Scripture of the Week

1 Corinthians 11:23-30 KJV Opening and Communion: 

²³ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

²⁵ After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

²⁶ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

²⁷ Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

²⁸ But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

²⁹ For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

³⁰ For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Remember that Paul was writing to the church at  Corinth-the church that operated in all the manifestations of the Spirit. Still, many were sick and died because of the condition of their hearts.

Harboring Contentions, strife, unforgiveness opens the door to the devil. 

1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Proverbs 4:20-23 New Living Translation

²⁰ My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
²² for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

²³ Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life.

Bulletin Notes

                          “Make a joyful noise unto God all ye lands.” Psalm 66:1
Several places in Scripture command us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 66:1.The verses that follow explain what that means. For example, Psalm 98:4–6 says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” This psalm goes on to describe the sea roaring, the rivers clapping their hands, and the hills breaking forth in song. The picture is that of all creation joining together in noisy worship of God.
     A joyful noise is not merely noise for its own sake. Our world is filled with noise, much of it harmful or distracting. A joyful noise is a bold declaration of God’s glorious name and nature, with shouts, clapping, and other outward expressions of praise. A joyful noise often includes music, such as singing, and playing instruments. While there is a time for quiet reverence in the presence of the Lord, God also delights in our outward displays of joyful abandon as we worship Him with all we have. Scripture is filled with examples of God’s servants praising Him in a variety of ways, many of them noisy and active. David danced, Miriam played the tambourine, singing and dancing. The children of Israel shouted and sang. Solomon lifted hands before all the people. Paul and Silas sang loudly in jail and Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with loud shouts of joy.
     Often what we term “reverence” is merely “fear of man.” Self-centered reserve is usually the motivation that keeps us from singing aloud, dancing for joy, or lifting hands in worship when it is appropriate to do so. We fear that we might be seen as undignified or fanatical. At those times, we are rejecting the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Rather than focus on praising God, our focus is “What will people think?” Others excuse their lack of joyful noise-making by claiming it is not their personality style. However, most of the people who refuse to make a joyful noise unto the Lord think nothing of shouting, clapping, and cheering at their favorite sporting event or music concert. For reasons not found in Scripture, many churches have adopted a somber, funeral-like atmosphere that squelches any expression of joy. While corporate worship services should always be “done decently and in order,” they should never stifle the joyful expression of praise brought before the Lord by His people. When the fear of man either prompts or stymies any type of outward expression, we are not doing “all for the glory of God.”
     A joyful noise begins within a pure heart and radiates upward, finding expression in ways that honor God. When joy overflows, our actions reflect that joy. He also commands us to make a joyful noise, because we need to express joy to Him.  Ephesians 5:18–19 instructs us to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we desire to sing to Him and edify others. Musical talent has nothing to do with it. A joyful noise incorporates many creative expressions of praise: dancing, singing, clapping, shouting, raising hands, and playing instruments. When the focus of our hearts is God and His greatness, our noise is a sweet sound to His ears.

Faith Declarations to Start Each Day

The regular habit of speaking these promises aloud from the Word of God  will cause us to become what and who we really are the way God sees us. It is always better to see our new life in this manner for a healthy, vibrant, and fruitful  faith-walk.

I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I draw my strength from Him, that strength which His boundless might provides (Ephesians 6: 10).

I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Colossians 1: 11, Philippians 4: 13).

The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me and also gives life to my body (Romans 8: 11).

The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8: 2).

I am complete in Christ and the fullness of God dwells in me. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge dwell in me through Christ Jesus (Colossians 2: 3, 9-10).

Wisdom in my heart is like water in a deep well, I am a person of understanding and I draw it out (Proverbs 20: 5 AMP).

I have been delivered from the power of darkness. I know the truth and the truth has set me free (Colossians 1: 13, John 8: 32).

The Holy Spirit teaches me all things and brings all things to my memory. I know and remember who I am. I now use my words and my faith to manifest God’s highest and best for me! (John 14: 26).