Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 14:26-28    “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” It is exciting and humbling to be given a spiritual gift from God, and rightly so. For there to be many such gifts in the church is cause for rejoicing. Some have the gift of composing and singing songs of praise. Others may have the gift of seeing the patterns and instructions in God’s word and sharing how they applied to God’s people in the past and how they are relevant to us today. There may be some that are given the gift of speaking in a different language. The Spirit may be pleased to bless another with understandi...

Psalm 134:1-3    "Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.  (2)  Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.  (3)  The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion." I had a dream last night that I was giving a message to a college class. I don't remember the specific Scripture that I used, but I remember something very specific that I said to them. "Don't ever ever tell the Lord that He can't do something." I remember the impact of that statement hit me so much that I felt like I had to repeat it. "Don't ever ever tell the Lord that He cannot do something. There is nothing impossible with God." Then today, I open my Bible and read the words of verse 3, "The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion."  Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Sometimes it seems that the preaching of the Word has been w...

1  Corinthians 14:21-25    “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.” In Paul’s first statement here, he paraphrases Isaiah 28:11-12. While some might argue that this was not a part of the law, scholars tell us it was common p...

Psalm 133:1-3    "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  (2)  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;  (3)  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." How many times have you heard verse one quoted? We know it's true for we have all experienced it to one degree or another. Whether it be the unity of the family unit or a community coming together for a common cause, it's wonderful to see people loving each other and working together. It's heaven on earth when the people of God come together for the sole purpose of worshiping and praising our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  It's sad to say, but most of us have experienced times when the opposite was also true. Why is it that people cannot live in unity wit...

1 Corinthians 14:18-20    “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” Paul had no intention of leaving the notion that speaking in tongues was forbidden, that it was in any way “bad,” or should be totally abandoned. It was not their use of unknown tongues, but rather their preference for such that Paul was admonishing them against. Paul obviously valued the gift of speaking in tongues, as is demonstrated by the fact that he gave God thanks for this gift. Paul readily affirmed that he spoke with tongues more than the all the brethren at Corinth. Whether he intended this to mean that he spoke more languages or spoke in tongues more often, he was demonstrating to them that his admonition was not beca...

Psalm 132:1-5    "LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:  (2)  How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;  (3)  Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;  (4)  I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,  (5)  Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob." David's greatest desire was to build a house that was suitable for the Lord. But the Lord said, "Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood." (1 Chronicles 28:3) Though David was not allowed to oversee the construction of the temple, he was blessed to be able to provide much silver, gold, and other materials. His generosity spurred the hearts of the people to also give of their material goods. These gifts were for the physical building of the temple of God, but David's heart was already made fit for the ...

1 Corinthians 14:13-17    “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.” As Paul continues his discussion of unknown tongues, he continues to emphasize the necessity of edifying others. Our human nature is such that we commonly consider various undertakings with the underlying thought “What’s in it for me?” Without a doubt, Paul indicates that there is a blessing to the individual in speaking in tongues. Still, he continues to point out that it is...

Psalm 130:1-4    "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.  (2)  Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.  (3)  If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?  (4)  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared." Psalm 130:7    "Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption." "Who shall stand?" Isn't it a wonderful time when a toddler first stands to his feet? Even though he is wobbly and the stand may only last for a few seconds; yet, there is great joy and celebration when it happens. That degree of growth is incredible. The question asked in verse 3 is not concerning the first time we physically stand; rather, this is a spiritual question that is given to the child of God concerning our position before the Lord. The answer to the Psalmist's question is, "no one". If God should mark, or regard,...

1 Corinthians 14:9-12    “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” Over the years, it has been a common practice for armies to use trumpets or bugles to signal their soldiers. There was one sound for “charge,” a different sound for “retreat,” and so on. In verse eight, Paul mentioned the necessity of the trumpet being precise (certain) in the sound made. Otherwise, the soldiers would be in confusion over what they were supposed to be doing. He used this illustration to continue his teaching concerning speaking i...

Psalm 128:1-2    "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.  (2)  For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." The wise man Solomon wrote, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 16:25) It's important to note that there are always at least two ways in which we can travel through life. There is my way which seems right, but is wrong. And then there is God's way which is always right. There is a big difference between that which "seems" right and that which is actually correct. A lot of things can seem right in the moment of time only to take a turn for the worse. But we are promised blessings when our way is God's way. My first thought this morning is what is my motive for wanting to go in God's way? Do I think life will always be easy if I am in the will of God? Think about it for a moment. The di...

1 Corinthians 14:4-8    “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” Paul makes it very clear here that speaking in an unknown tongue has benefit for the speaker; he is edified (built up) by it. He that is able to prophesy, or speak plainly by divine inspiration, edifies the church body. There is cer...

