1 Corinthians 13:11

Scripture
1Co 13:11
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
(AMP)

Observation
It almost seems out of place, but Paul continues the thought of letting go imperfections. The adult ought not to cling to their childish speech, thinking, and understanding.

Action/Application
While certain ways may have been beneficial to me in earlier points of my life, I must always be open to shedding off ways that don’t match the maturity that God is developing in me. This is most evident in my pet peeves.

Prayer
Lord help me to develop into the mature, perfected man that you have destined me to be. Soften my heart to be corrected by You so no one else has to.

1 Corinthians 12:11

Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT)
It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Observation
The various abilities mentioned in the preceding verses are given by The Holy Spirit, it is His choice who has which gifts.

Application
This is a comforting thought. While I may still desire to have a gift that i do not currently have, I can rest in and be grateful for what I have realizing that the Spirit of God determines what gifts I will have and, consequently, the ones I don’t have.

Prayer
Thank you for blessing me with the gifts you have blessed me with. Help me to allow them to work in my life to bless those that you have put into my path.

Walking Into My Destiny

It’s been a rocky road to get to this point, but I’m excited about what God is doing in and through me. I’m making a couple shifts so that I can do more of the vision that God has given me. I’m also working with a few different organizations in the area that impact the DMV area.

Also, keep an eye one www.BeAComer.com If it intrigues you contact me.

Remembering Who Our Power Source Is

As a Musician, I can attest that some of us as Musicians play just to play sometimes. We don’t always try to access that spiritual realm that we know that the Pastor/Preacher needs to be in, to get the people to the place to receive what they need from God. We have to remember that we are not just up there to just be playing.  We also have a job to do! We and the Praise & Worship Leaders, should have good enough relationship with God to be able to be an vehicle to transport God to the People, and the People to God! Proverbs 4:7 says, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. We can have wisdom on what to do when the Spirit gets high, but if we don’t understand what we are doing it is all void! When We understand what that Chord, or that Cymbal means in time of the Spirit being high. Healing can and will take place, because we are in a place that we need to be. That place makes it easier for the Pastor/Preacher to minister to the people that need healing.

1 Corinthians 11:16 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Observation
After discussing length of hair and covering one’s head, Paul ends by saying this is not a church custom. Paul seemed to be talking here about cultural norms and how they are applied in corporate worship.

Action/Application
The biblical context includes culture. However, we must remember when we are discussing culture not to try to spin these norms as as God’s law for our life. Especially when such an argument leads to contention.

Prayer
Lord help me to rightly divide as I read and understand the Bible. I seek to know your truth as it applies to culture and not the other way around.

1 Corinthians 10:24 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Observation
Paul explains to the Corinthian church that men is free to do all things, but, in this verse, that men should seek the wealth of others.

Application
I don’t believe that Paul is suggesting that men desire the things that other people have; that would promote jealousy! I believe he is telling the church that we should be invested in the gift that is them. Wealth yields prosperity and building wealth IN others produces a Godly resource for me and everyone else. Everyone wins.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for restoring the vision and meaning of my middle name: Nathan (giver). Thank you for reminding me of the automatic blessing that is attached to giving.

1 Corinthians 9:17 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly and under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship and commission.

Observation
Paul is, once again, splitting hairs. In the prior verse, he recognizes that he NEEDS to preach the gospel. Here, he points out that the only choice he sees is how WILLING he is to do so. Willingness to do God’s will brings a reward.

Action / Application
I’m reminded of Job, who ended up doing God’s will grudgingly instead of willingly. We all have a job to do. Will I do my job willingly and receive the reward God has for me?

Prayer
Lord, help me to keep a willing heart toward the tasks that you have given to me.