Happy Friday! At one point in our lives we received a gift from someone. Whether the gift was big or small, expensive, costly or priceless it was given to us. We had opportunities to brag about gifts or brag about the gift givers. Too often, we bragged about the gift instead of the one who gave the gift. Sadly as a youth, I was more grateful for gifts than I was with the gift giver. Did you ever struggle in this area as a youth or even as an adult? Today, Paul is reminding us of the gift giver, the importance of remembering where/who the gift(s) come from. Join me as we continue in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. Have a wonderful day and weekend.
“6 Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” – 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT
Given the various ministries around the world, Paul’s message remains true and active today. He has shared with us the division that was being created in the Corinthian church because some decided to follow one leader over another. Paul was deeply concerned that their love for leaders was over shadowing the love they should have for God (the gift giver) and the gospel message.
Today many ministries/churches have gifted preachers, ministers and Bible teachers who effectively share the true gospel message. They are gifted with talents from God so that no man can boast about their gifts, but instead they should give all the glory to God. So as we pursue the Lord and develop as Christians let us refrain from holding up another pastor, minister, Bible teach over another. Let us cease divisive boasting and boast in God and all the things he has done for us and continues to do despite ourselves. Let us seek the truth of the gospel message and share it with others.
Sisters and brothers, encourage and love on your pastors, ministers and Bible teachers. Pray for them as they lead in example of servant hood unto the Lord. Pray as they battle some of the same things we struggle with. Pray for your church and the churches around the world.
- Are you praying for a pastor, minister, preacher or Bible teacher today? _________
- Which one or ones? ___________
- What gifts have God given you? ___________
- How will you use that/those gifts to serve God in your church, community, on the job, etc.? _________
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for all the gifts you give to us. Thank you for salvation and freedom in you. Lord, forgive us of any times when we have stirred division in the church or anywhere else. Lord, we want to be faithful servants not critics or naysayers. Lord, equip us in your word. Strengthen our faith and keep us humble in you. Lord, we desire to follow your lead and listen to your wisdom. Lord, help us to bring glory to your name as we serve you and your people. Lord, direct our hearts and minds so that we will see things and situations as you see them. Lord, as you reveal things to us, help us to stand against fear and stand firm on your word and promises. Lord, we pray for the women’s retreat this weekend. Lord, we ask for you to prepare the hearts and minds of the women who will be attending. Lord, we ask that your Holy Spirit will flow through the atmosphere and transform lives. Lord, we pray for all the volunteers who stepped out in faith to serve you and the women you are sending. Lord, we pray for the speakers and singers. Lord, give them the message that you desire for the women to hear. Lord, give them boldness, a submissive mind and an obedient heart. Lord, touch the vocals of the guest singers and may their voices bring you glory. Lord, we pray for those who wanted to attend, but are unable to attend. Lord, continue to change and transform all of us into who you have called us to be. Lord, we thank and praise you. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to:
prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com
Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com
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