I Corinthians 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills (ESV)
Often times we would like to think that our spiritual gifts are an outward expression of how good we are. I tend to take for granted the things God has gifted me with, even in using these gifts to bring glory to him. Deep down my prideful self is being gratified, forgetting that only through Christ am I able to carry them out. In the verse “all these” is referring to verses five through ten where Paul lists several different gifts of the spirit. Then he states that only by the Holy spirit are these gifts empowered. We do not decide what gifts we want and how we are going to use them. I realize I need to yield my gifts to the one who has given them to me. It is only once I do that when God will be able to use me.
Application:
In order to yield to God what is his, and to simply be an ambassador for what he has given me, I need to know more about the very character and nature of God. I will devote myself to the one year reading of the bible.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Practicing the Presence of God
I Corinthians 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (ESV)
Manifestation is one of the forms in which someone or something, such as a person, a divine being, or an idea, is revealed. In this case it is the Spirit being revealed, it says for the common good. I believe what Paul is saying is that we serve a God not of confusion, but one who has made him self known to us so we do not have to wonder whether he is real or not. So often we allow our unbelief or lack of faith to get in the way of experiencing the presence of God. The fact is the Holy Spirit is present at all times, and God has wired us deep inside, the way we function, to take part in the spiritual realm. Just as he has given us the five senses to relate to the physical world. Simply becoming aware of the presence of God can be enough to spark our spiritual awareness. We don’t need to imagine or try and make our own God up, for he is already here and has already manifested himself to us, for our good.
Application:
Instead of viewing God as a mere principle, I will seek to know him for who he truly is. Today to do this I will spend time set apart for nothing but his word and ask God to reveal to me more about his very character.
Manifestation is one of the forms in which someone or something, such as a person, a divine being, or an idea, is revealed. In this case it is the Spirit being revealed, it says for the common good. I believe what Paul is saying is that we serve a God not of confusion, but one who has made him self known to us so we do not have to wonder whether he is real or not. So often we allow our unbelief or lack of faith to get in the way of experiencing the presence of God. The fact is the Holy Spirit is present at all times, and God has wired us deep inside, the way we function, to take part in the spiritual realm. Just as he has given us the five senses to relate to the physical world. Simply becoming aware of the presence of God can be enough to spark our spiritual awareness. We don’t need to imagine or try and make our own God up, for he is already here and has already manifested himself to us, for our good.
Application:
Instead of viewing God as a mere principle, I will seek to know him for who he truly is. Today to do this I will spend time set apart for nothing but his word and ask God to reveal to me more about his very character.
Walking in Alignment
I Corinthians 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit (ESV)
I wonder why Paul hits on this point so strongly through out chapter 12. If we look at this chapter as a whole, in the bigger picture I think Paul mentions that all gifts come from the same spirit because if we can understand that, then naturally unity would occur as each believer exercises their gift in the body. We need to understand, we do not use the gift God has given us to glorify ourselves as better than one another. But instead as each gift is exercised through the same spirit, then the body or the church will see a reverence and unity about it. One that would not occur if our spiritual gifts were being used outside of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even in the misuse God is still the one who has granted us the ability to carry that out. Its when we recognize where our gifts come from, all varieties of gifts, empowered by the same God, then we find the unity of one body with many members in it.
Application:
Today I will ask God to empower me with his Holy Spirit, as I carry out the gifts he has poured into me. Then as I act on those gifts, I will look to the God for guidance, but in the end act in faith that my actions are in alignment with Gods will for my life.
I wonder why Paul hits on this point so strongly through out chapter 12. If we look at this chapter as a whole, in the bigger picture I think Paul mentions that all gifts come from the same spirit because if we can understand that, then naturally unity would occur as each believer exercises their gift in the body. We need to understand, we do not use the gift God has given us to glorify ourselves as better than one another. But instead as each gift is exercised through the same spirit, then the body or the church will see a reverence and unity about it. One that would not occur if our spiritual gifts were being used outside of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even in the misuse God is still the one who has granted us the ability to carry that out. Its when we recognize where our gifts come from, all varieties of gifts, empowered by the same God, then we find the unity of one body with many members in it.
