 The Word of Grace Devotion for August 26, 2019
Comforted To Comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Beloved, through all the heartache, trials and tribulation, “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4(who) comforts us in all our tribulation.” Yes, God comforts us in all our tribulations! The Greek word for comfort here is parakaléō, and it means to call near, to call for, and to comfort. To comfort is the sense in which it is used in 2 Corinthians 1. If you think that the word is familiar it is because it is. The Holy Spirit is called the paraklete, the one who comes along side of us to lead us to Christ, to minister to us and to empower us to serve and live out this Christian life. Therefore, when God comforts us, He comes along side of us and participates in our suffering. His very presence should bring comfort to us. Through every hill and valley, every heartache and heartbreak, God is with us. But God doesn’t allow these trials and tribulation for nothing. They serve a purpose; primarily to hone us into the image of Christ but also to allow us to minister the same comfort, which we have received, “That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Hence, our trials, tribulations, and tears are never wasted. God always has a purpose for them and will somehow use them for His glory. Beloved, we have been comforted to comfort! I pray that you will have a blessed week and that the Lord will comfort you! I love you and I will be praying for you! In Jesus Name- Pastor Joe
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1 Corinthians 12:12 "One Body" on this week's Word of Grace Devotion with Pastor Joe Marquez.8/20/2019  The Word of Grace Devotion for August 19, 2019
One Body 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” Beloved, Paul begins 1 Corinthians 12 not wanting us to be ignorant of Spiritual gifts. He explains that there are many different Spiritual gifts, which believers may possess. He says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” I mention this because this past weekend revealed how we are to use our Spiritual Gifts in unison for the edification of the Body of Christ. While on the Youth Retreat we were able to witness the gifts of teaching and serving and administration and prophecy and giving and many other Spiritual Gifts being used for the glory of God and the edification (building up) of the body of Christ. Though we were many members, we became one body and functioned in unison as the Body of Christ should function. Meanwhile, back at home base, worship was sung, Sal Perez taught from God’s Word, children were taught, coffee was served and the Body of Christ was blessed. This is how the Body of Christ is to work. We find our place; our spiritual gift(s) and we go to work for the glory of God. We also remember that we are one body and we must work in unison that there be no schism in the Body of Christ. One body, functioning together can do great things in Christ. But when we go off like a rogue wave we only create chaos and dissension. God made us to function as a team and when we do He is glorified! I pray that you will have a blessed week! Thank you for praying for our Youth Retreat- it was a great success. I love you and I will be praying for you! In Christ, Pastor Joe |
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