Colossians 4:5

The first day of SPRING…a season of renewal

Help me to speak the truth, always seasoned with Your grace and love, gifted in Christ Jesus! John 3:16-17

Jesus Christ, God's only Son, died on the cross to rescue us from our sin and death. When we place our trust in Him, we come into His presence and find mercy, love, provision and relationship. God completely satisfies us, leaving nothing wanting in us. First5 

Lost in the moment— Jean-Pierre de Caussade (18th Century) called the Sacrament of the Present Moment—seeing each "present moment" as diffused with the sacred. It reminded me of Susanna Wesley's immortal prayer, "Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not to be confined to the church, or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and meditation but that everywhere I am in Thy presence." 

Today I needed a reminder of small wonders.

Because here’s the deal: when I stop to see small wonders, it is possible to reclaim the fruit of the sacrament of the present moment (of sanctuary)—light, open heart, open mind, kindness, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, kindheartedness, tolerance, gratitude, mercy, dignity, second chances and hope. SabbathMoments 

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. 

In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting. Faithlife Study Bible

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” (Jude 12). Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. 

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Luke 9:18–22

FAITH  alone pleases the Father. Faith in His gift of salvation in Jesus. Without faith God cannot accomplish anything in our life. He did not leave us here without guidance. He gave us Holy Spirit to direct our way home.

In order to receive we must believe that He is God and He is a rewarder of those who trust in Him.

A pattern emerges that embraces diverse believers from all ethnicities, nations, cultures and backgrounds to form a new people that knows God and serves Him. God defines His people by their faith. Christ demonstrates love to all. May we do the same. First5 

An Old Irish Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day
May your days be many and your troubles be few.
May all God’s blessings descend upon you.
May peace be within you, may your heart be strong.
May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.
May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us.
May the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us.
May thy Salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and for evermore.
Amen.
Written by St. Patrick

My desire is to encourage you to finish the right thing. Certain races are optional—like washboard abs and speed-reading. Other races are essential—like the race of faith. Consider this admonition from the author of Hebrews who said: “Let us run the race that is before us and never give up” (Hebrews 12:1 NCV). Max Lucado

There’s a new song out right now that has a bridge I really resonate with: “I may not know what a day may bring, but I know Who brings the day. In the darkest night when I cannot see, still my soul will say … I believe in miracle power, in a wonder working God.” I may not know what’s coming up next, but I know the heart of the Giver. Whatever part of the journey you are in right now, trust in the One who brings forth the day for you. He is for you, and he is always working for your good. There is always hope.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Let it be so, Lord. Catherine Burleigh Tablet of Her Heart

Luke 9:18–22

18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” The New King James Version

The Christ of God: The emphasis here is on the messianic role of Jesus. He is the Promised One who was ushering in a new era. However, Jesus would soon reveal to the disciples that His messiahship would have elements of suffering that the disciples did not expect. 

Jesus knew that the messianic role that the people and the disciples expected was much different from His actual role as the Messiah. The element of suffering that the Messiah would endure was not a part of popular expectation. Thus Jesus’ messiahship could not be openly proclaimed before the true nature of the Messiah was revealed. 

I must suffer … be rejected … be killed … be raised: This is the first of several predictions in Luke of Jesus’ suffering and vindication. The disciples struggled to understand what Jesus was saying. They could not comprehend how Jesus’ predictions fit into God’s plan. Only after Jesus’ resurrection and His explanation of the Scriptures to them did they begin to understand. The NKJV Study Bible

Who do the crowds say I am? in Matthew, Jesus refers to the Son of Man when He asks this question, associating this apocalyptic, messianic figure with Himself. 

The old testament prophet Malachi had foretold that the return of Elijah would precede the day of judgment (Malachi 4:5). Although Jesus’ ministry may be compared to Elijah’s, who was prophesied by Malachi as preceding the day of judgment, John the Baptist was the primary fulfillment of that prophecy. 

Jesus implies that His mission, like Elijah’s, includes the Gentiles (non-Jews).

Peter identifies Jesus as God’s anointed one. Peter’s confession is followed immediately by Jesus’ first prediction of His death and resurrection.

Following His resurrection, Jesus’ disciples would be commissioned to make known explicitly what His signs and wonders revealed—Jesus’ identity as God’s Son and anointed one. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Mark 8:30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

Hosea 9:7-9

Nationalism, can be a form of idolatry, it is not Gods’ way. 