Application:
Today I will ask God to empower me with his Holy Spirit, as I carry out the gifts he has poured into me. Then as I act on those gifts, I will look to the God for guidance, but in the end act in faith that my actions are in alignment with Gods will for my life.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Way God Sees
I Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church in this section on the reported misuse of spiritual gifts. In the last year and a half I have gone to a variety of different churches. Where I watched pastors claim things in the name of Jesus that were not true or biblical. Paul is saying with out the Holy Spirit for one to say “Jesus is Lord”, holds no meaning. God is not concerned with the outward appearance as man is, but with the inward condition of our heart. I Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”” We should not be deceived by man, for although what he says may sound good its not always true. Test the spirits, and point every teaching back to the word of God to see if it holds biblical truth.
Application:
Today I will examine the condition and motive of my heart before engaging in any discussion concerning the Lord.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church in this section on the reported misuse of spiritual gifts. In the last year and a half I have gone to a variety of different churches. Where I watched pastors claim things in the name of Jesus that were not true or biblical. Paul is saying with out the Holy Spirit for one to say “Jesus is Lord”, holds no meaning. God is not concerned with the outward appearance as man is, but with the inward condition of our heart. I Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”” We should not be deceived by man, for although what he says may sound good its not always true. Test the spirits, and point every teaching back to the word of God to see if it holds biblical truth.
Application:
Today I will examine the condition and motive of my heart before engaging in any discussion concerning the Lord.
The Greatest Gift of all: Love
I Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers. I do not want you to be uninformed (ESV)
The expression “now concerning” introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians letter, also seen in I Corn. 7:1, introducing another subject. Paul is addressing the Corinthians on the use of spiritual gifts, or misuse in this case. I think this chapter shows the importance of spiritual gifts and the proper use of them. To often today people are misusing these gifts with out there proper intention, for the building of the body of Christ. When taken out of context they can be unedifying to the body. We see in the bigger picture of the letter to the Corinthians with out love all gifts and good works are in vain, and are of no value in Gods sight.
Application:
I will take a spiritual gifts test in the next week.
The expression “now concerning” introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians letter, also seen in I Corn. 7:1, introducing another subject. Paul is addressing the Corinthians on the use of spiritual gifts, or misuse in this case. I think this chapter shows the importance of spiritual gifts and the proper use of them. To often today people are misusing these gifts with out there proper intention, for the building of the body of Christ. When taken out of context they can be unedifying to the body. We see in the bigger picture of the letter to the Corinthians with out love all gifts and good works are in vain, and are of no value in Gods sight.
Application:
I will take a spiritual gifts test in the next week.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Unashamed of the Gospel
Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (ESV)
This verse was really convicting to me. Since i have been saved, sharing my faith with people I know aren't believers has been difficult. I hardly ever would do it. I found myself conforming to the group of people I was around whether at work or with family. My actions were hypocritical to my belief and some of the time I would see ungodly men being more of a witness then me. The fact is I don't want to be ashamed about God living in me. Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I want to be overflowing with his love, so much that I can't hold back from telling people about him. The last thing I want is for Jesus to be ashamed at me for my lack of acknowledging him to all. I know the task of sharing Christ's love is only something found through him. My flesh wants nothing to do with the unsaved. But I ask God to give me a desire to share him to whoever he leads me to.
Application:
God really laid it on my heart to share to a non-believer today. I will ask God for boldness to witness to someone about Jesus and the salvation found through him.
This verse was really convicting to me. Since i have been saved, sharing my faith with people I know aren't believers has been difficult. I hardly ever would do it. I found myself conforming to the group of people I was around whether at work or with family. My actions were hypocritical to my belief and some of the time I would see ungodly men being more of a witness then me. The fact is I don't want to be ashamed about God living in me. Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I want to be overflowing with his love, so much that I can't hold back from telling people about him. The last thing I want is for Jesus to be ashamed at me for my lack of acknowledging him to all. I know the task of sharing Christ's love is only something found through him. My flesh wants nothing to do with the unsaved. But I ask God to give me a desire to share him to whoever he leads me to.
