Many Parts Form ONE

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Mark Shields

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. – 1 Corinthians 12:28 

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.

Take inspiration from the song Great are You Lord by One Sonic Society today. Let your hearts cry out as the breath in your lungs pours out praises to the Lord.


Index of devotionals

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Being Grateful

Posted on November 22, 2018 by Mark Shields

It’s not just another day;
It’s Thanksgiving.
Be grateful today
For being able to see
The beauty of His creation.

The faces of people,
And the opportunity
To listen to their story.
On this day,
Open your heart
To the greatness around you.

Flip a switch
And the light comes on.
Through technology,
Catch up on what friends
Are doing using social media.

But most of all,
May everyone you meet
Be blessed by you
Because of the overflow of gratefulness
And then it will be
The best Thanksgiving ever.

 

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The Most Excellent Way

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Mark Shields

Explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is that the body of Christ is like our physical body that has many parts that form one. The activities of the body are coordinated by the Holy Spirit. Each part fulfills an essential function and is unified to fulfill the most excellent way.

Paul relates the parts of the human body to the church body to illustrate the necessity for each of us to discover our God given strengths. Each diverse member should carry out their role to produce a healthy body.

The right attitude of a person with a less spectacular gift to a person with a more spectacular gift is to rejoice when the more spectacular gift is honored. If you were on a sports team and a great player was honored with an award, the whole team should feel honored … from those who were a major contributor to those who sat on the bench. Those who sat on the bench contributed in some way to the success of the great player. It may have been hours of practice with the great player or offering encouragement along the way.

This day with You Lord, we accept our lot in life. You have given each of us a role to play with the body of Christ. Help us today to just let go and put You in control. You are our strength even when we may think there is no way but with You there is a way and it is the best way.

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The ONE Who Holds the Whole Christian Faith Together

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Mark Shields

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 

The post “Spiritual Gifts” explains that Jesus is the ONE who holds the whole Christian faith together.  The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

As the song There is Power by Lincoln Brewster highlights, the Holy Spirit is there when two or more are gathered. There is power in the Name of Jesus and nothing can stand against us. 

 

 

Index of devotionals

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Spiritual Gifts

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that each person has a spiritual gift. Listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 are different kinds of spiritual gifts and the same Spirit distributes them. Each person’s specific gifts are determined by the work of the same Holy Spirit for the purpose of common good and for God’s glory.

Jesus is the ONE who holds our faith together.  The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

The photo below was taken at my church. You can see in this photo many gifts being exhibited from the choir in front of the church to those behind the scenes doing technical sound and video presentation to bring the worship service outside the walls of the physical church building.

The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians.

This day with You Lord, we come to You in the name of Jesus. There is great power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit empowers each of us to use our skill or talents for Your glory. Help us to use our individual talents and set out to work each day to benefit the common good for Your glory. Amen.

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