Good morning. Today, Paul is reminding us of to refrain from unnecessary division and to focus on the gift giver, and 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. 

Bible verse – 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

“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?”

Reflection

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. 

Paul was also concerned with their lack of humility and had hoped his and Apollos example of their lives under the authority of Christ would lead them to humility as well. The goal was to guide the Corinthian church to obey the Word of God, not their own inclinations or worldly opinions.

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, or Bible teacher 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.? _________

Prayer

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, 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!

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Next Bible Study

On Thursday, January 15, we will begin our next Bible Study. We will meet via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST. We will be studying One in a Million written by Priscilla Shirer.

Year End Contribution Statements 

A special thank you to those who contributed and supported this nonprofit ministry in 2025. Your contributions and in kind donations helped us to host three 12-week Bible studies, provide hygiene essentials and supplies to partner facilities, and have our annual retreat. We could not have accomplished what we did without your generosity. Year End Contribution Statements will be mailed/emailed in January 2026.

Board and Volunteer Meetings:

Here’s the schedule for our bi-monthly meetings, on the second Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m.:

• January 10
• March 14
• May 9
• July 11
• August 8
• October 10
• December 12

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. 

Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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