II Corinthians 12:18

Friday May 1st-Walking in Wisdom-Encouragement

1:30 PM


Friday May 1st- Walking in Wisdom

2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are ...

II Corinthians 7-encouraging one another through this life of trials and tribulations.
Life as we live it is not an easy one.  We go through many ages of life.  There are challenges with each age.  Yet the Lord does not leave us on our own.
   
II Corinthians 1:4-5 starts out with the comfort that comes from the Lord and that we are to share with others the comfort that we have been comforted from the Lord.

My focus is on verse :6 But God, Who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking, comforted and encouraged and refreshed and cheered us by the arrival of Titus. [Amplified Bible]

Who is Titus?
*He was full affection and enthusiasm for the Corinthian brethren (II Cor. 7:15)

*He was effective, free from all sordid motives and shared in Paul’s spirit and example (II Cor. 12:18).
 
 *Paul considered him his brother (II Cor. 2:13)

*and his partner in Christ (II Cor. 8:23)

Have you ever gone through a time of depression, or were discouraged?  
Did the Lord send someone in your life to encourage and refresh you in your walk with the Lord?
Do you have a Titus in your life?  
Do you know someone who is strong in their faith, a sister in Christ?  
Do you seek out those around you who are depressed or discouraged? 

Two Women Walking Through Grass Photograph by Ty Milford

I saw this verse many years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life and I asked the Lord to send me a Titus to encourage me and He surely did.  I remember it clearly and within a few moments the phone rang and a sister in the Lord felt led to call me and encourage me.  Have you ever had a Titus in your life?  Be a Titus to someone today! 

His Word in Pictures: 2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Lyn

2 Corinthians 6

To Be A Christian (2 Corinthians 6)

12:30 PM


Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 6

What makes a Christian unique? It’s the source of their hope, conviction, and passion. The Christian life is a life powered by Christ himself. It’s the kind of power that transformed common, ordinary, cowardly disciples into bold, wise, and unwavering champions of the Christian faith. It’s the kind of power that transformed the leaders of the early church into faithful “ servants of God” who endured many challenges. 

Christians represent Christ. They want to extend the salvation of Christ to others and have a testimony that will show others the love of Christ. “We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way..( v3-4).

This testimony is not just shown when life is easy and going well. This testimony endures life’s challenges and tests. As Paul declared, the Christian remains faithful “by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;” (v4-5)

There must be something powerful at work for a Christian to endure when life is difficult and when others would likely throw in the towel. God does not leave us unequipped for living the Christian life. He empowers us .... “by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;” (v 6-7). 

To the world, the Christian may seem strange and mysterious.  But to the Christian, the world does not define his purpose, value, identity or truth. 
The world may label us imposters but God calls us genuine sons and daughters of the most High King.  The world may treat us as insignificant and as strangers, but God says we are fully known and accepted by Him. The worldly body we inhabit may succumb to death and dying, but God says we shall live eternally. Yes, to the world, we may seem like “losers” but in reality we have all we could ever need.  For, strangely, we are “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (v 10)

Christians are “ the temple of the living God” (v16). This is what makes the Christian able to live out the Christian life. But, because of that, we must be careful to be a testimony to the world and yet, remain separate from the darkness and evil of the world. It matters what we allow to shape and influence our thoughts and lifestyle choices. Therefore Paul warns “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (v14) We have an important task to attend to, through all of life’s ups and downs. We have a testimony to live. We have a light to shine in the darkness. This is a task we must not take lightly, and it is a task we can only carry out when we are fully devoted to and empowered by Christ. 

2 Corinthians 5

Motivated By His Love {2 Corinthians 5}

9:08 AM

Today's Scripture passage: 2 Corinthians 5 

What motivates you most often?
Is it a sense of feeling obligated? 
Is it out of a fear of what others might think of you if you don't do something?

 I'd like to be able to say as Paul  once confessed to the Corinthians, "it's the love of Christ that compels us"(2 Corinthians 5:14a) . Is that what motivates you to do what you do each day?
I sat one day after reading those words and thought about all I do in my day, and what was my underlining motivating factor for all I do, and I hated to admit that much, if not all some days, I'm motivated by my own selfishness. I spend time each day in His word, but I had to wonder if I was doing it out of habit, or a sense of obligation, or out of love.

