The Daily Dose

The best gifts

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31

What are the best gifts.  Of course, this is talking about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but how do we know which gifts to desire.  Beyond that, is it even our place to decide which gift to use?  Well, this is one of those sentences with the understood subject of you, so if (You) is in the phrase, it looks like it is up to me personally.  But (you) earnestly desire the best gifts.  In reality, it is up to (you) personally to desire the gift, not choose the gift.  Below are three examples of choosing the best gift:

First, in Acts 3:6 & 7 Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Peter and John saw the lame man at the gate Beautiful and knew that the best gift for that time was not silver or gold, but strength in the man’s feet and ankle bones.

Again, in Acts 9:40 – Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.   Here, Peter desired the best gift of raising Tabitha from the dead.  A total and complete healing.

Lastly in Acts 16:18 it says: And this she did for many days.  But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” Paul desired the best gift in this situation and cast that evil spirit out of the girl and set her free.

There is no record of the Holy Spirit telling them what to do or which gift to use.  They desired the best gift by themselves. It was the gift needed for their immediate circumstances.  Of course, they were well prepared because they were earnestly desiring the best gifts at all times.  From these passages and many others, we can discern that the best gift is the gift that is needed at the time.  The lame man needed healing, not money, so Peter desired that gift to heal the lame man at the gate.  Paul needed discerning and casting out demons, so he desired that gift from the Holy Spirit.

There is one instance when someone tried to buy the gifts and that did not go so well. (see Acts 8:14 – 25) These gifts of the Spirit can only come from earnestly desiring them from the Holy Spirit and cannot be purchased from any person.

Let’s talk about earnestly for a minute.  The definition of earnestly is pursuing with serious intensity.  I have to be honest with you and say, I don’t believe that I have ever pursued the gifts of the Holy Spirit with serious intensity, although I am learning to.  Of course the apostles were taught by Jesus personally, but even Jesus said:  “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  (John 14:12) So now we know that the works of the Holy Spirit are not limited to the apostles that walked with Jesus in the world.  He said whoever believes in Him will do these works.  He even went so far to say that those who believe in Me WILL do these works also.  It almost sounds like a requirement.

So here is what I am encouraging you to do today:  Earnestly desire the best gifts!  It is not unscriptural. it is not ungodly, and it is not wrong.  In fact, it’s a command.  You earnestly desire the best gifts and then you will see a more excellent way.  That sounds like a promise and you will see that excellent way when you intensely desire His best gifts.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Work today

“If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?”   1 Corinthians 12:17

Today I want to talk about differences.  Criticism can stem from the frustration of people doing things differently than others.  Because you are different than I am, you see things differently than I can see them.  Therefore, you have another perspective and get things accomplished in your own way.  Neither of us may be wrong, we are just different.  Let me give you an example of what I mean. 

I see many people at my job that become frustrated with management because management must look at the big picture while the employee is focused on their own position and the ways to make it easier to get their job done.  So, when the boss doesn’t see things from the employee point of view the employee begins to complain and criticize the way things are handled and think they could do their boss’ job better.

In the same way, it is easy to become frustrated with people doing things differently than you would like them done.  This is often seen in close relationships and even marriages.  Your closest friends can be the most frustrating at times because they just do things differently than you would do them.

I believe we can learn some about this from today’s scripture.  God made us all to have a different perspective and there are some very good reasons why. 

1. If we didn’t have diverse points of view, we would all see things the same way which would cause us to do things all the same resulting in a very boring world.

2. He designed us with differences, so we have to work together and learn from one another to accomplish things. 

3. He gave us a variety of gifts and abilities to complement each other and in the case of most marriages, we balance each other out. 

Where one person is weak, the other is strong in that area and vice versa.  Also, bringing two perspectives or ideas together can translate into a third possibility and better solution they may have never been considered without a difference of opinions.  That’s what becomes the most frustrating.  If you are anything like me, you would rather just get the job done your way, but that is not the way God wants us to be.  He wants us to meet, commune, and brainstorm with each other often.  He made us different so we could all contribute in a different way to get the job done the best way possible.  The results are far superior because of all the unique contributions.

