Happy Wednesday! Nothing is more exciting than seeing the church being the church. Watching members of the body of Christ work together to make an experience for believers and nonbelievers to worship or see God at work in communities. On Oct. 17, the Country Music Awards posted a clip from their show. The clip was a rare, but a necessary moment when Thomas Rhett accepted an award on national television, while doing so he took a moment and prayed for Kahne Brown and Kahne’s family, and Kahne’s drummer and the drummers family. There were literally people in the audience praying along with him. Truly that was a God ordained moment. The Lord, was truly present in that space. Join me as we continue to read on the importance of all the parts of the body working together in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verses 22-26.

“²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ²³ And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, ²⁴ while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. ²⁵ This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.” 1 Corinthians 12:22-26 NLT

Too often we see division within the church. Division in the church is often a spiritual battle that most people don’t even recognize. There are times when it is triggered by pride, miscommunication, hurt feelings and selfish ambitions. In these verses we read, Paul, is calling on the Corinthian church to flourish in genuine unity toward one another. He is directing each member to show love and demonstrate mutual concern for one another. For us as the body of Christ, we have ample time to demonstrate that love every day.

Sisters and brothers, as we read in the intro God used someone to help another person during a very painful time in their lives. While Thomas may have only said a prayer, that prayer touched the hearts of many people and brought many into the presence of God. Thomas’ gift that he was receiving an award for wasn’t for prayer, but God chose that moment for Thomas to use the gift of prayer and Thomas was obedient to the call to pray for Khane, etc. We must recognize that the body of Christ is at work all around us. Let’s be the church, the body of Christ in this world and use the spiritual gifts and talents in the spaces and times God gives us to bring glory to His name and comfort/encourage others around us.

• What spiritual gift has God given to you? _______
• When was the last time God called you to use that gift? ________
• Were you or are you willing to be obedient to God’s prompting to use your gift, wherever he plants you? _______

Lord, use us even when the critical world is watching.

Father God, thank you for today. Lord, thank you for another opportunity to serve you right where we are. Lord, only you know how this day will turn out. Lord, you are the only one in control of all things and have created all things. Lord, we may not understand the reasons why people die, suffer, are murdered, stricken with disease or by tragedies, but Lord we trust you in the midst of it all. Lord, forgive us for our anger toward one another. Lord, forgive us for our anger toward you. Lord, we need you, our families need you, our church, country and world needs you. Lord, you have put us in places for a reason. Lord, you have given us time in the day for a reason. Lord, use us to bring glory to your name. Use us and our idol time to encourage and uplift others. Lord, unite us all in you. Lord, from the weakest to the strongest in faith use us mightily to fulfill our purpose here on earth. In Jesus name, amen!

Here’s the link to Thomas Rhett’s acceptance speech on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ixavG0BthKQ.

Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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