In 1 Corinthians 14:1-19, Paul discusses the gifts of tongues and prophecy. He encourages the Corinthians to desire the gift of prophecy over tongues because prophecy speaks to people in a way they can understand and is useful for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort (v. 3).
Paul substantiates his statements to the Corinthians by being an example. One who has the gift of prophecy useful for building up churches, bringing knowledge, and instruction to the people about how best to live!
This day with God, be a leader that gets people fired up but under control. Create passion, enthusiasm, and purpose by mixing the mysteries of the Spirit with knowledge for the mind. Pray, receive directions, and desire to present it to others for the purpose of building up the house of the Lord. The photo below was taken where my daughter goes to college. At Abilene Christian University, the purpose is to educate leaders who believe God calls us to love with all our hearts, lead with all our minds, and serve with all our strength.
First pray, receive directions, and desire to present it to others for the purpose of support and inspiration. Listen and interpret what God instructs and share with others using words that they understand.
This day with You God, we believe the day will be amazing because of who You are and who we are. We have knowledge of Your plan for us. You became flesh and came to earth with a purpose. The purpose was to give wisdom and truth for all. The purpose was to set free those who accept Your Son as Savior. Amen.
What can change your thinking and in turn your attitude and finally your behavior is God’s love for you. This love is an affirmation and you can internalize this love to give self-confidence, determination, and help when faced with difficulties. God’s love inspires us to hope by praying daily, asking Him to help plan step by step, and the initiative to take action.
I’ve shared over the past few weeks some thoughts and ideas in ways to apply what we learn in the Bible. Paying attention to what God has done long-ago, taking note of what He is doing in the present, and what He is revealing for the yet to come is very important.
Whatever we do, we should follow the example of Christ who passionately carried out daily activities for the glory of the Father. We’ve been given free will but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is best for us. We should seek to take actions that benefit ourselves and those around us.
Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted and there is a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about the gospel message that sets us free and never lets us down. As the song O Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship points out, forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Christ. Let us tell the world of the treasure we’ve found.
As we grow in faith, there is a purpose God has for each of us so prepare for each day by taking in the Word, praying, and planning for the tasks of each day. Obstacles may be placed in our way but continue to daily receive the Lord’s instructions, be inspired by Christ, and verified with Biblical principles. Have faith that things will fall into place and you will get a lot more things done than you ever imagined you could.
This Day with the Lord will be amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children. Each person has a spiritual gift and the same Spirit distributes them. The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts and through the Spirit, we can discover our gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.
The post “The Most Excellent Way” discusses how Paul relates the parts of the human body to the church body. Each member has God given abilities and should carry out their individual role so that the whole body is functioning at the most excellent level.
There are three higher spiritual gifts revealed to us during the last few weeks. They are faith, hope, and love. These three spiritual gifts are considered more superior than the other gifts because without them, the other gifts are useless. Love is the greatest God given gift. More superior to the skills given to accumulate vast riches as a famous person, a celebrity, or great athlete.
Think of ways to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love; producing fruit for not only yourself, but for others. God loves people everywhere. No matter where they come from or what they look like, God loves them and God loves you! You will be made aware that you are loved beyond measure and you will return this love unconditionally to others.
Thoughts and ideas for how to apply our faith is the main purpose for the “This Day with God” devotional. A daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. My hope is that you will seek the Lord’s will in prayer, balance career, family, and love of neighbor.
The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!
Questions for Reflection
1 Corinthians 14:1-19
What is the purpose of the spiritual gift of prophecy? How does this gift benefit? How does Paul substantiate his statements to the Corinthians?
1 Corinthians 14:20-40
What are the rules Paul gives concerning conduct in the church? In what ways are tongues and prophecy controllable? How can you keep a balance between respect for Christian heritage and innovations relating to the contemporary generation?
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
What is the gospel Paul summarizes? What are the facts? How does Paul substantiate Christ’s resurrection? How is God’s grace shown in your life?
1 Corinthians 15:12-34
What logical conclusions follow if there is no resurrection of the dead? What kind of attitude and behavior would result in those who believe in resurrection? How does the defeat of death fit into God’s overall plan?
1 Corinthians 15:35-58
How does Paul use parallels in nature to help the Corinthians grasp truths of the resurrection? How will death be defeated ultimately? In what ways will you demonstrate the defeat of death?
1 Corinthians 16
What does Paul say are reasons for giving? What does Paul desire to see accomplished in other Christians as he works for and with them? Are there ideas you have for helping and encouraging other people?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
As explained in the post The Qualities of Love, the traits of love include being peaceful, useful, humble, thinking highly of others, being positive, hopeful, and persistent. The example we have of someone who demonstrates love is Christ and the more we follow His example, the more love we will show others.
As the song How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band points out, God loves people everywhere. No matter where they come from or what they look like, God loves them and God loves you! You will be made aware that you are loved beyond measure and you will return this love unconditionally to others.
The spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues, prophecy, and giving are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13 but there are three higher spiritual gifts revealed also. They are faith, hope, and love. They are considered superior because without them, the other gifts are useless.
Love is the greatest God given gift. More superior to the skills given to accumulate vast riches as a famous person, a celebrity, or great athlete. Think of ways to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love; producing fruit for not only yourself, but for others.
Neighborly love includes being peaceful, useful, humble, thinking highly of others, being positive, hopeful, and persistent. The example we have of someone who demonstrates love is Christ and the more we follow His example, the more love we will show others.
This day with You Lord, our mood is lifted by the positive affirmation You have given us on the Cross. This demonstrated Your love for us that builds up and never tears apart. This love is available to us and we can make it available to others. You have big plans for each of us as we allow the love You have given to us to overflow from our heart so it returns unconditionally to others. Amen.