Today, I want to encourage you to see things in a different light than you have in the past.  Notice how those around you are doing things differently than you do, then ask yourself, is it really a bad thing?  Maybe there is a reason they are doing it that way.  Is there any potential for something beyond me if our two ideas come together?  Can there be a third and better option if the two ideas meet?  Recognize that God has you connected with the people around you to strengthen you and to make a better version of all those involved.  Then begin to thank God for all the diverseness in the world and that life is more interesting with other perspectives in it.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?

18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,

24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,

25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Next step

“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”  Acts 10:47

I have always heard that baptism was the first step of obedience after entering into a personal relationship with the Father through the blood sacrifice of Jesus.  Baptism was the first thing the new Christians did as soon as they believed and received salvation in the New Testament.  Even Jesus before He started His ministry here in the world, was baptized by John the Baptist.

Baptism in the New Testament church was an act of a person’s own will when they were old enough to decide that they wanted to follow Jesus.  It was not something that was ever done in the scripture to a baby before the child ever knew what they were doing.  Baptism is an outward expression of your internal faith, and it tells the people around you that you have made the decision in your life to be a person of faith and that you are living your life according to the word of God through a relationship with the everlasting Father of heaven.

My personal experience with baptism was as a young child of seven years old, my Father baptized me after my mother led me to the Lord at the young age of five.  When I became an adult and lived many years of my life following the selfishness of my own desires, I struggled with knowing if I was actually saved when I was baptized at seven years old.  At that age, it was not a conscience decision I made to walk in the way of the Lord Jesus.  It was something I was told to do because it was time.  Through the years I debated if I was actually being intentionally obedient or even born again at the time of my baptism, the Lord reminded me of the time I sat at the table with my mother as she explained salvation to me, and I invited Him into my life.  Yet, I still questioned if it was for real.  Then one day, we took a trip to the holy land, and I had the opportunity to be baptized in the river Jordan.  I was so excited that I could be immersed in the very water that Jesus once was.  When that day came, I remembered after I was raised up out of the water sensing His Spirit on the inside of my heart saying: “You can stop having that debate any longer.”  I now had confirmation that I had truly taken the next step and was ready to enter into His call for my life.

In today’s reading, after Peter had preached to Cornelius and those with him, they were all saved, filled with the holy Spirit and then Peter immediately took them to water and commanded each of to them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  There was no waiting period and there was no special class they all had to take.  It was the next step then and it is the next step now.

Today I want to encourage you that if you have never been water baptized since you received Jesus into your life and heart, plan on doing it today.  Get with your pastor or group leader and get on the schedule to take this next step of obedience.  Show the world around you that you are serious about following the plan and path God has for your life and take the first step now of water baptism.  If you were baptized as an infant or young age, there is nothing wrong with that, it just wasn’t something you decided on your own.  You did get wet, but that is not what baptism is about.  Take the plunge for real and make that decision as an adult that you are going to take the first step of obedience to Him through this public demonstration of your commitment of faith in Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 

45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 

46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 

47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Fully persuaded

^{Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  Acts 10:34}

 This is amazing and truly demonstrates that Peter who once denied that he even knew the Lord Jesus, was now fully persuaded that He was the Savior of all people of the world.  Only a few chapters before this, the apostle Peter and John were forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus ever again.  Now he was summoned to the home of a Roman military man and doesn’t even hesitate to share the good news of salvation in the name of Jesus.  This is for sure the answer to the prayer that they prayed for boldness after being released from custody.

In Acts 4:29-30 we read the prayer that they prayed:   Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

Again, I will remind you that the first Christians never prayed for safety, protection or even for the persecution to go away.  They prayed that they would proclaim the message of Jesus boldly.  It is the way that they were able to spread that good news to the whole world at that time.

It is the same boldness that we need to be praying for today.  In this world of comfort and convenience, we need to be stepping up as God’s people and proclaiming the message of the gospel when opportunities are presented.  We can begin to pray for people that are searching for the truth to come our way.  We can ask God for a stirring inside that will result in the boldness that is needed for this day and age, and we can fill up with His Word and Spirit to be ready to share every chance we get.

