(Numbers 16:1-15) Often times we find ourselves seeking positions of authority over others. Perhaps we feel we are better suited for a position of leadership then those that are already in the position. This can happen in all areas of our lives, but the worst of these is when it occurs in our churches. Our churches are described in other passages as being like a body, with each of us have a special place and function. We are not to be seeking to find the position that we want, we are to seek after God’s divine leading for the roles we are in. Whether we are to be the coach of the little league team, or simple take care of bringing the water, God has a position for us that is according to His purpose. He wants to use us where we can best best be used by Him, and He knows what’s best, even more than we do.

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(Galatians 5:16-25) It is written in this passage some very real and evident ways to tell where people’s hearts are. I think sometimes we may have the application of the “good list” or Fruit of the Spirit backwards. At times I think we feel as Christians that we must work to show those fruits, working for the fruits themselves. This passage doesn’t say that we are to be working to attain those fruits, it says that the fruit of the SPIRIT are those things listed. Those fruits are produced as a result of where are hearts are. If we are simply following our sinful nature then it will be seen by what comes out of that. If we are following the leading of and work in our lives by the Holy Spirit then the result of that will be the fruit of the spirit.

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(1 Corinthians 12:1-13) The passage for this morning touches on an area that I think many churches rarely touch on, the gifts that are given to all believers by the Holy Spirit. I’ll have to be honest that I too have no idea what spiritual gift, or gifts, I have been given. The wonderful thing about spiritual gifts is that they are varried, but uniquely and intentinally given by the Holy Spirit. There is a sad fact that if very few of us know, and even use, our spiritual gifts then the church cannot be as effective as it could be. With so much teaching going on for the Christian today, a question comes to my mind. What teaching is most important for us as Christians? Are we dwelling too much on small things that have less impact? It would seem to me that if we have been given two great gifts, Christ’s death and forgiveness as well as even one spiritual gift, then it is those gifts that should be dewlt on. I believe that if something is from God then it is more useful in this world then anything the world might try to give us, or that we might try to attain.

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(John 3:16) As I’ve been studying about love this week, I would say that John 3:16 comes to mind as the very example of love we are to live by. The kind of “true love” that we all desire can really only come from one source, God. And He showed us that love by the amazing gift He gave us, His son on the cross to save us. I don’t think that any of us has the capacity to ever show that amount or kind of love. I do think that by loving God, and letting His love fill us, it is His love that can overflow and run out to others in our lives.

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