God, in the gift of salvation, sees the world as a whole. He shows no partiality. 

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Jesus is the only way to unite creation to His glory.

God’s commandments are fulfilled in placing Him above EVERYTHING and loving others as much as He loves you!

Jesus understands the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. During His life on earth, He gave without ceasing, even giving His own life to redeem us. Our faith continues to challenge us today as we follow His example. First 5

Acts chapter one: “Then [the disciples] went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. They all continued praying together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers” (Acts 1:12, 14 NCV). What a change! The ones who had mocked him now worship him. The ones who had pitied him now pray to him.

What if Jesus had disowned them? Or worse still, what if he’d suffocated his family with his demand for change? He didn’t. He instead gave them space, time, and grace. So don’t lose heart – God still changes families. Max Lucado

Hosea 9:7-9

7 The days of punishment have come; The days of recompense have come. Israel knows! The prophet is a fool, The spiritual man is insane, Because of the greatness of your iniquity and great enmity. 8 The watchman of Ephraim is with my God; But the prophet is a fowler’s snare in all his ways— Enmity in the house of his God. 9 They are deeply corrupted, As in the days of Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity; He will punish their sins. The New King James Version

The man of the spirit refers to the prophet who experienced God’s revelation through His spirit. Israel never repented from iniquity, making the prophet’s conditional message of restoration appear foolish. A prophet, like a watchman, was responsible for giving warnings about danger. Faithlife Study Bible

Sinful Israel disdained God’s true prophets, regarding them as raving maniacs.

Enmity refers to strong resentment that can give rise to violent behavior. 

A watchman would look for approaching armies and then warn the people so that they could secure the city and prepare for battle. The prophets were like watchmen because they were sent by God to warn the people of judgment and urge them to repent. 

As in the days of Gibeah: The reference here is to the rape and murder of a young woman by men of Gibeah, an event that started a civil war.  Those who witnessed this violent deed remarked that it was the worst crime committed in Israel’s history until that time. The NKJV Study Bible

Time had been when the spiritual watchmen of Israel were with the Lord, but now they were like the snare of a fowler to entangle persons to their ruin. The people were become as corrupt as those of Gibeah, and their crimes should be visited in like manner. 

At first God had found Israel pleasing to Him, as grapes to the traveller in the wilderness. He saw them with pleasure as the first ripe figs. This shows the delight God took in them; yet they followed after idolatry. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

English Version means Israel’s “hatred” of God’s prophets and the law. The spiritual watchmen, are the true prophets, formerly consulted my God: but their so-called prophet is a snare, entrapping Israel into idolatry. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible.

Lamentations 2:8

God will break down any walls that we construct to keep ourselves from the truth. 

Jesus is the truth. Jesus is life. Jesus is the light of the world. 

Jesus is the line drawn separating man from heaven. His salvation is the only hope for the world. God accepts us as we are but we will be changed to glorify Him in Christ!

God has the ability to change our identities too. Even when others choose to name us by our pasts, He calls us into the family of Christ, not by our blood but by His will. "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). First5 

This story helps me reconnect.
In John's Gospel Jesus has died. Mary is despondent. She visits the grave, but Jesus is not there. I understand her anxiety or panic… I've lost something vital. I need it. Where did you put it?
At this, Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
Jesus said to her, "Mary."
Only one word. Mary.
In saying her name, what freedom did Jesus give? We know that Mary has a connection with Jesus that is profound and life altering. But notice this: the power of the relationship—which Jesus triggers with a simple affirmation of her name, Mary—is no longer outside of herself.
Or of myself. Or yourself.
Mary, (Jesus is saying) that which you seek, is already here.
Already inside of you. Sabbath Moments

Lamentations 2:8

8 The Lord has purposed to destroy 

The wall of the daughter of Zion. 

He has stretched out a line; He has not withdrawn 

His hand from destroying; 

Therefore He has caused the rampart and wall to lament; 

They languished together. The New King James Version

He measured  with a line, used in both construction and demolition and here as a metaphor for judgment. Faithlife Study Bible

Four weeks after the capture of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the temple, the palace, the homes of the people, and the city wall. The NKJV Study Bible

Those who misuse God’s prophets, justly lose them. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

2 Kings 21:13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria 

and the plummet of the house of Ahab; 

I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, 

wiping it and turning it upside down.

