Study Desk

Those who eat this bread or drink the cup of the Lord in a manner that does bring glory to God are like the ones who spit on Jesus at his death.

If you eat and drink without thought for your fellow cowboys, who are the body of Christ, you aren't receiving a blessing from God, but his judgment.

All you have to do is judge yourself, and then God doesn't have to.

Alright, cowboys and cowgirls, let's talk about the special abilities God gives his hands who are riding for the brand. I don't want there to be any confusion about these great gifts from the Holy Ghost.

There are different kinds of special abilities, but they all come from the same God.

God works in different people in different ways, but it is the same God doing the work in all of us.

The Holy Ghost might give the ability for one cowboy to do miracles and another to prophecy, and still another might have the ability to tell if something is from God or not. The Holy Ghost gives one person the ability to speak in other languages, and still another cowboy will be able to understand it.

But don't forget, all of these different things come from just one God. And it is the One True God, and only God, who decides who gets what.

Our bodies have many different parts and God made each part for a specific and grand purpose.

But there are other parts that are just as important that we never cover up. God put this whole body together, and while some parts are more visible, the entire body should be honored.

God did this so our body would not be divided. God wants us to care for the entire body, not just the visible parts.

And in the church, or the body, God has given special appointments. First are the apostles, second is the prophets, and third are the teachers. Then there are the special appointments of miracle workers, healers, helpers, leaders, and finally those who speak in different kinds of languages.

Some of you desire the abilities you think are most important, but you should be glad with what God has given you, not what you think is better.Now let me show you a way of life that tops everything else.

If I had the power of God, could speak mighty words with supernatural knowledge, and had faith that could make mountains march, but if I didn't show love to others, I'm worthless.

Right now it's like we are looking at God in a dirty mirror, but one day everything will be washed away and we will see him clearly. We can't see the whole trail right now, but one day we will reach the end and God will be there to show us everything.

You can have the ability to speak in unknown languages, but the only one who will be able to understand you is God. It's a special ability, but only to you. No one else will know what you are saying.

You might be saying a thousand thanks to God, but not a single person will understand it. If they don't understand it, they ain't helped by your words.

But if they come in and hear the word of God and understand it, then they will be convicted of their sin. They will have no excuse except to know the truth or deny him.

Their secrets will be laid bare as they fall to their knees and worship the Most High, saying, "God is truly here with us."

God does not create confusion when his cowboys and cowgirls gather together. His goal is peace and unity.