1 Corinthians 14:26-40
 
The phrase “a personal relationship with the Lord” falls so easily from evangelical lips, but we rarely talk about what that looks like in practical terms or appreciate it. Praise God for desiring a personal relationship with His children, for reaching out to make direct contact with us in a variety of ways. Our faith is rational but also experiential. Our Lord is the King of the universe, but He is not far off.
 
Pastor Dave pointed out yesterday that it is not natural for us to build one another up, as Paul instructs us. Our natural inclination in the flesh is to tear down. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you – to pinch you – this week when you are tearing down instead of building up. That includes in your thought life, not just in your words and deeds.
 
Paul’s message from God to the church at Corinth faced opposition then and faces opposition now. Pray that we as a church will always be humble enough to receive the word He has for us without explaining away the parts we don’t like or looking for loopholes.
 
If you are a woman, examine before the Lord your reaction to the biblical principle of submission to male leadership. Do you embrace it or rebel against it? If you are a man, examine before the Lord how you’re doing in your leadership role. Are you striving to fulfill it or are you abdicating?
 
Calvary Family
 
Lift up Lorraine Kratt in prayer. Just over a year ago, Lorraine underwent surgery to remove cancer in her bladder. She has recently learned that she now has a malignant rectal tumor related to the earlier cancer. Pray for wisdom for Lorraine and her doctors as they do more tests and formulate a treatment plan. When I talked to Lorraine at church yesterday, I was amazed at the calmness and acceptance with which she is handling this news. Thank God for this gift of grace in her life.
 
Fall FunFest is Saturday! Pray this week for provision of anything, including workers, that is still lacking. Pray that every person who serves would exude the love of God to the people of our community.
 
You should have received a letter from Pastor Dave a few days ago about the status of our project to build out the permanent sanctuary. He explained that an extra $375,000 over what we had planned is needed to correct previously undetected structural issues. Ask the Lord to move in hearts and circumstances to supply these additional funds.
 
Pray for anyone among us who is a believer but has not been baptized. Ask the Holy Spirit to move him or her to attend the baptism class next Sunday, if only to find out why the church considers baptism so important.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea