"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7.
The Motivational Gift of Mercy, provides a very important balance within the body of Christ. Christians are called to speak the truth of God's word, which can be challenging to us. We are are called to correct, exhort and rebuke. At the same time, we are also called to show mercy and to help those in need. This is called the gift of mercy. Colossians 3:12-13 says:
2Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (King James version)
The person with the gift of mercy has the "God given ability to show genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non Christian who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems and the ability to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflects Christ's love and alleviate the suffering" *
This gift allows the body of Christ to take it's focus off the business at hand and care for the hurting among us. Although this is not everyone's primary gift, Christ would have all of us to be sensitive to the needs of those around us and be willing to help when we can.
Prayer: Lord, help me to show your love by being sensitive to the needs and hurts of others as I go about my day. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Learn more at:
http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/motivational_gift_of_mercy.pdf
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fred's Devo #37 Jesus Suffering Saves Us
Today's devotional comes from a guest "devotionalist" , Rev. Bill Bauerle.
He talks about the fact that even though Jesus was fully God, he also became a man so that he could identify with our suffering: I especially appreciate this quote. "Christ's suffering is able to save all who obey him."
Read and be blessed!
Fred Williams
---------------------
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 5:7-9
"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.'
There are times the question of whether Jesus could disobey God is posed. The writer here seems to anticipate that question himself and points out the reality of Christ being in the flesh. While Christ was not born with a sin nature, he was true humanity none the less. Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, not with some kind of show, but with real anguish. This most likely is a direct reference to the garden, but I don’t think we need to limit it to just the garden. I think that we, at times, discount the hard reality of Christ’s temptations and sufferings as being something less because of His deity. We have already read that Jesus was tempted in all points and this temptation was not just an abstract, but real. We read here that Jesus, though fully God, learned obedience. He did not learn obedience through His Sonship, but through his suffering in His humanity. We read here that it is Christ’s perfect humanity that is what was able to
merit eternal salvation. It was in the fact that he actually struggled with being true humanity, and I think with the bare possibility to fail, that Christ’s sacrifice is able to save all that obey Him. As we consider the humiliation of Christ let us not discount lightly the real anguish and suffering that Christ experience to merit our salvation. As we take the cup and the bread consider the level of anguish and suffering Christ suffered.
Bill Bauerle
He talks about the fact that even though Jesus was fully God, he also became a man so that he could identify with our suffering: I especially appreciate this quote. "Christ's suffering is able to save all who obey him."
Read and be blessed!
Fred Williams
---------------------
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 5:7-9
"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.'
There are times the question of whether Jesus could disobey God is posed. The writer here seems to anticipate that question himself and points out the reality of Christ being in the flesh. While Christ was not born with a sin nature, he was true humanity none the less. Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, not with some kind of show, but with real anguish. This most likely is a direct reference to the garden, but I don’t think we need to limit it to just the garden. I think that we, at times, discount the hard reality of Christ’s temptations and sufferings as being something less because of His deity. We have already read that Jesus was tempted in all points and this temptation was not just an abstract, but real. We read here that Jesus, though fully God, learned obedience. He did not learn obedience through His Sonship, but through his suffering in His humanity. We read here that it is Christ’s perfect humanity that is what was able to
merit eternal salvation. It was in the fact that he actually struggled with being true humanity, and I think with the bare possibility to fail, that Christ’s sacrifice is able to save all that obey Him. As we consider the humiliation of Christ let us not discount lightly the real anguish and suffering that Christ experience to merit our salvation. As we take the cup and the bread consider the level of anguish and suffering Christ suffered.
Bill Bauerle
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Fred's Devo #36 "Thanksgiving and Praise Break!"
Let's take a break from our Romans 12 series and focus on giving the Lord Thanks and Praise! He is worthy of our thanks and praise! Take a few minutes to read and meditate on two or three of the passages below and give God thanks for his goodness to you and those around you today:
Scriptures on Thanksgiving and Praise:
Oh give thank to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. -Psalms 105:1
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. -Psalms 100:4
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night... For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the work of Thy hands. How great are Thy works, O Lord! -Psalm 92:1, 4-5
Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father... -Ephesians 5:19-20
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. -Psalm 103:1-5
I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the people; and I will sing praises to Thee among the nations, for thy loving-kindness is great above the heavens; and thy truth reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. That thy beloved may be delivered, save with thy right hand, and answer me! -Psalm 108:3-6
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-22
Scriptures on Thanksgiving and Praise:
Oh give thank to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. -Psalms 105:1
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. -Psalms 100:4
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night... For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the work of Thy hands. How great are Thy works, O Lord! -Psalm 92:1, 4-5
Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father... -Ephesians 5:19-20
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. -Psalm 103:1-5
I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the people; and I will sing praises to Thee among the nations, for thy loving-kindness is great above the heavens; and thy truth reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. That thy beloved may be delivered, save with thy right hand, and answer me! -Psalm 108:3-6
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-22
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fred's Daily Devo # 35 "The Motivational Gift of Leadership"
"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7.