Psalm 127:1    "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Sometimes we hear someone described as being a "self-made man." May I say just now that there is no such thing! "Except the LORD builds the house..." Our Lord is telling us that unless He builds, we can do nothing of our own. Jesus spoke it in this manner, "Without me, you can do nothing." I try to often remind myself of this great truth. You see, our prideful self can easily try to slide up into a position where we think we actually are doing something good on our own ability. James reminds us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) The ability to accomplish good things in life comes from one, and only one, source: our Heavenly Father. Without the Lord provi...

1 Corinthians 14:1-3    “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” As disciples of Christ, we should pursue charity with great zeal. Having the love of Christ one to another is, by His own declaration, the singular way for all of mankind to know we are His disciples (Joh 13:34-35). It is in this, more than doctrine or practice, that others see Jesus in us. However, that does not mean that doctrine and practice or not important. As we follow after charity, we should be zealously affected toward spiritual gifts as outlined by Paul (1Co 12:28). As we consider Paul’s expression here, it appears that desiring spiritual gifts is directly connected to following after charity. If we truly have love...

Psalm 126:5-6    "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  (6)  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Have you ever felt like throwing up your hands and saying, "I quit!" Have you ever thought that your work was not doing any good at all? "What's the use in this? Nothing is going to happen! Why should I even continue?"  If you have ever felt like any of those things, then you know that it can be very detrimental to your emotions. But we have a promise from God in our verses today that if we are faithful in our work for Him, there are blessings to be experienced. I'm not a farmer by any stretch of the imagination, but I remember times when I would sow grass seed on a barren part of the yard. I would water and watch! Water and watch! If it didn't come up when I thought it was supposed to germinate, then I would sow more seed and water and watch. Somet...

1 Corinthians 13:11-13    “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” In previous verses, Paul has spoken about things that we have here “in part.” God, in His wisdom, has shown to us a measure of who He is. In the flesh, we are not able to fully grasp His judgment, mercy, grace, and love. He gives us faith sufficient to have great hope in Him for our salvation. As natural children, we had to learn to speak. Those of us who have been blessed to spend time around little ones can call to mind things they have said that still brings a smile to our face. There is a joy in hearing little ones learn to speak and a sweet innocence in the way they express things. Their co...

Psalm 125:1-2    "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.  (2)  As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever." I urge each of us to read these verses and let the truth of them sink deep inside us. When you read the concluding verses of this Psalm, you can see that if we turn away from the Lord, we open ourselves to the wiles of Satan and the consequences of such actions. But in these verses, God is promising us security and safety. He is promising His holy and divine presence with us as we go through life. God is leading us to the place where our absolute confidence is in Him. We are to lean heavily upon Him in all our ways whether it be making decisions in life or whatever the situation. Our only stability is found in the Lord. Jesus Christ is the Rock of all ages. He is the only One who can satisfy the hunger inside us. We may go from place ...

1 Corinthians 13:8-10    “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” In a world where there is failure all around us, this should be a source of great joy and comfort to God’s people. Regardless of what else is falling apart, the love of Christ never fails. Even when we do not understand why things are happening as they do, we can rest assured in the steadfastness of God’s charity toward His children. We should never look at things that fail in any sense of the word and equate those things with the charity of God which we receive from Him and are able to share with others. Prophecies may fail, but that is not due to any failure in Christ. On the contrary, true prophecies fail (end) in the sense that they become fulfil...

Psalm 124:6-8     "Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.  (7)  Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.  (8)  Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." "Blessed be the LORD." That sentence stands on its own merit. No matter the situation in my life, the Lord is blessed and holy and righteous and pure. There is no spot or blemish in Him or any of His actions. If I can understand that great truth, then I am truly blessed to realize that out of that holiness, God chooses to deal mercifully with me. His mercy does not make Him more righteous. His blessings upon me does not make Him more holy. His goodness and gentleness toward me does not make Him more pure. He is all that and has chosen to reveal those qualities and blessings unto me; therefore, I am to be receptive and reflective of His holiness. How many times have you heard this said...

1 Corinthians 13:4-7    “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Poets and songwriters have made a good living for years writing about the idea of love. In man’s twisted reasoning, songs about adultery and fornication are often referred to as “love” songs. Poems about man’s view of love are often tragic and heartbreaking. Even religions often have a distorted view of love, attaching all sorts of requirements to the giving of love to others. We need to take a good long look at Paul’s description of true love that is found in Jesus Christ. To begin with, love that is rooted in Jesus is patient (suffereth long) and kind. These two attributes of charity go hand-in-hand, each enhancing...

Psalm 123:1-4    "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.  (2)  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.  (3)  Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.  (4)  Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud." We have yet another reminder as to where our help comes from: "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes." The writer went on to remind us that our God is not one made of hands; rather, He dwells in the heavens. He is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. There is none greater than Him. There is no better place to look for help and, in fact, the very throne room of heaven is always open to us. Jesus spoke these words that are ongoing: "Come unto me." Tha...