"What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up." -- 1 Corinthians 14:26

As we continue the thought of using our gifts for serving God, let us look at the subject more closely. Each one comes into the church from week to week with something to offer for ministry. We expect to be received with open arms and accolades of appreciation (even if we deny such desires, the sin nature still lingers in the background of every heart). But, is this why we exercise our gifts?

Considering chapter thirteen leading into fourteen, we find a plea from Paul for a mature ministry. He calls for every gift to be used for "building up" one another. Our contributions are never meant to be about us, but all about the Lord and the strengthening of His body the Church. Keep your eye on the prize my friend, and be a blessing to others today!

"All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." -- 1 Corinthians 12:11

There are those who play instruments and those who play music. Is there a difference you may ask? Yes indeed. One has chosen to master the skill of the instrument and the other has a God given ability to bring music out of the soul. For one, it's all in the hands and the other, it's all from the heart.

In the same way, there are those who serve in the church as trained and elected and there are those who use their gifts from the heart. We really don't choose our spiritual gifts; the Spirit of God alone "apportions to each individually as he chooses". When one serves with their God given gifts, they make music to His ears.

Are you using the gift that was given by the Lord? Or are you working as a skilled laborer? Don't be limited by human training when the Spirit has fully equipped you with all that you need to bring music to the body of Christ.

"For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died." -- 1 Corinthians 11:29-30

In the earliest days of the church, Ananias and Sapphira suffered an unexpected death due to spiritual deceit. They were careless about the things of God and a serious message was given. Do Christians suffer today for mistreatment of the Lord's body? Do we stand accountable for abusing those who come with sincere hearts to worship and serve? The answer is a resounding yes.

Be careful my friend and show honor and respect to the body of Christ. Don't allow a divisive spirit to win the day and damage your health. Remember Paul's stern warning in 1 Corinthians 3:17, "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Consider wisely the additional counsel of 1 Corinthians 10:24, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."

"Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." -- 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Over the past few months we have traveled through Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel with Daniel and friends coming soon. These Old Testament prophets are quite often prophets of doom, yet they are filled with bright moments of hope. All of these pages are, as Paul stated, "written down for our instruction".

For far too many years I have seen believers linger in the New Testament for their Bible Reading and avoid the Older Testament. This is to their loss and a very dangerous practice. These Biblical accounts are given to use as examples from which to learn. There are wonderful lifestyles to follow, such as Paul's (1 Corinthians 11:1) and there are many paths to avoid such as those recorded of Israel's past.

Are you so secure in your "New Testament" walk that you can't imagine the temptations of the Old Testament possibly leading you astray my friend? Read with diligence and pay very close attention to those things that happened "as an example". And "...let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."

"yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist." -- 1 Corinthians 8:6

We often introduce ourselves by identifying our field of employment. We see our jobs as who we are, more than anything else. When we come to the end of the trail we consider our careers to be our only real contribution to the world. It's how we lived, why we lived and where we lived.

God sees things very differently. He reminds us that we exist from HIM, for HIM and through Him. When we finally come to check-out time the real issue is how, why and where we lived for the Lord, not for anything or anyone else. This truth makes life so much simpler, yet we seem to avoid such a lifestyle at all costs. 

Are you facing difficult decisions my friend? Are you stressed over the possible results of certain choices that you need to make? Keep it simple... just take the steps that will come from HIS leading, for HIS glory and through HIS strength and all will go well.

"I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." -- 1 Corinthians 7:35

The balanced Christian life is a difficult pursuit. Within the context of Scripture marriage is a blessing from God, but as with everything else, balance is the key. As Paul presents the converted lifestyle, he would have us conduct ourselves with an undivided devotion to the Lord in view.

There are many people who are quick to live the Christian life in the extreme. They choose to withdraw from almost everything possible to be distinct for Christ. Yet, Paul says, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him." (verse 17) Be devoted to the Lord and live your life to the glory of God.

The principle is clear my friend. Live an "undivided" life for Jesus. Make your choices wisely about any change, and be sure that such changes never jeopardize your devotion to the Lord. It's all about balance and keeping the main thing the main thing.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Following the theme we discussed yesterday, have you ever considered the fact that your body is not your own? Was this fact on your mind when you spent hours in the tanning salon, beauty salon, or gym? Were you "pimping" your body for the Lord or for good looks to be admired? Whose body is it anyway?

Since our body has been bought at a price, there must have been a purpose for its purchase. What was it that God had in mind when He paid the high price of His Son's blood? Today's passage gives us an idea and a challenge. The Lord wanted little living temples for His Holy Spirit. He desires a vast number of pure and holy "worship centers" to light up His world.

So, how do you "glorify God in your body" and let Jesus shine my friend? Does this stewardship motivate your conduct, conversation and communion with others? Do you use your body to honor the Lord and bless others in His name? As a steward of this purchased body, are you found faithful with God's Holy presence?