The Daily Dose

Word of knowledge

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:8

Yesterday I talked about the first part of 1 Corinthians 12:8 and today I want to move on to the second part.  It is the second in the list of Holy Spirit gifts, the word of knowledge.  The word of knowledge gift is simply defined as knowing something specific without having learned it by natural means.

Again, Jesus operated in this gift when He talked to the women at the well in John chapter 4.  He told her some specific things about her life that he would have no natural knowledge about without the Holy Spirit’s help.  I would like to make a side note here that if Jesus needed to rely on the Holy Spirit, how much more do we need His help to reach the world.  I know many would argue that He was God in the flesh and of course He knows everything, but Philippians 2:7 tells us that He emptied Himself to take on the form of a servant and the likeness of men.  He walked this world as a person just like you and me, except He did it perfectly, with the Holy Spirit’s help.

The second example of the use of the word of wisdom is in Acts 9, when the Holy Spirit gave the disciple Ananias the address to the house where Saul/Paul was staying until someone came to lay hands on him.  He said go to the street called Straight to the house of Judas to find Saul of Tarsus there.  The GPS doesn’t even get that detailed.  Ananias was given a word of knowledge so He could go minister to Saul before he was called Paul.  Ananias was not a pastor or a teacher, but he was a Christian.

The importance of the word of knowledge is to minister to someone about something God is doing in their life.  It is a confirmation to the unbeliever or new believer that God does actually know who they are and He wants them to turn to Him and trust Him.  God wants His people to be able to operate in these gifts by following the Holy Spirit’s direction to talk to people that He is drawing in to Himself.

Today I want to encourage you, once again to talk to your Heavenly Father about the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life.  Read the scripture and pray for revelation concerning the gifts.  Open your heart to receive anything the Spirit of God wants to show you and trust that He will lead you in the path of His rightness.

Pray a prayer something like this:  Heavenly Father, I want to be an effective witness for you in this world and I want to be a vessel that You can move through to reach people far from You.  Empower me through Your Spirit to hear and know the way to touch lives, to let people know you love them, You know who they are and what they need right now.  I put away my fear and preconceived ideas to open up my heart now to anything You want to teach me.  Help me to be ready to receive your direction and move as the Your Spirit leads.  I ask this in Jesus Holy name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: John 4:1-26

Word of Wisdom

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:8

The gift of a word of wisdom is a message that someone gives to another person of a future event or solution in their life.  The word of wisdom is a specific gift and not to be confused with the wisdom of God that He gives to all those who ask as written about in the book of James. (see James 1:5)  It is a sharing of what will take place soon or can be the answer to a dilemma that someone needs to figure out.

Jesus used the gift of the word of wisdom when He gave the great commission.  He said in Luke 24:49 –  “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”  Jesus knew that the Holy Spirit was coming.  The disciples obeyed the words of Jesus, but they had no idea what was really about to happen or even if anything would happen.  Jesus spoke in the word of wisdom of something that would happen not far off in the future.

There are many examples through out the New Testament of the Holy Spirit using word of wisdom through His people.  It actually comes in the form of a phrase or couple of sentences.  In Acts 4, Peter used a word of wisdom when Ananias and Sapphira lied to Holy Spirit about their giving.  In Acts 27, Paul used a word of wisdom to encourage the crew in the middle of a storm before the ship wreck.  John brought a word of wisdom in the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation.

You can ask for these gifts and the Holy Spirit knows the exact thing that you need for the place you are needing it.  Verse 31 of this chapter encourages each believer to desire/ask for the gifts to flow in our lives and the Holy Spirit will show the way.

Today I want to encourage you to talk to your Heavenly Father about the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life.  You don’t have to be a pastor or a teacher to operate in His gifts, just a witness to those that need to know the good news of salvation.  Jesus promised that signs and wonders would follow those who believe not those who are trained. (see Mark 17:17-18)  If you are unsure that the Holy Spirit wants to flow through you, ask Him to make it plain and clear either way.  He will lead you into all truth, you can count on it.  In fact, Jesus promised that He would. John 16:13 Lastly, don’t assume you already know how or if the Holy Spirit is working, believe that He is always at work and He has chosen you to be His messenger.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

Arm yourself

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12:7

This chapter start out with the phrase: “I do not want you to be ignorant/uneducated about spiritual gift.”  As a believer and child of God, I do not want to be ignorant and I don’t want to set aside any gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me.  The other day I talked about God giving Adam his wife as a gift.  When the new testament church was born, God gave the Holy Spirit as a gift and to bring gifts to empower His people to bring the world back to Him.  Jesus paid the price, and now God wants everything He paid for . . . all people in the world.  He knew we would need help to rescue people so He sent us the Holy Spirit to comfort and empower us.  In the same way that Adam nurtured and cherished his wife, we should be growing and cherishing our relationship with the Holy Spirit of God.