 I do for others each day, but again I had to wonder is it because it's expected of me, or is it because of all Christ Jesus has done for me. Most often I like to pick and choose who and how I will bless others.

 Paul goes on to explain, "that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14b-15)

 Paul also told the Galatians, "For I through the law (obligation) died to the law that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live (my will), but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:19-20)
I believe that there are three aspects of the love of Christ (that should) compels us:

– The love we have received from Jesus.
– The love Jesus gives us for others.
– The love we return to Jesus Himself.
Basically, it's all about Jesus! So why do I continue to make my daily life all about me?
And I immediately thought of Jesus' words found in Luke 9:23, "..."If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." That's it!
Jesus died for me that I might learn to live for Him who gave Himself for me out of His great love. It's a process of daily dying to my self and focusing on his "dying love" for me that I can continue to surrender my wants, wishes and desire to Him 
Paul then goes on to explain that “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18). Reconciliation means the overcoming of distance, the restoration of friendship, being at peace again. 
The best part about all of this is, it's NOT up to us! It's God working for us in Christ. He makes it happen and then sends us to share it with others.
The absolute BEST part of all of this, and what I hope you'll take with you forever is,  “God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (v. 21). Doesn't this one truth compel you to be all you can be for Him?
Blessings!
Sue

2 Corinthians 4

Jars of Clay {2 Corinthians 4}

8:00 AM


Tuesday, April 28, 2020

I could hardly contain myself when I realized I was writing on 2 Corinthians 4!  The end of this chapter has been my favorite for a long time.


“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”  Clay jars were containers created by potters who took raw clay, shaped and molded it and made it into the desired jar.  Then it was baked until it was hard.  Then they were decorated for whatever purpose the maker had in mind.  I learned that in ancient times, sacred scrolls or valuable documents were rolled up and placed inside.  In fact, the dead sea scrolls were found in clay jars.  Clay jars may have been beautiful, and they contained some pretty important items, but had one thing in common – they were breakable.  The contents could not be forever housed in jars of clay – they were temporary holding places.

According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, we are like “jars of clay” with a “treasure” inside.  This means that our physical bodies are like those jars.  We are made from clay (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 103:14).  Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, each designed by God for whatever purpose He desires (Isaiah 45:9; Romans 9:21).  Our bodies are beautiful, functional, and breakable.  Our bodies are temporary holding places for the treasure God has given us, namely “the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).  The knowledge of the gospel is rich in truth!

God entrusts each of us with this treasure that will last forever (2 Peter 1:3).  2 Corinthians 4:6 defines that treasure as “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”  The treasure that we are privileged to hold, is the knowledge of our Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:26).  We were dead in our sin and destined for destruction, God made a way for us to be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Our physical “jars of clay” will be resurrected one day to be glorified, eternal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).  God extends an invitation for “whosoever will” to come to Him while still in these earthly bodies.  This knowledge and resulting relationship with God are the greatest treasurers any earthly vessel can hold!

I don’t know about you, but my eyesight isn’t what it used to be.  I can’t see the way I used to.  Paul is old now as he writes to the Corinthians.  He’s been imprisoned and beaten.  His body has endured quite a bit.  His strength doesn’t hold up the way it used to, and he is much older.  He admits that this is a threat to his faith and joy and courage.

But he doesn’t lose heart!  Why?

The renewing of his heart comes from looking at something he cannot see.  “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

We “look” at these unseen things through the gospel.  We strengthen our hearts and we renew our courage, by fixing our gaze on the invisible, objective truth that we see in the testimony of those who saw Christ face to face. 

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 

We see this as it shines in our hearts through the gospel.  Whether we understood this or not, we became Christians when this happened.  And as with Paul, we need to go on seeing with the eyes of the heart, so that we do not lose heart.

