Aug 8, 2022
JEREMIAH 36-37:
In
yesterday's reading in Jeremiah, he gave more specific warnings to
King Zedekiah. And then we heard of the inspiring example of the
Recabites.
PROVERBS 4b:
Yesterday in the first half of chapter 4, we
heard again about Lady Wisdom. I highlight these important
words:
Prov. 4:7 GNT Getting wisdom is the most
important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get
insight.
10
Listen to me, my child. Take seriously what I am telling you, and
you will live a long life.
11 I
have taught you wisdom and the right way to live.
12 Nothing will stand in your way if you walk
wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.
Solomon introduces some of these words saying that he was taught them by his father, which would be, of course, King David. It is interesting to consider that we could be hearing some of David's wisdom in those verses.
1CORINTHIANS 13:
Spiritual gifts are important! They are
sovereignly given by the Holy Spirit. We will be happiest and the
most productive in our ministries when we function in accordance
with our gifting from God. Every believer is given a gift, and
chapter 12 portrays with clear analogies how the gifts are to used
in the context of the body. So don’t assume that you can go off
anywhere outside your local body and use your gift. My experience
is that gifting can change a bit based on what local body you are
participating in. The Holy Spirit can loan a gift to you at any
time. The gifts are to help us function as a unified body, NOT to
divide us— as so sadly has happened again and again. Selfishness is
diametrically opposed to spiritual gifts. So, as important as
spiritual gifts are, there is something more important, as we will
hear today.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.