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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Thursday, 20 June 2024:
1 Corinthians 14:1 — Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
Spiritual fruit is a prerequisite for spiritual gifts. Gifts without fruit become curses as demonstrated by Samson in the Book of Judges who was given supernatural power which he wielded in an unfruitful way to the destruction of many including himself. Often those who are quickest to boast of their spiritual gifts are the most unloving. Love is the measure of the person.
The gift of prophecy is most desired. The gift of prophecy mentioned in this verse refers not to being the mouthpiece of God for new revelation from God but rather preaching the written word of God within proper context to current situations. However, Jesus also warned of false prophets and said you would know them by their “fruits,” because no good tree bears bad fruit and no bad tree bears good fruit.
- Matthew 7:15-20 — “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 14:6 – Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
Our spiritual gifts are meant to benefit others more than ourselves.
1 Corinthians 14:37 — If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
Many of God’s commands seem foolish to people. Many have developed clever arguments to refute God’s commands based on current cultural standards. You will have to choose what you will believe and upon what you will act. “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, 16)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 20 June 2024: Today, pray that the Lord would make your greatest spiritual gift the fruit of love. Seek above all other attributes to be truly loving, to the point where you genuinely, wholeheartedly love your enemies from the depths of your heart because of the love of Christ which naturally flows out of your from your intimate relationship with Him.
- John 7:38 – “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 