Temporary vs. Eternal

I was listening to the story of Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) the poor man who died and went to Heaven, while the rich man went to hell.  (The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich, but because while living, he rejected Christ’s offer of salvation. When he died, it was too late.)  One pastor has said this story is true and not a parable because names are used, whereas in contrast, if Jesus says “a certain man” or such, then that is a parable.  Anyway, the point I want to make is that no matter how bad I (we) feel on a particular day, it is rare that it is "only dogs to lick one's sores" bad.  He only had the dogs to lick his sores and the visual I get helps me to know-- THAT is bad off! There are times when we suffer, but we must remind ourselves that Lazarus eventually received an eternal reward that more than made up for his situation on earth.  Final thought: My pastor (Danny – Calvary Chapel / St. Pete) is fond of saying: “We are not humans having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a human experience.” Our spiritual experience in the presence of God will last forever! Amen!

The Misuse of Spiritual Gifts

I gained a lot by hearing Stephen Rummage (Bell Shoals Baptist) teach on the misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12).  He gave examples of the gifts, the purpose of the gifts and how they might be misused.  I got a lot out of this message because, of course, I’ve done it!  But the Lord is helping me to rectify that situation as we speak!  I didn’t get to write them all but the few I got are:

Prophecy –used to tell God’s truth. Misuse: not telling people the truth about God’s Word (bending & twisting it) and becoming judgmental of others because you receive revelations about them.

Ministry – used to show God’s love to people. Misuse: “Loving” people to gain benefits for yourself by the use of flattery.

Exhortation – used to lift people up. Misuse: People-pleasing.

I confess, I’ve misused my gifts and then blamed the errors I’ve made on my background and on my problems.  I now realized that I must depend on the Lord to equip and train me to use my spiritual gifts in the proper way, so that I will not be defined by my background and past problems.  In fact, it’s already done! (Ephesians 2:10) The Lord does this so that we are able to walk in the newness of life, the life that HE IS. (John 14:6- I am the Life)

Hallelujah for The Life!