Right before Jesus ascended into heaven, after He was resurrected from the dead, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were fill with power from the Holy Spirit. (see Luke 24:49)  He said, only after receiving the Holy Spirit would they be equipped to win the world. God gave us the upper hand so we could reach people that were far from Him and bring them into His kingdom.  This power came on the day of Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the profit of all people as today’s verse states.  These gifts are given for unbelievers to be reached and turned to God in heaven by the signs and miracles that can only come from Heaven.  These gifts are for believers to carry and be ready to be the vessel that the Holy Spirit moves through to reach this lost and dying world.  They are not to be afraid of and they are not for personal gain.  They are for loving people who need the power of God in their lives.

As we go through each of the gifts listed in this passage in the coming days, commit to carrying the Holy Spirit where He needs to go to reach who He wants to reach through you.  Learn, meditate and begin to understand all of these gifts and open up your heart to let them flow through your life.  You don’t have to explain them and you don’t have to figure out what one is right to use at the time.  The Spirit of God actually knows what He is doing and when you yield to Him, He will lead you to what is needed to touch lives.  Purpose to obey what He puts on your heart to say or do and let His signs and wonders flow through you.

Today I want to encourage you to open up your heart to receive the Spirit of God’s revelation of empowerment for you to be successful in your mission here in this world.  We have been deployed from heaven to rescue people that are trapped in the clutches of sin and God has given us the armory and weapons that we need to carry out this assignment.  Receive His full equipping today and get ready as we walk through the gifts and examples of how they were used by the first Christians.  Don’t let the enemy steal your ammunition instead, fill up with all God has for you to arm yourself with.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

Jesus is Lord

Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:3

Here we go!  I am thrilled to go through chapters 12 – 14 of 1 Corinthians.  These chapters are so very powerful and electric.  These words stir the energy of God’s Spirit that lives on the inside of me and I love learning more about spiritual giftings every time I read them.  Sadly, these chapters get passed over by many believers for several reason.  One reason is because people think they are hard to understand.  Second, many believe these gifts are not for today and thirdly, the gifts of the Holy Spirit make many believers uncomfortable.

The verse I want to talk about today is verse 3.  It is not talking about gifts, but it is talking about the name of Jesus.  It is actually an identifier and locator of the heart of those who would be the Holy Spirit’s instrument to exercise His gifts through.  Anyone operating in spiritual gifts that speaks against Jesus or uses His name vainly is not working with the Holy Spirit of God.  Likewise, when the Holy Spirit is at work, it will be made clear that Jesus is Lord and all gifts point to Him.  Anything from the Holy Spirit is not possible without Jesus.

Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit’s coming when He was walking on the earth.  In John 15:26 He said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will testify/bear witness of Me (Jesus).  Meaning, He will point to Jesus. He also said in the next chapter of John that when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide God’s people to the truth and He doesn’t do it through His own authority but God’s.  The Holy Spirit of God points to Jesus, that is why those being led by the Spirit of God can be identified by saying and living life by displaying that Jesus is Lord!

As we go through the following verses about the work of the Holy Spirit through God’s people, keep in mind that operating in these gifting will always point back to Jesus.  They are not for bringing glory to the individual that He is working through.  If you see those that are trying or saying they are using these gifts, but they want to be recognized for the miracles that come through them, you can discern the wrong spirit behind their actions.  Also keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is the one who decides when, where and what gift is best for each situation, our job is only to yield to Him and follow the promptings that He may give to you at the time the gift is needed.  That is one of the many reasons it is so important to walk closely with Him and know His voice when you hear it in your heart.

Today I want to encourage you as we go through the gifts of the Spirit of God, to open your heart to whatever the Holy Spirit wants to show you or teach you about the gifts.  Allow God’s supernatural work to be done in your life through this study and passage.  Put away all pre-conceived ideas about spiritual giftings and let the Holy Spirit proclaim Jesus is Lord as you yield your heart and life to becoming His vessel for His gifts to be manifested.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Agree?