Blessings, 

Lisa



This is one of my favorite songs.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ypK7r4h-o


2 Corinthians 3

You May Now Kiss The Bride {2 Corinthians 3}

2:18 PM




Monday April 27, “Walking In Wisdom”

With the quarantine I’ve been able to spend some time doing one of my favorite things, watching old movies. The other night I was enjoying a romance film that had the most wonderful wedding scene. The bride wore a beautiful antique wedding dress with a delicate lace veil that covered her face. The groom was filled with love and joy as he watched his soon to be wife walk down the aisle. After a quick ceremony and the exchange of vows, the minister finally said, “You may now kiss your bride.” As the groom lifted her veil he exclaimed, “You’ve never looked more beautiful!” And indeed her face was beaming with happiness and anticipation as she transformed from bride to wife.

All of us were created, as the church, to become the bride of Christ. Yet sadly some reject this calling, and Jesus. Instead of wearing a bridal veil to be lifted by the Lord revealing a face which is a shining reflection of His glory, some choose to wear a widow’s veil barring all light from getting in. Instead of becoming transformed into Christ’s perfect image, they hide their faces in darkness and harden their minds against Him. Just like in the time of Moses. After spending 40 days and nights on Mt. Sinai receiving God’s Law for a second time, as Moses came down the mountain the skin of his face was transformed from the glory of God. When the Israelites saw how his face shone, they were filled with fear and dared not come near him. So after he had finished speaking with them, Moses wore a veil to hide the shine of God’s glory. (Ex. 34:29-35)

Like Moses, the  apostle Paul too received a great transformation. As told in the book of Acts, he was once known as Saul, one the greatest persecutors of Christians. But because of an encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, Saul was transformed into Paul, one the greatest evangelists in history. We too can receive a great transformation.  A transformation possible because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus comes into our hearts by faith, through the Spirit, “the veil is taken away”, (vs 16) and the transformation begins. For unlike the veiled faces of those who cling to the Law, choosing instead to live in darkness, Christians not only see the glory of God but become, “transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (vs. 18)

What does it mean to be transformed from glory to glory? Our God is so loving that He never wants to leave us as He found us. And so the moment we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, if we let Him, gets to work taking our sinfulness, wickedness, and brokenness, and through God’s saving grace, transforms us from a Saul to a Paul. Not to say that our transformation will come easy. For the Christian walk is a lifelong journey of growth and change. There will be times when our walk will be hard, frustrating, and painful. And days where it’s two steps forward and three steps back. But if we keep seeking God, allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. And on that glorious wedding day when Christ comes for His bride, as He lifts our veil in love, the transformation will become complete. We will be perfect reflections of His image as we dwell with the Lord forever! 



Blueberry

Blueberry Boy Bait

9:04 AM




Blueberry Boy Bait

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups white sugar
⅔ cup butter (11 tbsp.)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks
1 cup milk 
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
2 cup blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or a fork until pea-sized. Measure out 3/4 cup of the mixture, place in a small bowl and mix in cinnamon. Set aside. Stir baking powder and salt into the remaining mixture, then mix in the egg yolks, milk, and extract using an electric mixer on low speed for 3 minutes. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites just until stiff peaks begin to form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle blueberries over the batter, and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center

2 Corinthians 2

WALKING IN WISDOM – SWEET FRAGANCE OF CHRIST

8:30 PM


Today´s scripture: 2 Corinthians 2

Do you know that you convey a message of eternal life or death without saying a word? To one you are a sweet pleasing aroma, but to another you have the aroma of death! Did you know that every Christ follower has this same power?

Everyone seems to be on the Essential Oil bandwagon these days, but even if you’re not I bet you can instantly think of an aroma or scent that is pleasing to your senses; like homemade bread, apple pie, lilacs. All of these will instantly transport me back to my childhood, but what of spoiled milk or rancid meat? I’m sure all of us have tentatively gone to check to see if the milk in the fridge is still good only to discover it has soured!   

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says, “In Christ the Messiah, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. (MSG)

Have you ever thought of yourself as a diffuser?  The moment we accepted Christ as our Savior, we were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the pleasant aroma we are diffusing is the knowledge of God and the truth of the gospel. If we’re walking in faith like we’re supposed to be, then everywhere we go we should be giving off the aroma of Christ. Isn’t that neat?

Some people will be drawn to the aroma we give off, and will be eager to experience the life giving eternal Salvation that Jesus offers, while others will find the aroma offensive and cast us off.  It’s important to remember that we can’t control how someone will respond to the knowledge of God, all we can do is be a Spirit-filled conduit through which it can flow.