Application:
God really laid it on my heart to share to a non-believer today. I will ask God for boldness to witness to someone about Jesus and the salvation found through him.
Do Not Read This...
Mark 8:37 For what can a man give in return for his soul?
As i ponder this verse it was holding many angels. I honestly am not sure what exactly he is asking. Whether he is asking without our soul what can we try and give to compensate back to God? Or what can we offer to receive our soul back? Or maybe what length are we willing to go, knowing that we have given up our soul. I may be looking to deep into this, but at first glance it sounded good but didn't hold much meaning to me. What makes the most sense to me is that it's asking what do we think we think we have to offer with out our soul. To the world it may seem we are a productive member of society, but reality is with out our soul we are just flesh rotting in sin. Soon to be gone then what - nothing but a coffin full of dust. Psalm 103:14 "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." Ecclesiastes 3:20 "All are from dust and to dust all return." What I am saying is without your soul all we are is dust. Our bodies will perish, but our souls will dwell eternally with God.
Application:
In the next week i will finish memorizing Psalm 103.
As i ponder this verse it was holding many angels. I honestly am not sure what exactly he is asking. Whether he is asking without our soul what can we try and give to compensate back to God? Or what can we offer to receive our soul back? Or maybe what length are we willing to go, knowing that we have given up our soul. I may be looking to deep into this, but at first glance it sounded good but didn't hold much meaning to me. What makes the most sense to me is that it's asking what do we think we think we have to offer with out our soul. To the world it may seem we are a productive member of society, but reality is with out our soul we are just flesh rotting in sin. Soon to be gone then what - nothing but a coffin full of dust. Psalm 103:14 "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." Ecclesiastes 3:20 "All are from dust and to dust all return." What I am saying is without your soul all we are is dust. Our bodies will perish, but our souls will dwell eternally with God.
Application:
In the next week i will finish memorizing Psalm 103.
To Gain the Whole World?
Mark 8:36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
To gain the whole world? That is a bold statement, although Mark is eluding to the fact that even to gain the whole world, one is literally in turn giving their life up. What would it be like to gain the whole world. Lets just think for a minute what all the world has to offer. All the money, fame, status, wealth, popularity and material possessions and still a man is lost. It is all a chasing after the wind. The things the world can offer are only temporary, here for a moment then gone. The fact that in a hundred years no one earth will remember you and yet we still strive to be something. We would give our life up just to be someone for a short time. Psalm 103:15-16 "As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more." We need to spend our time on eternal things. Things that will impact and grow Gods kingdom and bring him glory.
Application:
Today I will take regard of the eternal things God has placed before me. In order to be a good steward of that gift I will ask God to minister through me today to someone.
To gain the whole world? That is a bold statement, although Mark is eluding to the fact that even to gain the whole world, one is literally in turn giving their life up. What would it be like to gain the whole world. Lets just think for a minute what all the world has to offer. All the money, fame, status, wealth, popularity and material possessions and still a man is lost. It is all a chasing after the wind. The things the world can offer are only temporary, here for a moment then gone. The fact that in a hundred years no one earth will remember you and yet we still strive to be something. We would give our life up just to be someone for a short time. Psalm 103:15-16 "As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more." We need to spend our time on eternal things. Things that will impact and grow Gods kingdom and bring him glory.
Application:
Today I will take regard of the eternal things God has placed before me. In order to be a good steward of that gift I will ask God to minister through me today to someone.
Our God Saves
Mark 8:35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it (ESV)
This verse has always spoke to me. One thing comes to mind when i read this. Where is your trust? In the things of this world or in Gods word. My whole life i searched for security in the world. I always thought if I could start a career and savings, then I would have found stability in life. Then I could give the rest over to God, but I was not willing to give up the American dream. In the pursuit of saving my life I almost lost it. Living a self destructive life style in a flawed reality of thinking I was becoming somebody. The most freeing day of my life was when reality finally hit. I laid my life down and gave Jesus complete control. Some would say I was crazy, some still think I am, but to lay my life down was the only thing that saved me. God saved me. My life has never been the same the day I realized God, and God alone saves the lost and brokenhearted.
