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." The Word of God works effectively in our lives. God spoke to us through the Prophet Isaiah, "... it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." In other words, God's Word works...

1 Corinthians 11:17-19    “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” In the second verse of this chapter, Paul told the brethren there were some efforts of theirs that he approved of (praised). However, he did not approve of them in everything. He was just as diligent to point out those things that were not worthy of approval as he was to give credit for those that were. Paul was not being meek or beating around the bush. He did not simply say “I tell you,” but rather “I declare unto you.” The use of the word “declare” moved this from a simple giving of his opinion to laying a charge against them. He told them that many of them were not gathering to worship with the proper atti...

Psalm 119:57    "Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words." Let's be reminded of the verse that completes today's passage. We are told in Deuteronomy 32:9, "... the LORD'S portion is his people ... " I'm trying to piece all of this together in my mind this morning. When I compare the Lord's portion (His people) to my portion (the Lord, Himself), I begin to realize that I have been given the greater portion. There is nothing that I can add to my Heavenly Father that will increase His value. But my worth is vastly increased by the portion (inheritance) that has been given to me. As I think upon these things, I'm reminded of the Prodigal Son. He said, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me." I know the father gave him the monetary value of his inheritance, but what truly was given to that son - and also to the older son? What was his true inheritance? It came to me as I was typing this morn...

1 Corinthians 11:13-16    “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” Paul has thoroughly laid out his argument for men having their heads uncovered when they pray. He has just as thoroughly laid out his argument that women should have their heads covered when they pray. Historically, this was the custom among the Jews and Greeks of Paul’s day. In light of other issues in Corinth, it is likely that Paul was counseling the brethren there to not flaunt their independent thinking in this and other issues that he addressed for them. As we read through these passages, it is good to remember Paul’s observation that while all things might be lawful, all things are not expedien...

Psalm 119:49-50    "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.  (50)  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." Psalm 119:54-55    "Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.  (55)  I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law." Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that we are saved (delivered) by hope. Hope is the result of faith. Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen." Hope is a very important element in our lives. Without it, things are dark and dismal. We would be most miserable if we did not believe that better things are on the way. Understanding that the faithfulness of God is the basis of our faith and hope, where do we go in order to learn more about these things? Paul reminds us in Romans 10 that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. I may seem to be rambling at this po...

1 Corinthians 11:12-13    “For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” As we are considering this subject, of necessity, a few verses at a time we might find it easy to lose sight of Paul’s original focus when this chapter starts. Paul’s obvious intent is to commend us to following Christ and honoring Him as our Head. No man or woman has any authority over our relationship with our Lord and Savior. We need no mediator between us and Jesus and He is the only mediator between God and man (1Ti 2:5). It is often easy to become disgruntled with our lot in life. We either do not have the respect we feel we deserve or else more is required of us than anyone else around us. Others either demand too much of us, or else no one truly values our ideas and abilities. We often desire more responsibility, and then when we get it we want less responsibility. Women often fe...

Psalm 119:41-42    "Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.  (42)  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word." Noah built a boat in the middle of the desert. Moses heard the voice of the Lord from a burning bush. Gideon defeated hundreds of thousands of the Midianite army with only 300 men holding trumpets and lanterns. David faced a giant by the name of Goliath. Peter walked on water. Saul was overtaken by the presence of the Lord Jesus as he traveled to Damascus. Paul shook the serpent off his hand.  Do you ever read God's Word and wonder if those things could still happen? The answer is yes, God speaks to us and deals with us every day of our lives. Does He call us to build a ship, strike a rock, break a lantern in the darkness, defeat a giant, or any of those other wonderful works of which we read? I doubt any of us have experienced exactly those things, but what God doe...

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...

Psalm 119:25-26   "My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.  (26)  I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes." "I can do it myself." How many times have you heard that? How many times have you said that? Those words are spoken from a very early age. Toddlers want to do things themselves and quite honestly that is part of the learning process. I'm not sure that I have graduated from that school of learning yet. The Psalmist was in the process of graduating when he discovered just how dry a soul can get by trying to do everything on our own. "My soul cleaves to the dust." I'm as dry as dry can be. A puff of wind will scatter what is left inside me if I do not get help. "I have declared my ways." The part that is left unsaid in that statement would be something like this: "I have declared my ways..... and they just didn't work." Can any of us identify with that? I know ...

1 Corinthians 10:27-30    “If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?” While there are many good reasons to have fellowship often with those who believe in the love of God and the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord as revealed by the Holy Ghost in our hearts, we are under no compulsion to limit our fellowship exclusively to brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus said that, like Him, we are not of the world; nonetheless, like Him, we have been sent into the world (Jo...

Psalm 119:18    "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalm 119:24    "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." B-I-B-L-E = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth Sometimes we hear it said that life does not come with an instruction manual. That isn't true. We have the perfect instruction manual. The problem is that we don't always apply that manual to our lives. There are wonderful things that are contained within the Word of God. He has not left out anything that is important and necessary for a productive and prosperous life. But, the natural mind does not - cannot - understand the spiritual applications of God's Word. That is why we find the writer of this Psalm asking the Lord to open his eyes. He wasn't talking about his natural eyes; rather, he was asking the Lord to reveal to him those things contained within the Bible. I believe that it is most necessary to spend time in prayer before see...

1 Corinthians 10:23-26    “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” Paul was a man set free by virtue of being a prisoner to none except the Lord Jesus Christ. He lived a life of joy in the Lord in spite of the afflictions of the flesh. He understood that the legal service he had been raised under no longer held sway in his life. Neither the Jews nor the Gentiles could require anything of him or bind him. He could eat meat offered to idols because he knew these idols were nothing and therefore the offering was nothing. Along with Paul’s knowledge of his liberty, we see a careful and wise consideration of its use. Just because we can do a thing (lawful) does not mean that we should do it (expedient)...

Psalm 119:11    "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Throughout the Word of God, we can see the Lord placing Himself in a position of support, encouragement, and protection for us. We read in Deuteronomy 33:27 these words of Moses, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."  I'm so thankful that He has revealed Himself to us in this manner. Although I have to admit that I have tried my own way too many times, I understand that I need the Lord. I believe Jesus with all my heart when He said, "Without me, you can do nothing." I believe God has given to us His armour in which we are shielded from the fiery darts of Satan which are constantly being hurled at us. I trust the shield of faith which has been given to us and I believe that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 1...

Joel 3:1-8   “(1) "For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, (2) I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. (3) They have cast lots for My people, Have given a boy as payment for a harlot, And sold a girl for wine, that they may drink. (4) "Indeed, what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia? Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head; (5) Because you have taken My silver and My gold, And have carried into your temples My prized possessions. (6) Also the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem You have sold to the Greeks, That you may remove them far from their borders. (7) "Behol...