February 20, 2022

Sunday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

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

[Observation]
Oh, not all pre-salvation customs and activities are wrong, but Paul gave a clear,
identifying mark, of the spiritual man or woman, who was growing in grace as
opposed to the unbeliever. "Therefore, I make known to you," Paul explained, "that
no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus is accursed,' and no one can say,
'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit."

[Application]
We should rejoice that our names are written in heaven, praising Him that He has
regarded us with His loving-kindness and tender-mercies. We should be like-
minded, having love for one another, being one in spirit and of one mind.
We should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but rather in humility,
we should value others above ourselves and in humility of mind we should regard
one another as more important than ourselves, to His glory.
[Prayer]
Loving Father, I thank You that I am part of Your body and for the gracious gifts
You have graciously bestowed on each one of Your children. I pray that I may use
the gifts You have given me to encourage and edify the body of Christ to Your
praise and glory, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.
February 20, 2022

Sunday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

S) "6When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you
while you were in your blood, 'Live!' Yes, I said to you while you were in your
blood, 'Live!'"
Ezekiel 16:6 (NASB)

O) The LORD gave Ezekiel a lengthy analogy, describing the Israelites as a baby
girl, despised at birth, and abandoned in the wilderness. The above verse begins a
long description of the Father God raising up this baby girl, all the way to maturity,
when she is old enough to marry. Then, He takes her as His wife and adorns her in
beauty, feeds her with the finest foods, and loves her lavishly. The woman begins a
life of harlotry, and that's the bigger message to the Israelites at this time, but I
really chose the above verse, at the beginning, because it emphasizes the grace that
God has for us. He takes us from the brink of death, when we were alone and
abandoned with no help and no hope. He doesn't simply allow us to live, He
doesn't stop when we are healthy again, but He continues to bring us up, until we
are ready to be devoted to Him. He doesn't simply require devotion as "payback"
because we "owe Him" for saving our lives. No, He continues to bless, continues
in His grace, by pouring out gift upon gift, beauty upon beauty, courting us at
every turn, inviting our love in every way.

A) Humble thanks should be my main response to this. Obviously, there is an

unspoken (at least in this single verse) warning that is to be taken from this, to be
devoted to my Lord and not become a harlot. But this morning, I am particularly
struck by the gracious nature of my Father God, my Lord and King, my Redeemer.
P) Father God, I am in awe of Your eternal grace. This grace You have for me
precedes my knowledge of You. This grace You gave me was from the beginning
of who I am, before I even understood that I needed it, that I needed You. I was
abandoned to this world at my birth, doomed by the sin that was born with me,
within me. There was none to save me, none to love me, none who could restore
me, and make me live. I was dying, and I could barely comprehend it. But You
took me, held me, made me live. You cleaned me, fed me, clothed me. You gave
me purpose, beauty, and everything good. You held back no good gift, even still
You bless in grace. I know that I am still prone to death, prone to sins that amount
to harlotry. Thank You for the blood-purchase made, through Your Son, Jesus
Christ. Remind me often, especially during hardships and grief, that Your grace
was from the beginning, in the midst of my own doom, and Your grace continues
even now. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
February 21, 2022

Monday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the
body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB)

[Observation]
The human body consists of many different components but it is one unit. There
are many hidden internal organs and a multiplicity of visible external members.
Each has its own unique function, and yet every single body-part needs to interact
with every other member, and work together synergistically in order to maintain a
strong, healthy, functioning body.

When one member does not work correctly, or is impaired, paralysed, in pain, or
disconnected, it has a significant effect on the rest of the body. This
interrelationship of every aspect of the human body is used, by Paul, to illustrate
the beautiful way that each member of the body of Christ is important to the whole,
and should function and interact with all other members. Christ is the Head of the
body, and just as the head of a human body is the control tower which governs
every internal organ and directs each external member to work together in
synergistic harmony, so it should be with every member of the body of Christ,
which is the Church - for HE is our Head.
Each member is unique, and every individual part has his or her own, particular job
to do. Each part of the body has its own important function within the entire body,
but when one member is sick, or functioning incorrectly, it has a devastating effect
on the efficacious operation of the whole, "for even as the body is one and yet has
many members, though they are many, there is one body - so also is Christ." Paul
was not trying to give us an anatomy lesson, but was using something that is very
familiar to everyone, to stress the importance of each Christian functioning
efficiently. Some members will be very visible, while others quietly carry out the
work that God has prepared for them to do in the place where God has planted
them. All, however, contribute to the effective functioning of the Body of Christ.
And God is no respecter of persons, for all have their own unique role to carry out
in God's ongoing plan of redemption.

Although we are all individual people and have diverse backgrounds, different
experiences, varying gifts, unique abilities, and individual characteristics, we are
all ONE in Christ. Although we are individual members, we are mutually
dependent. As members of Christ's Body we are to work together in holy love and
Christian harmony. Christ is to be made manifest to a broken and hurting world
through the Body of Christ, which is the Church - for individually and collectively
we are His witnesses. Every believer is equipped with certain spiritual gifts and
graces, which should complement the gifts and graces of other believers.

[Application]

As the Church of God we should combine our graces and spiritual gifts, to express
the beauty of Jesus to a world that is dead in trespasses and sin.

Just as the human body is the vehicle by which a man or woman expresses their
character and personality, so the Church is the channel through which Christ Jesus
is enabled to reveal Who He is, and what He has done, as recorded in the Word of
God - so that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
[Prayer]

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am part of the Body of Christ and for the gifts
and graces that You have given to me. I pray that I may live my life according to
Your perfect plans and purposes. Use me to compliment the work carried out by
my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I pray that I may be a beautiful testimony of
the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ my Lord, to a lost and dying world. Unite
the whole Body of Christ, with a dependent mutuality, so that as individuals we
may be truly united as one Body, to serve You in the place where You have
planted us. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

A Blessed Afternoon Team!

I would just like to invite everyone to attend our tech run today, Feb. 21, 2022, at
2PM.
Your presence is greatly appreciated.
See you later! Thank you!