Application:
Losing my life is something I must do daily. In order to carry this out i will set aside enough time daily to read the corresponding proverb of the days date for the next month.
This verse has always spoke to me. One thing comes to mind when i read this. Where is your trust? In the things of this world or in Gods word. My whole life i searched for security in the world. I always thought if I could start a career and savings, then I would have found stability in life. Then I could give the rest over to God, but I was not willing to give up the American dream. In the pursuit of saving my life I almost lost it. Living a self destructive life style in a flawed reality of thinking I was becoming somebody. The most freeing day of my life was when reality finally hit. I laid my life down and gave Jesus complete control. Some would say I was crazy, some still think I am, but to lay my life down was the only thing that saved me. God saved me. My life has never been the same the day I realized God, and God alone saves the lost and brokenhearted.
Application:
Losing my life is something I must do daily. In order to carry this out i will set aside enough time daily to read the corresponding proverb of the days date for the next month.
Take Up Your Cross
Mark 8:34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (ESV)
Just before this verse Jesus foretells of his death and resurrection. I find that be of importance because it brings significance to verse 34. Without his death the cross has no meaning. So I wonder if it had any value at the time to his disciples and those gathered around. Christ is telling us to deny ourselves. This reminds me of the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39 "My father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as i will, but as you will." This is the ultimate example, even knowing of his death, Jesus still asks the father to carry out his will for his life, total denial of self.
Application:
I need to die to myself. Today i will ask the Lord for his will in my life. Tonight i will set aside an hour to devote to the Lord in his work and in prayer.
Just before this verse Jesus foretells of his death and resurrection. I find that be of importance because it brings significance to verse 34. Without his death the cross has no meaning. So I wonder if it had any value at the time to his disciples and those gathered around. Christ is telling us to deny ourselves. This reminds me of the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39 "My father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as i will, but as you will." This is the ultimate example, even knowing of his death, Jesus still asks the father to carry out his will for his life, total denial of self.
Application:
I need to die to myself. Today i will ask the Lord for his will in my life. Tonight i will set aside an hour to devote to the Lord in his work and in prayer.
Mans Heart, Who Can Understand It?
Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their home, they received their food with glad and generous hearts (ESV)
Fellowship. What is fellowship? To me fellowship is the building up of one another through Christ centered activities. I think here in vs 46 is an example of fellowship being carried out. In return they receive their food with glad and generous hearts. I wonder why Paul added that to the end of this verse. Paul lists the condition of the heart as a vital component to fellowship. In the case of breaking bread their condition was gladness and generosity. This verse ministered to me because often times I will find my heart is not with me. I can be present and in communication with someone yet my heart is disconnected. I think of Proverbs 23:7 "For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. "Eat and drink" he says to you, but his heart is not with you." God has really convicted and prompted me to put my heart into all I do.
Application:
Today at meals I will pay attention to the condition of my heart. I think prayerfully think before I answer.
Fellowship. What is fellowship? To me fellowship is the building up of one another through Christ centered activities. I think here in vs 46 is an example of fellowship being carried out. In return they receive their food with glad and generous hearts. I wonder why Paul added that to the end of this verse. Paul lists the condition of the heart as a vital component to fellowship. In the case of breaking bread their condition was gladness and generosity. This verse ministered to me because often times I will find my heart is not with me. I can be present and in communication with someone yet my heart is disconnected. I think of Proverbs 23:7 "For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. "Eat and drink" he says to you, but his heart is not with you." God has really convicted and prompted me to put my heart into all I do.
Application:
Today at meals I will pay attention to the condition of my heart. I think prayerfully think before I answer.
