God's Mission
1 Corinthians 12:31
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
God’s mission is intended to be carried out through God's people. For that, He disperses gifts through his Holy Spirit, many of them enumerated at the end of 1st Corinthians 12. There Saint Paul makes a point about the gifts and their best use (as part of God’s mission). He begins with these words: "Eagerly desire the greater gifts" and follows up with this statement: "I will show you the most excellent way". What is the most excellent way? Whatever you do, do it with love. Without love, all your gifts and all your efforts are of no value. Let that sink in; seriously... pause and let that sink in. From God's perspective whatever you do -- if it's done without love, it has no value.
Prayer
Father God, I appreciate that You acknowledge my desires. I want them to line up with Yours. I want to eagerly desire gifts that are blessings to other people and that further Your mission among Your people. But above even that, I want a desire to love people so that Your gifts in me find receptive hearts, souls and minds. Grant this prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:49-56 7th letter: Zayin (ז)
- Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope. - My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life. - The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law. - I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them. - Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law. - Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge. - In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law. - This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
John 12:26
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
The Promise
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Pondering Point
We’re often reminded to remember God’s Word for His people; here the Psalmist reverses that by calling on God to remember His Word for our good (v. 49).