Isaiah 3:26 

Her gates shall lament and mourn,

And she being desolate shall sit on the ground.

Isaiah 34:11 

But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it,

Also the owl and the raven shall dwell in it.

And He shall stretch out over it

The line of confusion and the stones of emptiness.

Jeremiah 14:2 

“Judah mourns,

And her gates languish;

They mourn for the land,

And the cry of Jerusalem has gone up.

Lamentations 2:18 

Their heart cried out to the Lord,

“O wall of the daughter of Zion,

Let tears run down like a river day and night;

Give yourself no relief;

Give your eyes no rest.

Philippians 4:4-7

This  day  the Lord has made…I will rejoice and be glad!!

Gratitude for this amazing gift that God has given us brings praise to Him in our salvation! He gave up His life in exchange for ours.

God's providence is His protection for His children. He is working behind the scenes and weaving our stories into His grand plan of redemption for the world. When we can't see Him working, we can trust that the story He is writing is for our benefit and His glory: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

We don't know what lies ahead, but we know the Author ... and, friend, He is good. Trust His providence to lead you today. First5 

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The New King James Version

Gentleness refers to showing consideration for one another. By displaying gentleness toward all people—believers and unbelievers alike—Christians reveal the gospel’s power to transform and reconcile. 

Paul again references the Day of Christ as motivation to live in a godly manner. The early Christians lived with a sense of urgency because they believed the Lord’s return was imminent. 

Paul probably was aware of hardships facing the Philippians. Paul wants the believers to acknowledge their dependence on God and His provision. 

The Greek word used here for peace, eirēnē, conveys a range of meanings, including well-being, prosperity, freedom from anxiety, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies. Paul envisions God’s peace as a soldier who protects the hearts and minds of believers from anxiety, fear, and doubt.  Faithlife Study Bible

In the midst of difficulties, in the midst of all situations, Christians are to rejoice. The joy of Christians is not based on agreeable circumstances, instead it is based on their relationship to God. Christians will face trouble in this world, but they should rejoice in the trials they face because they know God is using those situations to improve their character. 

Gentleness is a noun and identifies a person who manifests a calmness and fairness of spirit. A person who is gentle is willing to sacrifice his or her own personal rights to show consideration to others. 

The Lord’s return could occur at any moment. Paul uses that fact to motivate the Philippians to honor God with their lives. 

Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying over them. be anxious for nothing: here Paul uses the word to refer to worry. He prohibits the Philippians from worrying about their own problems. Instead they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide deliverance. 

Paul’s choice of a military term implies that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be “protected by a military guard.” Since the purpose of such a guard in a wartime situation is either to prevent a hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from escaping, the peace of God operates in the same way: to protect the mind from external corrupting influences and to keep the mind focused on God’s truth. The NKJV Study Bible

Isaiah 26:3 

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

We are beloved!

God is for us, not against us, we are beloved. 

John 3:17  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

The Word made flesh, Jesus, is our friend and advocate. Through Him and in Him we have an  abundant life with God. He accepts us as we are but we will be forever changed in His presence.

We can begin our day full and find ourselves empty by the day's end. But thankfully, our faithful God remains unchanging. His steadfast love never ceases, and His mercy never ends. Our hope rests securely in Him (Lamentations 3:22-24). Our almighty God may allow a bitter season, but He is fully prepared to provide what we need to get through any situation. He will cover us with His grace and never leave us fully exposed to harm. We stand protected by the all-sufficient One who sees through the darkness, knows what comes next and is always in control. First5 

“Let someone love you just the way you are—as flawed as you might be, as unattractive as you sometimes feel, and as unaccomplished as you think you are. To believe that you must hide all the parts of you that are broken, out of fear that someone else is incapable of loving what is less than perfect, is to believe that sunlight is incapable of entering a broken window and illuminating a dark room.” Marc Hack

God still looks for world changers. Men and women who believe God is not through with this world. Common people who serve an uncommon God. Will you be that kind of person? Will you serve, even when you don’t understand?

