August 21
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GIFTS OF TONGUES AND PROPHECY
A poem by ILMA
Let love be your highest goal also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives
Desire specially the ability to prophesy because it benefits the entire church
For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God People won’t understand you for you’ll be speaking by the Spirit’s power.
One who prophesies strengthens, encourages, and comforts others
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally
But one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church
For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues.
Unless someone interprets what you are saying when you speak in tongues,
Only you and the Spirit understand, the whole church won’t be strengthened
If someone speaks in an unknown language, how would that help you?
But a revelation, special knowledge, prophecy or teaching, will be helpful.
Even lifeless instruments must play the notes clearly for melody to be recognized
It’s the same for you; if you speak to people in words that they don’t understand
How will they know what you are saying?
You might as well be talking into empty space.
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MEMORY VERSE
I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. – 1 Corinthians 14:5
Read: 1 Corinthians 14:1-9
God’s Spirit gives us many different gifts, among them are the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy. Paul urges the Corinthians in this chapter to allow these gifts in the church. He stresses the importance of prophesying for it benefits and strengthens the church.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think prophesying is better than speaking in tongues?
• Do you speak in tongues in public? Why do you think some people don’t exercise this gift of the Holy Spirit?