When you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there are also be factions/cliques among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.  1 Corinthians 11:18 &19

I look forward to the day with we as believers in Christ Jesus come into unity in our faith.  It is going to happen, in fact it is the one thing left to happen before Jesus returns in the sky to get us.  He said He is coming back for a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any blemish.  Holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:27)  That certainly means we will be well prepared and living as a bride, put together and ready to be united with her groom.  However, that is not quite what we look like today. 

The church in Corinth had similar issues that we see within the body of our current day believers.  Different denominations with different doctrines. Diverse beliefs with legalistic leaders that mandate behavior to solidify salvation.  Like these divisions can actually separate us from one another?  Not at all.  No matter what rules or regulations are imposed and whose doctrine is being enforced, we still all agree that in order to be a Christian you must receive salvation through the Savior, Jesus.  It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong when it comes to “predestination” or “once saved, always saved.” These issues only try to pull the beautiful bride apart. The most important thing is that you invite Jesus into your life and then surrender it over to Him to be baptized into His body of believers, the church.

In today’s reading, Paul talks about how we as believers come into agreement within that covenant that Jesus made with His Father in Heaven.  We really had nothing to do with it, so why would we think that we can cling to certain dogma to get us into God’s Kingdom.  It is all about the agreement and commitment God the Father made with His Son, Jesus.  They sealed that covenant in blood, the blood of Jesus. Now it is available to all who will accept and receive eternal life through their covenant.  Then Paul explains that this is why Jesus established the Lord’s supper, so we could remember that it is all about His love for us and has nothing to do with our different ideas of having the right theology.

Jesus set up symbols of His broken body and poured out blood so that we could not only come into agreement over these elements, but also remember that this redemption is all about His love and life given for ours.  Jesus said that when you eat the bread and drink the cup you are agreeing over the sacrifice of His death for our salvation until He comes back for us.

Today I want to encourage you to turn your attention toward the things that we, as the body of Christ, agree on.  Stop the divisions of trying to behave righteously and just let Jesus be our righteousness.  He became sin, who knew no sin so that we could become His righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He did all the work, now let’s allow that work to bring us into agreement!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

The gift

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is (her) man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3

I like to give gifts.  Whether it is for birthdays, Christmas or some other special occasion, it is just one of the greatest joys for me to be able to bless others with some kind of gift.  My favorite time to give is when there is no special reason at all.  Just because I want to make someone feel special and let them know I am thinking of them.  Usually, they are not overly expensive things, just a little something to put a smile on someone’s face.

I’ve come to realize that the reason I like to give is because I learned it from my Father, my Heavenly Father.  He has always been a giver and it brings Him such joy to give to His people and His children.  The very first gift He gave was to Adam.  It was a very special and precious gift . . . a wife.  Adam was alone in the garden that God had made for him to live in.  He had many animals surrounding him, but there was no other person like him.  God saw that Adam needed a companion, friend and someone to help him accomplish the things that God had planned for them to do in the earth.  Namely to be fruitful and multiply.  Adam certainly couldn’t do that by himself.

God put Adam into a deep sleep so He could take a part out of Adam and make another person from the same material. Then when Adam woke up, God presented him with the greatest gift that Adam could have hoped for at that time.  A helper, a wife.  Adam had seen how all the animals had a mate like themselves and it was obvious that he didn’t have one that matched him.  I love how it is written in the original language.  It says God formed man, but He fashioned woman.  He made her extra special, inside and out, because she was a gift and God wanted His man to know how much He cared and thought about Him.

This brings me to today’s point.  The scripture for today says that the head of the woman is the man.  Many women take issue with being subject to her husband.  It doesn’t say that she has to submit to every man, just her husband.  That is the only man that is head over her.  Most women do not realize that they were created to be a present/gift to her husband.  A helper.  They also do not realize what a position of great influence they have been given when they submit all to their husband.  It is really one of God’s secret weapons and one that will defeat any enemy that comes against a marriage.  When a man and woman come into agreement in the order that God created them to be in, the is no thing, person or demonic force that will ever be able to stand against the force of power in unity.

Today I want to encourage first of all husbands.  Love and cherish your wife as a great gift from God.  If you treat your wife as the most precious person and voice in your life, she will have no trouble at all submitting to you.  Recognize that submission is a voluntary thing, and a husband cannot force his wife to submit.  Otherwise, it is not submission it is oppression.  I want to encourage wives to honor and respect your husband.  As a most precious gift to him, it is up to you to be that precious gift in the way you speak and care for him.  You are a gift, but it is up to you to act like a gift that he wants to have around him all the time, not one that is set aside and thought little about.  Together surrender all your life to the Lord and help one another to complete the mission you were called to while you have your time together in this world.  God made you for each other and for Him, get the order right and you will be successful in all He has for you to do.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 11:3-16

Copy that!

