Don’t Be Stupid!

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 13
NT: 1 Corinthians 12
W&W: Psalm 98

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 14
NT: 1 Corinthians 13
W&W: Psalm 99

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 15-16
NT: 1 Corinthians 14
W&W: Psalm 100

Today’s Reflection:

I’m sitting here in beautiful San Diego, California awaiting the day to begin in earnest. Four of us are here (and one is arriving later today) for a conference at Point Loma Nazarene University. My schedule is disrupted – again – and so you have yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s scripture in one package.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians (a church that prided themselves on their spiritual giftedness): “Now, about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12.1). What an appropriate scripture for the day a group from our church is enroute to San Diego to learn about how to apply our strengths in the church! We are going to a Gallup Strengthsfinder© training event at Point Loma Nazarene University.

I don’t want to be ignorant about spiritual gifts, both for my sake and for the sake of the church I pastor. My prayer is this: “O God, help me understand and teach both spiritual gifts and personal strengths. Help me understand the difference between them. Help me to use this understanding in leading your church.”

One of the most important things to understand about spiritual gifts and personal strengths is this: God gives them by his grace:
· The gift, the talent is given not to me, but through me to the church.
· The gift, the talent is not for me; it is for you.
· When I exercise it in serving you, it is not from me, but from God.

How do you view your giftedness and talents? This scripture reminds us: “Don’t be stupid! The gifts are from God and for the church!”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.