Good morning! Have you ever been in a situation where you began something that was completely new or had been in existence but needed something new (e.g., new direction, order, etc.)? In 1 Corinthians chapter 14 verses 26-40, Paul explains in summary what order in the Corinthian church should look like. He does this because there was so much chaos, division and people doing things for their own benefit that the church was moving further away from God’s plan for the church. Join me in reading Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church.
“26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.
27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.
29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. 30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. 31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.[h]” – 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 NLT
Paul was clear on the fact that God’s church is to be a church of order and peace. He instructed on the use of gifts within the church to ensure they were used to strengthen and encourage the church.
Sisters and brothers, no matter the gift God has given to you, we are called to use them to strengthen and encourage one another and the church. God didn’t make a mistake when he called you, it was intentional. God did not make a mistake when he gifted you with spiritual gifts. Stop letting the enemy lie to you or discourage you from using your gifts. Your spiritual gift will set you and someone else free. Let the Lord use you.
How will you use your spiritual gift to strengthen and encourage someone else and the church? ______________
Father God, thank you for being a God of order and of peace. Lord, you know our concerns and our needs. You hear our prayers, wipe our tears and you are always on time. You love us unconditionally and heal our brokenness over and over again. Lord, you are our rock and shield, our peace in the midst of storms, and you breathe new life into us all. Lord, there is no one like you. Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we have forgotten how great you are. Lord, forgive us for falling short and being unable to recognize your mercy in difficult situations. Lord, help us to see things as you do. Lord, help us to be the church body that brings you glory. Lord, help us to be bold and orderly with our gifts and use them to build up the kingdom of God. Lord, you are more than able, so Lord we trust you with Your church, we trust you to clean up Your church, we trust you to sift through the weeds and bring forth a great harvest of believers. Lord, strengthen your church to be about your mission not a political mission. Lord, open the eyes and hearts of every person declaring to be a Christian and teach us to love as you love, to live in obedience to your word, to use their talents and gifts to bring glory to your name and not our own. Lord, you are the author and finisher. May your ways be complete in us. Lord, heal marriages, touch those who are grieving, release the men, women and children who are victims of human trafficking, bring back the children and adults who have gone missing. Give closer to the families who need closer. Lord, continue to work in us. Lord, help us to be who you designed us to be and glorify you in the process. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!
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