Please click this link to enter the gmeet room:

meet.google.com/nrj-rnih-rbs
February 21, 2022

Monday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

S) "18 'Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My
oil and My incense before them. 19 Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil
and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing
aroma; so it happened,' declares the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 16:18-19 (NASB)

*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new
entry

O) This chapter begins with God reminding His people how graciously He has
treated them, from first choosing them. As the chapter moves along, it progresses
toward the adulterous idolatry of His people. In vv.16-17, God describes how His
provision was used for harlotry, but when we get to the verses above, it takes a
subtle shift. It is no longer only that the people have used what God gave them for
this idolatry, but they are also now taking what belongs to God directly, and using
it for idolatry. It was not just their clothes, jewels, gold, and silver which God had
given them, but it was also His oil, His incense, and His bread. This passage is
really a revelation of God's jealousy. He isn't jealous for His things, as if He so
desired the oil, incense, and bread. He is jealous for His people. But, this shows
that, not only had they betrayed His love, so as to turn away from Him and pursue
idols, but they had betrayed His person, by also stealing from Him.

A) I could certainly take this passage as a warning, and I do, but more than that I
take it as a reminder of how my idolatry (that is, the things I treat as gods in my
heart), it hurts Him. My sins are a betrayal on a deep level with God. And, more
often than not when I sin, I am using His provision as a means to sin. As it says in
Romans 2:4, it is verses like this, which show the lovingkindness of God, and the
pain my sins cause Him, that lead me to repentance, even more so than a warning
of His wrath.

P) Father, forgive me for the idolatry of my heart. Forgive me for using Your
blessings as a means for sinning against You. Forgive me for betraying, not only
Your love, but Your person. Thank You for rescuing me, when I was helpless and
dying. Thank You for blessing me, cleansing me, clothing me. Thank You for
leading me by the hand, as the loving Father that You are, God. Let me dwell on
Your love, Your character, Your compassion. Let me carefully, and prayerfully,
consider how my sins hurt You, and hurt our relationship. Let me walk in
repentance, seeking You more constantly throughout my days. Be glorified in my
life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
February 22, 2022

Tuesday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks,
whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (NASB)

[Observation]
\This verse is in a passage concerning the use and abuse of spiritual gifts, where
Paul moves into an examination of the Christian Church and an explanation of our
membership in the Body of Christ. He wants to show that each member of Christ's
Body is unique in the sight of God and that this complete company of believers is
God’s chosen vehicle on earth, through which He makes Himself known to man.

We are God's representatives on earth during the Church dispensation, and Paul
began his teaching by explaining that every believer is given their own distinctive
gifts and unique ministry. Each manifestation of the Spirit is to be used for the
common good of all Christians. Not everyone receives the same spiritual gifts, and
each ministry is unique, yet varied and complementary.
Spiritual gifts, designated vocations, and all the good work that God has prepared
us to do are bestowed by the same Spirit, to the glory of God and for the benefit of
the entire Church. Paul is trying to convey an eternal principle - that the same Holy
Spirit works in the lives of all believers, but that various gifts and spiritual
manifestations are distributed to each one individually, as He chooses. God is no
respecter of persons and He alone apportions to each one their particular gifts and
spiritual graces - by His own will. 

It is in this context that Paul moves on to explain that although we are individual
members – we are ONE in Christ. Though we all have unique gifts, graces, and
ministries, we are all members of the same Body with one single purpose: "For by
ONE Spirit we were all baptised into ONE body," the Church.

Paul continues to explain that we became a member of the Body of Christ when we
were born again. The moment we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ we
were baptised into the Body of Christ. At salvation we were placed into the Body
of Christ "by ONE Spirit." We were removed from our position in Adam
and positioned in the Body of Christ: "For by ONE Spirit we were all baptised into
ONE body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made
to drink of one Spirit."  

It was on the day of Pentecost that the Church was born. It was on that unique day
that by one Spirit, all the believers in the upper room were baptised into the Body
of Christ. All were placed into Christ's Body "by ONE Spirit," and throughout the
Church dispensation, the moment a sinner is saved by grace through
faith he is removed from his position in Adam and baptised into the Body of Christ
- by one Spirit. 

Although we all have different gifts, graces, ministries, and functions, there is no

hierarchy of believers. God is no respecter of persons and in His eyes we all are
equally important to the smooth functioning of the Body and we are all to work in
obedience to Christ - the Head. There is no difference in status between believers.
God does not differentiate between race or color, gender or age, nationality or
education: "Jews or Greeks, slave or free for by one Spirit we were all baptized
into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all
made to drink of one Spirit."

What a privilege it is to be a member of Christ's Body for we all equally partake of

the same Spirit of God. We all have the same indwelling Holy Spirit, we all
partake of the same spiritual benefits, we all have the same heavenly inheritance,
and we are all equally loved by the same Lord Jesus Christ. 

[Application]

The spiritual Body of Christ is an exact representation of a physical, human body.

It contains many different parts - bones and ligaments, organs and muscles, secret
parts and exposed areas. Every member of the Body is vital to the whole, and each
one is equipped to carry out a different function. Each has unique responsibilities...
and yet ALL unite to ensure the efficient, elegant, and smooth functioning of the
whole.

[Prayer]

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am a full and equal member of Church and that
by Your grace I was baptized into the Body of Christ at salvation. Thank You that I
can partake of the same spiritual benefits that have been promised to all Your
children. Thank You for the gifts, graces, benefits, and ministry You have seen fit
to give me, by Your grace. I pray that I may be a willing and obedient member of
Christ's Body and fulfil all the work You have prepared for me to do - to Your
praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name and for His eternal glory, AMEN.
February 22, 2022

Tuesday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

S) Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth,
and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. - Ezekiel 16:60

O) Although verse 60 of Ezekiel 16 is an unquestionably rich text, there is a certain

tension that is difficult to ignore. While God’s love is indeed confirmed to his
people, Israel’s past conduct has not been forgotten.

At the beginning of this chapter, we discover that Israel’s beginning was marked
by rejection and abandonment (v. 5), but the Lord had graciously and lovingly
intervened to rescue his beloved people. Because God Himself had given her life,
Israel had wonderful potential: a new and promising beginning!

She matured and developed and God entered into an intimate marriage relationship
with her, expressed in the covenant. Verse 14 tells us that her fame spread
worldwide “because the splendour I had given you made your beauty perfect.”
God’s love had made Israel exceedingly beautiful and unique.
The next development in the allegory of this chapter is God’s indictment of his
people, based on their wretched, wicked conduct. The evidence was
overwhelming: Israel had been repeatedly promiscuous. In one dreadful episode
after another, we read of how Jerusalem had been an unfaithful wife. Reading
between the lines, one can almost imagine God’s pain and disappointment: “I did
so much for you, and my love for you has been so constant. How could you do this
to me?” This is a sentiment we know as well; the more you love and trust someone,
the harder their unfaithfulness is to comprehend.