Today I want to challenge you to begin to pray for boldness every day.  Pray for the opportunity to share God’s unconditional love with the world around you.  Tell those who are looking for answers that there is hope and invite people to go along with you to small groups and weekend services.  Let’s all take a step of faith and stop praying the safe prayers.  Get excited about what God has done in your life and share that with those around you.  Take steps out of your comfortable living and into the faith line that you are called to and set the world on fire with the good news of freedom in God’s provision of salvation through the blood of Jesus.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 

35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 

36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 

40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 

41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 

42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 

43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Worship Him

But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” Acts 10:26

Personally, I have never had anyone run up to me and bow down to worship.  I am thankful because that would be very awkward and uncomfortable.  Maybe you have?  I do know it doesn’t happen everyday for most people. I think it would be safe to say that most Christians would be extremely surprised and taken aback if it ever happened.  But there are some people who might like that kind of attention?

I have heard people that go so far the other way, when given a compliment saying, I had nothing at all to do with it, it was all God.  Once I heard a couple once say they had nothing to do with the beautiful baby they were holding after bringing that small life into the world.  Well, they actually did have something to do with it.  If they had not done their part, no baby would be there to admire.

The truth is that God works with us to get things accomplished in this world.  Big and small, He leads and graces us to get His plan done.  It is actually a very humbling experience to be part of His great works. So, when someone tells you what a great job you have done, it is okay to say thank you.  Or you can say something like: I had a lot of help. (That help came from God but can also be from others too.)  It is not pride if you acknowledge that you had a part in the accomplishment.  The problem only comes when you think that you did it all by yourself and you are deserving of glory and honor because you are so special.

In today’s reading, Cornelius bowed down to Peter when he arrived at his home.  Peter told Cornelius straight up that he was a person just like Cornelius.  This happened a lot to the apostles in the New Testament.  Maybe it was because of the customs of the Roman society that that were living in, but they were all quick to say: Don’t worship me, I am just a person like you.

The truth is we all can do great things if we follow and work in partnership with God’s Spirit and we always give God the glory by acknowledging our part and His.  In that way, others can know that they can also do the great things God has planned for them as they get their assignment from Him each day.

Today I want to encourage you to first of all, don’t get caught in the trap of pride when others give you praise.  Admit that you played a part, but that your Father and others made it all come together.  Rarely does God give us great victories when we are alone.  He brings us together with others to get our missions done.  By tuning in and putting your hand to all that He leads to, you will a part of His plan to work all things and people together for the good of those who love Him.  That is when it will be so easy to give Him the glory for your success.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:24-33

24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 

25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 

26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 

27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 

28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 

29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 

31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 

32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 

33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Open Doors

Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Acts 10:20

 It’s been a busy couple of weeks.  This past weekend was our annual women’s conference at our church and the weeks leading up to it have been packed full.  It’s only one of the reasons I didn’t get a message posted everyday last week.  Added to that, I was asked to speak at two different small events during the week leading up to the conference which added some preparation to the activity of the week.  It would have been easy for me to say that my schedule was just to full to add anything else into it. However, since I have already decided I do not want to miss any open doors that God puts in front of me, I make my decisions when opportunity comes by checking in on what God may be doing.  I used to have the philosophy that when my schedule was full, it was ok to say “no” to unexpected requests that come my way.  However, I have now come to realize that God presents these occasions to help others to not only grow and strengthen me, but also to remind me that when I trust His grace for the time and resources I need, He always make things fit into my schedule with room to spare.

In today’s reading, an unplanned event happened in Peter’s life.  It doesn’t look on the surface like Peter was terribly busy.  He was staying at a friend’s house and waiting for dinner.  It was definatly an interruption in what he already had going on, but Peter greeted the men, invited them to stay to night and left with them in the morning.  This was way bigger than the commitments I slotted into my busy schedule.  (I only needed to free up about two hours in the week and maybe a couple more for preparation.) Peter took an entire evening and the next day to go with these men to Cornelius’ house.  Keep in mind that the apostle Peter was in charge of the church, so he wasn’t exactly a person with a lot of free time.  I find it interesting that in a time when he was alone to spend quiet time with God in prayer, that the vision came and also when the Spirit told him about the guys coming for him.  This again reinforces how important it is to have a plan each day and spend time talking with your Father in heaven.

