Joey and I have felt for the last year that God is directing us into full time ministry. We aren't completely sure of that direction yet, but regardless, I need to walk with that role in mind. What qualities can I ask Jesus for, to start building me up with that ministry in mind? From the verses in the last part of the chapter, I need to surrender to God the things that come out of my mouth. I don't swear necessarily, but sometimes I catch myself speaking negatively and not in wisdom, but in foolishness. There are times, too, when Joey and I have had a disagreement, and I go to sleep still angry with him. We even have a picture of sunset in our bedroom, to remind us of verse 26, but I disobey, and go to bed anyway. Those nights are terrible- and it's all because of pride that I don't reconcile. But when I don't surrender that anger to God, I allow Satan to have a foothold over my thoughts toward my husband and even my actions. By not forgiving or reconciling and going to bed angry, I am submitting to the devil, not God. This is sin.
Verse 16 really captured me. "When each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Each part. Hmmm. We have studied the Corinthians, where Paul talks about the members of the body, each one with a different function. Now, I can't be responsible for other people and how productive they are in their serving capacity, but I am responsible for myself. God has gifted us all in different ways- each just as important as the other. When all parts are working properly, the church functions the way God intends it to. Am I working properly? Do I do my part? Do I allow God to work in me, using the gifts He created in me to do? I have been asking God for a while now how He wants me to serve my church body. I do play guitar and sing once a month at church, and granted I have an 18 month old and another on the way, but I still think God wants me to use my gifts. I haven't prayed about that in a while, so guess what? I was just reminded! It's great how God uses Scripture to speak! If you aren't sure of your gifts, ask those who know you well- GOD, your family, your close friends. If you still can't figure it out, step out and start serving in different areas. Maybe you will find something you didn't even know you were good at and enjoyed!
~Leanne~
Verse 16 really captured me. "When each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Each part. Hmmm. We have studied the Corinthians, where Paul talks about the members of the body, each one with a different function. Now, I can't be responsible for other people and how productive they are in their serving capacity, but I am responsible for myself. God has gifted us all in different ways- each just as important as the other. When all parts are working properly, the church functions the way God intends it to. Am I working properly? Do I do my part? Do I allow God to work in me, using the gifts He created in me to do? I have been asking God for a while now how He wants me to serve my church body. I do play guitar and sing once a month at church, and granted I have an 18 month old and another on the way, but I still think God wants me to use my gifts. I haven't prayed about that in a while, so guess what? I was just reminded! It's great how God uses Scripture to speak! If you aren't sure of your gifts, ask those who know you well- GOD, your family, your close friends. If you still can't figure it out, step out and start serving in different areas. Maybe you will find something you didn't even know you were good at and enjoyed!
~Leanne~
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