It had been a staggering descent for the people of Israel. Their wickedness had
exceeded even that of the heathen nations around them. Verse 47 gives a stunning
appraisal of the situation: “You not only walked in their ways and copied their
detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than
they.” How is that for a divine slap in the face? The truth hurts. It is one thing for
unbelievers to live in disobedience, but when God’s chosen people are content to
follow the paths of wickedness, it is a tragedy.

How was it possible that those people who had received so much of God’s love
could have acted in such a fashion? The root of the problem is forgetfulness. They
lost track of what they had previously received from the Lord. Forgetfulness led to
pride (v. 15) and unchecked pride led to rebellion and spiritual prostitution.

It is easy for us to recoil in disgust when we read this account. There is the
temptation for us to look down our noses and ask: how could those people have
behaved in such a disgraceful and unthankful manner, after all that God had done
for them?

We live in an age of promiscuity and unfaithfulness. The love of today is fickle

and non-committal. As Christians, we have a calling to be faithful in all our
relationships, as God’s children have always had. And yet in our relationship with
the Lord, we are so frequently unfaithful. Are we really immune from the types of
temptations and struggles that the Israelites were faced with? We are also the
recipients of so much of God’s love. The question we should ask ourselves is this:
are we any better than they were?

Israel was indeed judged for her sin, but thankfully the story does not end there.
Verse 60 speaks of restoration. Israel had forgotten, but God remembered the
covenant He had with his people. Israel had been unfaithful; God remained
faithful. The covenant-breakers received forgiveness and, because of God’s faithful
love, mercy triumphs over judgment. At the end of verse 60, the Lord even speaks
of an everlasting covenant.

Everything hinges on the person and work of Christ. Although God’s people had
been disloyal – and we still struggle with this temptation today – there is a glorious
future for us all because Christ has been faithful. His obedience is ours.

The unfaithful wife has been redeemed and she will one day be presented as a
spotless bride, cleansed with the blood of Christ Himself.

A) We may look forward in thankfulness and love to the return of our Savior and
the glory that awaits us. The words of Revelation 19:6-7 comfort us today as we
live in the light of God’s faithfulness:

P) Father, forgive me for the idolatry of my heart. Forgive me for using Your
blessings as a means for sinning against You. Forgive me for betraying, not only
Your love, but Your person. Thank You for rescuing me, when I was helpless and
dying. Thank You for blessing me, cleansing me, clothing me. Thank You for
leading me by the hand, as the loving Father that You are, God. Let me dwell on
Your love, Your character, Your compassion. Let me carefully, and prayerfully,
consider how my sins hurt You, and hurt our relationship. Let me walk in
repentance, seeking You more constantly throughout my days. Be glorified in my
life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
February 23, 2022

Wednesday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NASB)

[Observation]

As one reads through this epistle to the Corinthian Christians, it is evident

that although these saints were enriched in all the gifts of the Spirit, they were
demonstrably deficient in the fruit of the Spirit. Although they were gifted with
the tongues of men and of angels, prophetic utterances, knowledge, and many
benevolent actions, they lacked godly love and did not exhibit spiritual fruit.
They were not growing in grace and in a knowledge of their Lord and Savior as
God desired, but were regressing in their spiritual growth and maturity... back to
infancy, to their great shame.

This caused Paul to label these Christians as 'spiritually immature'. He described

them as 'carnal' believers who were demonstrating the ungodly ways of the natural,
unsaved man. There was dissension amongst them and arguments. There was
sexual immorality and spiritual pride among their ranks. There was a lack of
spiritual discernment and an absence of true Christian grace.

And so, Paul exhorts the spiritually bankrupt members of the Corinthian Church to
put away childish things and to remember that as members of the Body of Christ,
they had the Holy Spirit of God indwelling their mortal bodies! Therefore, they
should NOT act like the natural man who is dead in his sin and beset by unbelief...
nor should they exhibit the fleshly attitude of a carnal man, which is so displeasing
to the Lord. Paul exhorts these believers to live and behave as spiritual men who
are abiding in Christ and walking in spirit and truth.

He reiterated their need to grow in the faith. They were not to abuse their

spiritual gifts in some unseemly, self-aggrandizement. They were not to
pervert their God-given gifts in order to stroke their own, personal egos. Gifts
of the Spirit are given for the benefit of the Body of Christ and for the glory of
God. They are not given to satisfy the lust of a self-indulgent, carnal believer.

Paul considered that the correct use of our gifts and graces is of special
significance when commemorating Christ's sacrificial death.

Paul considered that particular attention should be given to the correct use of

spiritual gifts in the breaking of bread which represents Christ body - broken for
us, and the sharing of the cup which symbolizes His precious blood - shed for us.
Paul made it very clear that just as a human body is made up of a vast number
of different functioning parts, it remains one unified whole. Each of the different
components and organs of the body has its own vital function and unique position
within the body. A heart is different from an eye, a liver has different functions
from an ear or a toe - but all are needed if the body is to function smoothly.

YES, the Lord Jesus is the Head over the Body, and His supreme command is that
love should prevail in the hearts of all His children. He desires that we consider the
needs of others before our own and that we eschew evil, envy, independence, self-
importance, or personal worthiness.

[Application]

And so, Paul reiterated the importance and responsibility of every individual
believer to live and work together, by maintaining unity within the Church - for
collectively we are all Christ's Body while being individual members of it. Paul
expressed it this way in Romans, "although we are many, we are one Body in
Christ Jesus, and individually we are members of one another."

While each individual member of the body is incapable of carrying out the function
of another body-part, together they work for good. Each makes its own unique
contribution in order to successfully function as one unified whole for the
benefit of the body - but if one member malfunctions, it affects the whole.

Just as the human body was designed by God to function as one unified whole - so
the Body of Jesus Christ has been designed to be a unified whole. Each believer
has been endowed by the Spirit with his or her own gifts and graces. Each has been
spiritually equipped to carry out the work that God has prepared for them to do, so
that together with the rest of the Body of Christ, they will individually and
collectively grow in grace and walk in the unity of the Spirit.
The Christian Church is composed of all individuals who have been saved by grace
through faith in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Each
church fellowship is a microcosm of the world-wide Body of Christ. Each has
its own unique role to play and all members are of equal value and import to our
heavenly Father. As Paul wrote in Ephesians, "we are to grow up in all aspects
into Him who is the head, that is,  Christ, from whom the whole Body, being
fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper
working of each individual part, causes the growth of the Body for the
building up of itself in love." 