In today’s society I hear a lot of talk about boundaries and not letting people take advantage of you, but I want to encourage you to make sure that you are not saying no to the things that God is calling you too.  Moments that may seem big or uncomfortable or even occasions that seem like they may cost you some valuable time and money.  God will supply when He is calling you and He will make these events fit into your schedule.  We read about Phillip a couple weeks ago and how God told him to go one place and supernaturally transported him to his next appointment right on time.  He can make it all fit and keep you on your schedule too.

Today I want to encourage you to check in often with your heavenly Father.  Walk out your days in a running conversation with Him.  Don’t make your decisions based on feelings and circumstances.  If you do, you will miss out on some of the greatest blessings that God has planned for you.  Let the Spirit of God direct your paths day by day and when you do, you will always know the right decision to make at the right time to walk through the open doors He puts in front of you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:17-23

17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 

18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 

20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 

23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Not Common Anymore

And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”  Acts 10:15

Peter was maybe the first person that God revealed His plan for saving all people to.  The disciples in the upper room on the day of Pentecost and all that had come to salvation through their witness and testimony after that were Jewish peoples.  It is obvious by Peter’s response that none of them had even considered that Jesus died for the sin of the whole world.  They were just trying to learn about and get a grasp on Jesus coming to die for their sin and not to restore the kingdom of Israel back to them from the Roman rule at that time.  Everything the Holy Spirit was showing them was new and revealing to them.  Well, not exactly.  These new ways that they were being introduced to were all prophesied in the Old Testament, but they were just starting to figure that out.  It seemed that they believed the prophecies about the Messiah coming but that was all they remembered.

So when Peter fell into a trance and the Holy Spirit showed him that Jesus had made clean what used to be the unclean, Peter had a hard time grasping that.  He actually argued with God’s Spirit, so God showed him the vision three times.  Even then, I’m not totally sure he understood what God was trying to reveal to him.  It wasn’t until Cornelius’ men came to take him back to Cornelius that Peter was starting to get it.  The point is that Peter and us today are not to call unclean or common what God has cleansed through Jesus’ blood.

Even though Cornelius was a gentile and not of the Jewish faith, God still considered him, the common or unclean, as cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  But it was up to Cornelius to receive that cleansing through the provision of salvation.  It was not automatic.  The cleaning had been done by Jesus at the cross, but Cornlius and all of us still had to receive that cleansing by faith.

What does that look like for us today?  We were once foreigners and far from God but now in Christ Jesus we have been brought near to Him.  That salvation is available for every person that is here in this world, but it is up to each one individually to receive that provision personally.  Now beyond us there are many out there who have not yet received, but God has cleansed and there is no common anymore.  He turned the choice over to each individual to receive that cleansing or not.  God cleaned the whole mess up and it is up to us to show others how to get in that cleansing stream.

Don’t call unclean or common what God has cleansed.  So, the next time you look at those far from God don’t despise them as wretched sinners, fill up with compassion because Jesus died and made provision for them too.  They just need to receive His cleansing just as you once did.

Today I want to encourage you to thank your heavenly Father for making clean what once was unclean.  Thank Him for that provision of salvation that you received and is available for all people no matter how despicable they are.  Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with love and compassion for all others and when you see the people around you lost in their foolishness and sin, pray for them and take the opportunities when they come to tell them about God’s great love and cleansing that is available to all.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:9-16

9The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 

10Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 

11and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 

12In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 

13And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 

16This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Make sure

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”    Acts 10:1-2

 This is one of my favorite accounts in the scripture because Cornelius and his family were the first gentiles (non-Jewish people) to receive the new birth.  This was groundbreaking and if God hadn’t initiated it, the disciples probably would have never had the idea on their own.  Even when Peter came to Cornelius’ house, he told him how the Jewish people were not to associate with the gentiles.  Peter even argued with God when God told him not to call unclean what God had cleansed.