Yes, your sins are forgiven. Yes, your name is written in heaven. Yes, yes, your death is defeated. And yes, God has entered your world. He is Immanuel, God is with us. Max Lucado

Song of Solomon 5:16

16 His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem! The New King James Version

beloved (Heb. dod) Strong’s #1730: In Hebrew love poetry, dod is a term of endearment used for a male loved one, usually translated beloved. The name David is derived from dod and carries the same sense, meaning “Beloved One.” When dod is used in narrative, it means “uncle” or another close male relative. The NKJV Study Bible.

Christians, who are well acquainted with Christ themselves, should do all they can to make others know something of him. Divine glory makes him truly lovely in the eyes of all who are enlightened to discern spiritual things. He is white in the spotless innocence of his life, ruddy in the bleeding sufferings he went through at his death. This description of the person of the Beloved, would form, in the figurative language of those times, a portrait of beauty of person and of grace of manners; but the aptness of some of the allusions may not appear to us. He shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all that believe. May his love constrain us to live to his glory. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

2 Samuel 1:23 

“Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives,

And in their death they were not divided;

They were swifter than eagles,

They were stronger than lions.

Mark 6:53-56

Jesus heals! In Him we are made whole!

With faith nothing is impossible.

‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful," Hebrews 10:23

Mark 6:53-56

53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. The New King James Version

They had set out for Bethsaida on the northeastern shore, but the storm apparently changed their course. The land of Gennesaret was on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, just west of Capernaum. It was and still is a fertile agricultural area. 

Mark summarizes Jesus’ healing ministry, noting how widespread it was. The hem of a garment was significant, for it was often woven with tassels that reminded the wearer of God’s commandments. The NKJV Study Bible 

Matthew 9:20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.

Matthew 14:36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.

Jeremiah 4:22

Love God above ALL and love your neighbor as yourself. Love fulfills the commandments.

John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Love is an action not a feeling. Without it as our motivation we can accomplish nothing God calls us to.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful," Hebrews 10:23 tells us, speaking of our ultimate hope in our Savior, Jesus. First5

Jeremiah 4:22

22 “For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.” The New King James Version

Yahweh’s power over creation and acts of subduing the forces of chaos should inspire reverence, not apathy. Jeremiah uses poetic creation language that echoes parts of Job, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Psalms. Yahweh’s active restraint of the sea is a common motif in creation poetry. Faithlife Study Bible

Foolish describes the character of the people. The terms foolish and silly are contrary to the terms knowledge and understanding. God described His people as impudent children. They were wise in the ways of evil, but totally deficient in knowing how to do good. The NKJV Study Bible

The prophet had no pleasure in delivering messages of wrath. He is shown in a vision the whole land in confusion. Compared with what it was, every thing is out of order; but the ruin of the Jewish nation would not be final. Every end of our comforts is not a full end. Though the Lord may correct his people very severely, yet he will not cast them off. Ornaments and false colouring would be of no avail. No outward privileges or profession, no contrivances would prevent destruction. How wretched the state of those who are like foolish children in the concerns of their souls! Whatever we are ignorant of, may the Lord make of good understanding in the ways of godliness. As sin will find out the sinner, so sorrow will, sooner or later, find out the secure. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Jeremiah 5:21

‘Hear this now, O foolish people,

Without understanding,

Who have eyes and see not,

And who have ears and hear not:

Jeremiah 13:23 

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?

Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.

Romans 16:19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.

1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

Luke 12:47-48

To whom much is given much is required. 

When our eyes are open to the truth it becomes our desire to share the truth of salvation in Jesus to all who will listen. Holy Spirit will give us the words to say and our actions will show  Gods’ love for them.

Be still so that you can hear Him!

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

I want to come to God with my needs, my desires, my desperate longings, and recognize that whatever He places before me is His daily bread. Yes, the brokenness of this world may bring brokenness to my reality. But in the midst of this, there is good provision from God! 

I will remember that God's provision remains perfect even when I mess up.

We can choose to return to Him, right here, right now, simply by saying, God, where You are is where I want to be. Help me walk in step with You today. 