How important that the genuine unity of the Body is maintained, while at the same
time recognizing that we are a diverse group of redeemed individuals that consist
of Jews and Gentiles, male and female, young and old, black and white, slave and
free. Praise God that we are all ONE in Christ Jesus our Lord and that by grace
through faith, "we are now Christ's Body - and individually members of it."

[Prayer]

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being united to Christ by faith and
being part of Your Body - the Church. Thank You for my brothers and sisters in
Christ, and I pray that we would be united together in love. I pray that in all things
we would learn to love You with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and
put the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ before our own, for Your greater
praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
February 23, 2022

Wednesday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

S) "18 'Now he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and behold, he pledged
his allegiance, yet did all these things; he shall not escape.' 19 Therefore, thus says
the Lord God, 'As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant
which he broke, I will inflict on his head.'"

Ezekiel 17:18-19 (NASB)

O) There was a two-fold problem at work during this second exile. Zedekiah, king
of Judah, was set on the throne in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
In that ascension, he pledged allegiance to Babylon. Then he rebelled, seeking aid
from Egypt. The first problem, is that Zedekiah refused to accept that the
oppression by Babylon was the judgment from the LORD. The second problem,
which stems directly from that, is that he sought aid from another kingdom instead
of help from the LORD. Zedekiah didn't recognize the Lord GOD from either side,
that the sword and the refuge both belong to Him. So, v.18 shows that Zedekiah
wouldn't acknowledge the LORD was behind the conquest. Then, v.19 shows that
Zedekiah wouldn't acknowledge the LORD was his salvation.

A) While we are not destined for wrath, as believers (see 1 Thessalonians 5:9),
passages like this are still incredibly helpful to see who God is. And, make no
mistake, this is still who God is, because the LORD does not change. So, I am
thankful that I have received mercy through grace by the blood of Jesus Christ. I
remember that hardship is still sometimes discipline from my Father God. Last,
during hardships, I look to my Lord GOD for help.

P) Father, Your plans are great, and Your sovereignty is irresistible. Open my eyes
to see Your plan. Help me recognize when hardship is discipline, and correct my
wrong behavior and heart. Open my ears to hear Your voice, to know Your call,
especially to recognize when I have sinned and need to repent. Thank You for the
mercies You have shown me, and continue to show me. Let Your will be done. In
the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
February 24, 2022

Thursday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31 (NASB)

[Observation]
Spiritual gifts can be over-exaggerated by some Christians while being understated
by others. While some elevate the importance of spiritual gifts above their great
salvation, others can diminish the tremendous benefits that are ours through the
spiritual gifts we receive from the Lord. But it is important that spiritual gifts are
used as God determined. They are not to be abused, or used for self-gratification.
Nor should someone exploit their gift, by trying to demonstrate their own superior
spirituality!

In this passage, Paul is seeking to bring us a balanced understanding of the gifts of

the Spirit. We who are born from above should make it a priority to learn and
discern all we can, in connection with spiritual gifts. We are instructed to use them
wisely, as directed by the Holy Spirit, and to develop our giftings, for the
collective benefit of the Body of Christ, and to the glory of God.

Spiritual gifts are sovereignly bestowed, to enable us to carry out the good work
God has prepared for us to do. We all receive a spiritual gift, or gifts, but we do not
choose our preferred spiritual gifts, from a heavenly catalog of options. Paul
teaches that it is the same Holy Spirit, Who works all these things together, Who
distributes to each one individually just as He wills. It is not our place to ask for a
spiritual gift but to discover the gift He has given us.

One important principle, which the Corinthian Christians disregarded, was that
gifts are for the edification of the whole Body of Christ and for the glory of God.
They are not given for selfish reasons, but to equip God's people for their work of
service and to build-up Christ's body. The gifts and graces we receive from the
Spirit should function together, for the common good of all God's people, and not
for the self-gratification of an individual, as was taking place in the Church at
Corinth.

The spiritual gifts in this chapter are listed in descending order of importance and
differ from other lists of spiritual gifts. We read, "there are first apostles, second
prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
administrations, various kinds of tongues." However, there are other passages that
list different spiritual gifts, all of which should be exercised collectively, for the
edification and improvement of all.

In Ephesians, Paul explains that... since there is a variety of gifts, given

collectively to the Church.. and since we have gifts that differ according to the
grace given to us, we are to exercise them accordingly. Paul makes it very clear
that different gifts are bestowed on different people, but when exercised as God
intended, everyone should benefit from the gifts bestowed on the whole
congregation.

To each member is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good, so
that each believer contributes to the collective edification of the body, through the
exercise of the spiritual gift with which they have been endowed. Paul pointed out
that not everyone has the same gift and throughout the chapter, he emphasised the
great diversity of gifts. "All are not apostles, are they?" He asked. "All are not
prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles,
are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues,
do they? All do not interpret, do they?" Though we all have the same gift of
Salvation, the spiritual gift/s we receive are specifically bestowed in an individual
believer for the benefit of the entire Church of God.

It is as Paul finalises his teaching on spiritual gifts that he encourages us to,

"earnestly desire the greater gifts."

Sadly, this important admonishment from Paul has been misunderstood. It has

caused many believers to seek after spiritual gifts for their own, individual
gratification rather than recognising that, "earnestly desiring the greater gifts," is a
corporate command. Every Church and each fellowship of believers should
collectively, "earnestly desire the greater gifts," so that the whole Body of believers
is spiritually equipped for the benefit of all.
Paul's instruction was to the WHOLE Body of believers. The Church collectively
were to earnestly desire the greater gifts, so that ALL believers would be edified.
Paul was not instructing individual believers to seek after the gifts they would like
to manifest in their own lives. He was teaching that through the ministry of the
corporate Body - especially through the teaching of the Word, every member
would be increasingly edified and grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour.

The greater gifts in Paul's list of spiritual giftings, were apostles and prophets
followed by pastors and teachers. By God's grace, Christ's chosen apostles and
prophets laid the foundation of our common faith in Christ, through the writing of
Scripture. The Bible must remain the one and only source for truth. It is the plumb-
line that exposes error. Those who proclaim to be 'modern-day apostles and
prophets' are adding to Scripture should be firmly rejected. God's Word makes
it clear that the Bible is His final Word to humanity - through Jesus Christ the
living Word.