Now, I want to take a couple minutes and look at what we know about Cornelius. Chapter 10 in the book of Acts is the first time we ever hear anything about him and the last for that matter.  However, it is very significant.  In verse one and two we are introduced to Cornelius and get a brief explanation of who he was.  He was a centurion in the Roman military, Italian, devout (religious), feared God along with his household, gave generously to people and prayed to God a lot.  In verse 30 it says he even fasted.  Wow!  He was very spiritual! So why did Peter have to go preach the gospel to him?  He was already doing things that Christians are supposed to be doing.  He even talked to God, and we know God heard him because the angel told him that his prayers and alms had come before God.  This is amazing!  Then on top of everything, God sends an angel to him.  What is the deal?  Why is this gentile man so precious to God?

 So the points is, even though Cornelius was a very good, God fearing person, he still needed to believe in Jesus and receive remission of sins through repentance.  It didn’t matter how good he was and how much he talked to God, he still wasn’t part of the kingdom of heaven until he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Cornelius had to make the choice of salvation through Christ Jesus.  He had to come to the point that he realized he couldn’t get to God based on his “good works.”  I also want to point out, once again, the faithfulness of God.  He is so good!  He hears, listens to and even answers prayers of people who aren’t even His children.  The really awesome news is that when He sees the heart of someone who truly wants to know Him and follow His ways, we can be sure He will get the message through to them.  You can count on that!

Once again, I want to encourage you today to examine your heart.  Ask yourself if you truly remember a time when you invited Jesus into your heart to be Lord of your life.  Don’t depend on your good works to get you there, submit your life to Him and His Kingdom and enter in through His one way, Jesus?  The only way!  Why not make today the day?  Ask the Lord to forgive you for your sin and invite Him into your heart and life and ask Him to be Lord of your life!  I will let you know up front, His answer will be yes!!  He is waiting to come in right now!  Invite Him in today by praying a prayer like this:

God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

 Today’s scripture reading:  Acts 10:1-8

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 

2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 

3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 

5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 

6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” 

7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 

8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

The language of heaven

_{To another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:10}

Today I am going to write about the last two of the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in this passage because they go together.  Different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues.  First of all let’s define tongues:  Tongues is the language of heaven, given supernaturally to God’s people through the Holy Spirit for His divine purpose and timing.

Since this is such a widely debated topic, I am going to stick to the scripture as closely as possible and leave out my personal feelings on this subject.  God’s Word says plenty about tongues, so it is easiest to just listen to what God wants us to know about it. 

Let’s begin where tongues started in Acts chapter 2.  On the day of Pentecost, many of Jesus’ disciples were in the upper room waiting for the promised Holy Spirit to come.  Jesus told them to wait until they received power from on high, the Holy Spirit.  He didn’t tell them how they would recognize Him and I’m sure after a few days they began to wonder.  However, when the Holy Spirit showed up, there was no questions anymore.  They knew exactly what was happening as it was happening.

Here is what the passage says:

• When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

The first Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance.  While in the upper room, I will make note that they had no interpreter or interpretation at that time.  It wasn’t until they went out on the streets that people began to hear them speaking in other earthly languages and proclaiming the gospel.

• And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”   Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” Acts 2:5-13

There were mockers back then much like there still are today.  So, when Jesus’ followers came out on the street, a supernatural thing happened.  All the people around could understand them in their own language, yet there were still some that were mocking because they did not understand that a supernatural thing was happening.

So this is the first mention of tongues in the scriptures here in Acts 2.  Continuing in Acts, the disciples were filled and spoke with tongues again in Acts 4:31 when they all prayed for boldness to speak God’s word.

Now in 1 Corinthians is the first teaching on Tongues.  Up until this time, the gift of tongues was being used regularly, but some didn’t even know how to use it.  This is why Paul began to teach the church at Corinth what tongues were for.  In chapter 14, Paul unpacks it for everyone to understand.  In verse 2 he says whoever speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God because no person understand him, but in the spirit that person is speaking mysteries.  Paul said that speaking in tongues was speaking to God in His language.  Certainly, this requires the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit.