It's time we go out and "declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3) everywhere we go!





2 Corinthians 2

The Source of Comfort (2 Corinthians 1)

12:30 PM



Reading for Thursday: 2 Corinthians 1

Paul, who was well acquainted with trials, pain, suffering and discomfort knew where to find comfort. He didn’t turn to “creature comforts” which the world has to offer. He found his comfort, instead, from the source “ of all comfort”. Even in the midst of difficulty, his focus on God provided him with the comfort he needed to endure and also to be a comfort to others. 
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (v3-4)

There is always purpose in any discomfort or trial that God allows us to experience. In fact, I’ve heard it said that every testimony involves a test. God’s love may help us be sympathetic toward others which allows us to feel compassion, sorrow, or pity for the hardships they are dealing with. But, by enduring difficult experiences ourselves, we can develop an even more important expression of ministry called empathy. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another’s shoes. For example, I can sympathize with someone who has lost a parent but I have not personally lost a parent and can only imagine what that experience is like. I can empathize, however with someone who has experienced their parents going through a traumatic divorce because I have personally experienced that. This personal experience allows me to connect with another at a more intimate level. 

Personal experience of hardships allows us a unique opportunity to minister to and comfort someone going through similar experiences.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view -- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”  Harper Lee
Because God has comforted and guided us through our trial, we can then encourage that person to turn to God for their comfort and personal guidance. 

Some trials are extremely difficult and threaten to defeat us through depression, fear, anxiety and despair. These are the trials, however that can grow our faith the most because we have to learn to wholly depend on God. Paul knew such trials and he wanted to share that with others to encourage their faith and help them to endure. 
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (v8-9) I don’t know about you, but when I read about what Paul endured and how strong his faith remained it encourages my own faith tremendously. Imagine how encouraging it can be to others when we share our own faith building experiences. Paul also asked for prayer. Praying for others is such a powerful tool of support and comfort. 

God loves us and comforts us and in turn, we are empowered to comfort others. May I encourage you to view the trials you have endured as opportunities for you to minister to others. Your experience and empathy can be used to bolster the faith walk of another through their own difficult times. God wants us to connect with others, encourage their faith and use what we have endured to glorify Him. 




1 Corinthians 16

Let All That You Do be Done in Love {1 Corinthians 16}

8:33 AM



 Today’s Passage: 1 Corinthians 16



Here, in the last paragraphs of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, is where the Christian life gets… well…tricky. Paul, in some of his final words exhorts his readers to, "Be on guard... stand firm... be men of courage... be strong!"


He sounds like a military commander, or football coach giving a pep talk to his team before the big game. But then he says something that seems to contradict all he’s just encouraged his readers to, "Do everything in love."

How can we be on guard, stand firm, be courageous and strong, and at the same time be loving? The truth is I don’t think we can do all that on our own! This type of love can only happen as Jesus lives out His life through us each day.

Too many Christians are attempting to demonstrate this love in their own strength and emotion. It seems easier to stand firm and be on guard in our own strength, but demonstrating God’s love to others requires God to work through us, otherwise we may come across as a “clanging cymbal”(1 Cor.13:1).

John told us as much in 1 John 4:7, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

God’s love goes beyond just words or intense feelings of affection that we may have toward a particular person.

Jesus commanded us to love each other in the same manner that He has loved us according to (John 15:12).Love is defined as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, and should be the very thing that binds us together as believers.

Paul also knew that God wants everything that we do for Him in this life is to be done in love, and that we all need to learn how to walk with His love at work in our lives. Notice, 1 Timothy 1:5: "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Therefore our greatest needs, before going off to do anything for anyone else should be to search our hearts to make sure our love is sincere and from a pure and surrendered heart towards God, so that He is free to minister to others through us.


Blessings,

sue

1 Corinthians 15

Hope {1 Corinthians 15}

8:00 AM


Per the King James dictionary, HOPE, n. L. cupio.
1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

Jeremiah 29:11 has been a verse I have held onto for many years.  When I’ve veered off into a state of worry, this verse always brings me back to my foundation.  And I remember that I am not of this world and my future awaits.