Today it is the gift of pastors and teachers for which we should earnestly pray, so
that the men who are gifted to teach, are raised up within the Body, and
empowered by the Spirit to exegete the Scriptures and teach the truth of God's
Word to the wider congregation. Like all believers, they are to use these greater
gifts of pastor and teacher, for the benefit of all.

Instead of recognising it is a command to the collective Body of Christ, there are

many believers today, who set about crying to God to receive the spiritual gift they
particularly desire. They earnestly desire their preferred gift for self-edification and
miss the whole point of Paul's teaching on the unity of the Spirit being manifested
through the diversity of gifts in the universal Church.

Perhaps the greatest spiritual gift we ALL have is the gift of the indwelling Holy
Spirit, Who was sent at Pentecost to be our Guide and Comforter - our Teacher and
Trainer, Who corrects us, empowers all who believe, and guides us into all truth.
[Application]

We are to covet, earnestly, the best gifts. We are to keep on desiring the better gifts
and zealously cultivate the greatest and best spiritual gifts and graces - not for our
own edification, but for the collective benefit of the whole Body.
May we determine in our hearts to earnestly desire the greater spiritual gifts within
the Body of Christ, so that together we may grow in grace and learn to LOVE
others as Christ loved us - which is the more excellent way to live our Christian
life, as we wait for the any-day return of the Lord Jesus.

February 25, 2022

Friday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have
become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NASB)

[Observation]
In many church assemblies today there is much emphasis on the gifts of the Holy
Spirit and though the gifts of the Spirit are wonderful and exciting, if they are not
administered in love, they are of little worth and can even become abused and
destructive. Spiritual gifts from the Spirit are bestowed on every child of God, but
they are a privileges that must be used wisely, for when abused by the carnal
believer, that can cause confusion in the body of Christ and deliver a distorted
gospel. The gifts of the Spirit to be managed under God's authority. Gifts must
flow from the fruit of the Spirit, which is rooted in LOVE and which
overspills into joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness
meekness and self-control. Like all scripture, 1 Corinthians 13 must be read in its
correct context, which stems from Paul's deep concern and lengthy instructions to
the carnal Christians in Corinth, for unless all the gifts of the Spirit are
administered in love, they degenerate into a noisy gong or a clanging symbol.

[Application]

 Let us walk in the spirit; live in the spirit and pray in the spirit and let
us administer the gifts we have been given in spirit, in truth and in love.

 Let us seek to honor God in the way that we practice whatever gift or
gifts the Spirit has graciously bestowed upon us - and let us do it in
LOVE.

[Prayer]
Heavenly Father, thank You that you give each of Your children one or more gifts
of the Spirit, to be used in love and to Your glory. Help me to use the gift/s that
you have bestowed on me in a way that does not dishonor or displease You - but
may my spiritual gift/s be rooted and grounded in Christ's love, in Whose name I
pray, AMEN.

February 25, 2022

Friday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

[Scripture]
EZEKIEL 17:23: “ONTHE MOUNTAIN HEIGHT OF ISRAEL I WILL PLANT IT; AND IT
WILL BRING FORTH BOUGHS, AND BEAR FRUIT, AND BE A MAJESTIC CEDAR. UNDER
IT WILL DWELL BIRDS OF EVERY SORT; IN THE SHADOW OF ITS BRANCHES THEY
WILL DWELL.”

[Observation]
God spoke another powerful parable to His people, through His prophet Ezekiel,
about their sin and the discipline and blessing He was bringing on them. The
parable ends with a beautiful picture of the Messiah as a tree planted “on the
mountain height of Israel,” with “birds of every sort” dwelling under it. Jesus
Christ’s kingdom will indeed be established on a high mountain named Zion. He
will come from the royal line of David, and both Jew and Gentile will find
protection and great blessing under Him. Down to this day, believers anxiously
await the fulfillment of this prophetic parable.

The ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey, by Homer, is the story of Ulysses, who
after 10 years of fighting in the Trojan War, tries to return home, a journey which
took another 10 years. Penelope, his beautiful wife had been waiting for her
husband to return for 20 years. Assuming he was dead, many suitors urged
Penelope to forget him and marry them. However, no matter how tempted or
pressed, she remained true to her husband. At long last, Ulysses, disguised as a
beggar, appeared one day among the suitors. He revealed that he was her long-lost
husband by stringing his own great bow, which he alone was strong enough to
bend and string. Penelope’s many years of faithfulness and fidelity were at last
rewarded.

[Application]

Even though the signs of Jesus’ return surround us, we are tempted to give up and
give into the allure of the world. Paul the Apostle encourages us, “Yet in all these
things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). In
fact, none of the sufferings of this present time can separate us from God’s love.
No matter what the circumstance, we are more than conquerors through Jesus who
loves us and is coming soon.

“Come quickly, LORD Jesus.”

February 26, 2022

Saturday

Morning Devotion

New Testament: Book of 1 Corinthians

[Scripture]
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I
have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (NASB)

[Observation]
Indeed, they did not lack in any spiritual gift but had been enriched in every way,
with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. But unless a spiritual gift is
administered in love, it is like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Every gift
that does not yield to the Spirit's promptings, is on little worth Every spiritual gift
from above that is not used to the glory of God, is of no worth whatsoever. When
spiritual gifts are self-centered or are used self-righteously for self-gratification;
self-exultation; self-interest or self-seeking, God is not glorified, and the gift is
rendered invalid. If gift of prophecy, faith, knowledge or understanding are not
ministered in love, it means nothing. Even if we were endowed with prophetic
utterances; enabled to understand all God's secret purposes; obtained all knowledge
or endowed with enough supernatural faith to move mountains, it is of no
consequence, without love for one another.

[Application]

The Word of God teaches that we are to deny ourselves by keeping 'Self' in the

place of death, so that we may love and serve the Lord our God in spirit and
truth, and encourage and edify our brothers and sisters in Christ. We do this
by allowing the love of God to flow into us; through us and out to others.  
Let us love one another in spirit and truth, for love is of God, and he who
loves as Christ loves, will both edify the body of Christ and glorify our Father
Who is in heaven.