But the truth is: If we have Jesus today, we are living in answered prayer and perfect provision. He is the One who brings about good, even from the awful things we are seeing with our physical eyes, and He is actively working on our behalf right now. First5 

So. Pause. Breathe. Make space.
To sit still is to practice Sabbath–meaning literally, to quit.
To stop. To savor uncluttered time. To be gentle with yourself. And yes, to waste time with God. The bottom line? I’m no longer chasing what I assume will fill empty spaces, in order to make me something I am not. Replenishment begins here, “I am enough.” SabbathMoments 

Luke 12:47-48

47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. The New King James Version

This is a category of disobedience, not as blatant as doing the opposite, but unfaithfulness nonetheless. This servant is disciplined with many stripes, though he is not rejected. Such evaluation of church leaders is described in 1 Corinthians 3:10–15.  

The parable suggests degrees of God’s punishment: The faithful are rewarded, the ignorant are disciplined a little, the disobedient are disciplined moderately. In each case, the stewardship of the servant is evaluated. The NKJV Study Bible

We should be zealous in making known the truth, for though divisions will be stirred up, and a man’s own household may be his foes, yet sinners will be converted, and God will be glorified. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Numbers 15:29 You shall have one law for him who sins unintentionally, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwells among them.

1 Corinthians

All gifts and talents come from God through the 3rd person of the Trinity, Holy Spirit. They  are given  for our use,  for Gods’ glory, and the good of His Church. We were created in love by God to share them with our neighbor. The marginalized are always within His lens and in obedience to the command of  Jesus we share our gifts with others. All things are to be done in and through His amazing grace and love given in Christ Jesus!

Without love we are just making noise.

Psalm 34:18 assures us, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." The nearness of God is our refuge (Psalm 73:28). First5 

How strange we are in the world!
Only one response can maintain us:
gratefulness for the gift of our unearned chance to serve, to wonder, to love life and each other.
It is gratefulness which makes our small souls great.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

“Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want” (Psalm 37:4 NCV).

What are my longings? When we submit to God’s plan, we can trust our desires. Our assignment is found at the intersection of God’s plan and our pleasures. So what do you love to do? What gives you a sense of satisfaction? You are a custom design; you are tailor-made. God prescribed your birth. Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded your arrival, you are not an accident. God planned you before you were born.

The longings of your heart, then, are not incidental; they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored; they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate. Max Lucado 

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to answer both letters and to give some additional instructions. He taught about decorum in worship services, the solemnity of the Lord’s Supper, and the place of spiritual gifts. Though the Corinthians were very gifted, in their immaturity and pride they had abused their gifts. Paul reminded the Corinthians that gifts come from God (12:11) and are to unify and edify the church (12:24, 25; 14:1–4).

1 Corinthians

12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

12:24 but our presentable parts have no need. 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.

14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

The New King James Version

The Corinthian believers may have assumed that diversity in gifts meant diversity in access to the Spirit. The Spirit provides the spiritual gifts.

Presentable parts is likely referencing the leaders in the Corinthian community that are visible to people outside the community. Parts which lack represents the poorer believers in Corinth, to whom God gave an honored place within the church. Paul asserts that the wealthy believers must show consideration for the needs of the poorer believers, especially at the Lord’s Supper. 

Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts, including tongues, generally emphasizes the importance of using gifts to build up the faith of others. A prayer (angelic) language between a believer and God does not encourage the faith of those who cannot understand what is said; when used in public, an interpreter should be present. 

Paul distinguishes between two different manifestations of the gift of tongues: speaking in unknown human languages and using spiritual or angelic languages. The purpose of Paul’s argument is that any use of tongues is meaningless if it doesn’t serve to encourage or build up others. 

Speaking in a tongue refers to a language between a person and God that is unintelligible to others. For this reason, Paul promotes prophecy over tongues for the Corinthian church.

Faithlife Study Bible

God works in believers to benefit the entire body, not just the individual Christian. Various gifts are distributed to bring diversity among the unified body, even as a human body has many parts and functions.

The members should have the same care for one another because God gives spiritual gifts,“for the profit of all.” Rather than being envious of other people’s positions or gifts, we should give of ourselves to others. Whenever any part of the body has a need, we should minister and help that part.

The word translated pursue carries such meanings as “hasten,” “run,” “run after,” and “aspire to.” There are many things in life that we can simply take or leave, but love is not one of them. 

The term prophesies here incorporates all speaking gifts that edify the church. Edification, exhortation, and comfort result from prophesying in the church. For this reason, Paul wanted the Corinthians to exercise the gift of prophecy instead of speaking in a tongue, by which a person merely edifies himself.

The NKJV Study Bible

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.