In verse 4 of chapter 14 Paul said: whoever speaks in a tongue edifies or builds himself up.  This is good news because we all have times when we need some building up.  It makes sense that God provided a supernatural way for us to recharge when we get depleted.  In verse 5, (this is simply amazing) Paul flat out says:  I wish you all spoke with tongues.  He qualifies it by saying it is a thing you do in your personal time, not in the church unless someone is going to interpret.  So here is the reason for interpretation of tongues.  In a group of people, you are to speak with your understanding or else it is unprofitable to the hearer.

Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 14:18, Paul said: he is so thankful that he speaks with tongue more than any of them, but in church he would rather just speak a few words that others could understand.  Then in verses 20-21 He brings in an Old Testament prophecy about tongues:

• Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.

As I write this, I am overwhelmed with the amount of scripture there is about the gift of this heavenly language.  From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament church this gift has been proclaimed and sought after.  The only scripture I have ever heard that debates this gift of tongues is in chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians that says:  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. The only problem is that it is right in the middle of a verse that ends with knowledge will vanish away and that hasn’t happened yet.  Given the amount of scripture that supports this gift, I believe it is for believers today and that it is a great benefit in every believer’s faith walk to build up and edify your spirit.

Here’s my encouragement for today.  Talk to God about this gift from His very own Spirit.  Ask Him if it is for you today?  Ask Him to make it plain and clear to you and that you would have no more doubt about what is right.  Then put away all your preconceived ideas about this gift and open your heart to whatever the Holy Spirit of God wants to show you.  God your Father and the Holy Spirit of God are working together and they want the best for you!  The last thought I want to leave you with today is:  There is going to be times in life when you will need all that God has for you!  Fill up with His Spirit and receive all the gifts He wants to fill your life with.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 11:9-13

• “So, I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Discerning of spirits

To another discerning of spirits.  1 Corinthians 12:10

The Holy Spirit gift of discerning spirits is being made aware of the presence of a demonic spirit.  I have heard people say in the past that they had the gift of discernment, but there is not gift of discernment.  It is the gift of discerning spirits.  Claiming to have the gift of discernment usually meant that they were good at criticizing and judging others.

Discerning of spirits is critical because it is important to know the spirit behind a voice.  In Acts 16, Paul and his team were being followed around by a girl that was saying “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim the way of salvation.”  She wasn’t wrong.  What that demonic spirit was saying through her was actually true, but after it went on for many days, Paul finally turned to her and commanded the demon to come out of her, and it left.  The reason he discerned that evil spirit and called it out was for two reasons.  First, it was to set that young girl free.  The second reason was for the ministry.  The people of that region knew that girl was a slave to those who were taking advantage of her fortune telling ability.  Paul did not want their ministry to be validated by her and look like she was working with them. 

Jesus operated in the gift of discerning of spirits many times during His ministry.  He even told the religious leaders of the day that they were of their father the devil in John 8.  Even though they were the leaders of the people of Israel, Jesus could tell that the spirit behind them was not from God.  He said, “I desire mercy over sacrifice.”  He also told James and John that they did not know what spirit they were of now that they were following Him. (see Luke 9) He told them that He did not come to destroy men but to save them.

Even though people may look like they were spiritual, as in the case of the religious leaders and the disciples, it is still important to be able to discern the spirit behind their voice.  Mostly, you can discern a wrong spirit when words do not line up with the Word of God.  In the case of James and John, they were actually with Jesus and part of His ministry team, yet they still took on a worldly spirit when the pressure was on. 

Today I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to discern Him from the evil spirits in this world.  Ask for the wisdom to see the forces of evil that try to stir up discord and trouble everywhere they are.  Stand against the spirits of darkness each morning and resist them as you are on your way.  Lastly, refuse to be pushed into taking on their ways of pride, arrogance, evil thinking and hate for others.  Instead, turn your heart to God and take on His way of loving others because God’s love will push the evil away, always.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 9:51-56

51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,

52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him.

53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.

54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.

56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.