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Have you ever heard the phrase “Copy that!” in movies or on television shows?  When someone gives a response over a CB radio or walkie talkie? (Though I’m not sure those devises are used anymore) Maybe it’s used at the end of a phone conversation?  The response is given to let the listener know that their request or statement was understood and being carried out or acted upon.  For instance, if you say to a friend “I will pick you up for group at 7.”  They could respond with “Copy that!”  Meaning they understand and will be ready to go when you get to their house.

In today’s key verse, Paul says copy me as I copy the Lord Jesus.  It reminds me of what he told the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 5:1 except there he tells the believers to copy or imitate God as small children imitate their father here in this world.  So, what if you did copy Paul as he displayed copying Christ Jesus?  What would that even look like?  Does that mean that you have to become a prisoner and go through all the trials and struggles that he did?  Would it be that you were going to be harassed and persecuted every where you go.  Maybe you would copy Paul by becoming a tent maker?  However, that is not what Paul says to copy.  He says to copy him in the same way he imitates Jesus. You are not imitating his outward circumstances, you are looking at his heart and that is how he reaches to other people and how he response to the things going on around him.

So, when you have thoughts of doubt and unbelief, you can copy the heart of Paul and Jesus by saying: “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.” (Romans 8:37) “Copy that!”  When you are filled with feeling of fear and anxiety, cast them off with saying “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but I have power, love and a sound mind.” (1 Timothy 1:7)   “Copy that!”  When you are nervous and worried about upcoming events or tests, let your faith be in the peace of God that rules in your life and be thankful! (Col. 3:15) “Copy that!”

Whatever is coming against you, don’t agree with the circumstances, your thoughts or your feelings.  Instead, copy what the Word says to do to be an overcomer.  Use your struggles and issues as a prompt to remind you that you do not want to speak or imitate them, you want to know what God says in His Word and the way of escape from these situations and then: “Copy that!”

Today I want to encourage you to not copy the ways of the people who are without the hope of God in their life.  When you see others fretting and speaking all their fear of what is going on around them, turn to the life or Paul or better yet, the life of Jesus.  Look at how they handled difficulties and the words they spoke when they were up against the pressures of life and then, “Copy that!”

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-3

Be edified

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify/build up.  1 Corinthians 10:23

I have been struggling this week with a decision about plans for an upcoming holiday.  We thought it would be nice to have a little get away.  Not far, but just something to step away from life for a day or two.  As I looked at options and wrestled with thoughts about getting a place during a holiday weekend, I finally had the thought:  “You know what?  I am going to turn this over to the Lord!”  Maybe I had been talking to Him about it some, but mostly, I was just trying to put a plan together by myself.  So, finally I prayed: “Heavenly Father, we thought it would be nice to get away for a few days, but it is turning into pressure and anxiety trying to figure out the details.  Would You please open the doors for the right timing and place to have a little break?”  As I then went back to bed and started drifting off, I heard these words deep within my heart: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not want.” (see Psalms 23)   I thought “Yes! That is exactly right!”  He is the One that leads me in the right path, and I know He will lead us to the right place at the right time!!  I do not need to stress or feel pressure or force anything, I just need to follow my Shepherd.

My point is, it is not wrong for us to get away, and it is not wrong for us to put together a plan to take a short get away trip or even a long trip around the world for that matter. However, there is always a better way and that is God’s way.

In the verse today, Paul says a similar thing.  He said all things are lawful to me, but not everything is helpful to what I am working toward.  Even though all things are lawful to me, not everything grows and encourages my spirit man.  Of course, he is talking about food in this passage, but the same is true in all things in life. 

There are many options we face each day.  Where we will work, where we will go after work and even where we will live.  Although making these decisions and many other daily decision are not sinful, there is always the best choice that can be made, and that is to follow your great Shepherd.  He will lead you in the path of righteousness and to the still waters and even THROUGH the trials and the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes the plans we make on our own are just distractions from the real path we should be on.