1 Corinthians 15 is a chapter of hope.  Hope in the resurrection.  Hopefully, you are still clinging to the celebration of Easter.  Hopefully you are living in a state of anticipation and you are getting ready for the time of your lives.


I want to share 9 reasons that Christ’s resurrection gives us hope:

1. The bodily resurrection reminds us of our union with Christ. The Christian’s bodily resurrection directly corresponds to that of Christ’s (1 Cor 15:12–28).
2. The bodily resurrection is central to the gospel message. “... and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” affirms the bodily resurrection, not a “spiritual” resurrection (1 Cor 15:4).
3. The bodily resurrection gives hope beyond this life. So, that helps us to understand that our future treasure through Christ is bigger than our bank accounts or life achievements (1 Cor 15:35–49).
4. The bodily resurrection joins us to an eternal kingdom. In that kingdom we continue to serve the Lord without the encumbrances of living in a fallen world (1 Cor 15:50; Rev 22:3).
5. The bodily resurrection motivates us to holy living. Fixing our hope on the future in Christ builds a deeper desire for pure, holy lives (1 John 3:1–3; 1 Cor 15:33–34, 58).
6. The bodily resurrection builds anticipation for a life that outstrips our imaginations. Paul compares our death and burial to a “seed,” while the life ahead is the full grown (“body”) plant. The comparison invites stretching our thoughts to comprehend how much better the future is in Christ (1 Cor 15:35–48).
7. The bodily resurrection affirms an immortal life in God’s presence. This perishable person living post-fall (Gen 3) puts on an imperishable life post-return of Christ (1 Cor 15:50–57).
8. The bodily resurrection declares the ultimate triumph of Jesus over sin and death. Can we taunt sin and death apart from the bodily resurrection affirmed in Christ? (1 Cor 15:54–57)
9. The bodily resurrection affirms that our toil and labor in this life are not in vain. Why grow weary in serving Christ in the present when it’s just good preparation for the future of eternal service? “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

For me the mystery of resurrection is like the birth of a child.  It’s a mystery and quite magical how a child is formed in a mother’s womb.  I love how Paul reminds of in verse 51; “Listen, I tell you a mystery.  We will not all sleep, but we will be changed.” 


Blessings,
Lisa

1 Corinthians

A Holy Orchestra {1 Corinthians 14}

4:00 PM





Monday April 20, “Walking In Wisdom”


Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. The apostle Paul himself tells us, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts.” (vs. 1) But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. (vs. 12). 

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence inside us. And with Him comes at least one spiritual gift chosen specifically by God for each believer. It may not be the one we want, but it’s definitely the one God wants us to have. And each gift God bestows, He does so with the intent of us using our gifts to bless others. As Peter tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. “ (1 Peter 4:10) For what use is a gift that only benefits the holder? Like in Paul’s example of the gift of speaking in tongues.

“Originally seen at the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the ability to speak diverse languages was given so the early church could spread the gospel all around the world. (Acts 2:4) But many of the believers in Corinth were imitating other religions by babbling meaninglessly. What they were doing was neither of the Spirit nor edifying to other believers. Rather, they were trying to show off their ‘super spirituality’.”....Dr. Charles Stanley 

Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone.(vs. 18) But even he said, “I desire to speak five words in my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (vs. 19) He knew the value of a few words understood by many, rather than thousands understood by none. Paul also didn’t seek his own glory. Instead the apostle taught how each of us, with our individual gifts, are a valuable part in making up the body of the church. Like a holy orchestra, individually we make pleasing music, but together under God, the great Conductor, our solos become a beautifully unified musical symphony! 

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (vs. 33,40) Paul finishes by giving us guidelines to follow when coming together as the church. As we all play an important role, Paul tells us that with the maturity of adults, we let each person participate in sharing their gifts in an orderly and respectful fashion. “The goal of coming together as a church is not to be entertained, nor even to be “pleased” with a “blessing.” We gather for edification, for the spiritual building up we need to live lives that glorify Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. As Paul said in Ephesians 4:12, the goal is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Our Christian lives are lived on the outside, and we come to be strengthened, built up, and equipped when we come together as a church family. ; all with the mindset of edifying the church and each other. “....David Guzik

“We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:6-8) Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139:14) And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our great Conductor as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear!