Author Archives: lrbartel

Mar 19 2020
Leave a comment
Devos

Needed: A broadened understanding of “Spiritual gifts!”

Spiritual Gifts
I’ve been so impressed with the significance of Bezalel and his “Spiritual giftedness” described in these Old Testament chapters: Exodus 35:30 – 39:42… Reference to his name (and Ohoiliab’s) appear over and over again in these chapters, along with personal pronouns referring to them (“he” – “they”) … and the reference is to “Spiritual gifts” that we do not usually associate with “Spirituality” … craftsmanship, artistic designs, etc.
 
And the result of their “Spiritual gifts?” The tabernacle was constructed “just as the Lord had commanded Moses” (another oft repeated phrase in these chapters)!
 
Perhaps… no, not “perhaps,” – we DEFINITELY need a broadened understanding of what “Spiritual gifts” are and consist of! And we need to re-read 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:1-8, Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 in light of this broadened, comprehensive, understanding.
 
Spiritual gifts enable the “Church” to be what it is called to be, “the body of Christ!” Through “Spiritual gifts” the Lord provides EVERYTHING that is needed for the Church to be “the body of Christ” in our communities and around the world through the Holy Spirit’s power and enablement!
Mar 19 2020
Leave a comment
Devos

“The voice of the Lord thunders!” -Psalm 29

“The voice of the Lord” – “The voice of the Lord thunders!” (Psalm 29)
Ever been outside (or inside for that matter) when a powerful thunderstorm is occurring? Frightening! terrifying, really! (Play the attached YouTube clip to jog your memory!)
David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, imagined it as the powerful, majestic, “voice of the Lord!”
And the appropriate response to the “Lord’s voice” (however it expresses itself? Verses 1-2: “Honor (NLT), “Ascribe worship (other translations),” and “cry out ‘glory! (vs. 9)’”
Listen! I intend to do precisely that… whenever and however the Lord speaks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlNvh7aGMgw
Mar 17 2020
Leave a comment
Devos

Dealing with the things that frighten or haunt you…

Are you like many of us, dealing with concerns and issues related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 epidemic… or perhaps there is another issue that frightens or haunts you?

Psalm 27 provides a wonderful, calming antidote! It is a Psalm of King David who faced many dangers and enemies… It’s interesting to me, that some key leaders in our nation and medical people have referred to the COVID-19 virus as “an assault.”

Listen, the Lord’s presence – the Lord’s house – is a refuge in difficult, dangerous times! David found it so… Here, read it for yourself! (It was just the medicine – the tonic – that I needed this morning!)…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? … The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high… At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” …Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path… Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord!” (From Psalm 27 NLT)

← Older posts
Newer posts →