Note for 2024/05/15

‭1 Corinthians 12:1-31 KJV‬

[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. [2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. [3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. [4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. [12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [14] For the body is not one member, but many. [15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? [18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [19] And if they were all one member, where were the body? [20] But now are they many members, yet but one body. [21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [23] and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. [24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: [25] that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. [26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? [30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? [31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.12.1-31.KJV

This here, friends, is the lead into that chapter of first Corinthians that most know, about love. But this here, is important to know first. Surely the text was understood; it is not complex, and yet, the application must be complex else we would see this order in the church. I say order, because is it orderly if a body suffers a limb severed? Point in fact, you have just read; then, where are the prophets? Where are the ones gifted with healing and speaking in diverse tongues? Where are the miracles? Are they in your congregations, then you are blessed. Each of these, I can personally confess, they exist. They are still among us, but not all gather in the congregations controlled by man. Is the teacher not in the class, as the student; while the hunter, the caregiver and yes the provider is doing their duty where that duty must be performed. Does the evangelist not go out while the teacher and the preacher call others in? Who then is the advisor, where are words of wisdom spoken and are those that care for the ill and imprisoned not sent to them?

Friends, the more I learn, the more I come to know how little I know and understand. And some matters, simply leave me in Awe of our Creator. For the things I expect to be, those I often find corrupted, and just as I come to be sorrowful of the state of man; GOD will show me a righteous treasure where I least expected it. This matter of body parts, as we share part in the body of Christ, is something to have great respect for. So often, we do not understand the roles others play in the fulfillment of God's Will. I put it to you, that is why this, what we just read, leads into the chapter about love.

I know that there are still many among us that do not know their role. I pray that GOD will reveal it to you clearly to strengthen you and give you hope. And yes, indeed, it is by the Spirit of GOD that all gifts come, as it need be, in the time it is needed, to those that are needed and so called by GOD.

Now this, can we limit GOD? Can we be advisors to GOD? Should we determine who GOD calls to which duties? Shall we make demands of GOD from our limited understanding? Do we somehow know better?

Then, do we not honor GOD as we pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, here on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily Bread, and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen?" For GOD is our Father in Heaven, and HOLY is His Name.

Is Christ Jesus not Head of us? Were we not given to Him by The Father? Who then rules, if not the Head of the Body (the Church, the Bride of Christ our Lord?) And, does all not come to us of GOD, even by the very same Holy Spirit, unto all that is part in this One Body? And, if then set apart from those whose names were never written in the Book of Life, are we not set apart, Holy unto The Lord?

Friends, GOD is Head over ALL. So shall He bless as He pleases according to His Pleasure. So shall He call to duty, as He pleases. Who then determines the gifting, but He that is the Giver of all things? Can a gift be demanded? And is He that gives to one, not also the Giver to all others? Does He not Have All to Give, abundantly as much as He wants? Shall He not give as is needed, even faith itself?

Right now, you might think, "Oh, this was just a play of words." My friend, read again.

From personal experience, do not be surprised if you are gifted in the very thing you feared to receive. For I wanted to be a singer, even imagined singing in GOD'S Heavenly Choir one day, and here I am, separated from the world, contained indoors for observing and learning, guided by The Spirit of GOD as if I am a Blind Man. And yet, was I called by the Word "Mispah" to watch and see, listen and hear. And while I was never fond of reading, I was called to read and learn. Now, I cannot live without the Word, and that was GOD'S doing. The Lord knows better than what we think we do. He has a design for our lives, we could not imagine for ourselves, and yet, when we step into His will, instead of our own, we become alive in ways we could never imagine. You see, GOD made us, He knows better than us what we were created for. So has it become sweeter to serve than to be served.

So trust in GOD'S gifting. Trust in GOD'S outcome. For I tell you from personal experience, it will change you forever. Let the Words you pray to GOD, even the very prayer as above, become the truth of you. GOD'S way, not mine.

Yes, it is pleasing to know all these things we read, but it is more to live it. When GOD says He will Bless, He Will, just be patient, for time is for man, but timing is of GOD. And, His timing is Perfect!

Let GOD decide what is best for you, and trust Him, in all, without fear. He loved you so much that He sent His own Son to die for you. Trust Him then for His Will for your life is better than you can imagine. But, you have to bow to Him, and give Him your Crown so He may Rule over you in Righteousness. Only when you cede what is yours to Him, can you be part of His Kingdom. Understand? Let Him give as He Wills for you, for He is intent to save your Soul. Follow the Way that He made available for Salvation, which is His Word, His Christ for us.

Verse of the Day

(From the YouVersion Bible App and not under my control)

‭John 15:1-10 KJV‬

(Expanded from Verse 2)

[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. [9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. [10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.15.1-10.KJV

Finally:

The LORD gave us the same message in many forms, by many authors, at various times: so all may find understanding of His intent. To save mankind, because of His Love for us. It is God’s Will to save us, but He will not force us. He invites us to believe in the Salvation He has set apart for us. It is God’s will in God’s way, to put it plain. Accepting that Way of Salvation, includes us to partake of that SET Salvation. We do not make the rules for salvation, neither what it is which we must believe in; GOD DOES.

Shalom.

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