Devotional Thoughts

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...