1 Corinthians 12:22 - Weaker vs. stronger parts of the body

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

The other day I watched a movie/documentary about a group on the "Camino de Santiago" which is a pilgrimage/walk through Spain ending at the possible site of the grave of James the Apostle. The scene from this movie which is stuck in my head is when the group realizes they all have to start walking together. Up to this point, the stronger people would just walk on at their comfortable pace and leave the weaker walkers behind. When they all started walking together, they realized it made them all stronger. It was easier for the struggling walkers to keep up and a harder for the stronger walkers to slow their pace and help their weaker brothers. The work evened out. This stronger realized they needed the weaker to make this walk more meaningful.

Lord, thank you for making each of us an important part of your body. Please help us to respect others in your body work together. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - Church unity

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

After studying in the Psalms for so long, it is interesting to be studying something so practical. This book is dealing with specific situations and problems, not general ideas. In this passage a church is struggling with divisions. As a body of Christ, we have to be able to get along. All are equal at the foot of the cross. If we can not demonstrate unity in the church, then how can we expect anyone outside of Christ to be drawn in.

Lord, thank you for practical wisdom. Please help our churches to be perfectly united in mind and thought. Amen.

Psalm 133:1 - Unity

How good and pleasant it is
     when God’s people live together in unity!

When God's people, which might be a church family or the general idea of Christians, do not get along, not only does it displease God, it makes us loose our effectiveness as a group. Why would non-Christians want to be a part of a group of people who fight and quarrel among themselves? It represents the very opposite of what we stand for; Love God, Love People.

Lord, Thank you for giving us a church family. Please help us to get along and live together in unity. Amen.

Psalm 125:2 - His people

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
     so the Lord surrounds his people
     both now and forevermore.

In the days of the Israelites, God's people were a nation. When Jesus came and brought Christianity, the idea of "his people" became much wider and open to all humanity. We now have the privilege of being surrounded by the Lord. We as individual Christians, local congregations and as a worldwide church are under the protection of God.

Lord, thank you for surrounding us. Please help us to remain in you to receive your protecting arms around us. Amen.

Psalm 22:22 - The assembly

I will declare your name to my people;
     in the assembly I will praise you.

Going to church on Sunday morning is one of my favorite things to do. It is an opportunity to worship God and fellowship with other believers. I have to miss sometimes because of work, but I attend every chance I get. It's like going to a family reunion. You are invited to attend church Sunday morning with me and my family at the Webb Chapel Church of Christ. If you can't attend, you are welcome to watch on our live streaming feed. Hope to see you tomorrow morning!

Lord, thank you for your church. Please help us to become a part of your body and work as a part of your kingdom. Amen.

Romans 12:5-6 - What is your gift?

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

What is your gift? God has given each of us gifts to use as a part of  the body of Christ. Each of us has a purpose. If we aren't using our gift, the body is missing something. Not sure what your gift is? Ask God. Sometimes when I ask God about something, I let him know I need to hear the answer loud and clear. I usually ask for three signs to make it obvious to me. Once you know...USE IT!

Lord, thank you for making us a valuable part of your body. Please help us to know and use our gift. Amen.