The Motivational Gift of Leadership comes next in our list of gifts within the body of Christ. The passage says "if it (the gift) is leadership, let him govern diligently. The believer with this give has the God given ability to "understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. People with this gift tend to be thorough, goal oriented, objective, responsible and organized." *
This gift is critical to the progress of a local fellowship of believers. a leader, a local church or fellowship flounders around without direction. "Within a vision a people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) Leader give direction when direction is needed, they create order out of chaos, yet they know how to respect authority and give other people the credit. They get a big picture of what needs to be done and can organize others to get it done.
What we can learn from leaders and administrators; Keep your surroundings clean, study time management principles, finish what you start, prioritize your work.
Reflection Question: Do I recognize and honor the leaders in my midst? What can I learn from those with strong leadership skills?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the leaders and administrators in our churches and fellowships. Help us to support their gift by following their leadership for the sake of the kingdom. Help us not to worship them but to worship the Lord only, praying for them and supporting them. Give our leaders grace, wisdom and the diligence to make wise decisions.
gifthttp://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Administration_Leadership.pdf
The Motivational Gift of Leadership comes next in our list of gifts within the body of Christ. The passage says "if it (the gift) is leadership, let him govern diligently. The believer with this give has the God given ability to "understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. People with this gift tend to be thorough, goal oriented, objective, responsible and organized." *
This gift is critical to the progress of a local fellowship of believers. a leader, a local church or fellowship flounders around without direction. "Within a vision a people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) Leader give direction when direction is needed, they create order out of chaos, yet they know how to respect authority and give other people the credit. They get a big picture of what needs to be done and can organize others to get it done.
What we can learn from leaders and administrators; Keep your surroundings clean, study time management principles, finish what you start, prioritize your work.
Reflection Question: Do I recognize and honor the leaders in my midst? What can I learn from those with strong leadership skills?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the leaders and administrators in our churches and fellowships. Help us to support their gift by following their leadership for the sake of the kingdom. Help us not to worship them but to worship the Lord only, praying for them and supporting them. Give our leaders grace, wisdom and the diligence to make wise decisions.
gifthttp://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Administration_Leadership.pdf
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fred's Devo # 34 "The Motivational Gift of Giving"
"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7.
After discussing Christ's mercy on yesterday, back to the motivational gifts. Today we will discuss the "Motivational Gift of Giving" The motivational gift of giving is the special ability God gives to certain people to contribute their material resources to the word of the Lord. Givers are often thrifty, generous, disciplined and resourceful. They make friends easily and motivate others to give.
They are important to the body of Christ not only because of their giving but also because of the fact that they motivate others to give.
Proverbs 19:17 tells us that "he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and He will pay back what was given."
My wife has the gift of giving and it has been infectious for me to see her buy and save items to give to people and the joy she has in giving. In the course of the last year or two, she has literally given thousands of dollars worth of items to meet the needs of others. God is often giving things to her to give away to others. I don not have the gift of giving but watching her has increased my sensitivity to the needs of others.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for the gift of giving within the body of Christ and the needs that are met because of this gift. Help all of us to be more aware of we can serve other members of the body and advance the work of the Lord."
In Jesus Name! Amen!
After discussing Christ's mercy on yesterday, back to the motivational gifts. Today we will discuss the "Motivational Gift of Giving" The motivational gift of giving is the special ability God gives to certain people to contribute their material resources to the word of the Lord. Givers are often thrifty, generous, disciplined and resourceful. They make friends easily and motivate others to give.
They are important to the body of Christ not only because of their giving but also because of the fact that they motivate others to give.
Proverbs 19:17 tells us that "he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and He will pay back what was given."
My wife has the gift of giving and it has been infectious for me to see her buy and save items to give to people and the joy she has in giving. In the course of the last year or two, she has literally given thousands of dollars worth of items to meet the needs of others. God is often giving things to her to give away to others. I don not have the gift of giving but watching her has increased my sensitivity to the needs of others.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for the gift of giving within the body of Christ and the needs that are met because of this gift. Help all of us to be more aware of we can serve other members of the body and advance the work of the Lord."