More Blessed to Give
Acts 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (ESV)
Faith put into action. It seems to me these early church believers understand Gods calling as well as practical stewardship of the many blessings we have. I know for me, I'm not selling my possessions unless i am sold out and on fire for God. I think this shows us the power of the Holy Spirit. A work in lives that must be supernatural. I can testify to this Holy Ghost power. My life was surrounded by material things. Money was my God and i went to new lengths to get it. I put all that I was into the things I owned and in turn i was stuck in a life style of self-destruction. I asked God to change my desires to give me a heart like his. Slowly I watched God change my desires, those material things lost their taste, what was once sweet now is bitter. God showed me the real value of the things I own. And what a blessing it is to give those things to those who are in need. Jesus himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Application:
I will place my treasures in eternal things, serving others, then my heart will follow. "For where your treasure is there your heart will also be" (Matthew 6:21)
Faith put into action. It seems to me these early church believers understand Gods calling as well as practical stewardship of the many blessings we have. I know for me, I'm not selling my possessions unless i am sold out and on fire for God. I think this shows us the power of the Holy Spirit. A work in lives that must be supernatural. I can testify to this Holy Ghost power. My life was surrounded by material things. Money was my God and i went to new lengths to get it. I put all that I was into the things I owned and in turn i was stuck in a life style of self-destruction. I asked God to change my desires to give me a heart like his. Slowly I watched God change my desires, those material things lost their taste, what was once sweet now is bitter. God showed me the real value of the things I own. And what a blessing it is to give those things to those who are in need. Jesus himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Application:
I will place my treasures in eternal things, serving others, then my heart will follow. "For where your treasure is there your heart will also be" (Matthew 6:21)
The Common Bond
Acts 2:44 And all who believed where together and had all things in common (ESV)
Here we see simply Christianity, all believers were together and had all things in common. I wish we could say the same about the church today. It seems that anymore the church has become a place of indifference. We strive to be different, wiser, wealthier - spiritually and physically. Anything we can find identity in we latch on and pursue it with all we have, forgetting to acknowledge where our identity comes from, in Christ. Instead of building one another up in like mindedness we tear each other apart striving to gain more head knowledge, at the cost of our relationships with other believers. God intended for us to be different. Each one of us was made in his image, none alike, but each to be used in a variety of ways. The issue is not indifference, the issue is the pursuit of it with out Christ at the center. We hold a common bond only in Christ and him alone.
Application:
Today i will seek out that common bond, by lifting my fellow servants in Christ up through prayer. Genuine prayer that is not centered on myself.
Here we see simply Christianity, all believers were together and had all things in common. I wish we could say the same about the church today. It seems that anymore the church has become a place of indifference. We strive to be different, wiser, wealthier - spiritually and physically. Anything we can find identity in we latch on and pursue it with all we have, forgetting to acknowledge where our identity comes from, in Christ. Instead of building one another up in like mindedness we tear each other apart striving to gain more head knowledge, at the cost of our relationships with other believers. God intended for us to be different. Each one of us was made in his image, none alike, but each to be used in a variety of ways. The issue is not indifference, the issue is the pursuit of it with out Christ at the center. We hold a common bond only in Christ and him alone.
Application:
Today i will seek out that common bond, by lifting my fellow servants in Christ up through prayer. Genuine prayer that is not centered on myself.
Fear God
Acts 2:43 And awe came upon every soul , and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles (ESV)
Awe, or in some translations fear, came upon every soul. The word fear here does not mean terror or fright. But here to fear the Lord means to believe him and put your whole souls commitment in him. We see also in the verse that many signs and wonders were being done through the apostles. It does not say by the apostles, but through. It would only be appropriate to assume that the Spirit of God was working through them, being the recent outpouring and now indwelling of the Spirit in us. I love this verse because it gives credit where its due, often times we loose sight of who is truly at work. We are blinded by the wonder and forget to give glory to the creator - the Holy Spirit. We might praise the clay instead of the potter. My point is we see simple Christianity here. The fear of God is the beginning of everything: of understanding, of living, of personal holiness and of a vital relationship to him. We see here as the apostles feared the Lord, it allowed his Spirit to work through them.
Application:
Fear God. Today i get to put my trust in him. Instead of consuming my day with the things of this world, the things that might seem to provide security to life. I will surround my day on things that are eternal; prayer and saturation in Gods word, to allow the Spirit to minister through me.
Awe, or in some translations fear, came upon every soul. The word fear here does not mean terror or fright. But here to fear the Lord means to believe him and put your whole souls commitment in him. We see also in the verse that many signs and wonders were being done through the apostles. It does not say by the apostles, but through. It would only be appropriate to assume that the Spirit of God was working through them, being the recent outpouring and now indwelling of the Spirit in us. I love this verse because it gives credit where its due, often times we loose sight of who is truly at work. We are blinded by the wonder and forget to give glory to the creator - the Holy Spirit. We might praise the clay instead of the potter. My point is we see simple Christianity here. The fear of God is the beginning of everything: of understanding, of living, of personal holiness and of a vital relationship to him. We see here as the apostles feared the Lord, it allowed his Spirit to work through them.
Application:
Fear God. Today i get to put my trust in him. Instead of consuming my day with the things of this world, the things that might seem to provide security to life. I will surround my day on things that are eternal; prayer and saturation in Gods word, to allow the Spirit to minister through me.
Stick to the Fundamentals
Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (ESV)
At this point in time God had just poured his spirit out to all his people. This was the birth of the church. God promised his spirit to all who he calls to himself. Which brings us now to vs. 42, where we find the fundamentals of the early church. "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." I think the only difference today would be all believers have access to the bible, that being the only thing added to this list, the church today has drifted from the fundamentals. Today we have added everything from self help books to the seven point sermons. These things have pulled away from the core values, the way God intended the church to be, in fellowship not in isolation. The point is we have allowed the things of this world to rule our lives instead of doing the very thing God intended us to do, to glorify him as the head of the body.
Application:
Today I can not use my bible as a secondary to other readings, but use Gods word as my main source of life, and then use other materials to supplement.
At this point in time God had just poured his spirit out to all his people. This was the birth of the church. God promised his spirit to all who he calls to himself. Which brings us now to vs. 42, where we find the fundamentals of the early church. "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." I think the only difference today would be all believers have access to the bible, that being the only thing added to this list, the church today has drifted from the fundamentals. Today we have added everything from self help books to the seven point sermons. These things have pulled away from the core values, the way God intended the church to be, in fellowship not in isolation. The point is we have allowed the things of this world to rule our lives instead of doing the very thing God intended us to do, to glorify him as the head of the body.
Application:
Today I can not use my bible as a secondary to other readings, but use Gods word as my main source of life, and then use other materials to supplement.
Prisoner for the Lord
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (ESV)
Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome. Paul saw prison as his mission field, he did not dwell on the fact that he had been imprisoned for the sake of Christ. But he rejoiced in this fact. Paul's faithfulness to Gods calling, the call to be a witness in all nations (Acts 1:8), allowed God to use Paul's situation for his glory. I feel Paul is saying to honor God (in a manner worthy) by being obedient no matter what the surrounding circumstances might be. Instead of letting our fears, circumstances, relationships rule our willingness to serve God, live up to whatever he has called you to. Even if that means while in prison, find Gods calling in that. Where do we find his calling? In his word. I think also for Paul to say this while in imprisonment, tells me not to fear persecution, whats the worst that could happen? God might use me in a bigger way then before. Just as Paul going to prison furthered his ministry to all nations.
Application:
I will find Gods calling for my life at any given time, regardless the circumstance. By searching in his word the very things he has called me to. To be a witness everywhere i go regardless of what persecution may come.
Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome. Paul saw prison as his mission field, he did not dwell on the fact that he had been imprisoned for the sake of Christ. But he rejoiced in this fact. Paul's faithfulness to Gods calling, the call to be a witness in all nations (Acts 1:8), allowed God to use Paul's situation for his glory. I feel Paul is saying to honor God (in a manner worthy) by being obedient no matter what the surrounding circumstances might be. Instead of letting our fears, circumstances, relationships rule our willingness to serve God, live up to whatever he has called you to. Even if that means while in prison, find Gods calling in that. Where do we find his calling? In his word. I think also for Paul to say this while in imprisonment, tells me not to fear persecution, whats the worst that could happen? God might use me in a bigger way then before. Just as Paul going to prison furthered his ministry to all nations.
Application:
I will find Gods calling for my life at any given time, regardless the circumstance. By searching in his word the very things he has called me to. To be a witness everywhere i go regardless of what persecution may come.
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