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SUNDAY JANUARY 17


A HINT OF HEAVEN

READ:
1 CORINTHIANS 14:12
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Since you are eager
for gifts of the
Spirit, try to excel
in those that build
up the church.
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The world-class botanical garden across the street from our church was the setting for an all-church community gathering. as I walked around the gardens greeting people I have known for years, catching up with those I hadn't seen recently, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings plants, I realized that the evening was rich with symbols of how the church is supposed to function__a little hint of heaven on earth.

A garden is a place where each plant is placed in an environment in which it will thrive. Gardeners prepare the soil, protect the plants from pests, and make sure each one receives the food, water, and sunlight it needs. The result is a beautiful, colorful, and fragrant place for people to enjoy.

Like a garden , church is meant to be a place where everyone works together for the glory of God and the good of all; a place where everyone flourishes because we are living in a safe environment; a place where people are cared for according to their needs; where each of us does work we love__work that benefits others (1 COR. 14:26).

Like well-cared for plants, people growing in a healthy environment have a sweet fragrance that draws people to God by displaying the beauty of His love. The church is not perfect, but it really is a hint of heaven. ___Julie Ackerman Link

** How can you promote the health of your church?
Ask God to help you serve others as Christ serves us. Serve in a role that
matches your skills and intents. Listen well to others and pray for them.
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Hearts fragrant with the love of Christ display His beauty.

*************************Today's Bible Reading __ 1 Corinthians 14:6-12,26***************************
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak
in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring
you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or work
of instruction? 7 Even in th case of lifeless things that
make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know
what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the
notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who
will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak
intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know
what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet
none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the
meaning of what someone is saying I am a foreigner to the
speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with
you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in
those that build up the church....

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When
you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of
instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.
Everything must be done so that the church may rebuilt up.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Corinth, the destination of this letter, was
located about fifty miles from Athens in the Isthmus that
connects northern Greece with the Pelopponnesus of southern
Greece. This strategic location made Corinth a bustling trade
center and an important shipping port. Corinth was also the
home of the Isthmian Games, and athletic competition in the
ancient world that was second only to the ancient Olympics.
This may explain Paul's use of athletic illustrations in his first
letter to the Corinthians (SEE 1 COR. 9:24-27). ___Bill Crowder