[Prayer]
Heavenly Father, keep me ever humble before Your throne of grace I pray. Help
me to use my spiritual gifts and graces to encourage and edify my brothers and
sisters in Christ and to glorify Your name, and may I live my life in love and grace,
in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

DEPRAVITY IS INCAPABLE TO PLEASE GOD

WE ARE INCAPABLE IN DOING EVERYTHING THAT PLEASES GOD

BECAUSE OF OUR SINS

WE ARE DEAD IN SIN BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE ARE ALIVE

DAHIL SA KASALANAN, TAYO AY PATAY SA HARAPAN NG DIYOS

WE ARE PERVERTED BECAUSE WE ARE BLIND IN DOING THINGS

THAT ARE WRONG

WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD! WE ARE INCAPABLE TO DO

ANYTHING BECAUSE OF OUR LACK OF SPIRIT

THE DEAD DOES NOT RESPONSE TO SPIRITUAL THINGS

WE ARE POWERLESSTO DO ANYTHING PLEASING TO GOD BECAUSE

OF BEING DEPRAVED

PATAY ANG MARAMI SA ATIN SPIRITUALLY DAHIL WALA TAYONG

PINAPAKAIN SA ATING SPIRIT
SATAN IS THE GOD OF THE DEA

SPIRITUALLY DEAD IS POWERLESS AGAINST SIN

KAILANGAN NATIN ANG LORD PARA TAYO AY INGATAN SA

INFLUENCE NG SIN

DISCIPLES DO NOT DEGRADE OTHER PEOPLE. DO NOT LIVE LIKE A

DEAD PERSON FOR WE ARE ALREADY MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST

THOSE WHO DEGRADE OTHER PEOPLE ARE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE

NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS, NO ONE.

AS DISCIPLES, WE MUST NOT LIVE LIKE A DEPRAVED PERSON. BE A

BLESSING.

ALL OF US ARE SINNERS BEFORE WE ENCOUNTERED JESUS CHRIST

BAD BEHAVIOR OCCURS BECAUSE HUMAN SPIRIT IS DEAD

DEPRAVITY CREATES WAR BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND LITERALLY.

DEPRAVITY CREATES GREED KAYA NAGKAKAROON NG DIGMAAN

DEPRAVED – LABIS NA KASAMAAN

WHEN WE ARE DEAD, WE HAVE UNSTABLE DECISION

WHEN WE JUDGE AND CONDEMN PEOPLE, WE LIVE LIKE A

DEPRAVED PERSON

DEPRAVED PERSON CANNOT SEE HIS WRONGDOINGS

A DEAD PERSON CANNOT PLEASE GOD

WALA TAYONG KARAPATANG MAGJUDGE O MAGCONDEMN NG

IBANG TAO

WE HAVE DARK PAST BUT GOD WAS GRACIOUS TO US. THIS MUST BE
OUR MOTIVE TO BE A BETTER PERSON

WAG GUMALAW NG MAKAMUNDO! DO NOT BACKFIGHT OUR

FELLOW LEADERS!

WE ARE WEAK BUT OUR GOD IS STRONG AND POWERFUL

THE SOLUTION: JESUS MADE US ALIVE

BECAUSE OF GREAT MERCY, MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER WITH

CHRIST

JESUS MADE US ALIVE

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, WE HAVE BEEN SAVED

IT IS ONLY THE LORD JESUS CAN MAKE YOU ALIVE AND RIGHTEOUS
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

MERCY, LOVE AND GRACE OF GIOD MADE US ALIVE THROUGH JESUS

CHRIST

HE IS THE SHEEP WITHOUT BLEMISH THAT MADE US ALIVE

BASURA KA PERO PINAGANDA KA NG DIYOS

WE HAVE BEEN RESURRECTED WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

WE ALL HAVE A STAIN OF SIN, BUT THROUGH JESUS, HE MADE US

ALIVE AND SAVED US BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

RELIGION CANNOT MAKE A DEAD MAN ALIVE. GOOD WORKS,

EFFORT, AND TRADITION MAY LOOK LIFE TO OTHER DEAD PEOPLE,
BUT THEY HAVE NO SPIRITUAL POWER TO TRANSFORM FROM THE
INSIDE OUT

HINDI KA KARAPAT-DAPAT PERO MINAHAL KA PA RIN NG DIYOS

WALA TAYONG KARAPATAN NA SILIPIN ANG BAHO NG IBANG TAO.

WE ALL HAVE SINNED. GOD WAS ONLY MERCIFUL TOWARDS US. LET
US LIVE WITH COMPASSION.
HIS GRACE IS SURPASSING. PERO WAG MONG GAWING EBIDENSYA
YUNG GRACE NI LORD PARA PATULOY KANG MAGTAMPISAW SA
KASALANAN AT MANATILING PATAY SA KASALANAN.

HE REDEEMED US
HE FORGIVE OUR SINS
HE CLEANSE AND PURIFY US THROUGH OUR SINS
HE JUSTIFIED US
HE SANCTIFIED US

WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO CONDEMN OR LOOK DOWN ON OTHER

PEOPLE. WE MUST LIVE LIKE A TRANSFORMED PERSON, NOT A DEAD
PERSON.

WE ARE ALIVE IN CHRIST THAT IS WHY WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO

CONDEMN OR JUDGE OTHERS. INSTEAD BRING THEM TO CHRIST.

WHEN JESUS WAS MADE ALIVE IN US, WE ARE MORE INTERESTED IN

SPIRITUAL THIGS

ANG TUNAY NA NABAGO NG DIYOS AT BINUHAY MULI, MAY

COMPASSION SA MGA TAONG PATAY PA ANG ESPIRITWAL.

WALA TAYONG SIRAAN ANG ATING KAPWA DAHIL SIRA RIN TAYO

IT IS GOD WHO OPENED OUR SPIRITUAL EYES TO SEE AND

UNDERSTAND SPIRITUAL THINGS
TINAWAG TAYO PARA HINDI MANGHUSGA KUNG HINDI TINAWAG
TAYO PARA MAHALIN AT AKAYIN SILA PATUNGO SA PANGINOONG
HESUS.

MAG-INGAT SA PAMUMUNA SA IBA, PINATAWAD NA TAYO NG

PANGINOON.

THE MORE WE KNOW GOD PROPERLY, WE ARE MORE HUMBLE

EVERYDAY.

INSTEAD OF JUDGE, WIN THEM FOR JESUS CHRIST.

