A More Excellent Way

But eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.  1 Cor. 12:31

God’s gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Much has been taught, much has been written, much has been preached on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  But, today, how are we doing in the Body of Christ with the gifts of the Spirit? 

Paul also talks about the body of Christ in this chapter being one and the various parts working together so that we would be one.  But, today, how are we doing in the Body of Christ with being one?

And then, Pual knowing the challenges of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Oneness tells us a more excellent way of executing the desires of the Lord . . . He presents the opportunity and the challenge and then gives the way to make it all happen.  Thus he leads into the love chapter . . . for it is His love that is the basis and motive for the gifts of the Spirit.

Lord this day help me to walk in the love that you have ordained so that the power gifts and oneness may be a part of my life and those that I come into contact with. . .

Strength and Obedience

Be very strong; be careful to obey – Joshua 23:6

Notice . . . one of the key exhortations from Joshua was a call for strength and obedience. Yes, Isarael was to be strong to do the will of God in taking the land that was before them. But their strength was founded and resulted from obedience. For, when they obeyed they had confidence in God to fulfill what He said he would do . . .

“Beloved, if your heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him” 1 John 3:21-22.

So, strength will be received and lived out in direct proportion to ones obedience and faith in God.  Lord this day, is a day of strength and obedience for me and my family.  We will be strong, we purpose to obey.  And we will take the land . . . we will experience . . .

The LORD your God himself will drive them out of your way. He will push them out before you, and you will take possession of their land, as the LORD your God promised you.  – Josh 23:5

Free from all – to serve

For thought I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more . . . 1 Cor. 9:19 

Paul was a free man.  He was free from all men.  Not subject to any ruler, military leader, or soiceital demands.  He was a free men . . . except to the Lord.  And in this free position his aim was to serve all men so that they too would become free men.

Many times men are bound up and not free because of a variety of reasons.  Fear, apprehension, doubt, undogly soul-ties, and many times all for the wrong motives. . . .

Lord this day I thank you for freeing me from all that I may serve all . . . thank you for setting me free