Bible Pathway - Nov. 26, 2011

Highlights:

The Bible assures us of temptations. Call on God; He will provide a way to remain faithful (I Cor. 10:13). All we do should glorify God (10:31-33). The Body of Christ working together wins (chap. 12)! Love described and explained (chap. 13).

We need to consider our daily lives, dear Christians. Are they full of careless expression? Do sharp words escape our lips as we confront others? Think of how many people we have contact with each day. Is there an outflow of Christ's loving-kindness toward them — even those who are rude? Let no man seek his own (advantage), but every man another's wealth (best interest) (I Cor. 10:24). Sharing the love of God with others is the most natural thing in the world to do when one's life is filled to overflowing with Christ and His love. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (10:31).

God is able, in His mighty power, to impart His love and His Spirit into the heart of His child — to open a fountain of love so that in all one's day-to-day activities it shall be His love, His life, flowing outward unceasingly. Do you not feel that in your own home, in your own circle of friends, and in your church, loving-kindness is the one thing above all else that will help heal any bitterness, strife, or divisions?

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing (13:1-3). Charity (Love) suffereth long (is patient), and is kind (gracious) . . . envieth not (is not jealous) . . . vaunteth not itself (is not boastful), is not puffed up (conceited), Doth not behave itself unseemly (is not rude), seeketh not her own (is not selfish), is not easily provoked (to take offense), thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity (is not happy over someone's exposed sin), but rejoiceth in the Truth (delights to see the Word of God magnified) (13:4-6).

Let us, then, ask God for grace to express His love more than we have ever done before and live to please Him. God is love (I John 4:8). It does not say, "God has love," but God is love. And the love that we need is the indwelling God Himself flowing through us and blessing everyone we meet throughout the day. He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (I John 4:16).

Thought for Today:

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

Cross References:

For I Cor. 10:7: See Ex. 32:6. I Cor. 10:26: See Ps. 24:1.

Word Studies:

10:24 another's wealth, the well-being of others; 10:25 shambles, meat market; 11:11 man without the woman, man is not independent of woman; woman is essential to man; 11:13 comely, proper; 12:2 dumb, mute, without a voice; 12:11 severally, individually; 12:24 tempered, united, assembled, combined; 12:25 schism, division; 13:1 charity, love; 13:12 now we see through a glass, darkly, all we are capable of knowing now is partial and incomplete.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Jack Markell (DE) and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV) • Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada • Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish • Religious freedom • 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself and reverence the Word of God; He will look upon you with affection (Is. 66:2).

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:14