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Fred's Devo #33 "Jesus, Our Great and Merciful High Priest"
Today, We have a guest writer, Bill Bauerly. This is a powerful meditaiton about God's precious mercy as lavished on us by Jesus, Our Saviour! Enjoy! Brother Fred
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
These verses are so precious that there was no way that I could take them separately. The writer has been hammering on us to make sure we are not in unbelief and so as enter into God’s rest. We should almost have the sense that we should question our salvation at every turn. We should be weary of our utter sinfulness and moral failures. We should be aware that our secrets are not hidden before an all knowing and seeing God. But finally we are given a reprieve in that God’s precious mercy is poured out on us. The high priest is one that mediates between God and man. Pleading our cause before this righteous God, Jesus is there in heaven. Whereas we could never enter into God’s rest, Jesus is leading us. It is with a tenacity we are to grasp on to our confession that Christ’s blood has paid the price for our transgression and clothed in His righteousness we can enter into God’s rest. Consider for a moment, Jesus pleading our case before
God as one who was tempted in all areas, but did not sin. Yes we are guilty, but we have a mediator who can sympathize with our weakness. The picture we have here is the priest as he sprinkles the blood of the lamb on the Ark of the Covenant. Picture God looking down on the Ark with the law contained in it. The priest then brings the blood as an offering for a guilty people who have broken that law. Now picture the mercy seat that was between God and broken law. It is not that God winks at sin – heaven forbid - Christ paid the required payment for our sin with his own life, but at the same time he sympathizes with the fact of our weakens. We must always feel the shame and utter sinfulness of our sin, but we must always look to Christ for mercy. It is here that the writer wants us to feel the tension that exists. We are guilty and vile but on the other side we can draw near with confidence that we will receive mercy and grace.
“What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest Friend"
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
These verses are so precious that there was no way that I could take them separately. The writer has been hammering on us to make sure we are not in unbelief and so as enter into God’s rest. We should almost have the sense that we should question our salvation at every turn. We should be weary of our utter sinfulness and moral failures. We should be aware that our secrets are not hidden before an all knowing and seeing God. But finally we are given a reprieve in that God’s precious mercy is poured out on us. The high priest is one that mediates between God and man. Pleading our cause before this righteous God, Jesus is there in heaven. Whereas we could never enter into God’s rest, Jesus is leading us. It is with a tenacity we are to grasp on to our confession that Christ’s blood has paid the price for our transgression and clothed in His righteousness we can enter into God’s rest. Consider for a moment, Jesus pleading our case before
God as one who was tempted in all areas, but did not sin. Yes we are guilty, but we have a mediator who can sympathize with our weakness. The picture we have here is the priest as he sprinkles the blood of the lamb on the Ark of the Covenant. Picture God looking down on the Ark with the law contained in it. The priest then brings the blood as an offering for a guilty people who have broken that law. Now picture the mercy seat that was between God and broken law. It is not that God winks at sin – heaven forbid - Christ paid the required payment for our sin with his own life, but at the same time he sympathizes with the fact of our weakens. We must always feel the shame and utter sinfulness of our sin, but we must always look to Christ for mercy. It is here that the writer wants us to feel the tension that exists. We are guilty and vile but on the other side we can draw near with confidence that we will receive mercy and grace.
“What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest Friend"
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fred's Devo # 32 "The Gift of Encouragement or Exhortation"
"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7.
Today we will discuss the motivational gift of encouragement or exhortation. The person who has the motivational gift of encouragement is a real blessing to the body of Christ. They have the God given ability to minister words of encouragement, consolation and comfort to members of the body in such a way that they feel encouraged and healed. They motivate others to their best effort" When necessary the exhorter will also admonish or challenge members of the body when needed. I cannot imagine a fellowship without exhorters! Barnabus was described as the "Soon of Consolation" in Acts 4:36. My wife is a exhorter or encourager. She has the ability to stand up in church, share a few words and lift the spirits of everyone in he room! I thank God for her blessing in my life and in he body of Christ.
In a general sense, all Christians are called to encourage and admonish each other.
The bible is a book of encouragement, instruction and admonition on how to follow God and his son Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord thank you for those with the gift of Encouragement in the body of Christ. Whether or not I have the gift, help me to look for opportunities to encourage and admonish my brothers and sisters today, for your Glory!
In Jesus Name. Amen
* For further reading,go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Exhortation.pdf
Today we will discuss the motivational gift of encouragement or exhortation. The person who has the motivational gift of encouragement is a real blessing to the body of Christ. They have the God given ability to minister words of encouragement, consolation and comfort to members of the body in such a way that they feel encouraged and healed. They motivate others to their best effort" When necessary the exhorter will also admonish or challenge members of the body when needed. I cannot imagine a fellowship without exhorters! Barnabus was described as the "Soon of Consolation" in Acts 4:36. My wife is a exhorter or encourager. She has the ability to stand up in church, share a few words and lift the spirits of everyone in he room! I thank God for her blessing in my life and in he body of Christ.
In a general sense, all Christians are called to encourage and admonish each other.
The bible is a book of encouragement, instruction and admonition on how to follow God and his son Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord thank you for those with the gift of Encouragement in the body of Christ. Whether or not I have the gift, help me to look for opportunities to encourage and admonish my brothers and sisters today, for your Glory!
In Jesus Name. Amen
* For further reading,go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Exhortation.pdf
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