Today I want to encourage you as you face decisions in life.  All things are fine for you to do, but not everything is useful and beneficial.  Even though a plan may look good on the surface, it may not be the most productive or profitable for what you want to accomplish in life.  Turn it all over to your good Shepherd and let Him lead you on the right path at the right time with the right people!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

Always an escape

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation!  It seems like it is always out there haunting us.  Whether it’s big or small, it is still a trick of the devil to lead us off course.  Temptation is the lure that draws us into the enemy’s trap to be devoured by him!  We know from scripture that Satan is like a roaring lion looking for those he can devour/feast on. (1 Peter 5:8) 

Today’s scripture says, there are no new tricks.  Satan is still using the same old lies he used in the Garden of Eden, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Every one of us has been subjected to them at one point or another. Whether it’s something we see that we just have to have, something we feel that pushes us over the edge, or the desire for power and fame.  However, we do not have to give into these deceptions.  Often, we rename these things with labels such as: addictions, depression, disorders and syndromes, but mostly they are self-centered emotions that steal our heart away from God.

So, what’s the solution?  God’s faithfulness!  The passage says God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist it.  You can count on it!  God wants to protect you from the jaws of your enemy, so He has given you a way to escape and it starts in your thoughts.  If you are allowing the lust of eyes, flesh, and pride to dominate your thought life, you are going to struggle with every temptation that comes your way.  James 1:14 says, we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires and enticed (aka thought life).  So, we are back to input.  What are you feeding your spirit? I cannot stress enough how important it is to put God’s Word into your heart every day.  Have a daily diet of God’s Word and then meditate on it and keep it in your heart, in your thoughts and on your lips often.  The Bible says to meditate on it day and night. (Psalms 1:2)  What?  Is that even possible?  Well, I’ve concluded that we are always thinking about something.  Our brain is always going.  It is our responsibility to direct and take authority over our thoughts and not give them the ability to control us.  When your thoughts are in control of your life, you will fall into temptation every time.  By letting your spirit purposefully direct your thoughts to God’s Word, God’s plan and God’s purpose, then you will allow the Spirit of God to be in control and that is where your escape route is.

Today I want to encourage you to take inventory on your thoughts.  Recognize which thoughts you are following and which thoughts you are initiating.  It is totally up to you.  This is good news because you have the power to replace unwanted thoughts with the Word of God!  Have a verse for each day ready to put in the place of these unwanted thoughts such as worry, doubt, confusion and fear.  Putting a plan in place will assure your victory every time!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Get ready

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Our lives here on earth are a series of trials, tests, and struggles.  Our goal is to overcome, but in order to do this it takes practice.  A good example of this is athletics.  Athletes that compete must first prepare for the competition.  They must discipline themselves to eat the right diet and to do the daily training required to even have a chance at the prize.  They cannot skip even one day of their training.  Most days, they probably do not feel like training, but they overcomes their feelings because they know they must “suffer” to be prepared for the competition.  They keep their focus on what the desired outcome is . . . Victory!  The way to get to that victory, is to go through the struggle, discipline, and intense training required.  Surprisingly, after a while of living a life of this kind of discipline, the body begins to crave it and the training becomes a habit.  The athlete no longer has to push through the feelings and suffering because they actually look forward to the preparation time and getting better in their ability.

It’s the same thing with issues and problems we face each day.  If we sit idly by or just ignore difficulties, most of the time they will derail us from our overall goals and victories.  We need to keep our eye on the prize and remain single minded (focused).  This is where the preparation time becomes so crucial.  You have to build up your faith and trust in God daily so that when the difficult times come, you are ready to overcome with the Word of God and your faith anchored strongly in His Spirit through your relationship with Him.  Think of it this way.  If a thief breaks into your home, that is not the time to start a workout program to become strong enough to overcome him.  You must make those preparations ahead of time.  It works the same way with overcoming the obstacles of life.  You must do the work before the trial, test or struggle “breaks in.”

In today’s verse, Paul is talking about disciplining his body.  He says he brings it into subjection so that he can talk to others about salvation without being disqualified by habits that pull him away from his focus.  Paul actually says that after all he has done for the kingdom of heaven and all that he has gone through, he can still be taken out of the race if he doesn’t keep control of his bodily habits.  He knows that there are times he will have to push through his feelings and he knows there will still come times that he will have to resist the temptation to give up and quit. 

Today I want to encourage you to strengthen your faith by getting more of God’s Word in your heart. Make spending time fellowshipping with God a priority in your daily spiritual “workout.” Spend time in praise and worship to fill up with the power and strength of His Spirit. Get prepared for all obstacles by being focused on what is on the other side of your fight and get ready for the joy of victory through every trial that comes your way. 

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27