HINDI TAYO HINUSGAHAN NI LORD KAYA DAPAT DI RIN TAYO

MANGHUSGA. BINIGYAN TAYO NG SALVATION AND WISDOM NI
LORD PARA MAGMALAKI KUNG HINDI PARA ISHARE

THE MORE YOU KNOW GOD THE MORE YOU HUMBLE YOURSELF TO
HIM

WAG MANIRA NG KAPWA DAHIL BINUHAY LAMANG TAYO NI KRISTO

KUNG BAKIT TAYO TUMUTUGON SA MGA BAGAY NA ESPIRITWAL

BE CONFIDENT BUT NOT PROUD. BE HUMBLE NOT TIMID.

PINILI LAMANG TAYO NG DIYOS NA BUHAYIN.

HAVE COMPASSION TO PEOPLE UNDER DEPRAVITY. WE ONCE THERE
AND NOW ALIVE IN CHRIST.

3. THE DIVINE PLAN: WE ARE CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD

WORKS

GOD’S PURPOSE IS NOT TO BE A BAD PERSON BUT A PERSON WITH

GOOD WORKS

HOW WE ACT IS THE MANIFESTATION OF HIS GRACE TOWARDS OUR

LIVES

WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP – AN EXTENSION OF HIS CHARACTER TO

DO GOOD WORKS

GUMAGAWA TAYO NG MABUTI, HINDI PARA MALIGTAS KUNG HINDI

PRODUKTO YUN NG PAGIGING BUHAY NATIN THROUGH THE LORD
JESUS CHRIST

WE ARE CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

MAGLINGKOD SA LORD NG WALANG HINIHINTAY NA KAPALIT.

DAPAT HINDI MAGING BURDEN SA ATING ANG SCHOOL WORKS,

SCHOOL, MODULES, ETC.,

BINUHAY KA NG DIYOS UPANG ABUTIN ANG MGA PATAY ANG

SPIRITUAL
HINDI BURDEN ANG PAGLILINGKOD SA TAONG CREATED IN CHRIST

WE ARE ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN TO DO GOOD

WORKS

DON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE PEOPLE.

WE ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD DOES NOT ALLOW US TO REMAIN

DEAD. BY HIS GRACE, MERCY AND LOVE, HE RAISED US UP FROM
THE DEAD TO FULFILL HIS PLAN FOR US WHICH GOD PREPARED IN
ADVANCE FOR US TO DO.

WHAT WE ARE NOW IS ABOUT GOD’S GRACE, LOVE AND MERCY

WE ARE ALL DEADBEFORE WE MET GOD BUT BECAUSE OF HIS

MERCY WE BECOME ALIVE. WE ARE DEPRAVE BUT BECAUSE OF GOD
BY FAITH WE ARE NOW CAPABLE OF DOING THINGS FOR THE GLORY
OF GOD. WE HAVE NOTHING TO BOAST JUST REMAIN HUMBLE.

HOPE IN THE FATHER’S RELENTLESS LOVE

THE REALITY OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN TODAY IS HARD TO TAKE IN:

  A GLOBAL PANDEMIC FORCES US INTO ISOLATION, LIMITS OUR
MOVEMENTS AND LEAVES US WITH FEELINGS OF
DISAPPOINTMENT OF UNMET EXPECTATIONS
 STUDENTS MISSED CLASSES, DANCES AND GRADUATION
CELEBRATIONS
 FAMILIES CELEBRATED OCCASIONS LIMITED TO INTIMATES
AND WITHOUT ANNUAL TRADITIONS
 YOU CAN’T WORK, RIDE OR EAT WITHOUT VACCINATION
 THERE ARE WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS

IN THE MIDST OF CRISIS, EMBRACE THE OVERWHELMING NEED TO

RELY ON GOD’S POWER, STRENGTH, HEALING AND COMFORT

C.S. LEWIS SAID, “BUT THE GREAT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT

THOUGH OUR FEELINGS COME AND GO, HIS LOVE FOR US DOES NOT.
IT IS NOT WEARIED BY OUR SINS, OUR INDIFFERENCE; AND
THEREFORE, IT IS QUITE RELENTLESS IN ITS DETERMINATION THAT
WE SHALL BE CURED OF THESE SINS, AT WHATEVER COST TO US, AT
WHATEVER COST TO HIM.”

SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, MANKIND HAS STRUGGLED

WITH FEELINGS

 THE PSALMIST DIDN’T MISS THE PAIN, DISAPPOINTMENT, AND

LOSS, BUT INSTEAD EXPRESSED IT ALL TO GOD. HE SHARED HIS
EMOTIONAL ERUPTIONS IN VERY VULNERABLE WAYS AS HE
CRIED OUT TO GOD.
 CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE CAN TRY TO MAKE YOU FEEL SMALL
AND POWERLESS
 THE REALITY IN MANY SITUATIONS IS THAT THERE IS NOTHING
YOU CAN DO PHYSICALLY, BUT YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR
MINDSET BY TURNING TO GOD AND HIS WORD
WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?

1. LOOK TO GOD; FOCUS ON HIM (PSALM 33:18 TPT)

BEHOLD, THE EYE OF THE LORD IS ON THOSE WHO FEAR HIM, ON
THOSE WHO HOPE ON HIS MERCY.

2. SPEAK TO YOUR SOUL (PSALM 43:5)

WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN, O MY SOUL? AND WHY ARE YOU
DISQUITED WITHIN ME? HOPE IN GOD: FOR I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM,
THE HELP OF MY COUNTENANCE AND MY GOD.

3. EMBRACE GOD’S WORD (PSALM 199:81 TPT)

LET GOD’S PROMISES FILL YOU WITH HOPE AND ENCOURAGE YOU IN
THE DELIVERANCE BY GOD’S HAND. THE SAME RELENTLESS LOVE
HE HAD FOR DAVID, HE HAS FOR YOU.

4. PRAY (JUDE 1:20 TLB)

 WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR HEART’S DOOR AND INVITE GOD INTO
YOUR SITUATION, YOU MAYBIT SEE AN IMMEDIATE RELIEF TO
YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT YOUR HEART RECEIVES HOPE AND
SOMETHING BEGINS TO CHANGE IN YOU.

 PRAY WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

5. ASK FOR HELP. INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN YOU IN PRAYER AND
SUPPORT (EPHESIANS 6:18)
 SOMETIMES IT JUST SEEMS HARD TO PRAY. IN THOSE
MOMENTS, CALL ON OTHERS TO STAND IN FAITH WITH YOU
AND PRAY FOR YOU. IT’S POWERFUL TO HEAR OTHERS
PETITION TO THE LORD ON YOUR BEHALF.

 PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. PAGPRAY NATIN NA ITURO SA ATIN

ANG TAMANG TAO NA ATING IBOBOTO.

 ELECT A RIGHTEOUS PERSON ESPECIALLY SOMEONE WHO HAS

FEAR OF GOD. MAY GOD GIVE US EYES OF FAITH TO VOTE FOR
THE GOD’S APPOINTED MAN. ALWAYS ASK FOR THE PERFECT
WILL OF GOD NOT PERMISSIVE.

6. TRUST GOD TO NEVER LEAVE YOU (HEBREWS 13:5)

WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE EVEN THE DARKEST OF NIGHTS, YOU CAN
HOLD TO GOD’S PROMISE TO NEVER BE ALONE. HE IS ALWAYS WITH
YOU. HIS LOVE FOR YOU IS RELENTLESS. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU
GO.
February 26, 2022

Saturday

Evening Devotion

Old Testament: Book of Ezekiel

[Scripture]
"And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought
down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and
made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it."
(Ezekiel 17:24)

[Observation]
Ezekiel 17 is a riddle for the Israelites that is about how Babylon took their princes
and mighty men from them (eg. Daniel). They made a covenant with them, but the
Israelites broke it by turning to Egypt for aid. God says that this will never work,
and that they will all be cast down. The riddle is in the form of a story about an
eagle who takes the topmost branch of a cedar tree and carries it to another land,
and plants it there, but another eagle tends it and the tree grows towards that eagle
(that eagle being Egypt). The point of the passage is to follow God’s instructions,
for He instructed them to go to Babylon, because it was inevitable. Instead they
turned back to Egypt (which we found in Jeremiah). Sometimes His instructions
don’t seem to make sense, but in the end, He is God, so He knows what He’s
doing.

[Application]

Let’s remember this as we go through the day: God makes the dry trees to flourish
– not the green trees. Let’s come before Him with broken spirits and contrite
hearts.

[Prayer]
Heavenly Father, keep me ever humble before Your throne of grace I pray. Help
me to use my spiritual gifts and graces to encourage and edify my brothers and
sisters in Christ and to glorify Your name, and may I live my life in love and grace,
in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.
1. Ano ang iminulat sayo ng mensahe?

Ang pag-ibig ay ang pinakamataas na pakiramdam na maaaring maranasan ng

isang tao patungo sa isang tao. Ang pag-ibig ay hindi lamang tungkol sa affinity o
chemistry sa pagitan ng dalawang tao, ang pag-ibig ay pakiramdam ng paggalang,
koneksyon at kalayaan kapag kasama ang ibang tao.

Ang pag-ibig sa Diyos at sa ating kapwa ay hindi maaaring paghiwalayin. Hindi

maaaring paghiwalayin ang dalawang utos na ito. Laging itong magkasama batay
na rin sa ilang talata na mababasa sa Bibliya. Ano ang magiging silbi ng ating pag-
ibig kung kulang ito ng isang bahagi? Ito man ay maging sa pag-ibig sa Diyos o sa
ating Kapwa.

Si Jesus ang pinag-uugatan ng pag-ibig kaya paanong mapaghihiwalay ang pag-

ibig sa Diyos at sa ating Kapwa. Siya ang sentro at inspirasyon ng lahat ng pag-
ibig sapagkat sukdulan ang pag-ibig na ibinigay Niya para sa atin. Inialay Niya ang
sarili at nagpapako sa krus upang maligtas tayo sa ating mga kasalanan.

Ngunit ngayon, parang hindi natin masyadong nakikita at nararamdaman na

mayroong pag-ibig ang tao sa isa't isa. Ito ay sa kadahilanang walang pag-ibig sa
puso ng ilang tao para sa Diyos at sa kaniyang kapwa. Walang nararamdamang
pag-ibig ang isang tao sa Diyos dahil mas nangingibabaw sa kaniya ang pag-ibig sa
materyal na bagay. Money is not bad; but money is not god, either. Ang pera at
mga materyal na bagay na pag-aari natin ay hindi masama na dapat iwasan, ngunit
hindi rin ito Dios na dapat sambahin. Iisa lang ang Dios at iisa lang ang ating
Panginoon. Ang pera at paggamit nito ay mabuti kung gagamitin para sa kaharian
ng Diyos. Mas pinahahalagahan ang kayamanan sa lupa. Nawawalan din ng pag-
ibig sa kapwa ang isang tao dahil mababa ang pagtingin niya sa iba.

Walang magandang naidudulot ang bawal na pag-ibig sa isang tao dahil nilalayo
tayo nito sa presensya ng ating Panginoon. Makakasira ang maling pagmamahal na
ito sa buong pagkatao ng isang tao. Ang pag-ibig na dapat na ating pinapamalas ay
pag-ibig na mula sa Panginoon na ating naranasan sa Kanya na binabahagi natin sa
ating kapwa.

Magkakaroon lamang ng katuturan ang isang pag-ibig kung ang pag-ibig natin sa
ating kapwa ay gaya ng pag-ibig natin sa Diyos. At magkakaroon ng kabuluhan
ang pag-ibig natin sa Diyos kung magagawa nating mahalin at kahabagan ang
ating kapwa.

Kaya kapag nagmahal ka, wag puro ngawa, dapat kumilos ka ng ayon sa standard
ng Panginoon. Wag puro pucho pucho lang ang pagpapamalas ng ating
pagmamaha dahil hindi iyan mula sa Panginoon. Dapat buo, puro, tama at puno ng
presensya ng Panginoon ang pag-ibig natin.

2. Bakit mahalaga maging buo ang pag-ibig natin sa Diyos?

Tayo mismo ay minamahal ng ating Panginoon ng buong-buo kaya dapat ganoon

din ang pag-ibig na ating pinapakita sa Kanya. Hindi pwedeng si Lord lang ang
nagmamahal ng buo at totoo. Bilang mga anak Niya, mahiya naman tayo sa ating
Panginoon natin na ibibigay ang buhay sa atin tapos tayo parang wala lang.
Respect our King.

3. Paano mo sisimulan ang pagibig sa mga elderly sa loob ng iyong pamilya?

Honor and respect our parents and elderly as we abide with their instructions na
tama at makakatulong naman sa atin. Huwag natin silang sagot-sagutin o pabayaan
na gawin na lang ang lahat ng gawaing bahay. Tulungan sila sa mga gawain na
nabibigatan sila at lagi silang ipanalangin.

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