1. Diversity of Gifts: Spiritual gifts are diverse and given by the Holy Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 emphasizes that there are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit.
2. Purpose: Spiritual gifts are intended to build up the Church and serve others. They are not for personal glory but to contribute to the community of believers (1 Peter 4:10).
3. Types of Gifts: Some examples of spiritual gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
4. Unity in Diversity: While there are many gifts, all believers are part of one body—the Church—working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Each gift is important for the overall function of the body.
5. Encouragement to Use Gifts: Believers are encouraged to discover and use their spiritual gifts actively (Romans 12:6-8). The emphasis is on serving others and glorifying God.
6. Love as the Foundation: 1 Corinthians 13 highlights that love is essential in the exercise of spiritual gifts. Without love, even the most impressive gifts are meaningless.

Overall, spiritual gifts are viewed as essential tools for ministry and service within the Christian community, designed to reflect God’s grace and enhance the mission of the Church.

You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
² Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
³ When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?^[c]

⁵ You have made them^[d] a little lower than the angels^[e]
    and crowned them^[f] with glory and honor.
⁶ You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their^[g] feet:
⁷ all flocks and herds,
    and the animals of the wild,
⁸ the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

⁹ Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

³ Lord my God, if I have done this
    and there is guilt on my hands—
⁴ if I have repaid my ally with evil
    or without cause have robbed my foe—
⁵ then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
    let him trample my life to the ground
    and make me sleep in the dust.^[c]

⁶ Arise, Lord, in your anger;
    rise up against the rage of my enemies.
    Awake, my God; decree justice.
⁷ Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
    while you sit enthroned over them on high.
⁸     Let the Lord judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,
    according to my integrity, O Most High.
⁹ Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
    and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
    who probes minds and hearts.

¹⁰ My shield^[d] is God Most High,
    who saves the upright in heart.
¹¹ God is a righteous judge,
    a God who displays his wrath every day.
¹² If he does not relent,
    he^[e] will sharpen his sword;
    he will bend and string his bow.
¹³ He has prepared his deadly weapons;
    he makes ready his flaming arrows.

¹⁴ Whoever is pregnant with evil
    conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
¹⁵ Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
    falls into the pit they have made.
¹⁶ The trouble they cause recoils on them;
    their violence comes down on their own heads.

¹⁷ I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

⁴ Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
    save me because of your unfailing love.
⁵ Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
    Who praises you from the grave?

⁶ I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping
    and drench my couch with tears.
⁷ My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
    they fail because of all my foes.

⁸ Away from me, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
⁹ The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
¹⁰ All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
    they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

³ In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.
⁴ For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people are not welcome.
⁵ The arrogant cannot stand
    in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
⁶     you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
⁷ But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
    toward your holy temple.

⁸ Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight before me.
⁹ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
    with their tongues they tell lies.
¹⁰ Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.
¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

¹² Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
    you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

² How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods^[b]?^[c]
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ Tremble and^[d] do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
⁵ Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.

⁶ Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
⁷ Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.

⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

³ But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

⁵ I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

⁷ Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸ From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.

⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
⁶ “I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

⁷ I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
⁸ Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
⁹ You will break them with a rod of iron^[b];
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

¹⁰ Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

1. Old Testament Foundations: Tithing is first mentioned in Genesis 14:20, where Abram gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. The practice is further codified in the Law of Moses, particularly in Leviticus 27:30-32 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29, where the Israelites are instructed to give a tenth of their agricultural produce and livestock to support the Levites and the temple.
2. Purpose of Tithing: The Old Testament emphasizes tithing as a means to support the religious leaders and the temple, as well as to provide for the poor and marginalized (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
3. New Testament Perspective: While the New Testament does not explicitly command tithing, it does speak to the principles of generosity and giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages believers to give willingly and cheerfully, reflecting a spirit of generosity rather than a legal obligation.
4. Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus acknowledges tithing in Matthew 23:23, where he critiques the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice and mercy. This suggests that while tithing is important, it should not overshadow more significant moral obligations.
5. Faith and Stewardship: Many contemporary interpretations emphasize that tithing is a starting point for generosity rather than a strict requirement, encouraging believers to be stewards of their resources in a way that reflects their faith and commitment to God.

Overall, tithing is seen as an act of worship and trust in God’s provision, with the emphasis shifting from a obligation to a generous heart.

1. Set a Specific Time: Choose a consistent time each day that works for you, whether in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
2. Create a Comfortable Space: Find a quiet and inviting spot where you can read without distractions.
3. Start Small: If you’re new to regular reading, begin with a manageable goal, like a chapter a day or a few verses.
4. Use a Reading Plan: Consider following a Bible reading plan or devotion that guides you through the text and provides context.
5. Incorporate Prayer: Before you start, pray for understanding and insight. This helps to focus your mind and heart.
6. Keep it Accessible: Carry a pocket-sized Bible or use a Bible app on your phone, so you can read whenever you have a free moment.
7. Join a Study Group: Engaging with others can motivate you and provide deeper insights through discussion.
8. Reflect and Journal: Take notes or journal about what you read. This can help you process and remember key lessons.
9. Be Flexible: Life can be busy, so if you miss a day, don’t be discouraged. Just pick up where you left off.
10. Make it Enjoyable: Find a translation or study resource that resonates with you. Enjoying the text can make a big difference.

By incorporating these strategies, you can create a meaningful and consistent Bible reading habit.