The Church

Once again the Lord has opened my eyes to something I’ve read numerous times but never noticed. I’ve heard people say the church is not a building, it’s the people. I’ve been one to say it. 

This passage puts an end to the matter. We already knew it, now we have the passage to support this thought. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 16:19

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 16

Labor Well

This chapter of 1 Corinthians is long and filled with goodness. Paul gives us an understanding of the ministry of Christ. He shares with us about the impact of Adam’s sin on humanity and Christ’s sacrifice on humanity. 

Then he lets us know that bad company corrupts good character. Who we hang around matters. 
 
I really love the final verse. It lets us know that we have “work” to do in Christ. We must live out the love of Christ and share this gospel. We must labor well. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 15

Why Choose Love

As you read 1 Corinthians 13, you get a picture of how we are to give love and the power of love. The beginning of verse 8 puts an end to the matter of why love. Simply put, “love never fails.”

The word love used in this chapter is the Greek word agape. It is a sacrificial, unconditional type of love. It is the type of love that one would show to a stranger in need, though the stranger could not reciprocate that love in action. 

Spend time taking an inventory of the love you give. Do you major in agape love or is it not a part of your love “curriculum?” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 13:8a

8 Love never fails.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 13-14

What Is Your Spiritual Gift

Walking in Christ well can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us gifts to use for His purposes. Read Ephesians 2:10. Notice that God has planned works for you to do. The only way to accomplish them is to use the gift He has given you. 

Psalm 127:1 explains well the importance of doing everything in the Lord’s power. If you attempt to do things outside His gifting, it will fail. Unfortunately, you may be blinded to that fact. Subsequently, you continue to work in vain thinking that you’re doing some great things. But God is nowhere in your work. 

If you do not use the gift He’s given you, it goes away. Read the parable of the gold bags in Matthew 25 starting at verse 14. 

Walking with Christ is not a game. People’s eternity is at stake. The gate to enter is small and the road is narrow. What are you doing to help people find the Way? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 12

Follow Me

When I was in the Army I was stationed on a base called the Home of the Infantry. The infantry’s motto is “Follow Me.” They are the boots on the ground. Their leaders take charge and are the first ones on the battlefield. 

In a real sense, Jesus Christ is the leader we must follow. When Paul says follow me as I follow Christ, it is important to note that Paul spent time with Christ in prayer. He heeded the urging of the Holy Spirit. He freely gave up his life for a life that honors Jesus. Thus, when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” he meant in every way. This includes accepting the ridicule and persecution that comes with being a believer of the Way. 

Can people look at your life, follow what you do, and be on the path Jesus wants them on? Spend time with God today. Ask Him to show you areas in your life that need to come into submission with Christ’s lived example. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 11:1

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 11

Disciplined Freedom

Your freedom in Christ enables you to do whatever you want. However, it does not enable you to remain free of consequences. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 10

A Disciplined Christian

This passage speaks loudly. Paul is a disciplined Christian. When hard times came, he endured them and continued to do all that God chose Him to do. 

What about you? Are you a disciplined Christian? How easy do you lose your focus on God? What makes you take your eyes off Jesus? I know people who lose it if things do not go exactly how they think it should go. 

NEWSFLASH:

God will test you in that area to challenge you to trust Him with your actions. Things will not go as you would like. Will you still trust Him? Will you still focus on Him by faith? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27

26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 9

Knowledge

Short one today. Literally got no sleep. Here’s today’s verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 8

Repent and Be Baptized

Yesterday was overwhelming for me. I experienced God like I had never experienced Him before. I saw Him move in ways that I’ve never dreamed of. I thought I had a good handle on the ways of God, but I was humbled. 

This week I am a part of a discipleship retreat. Before we kicked off the retreat, God allowed me to have a special moment with my wife and our friend Grace. That time of preparation should have warned me that God was moving a little different, but I was not ready for what He did. 

Lives were changed for Christ. Four people publicly professed their faith through water baptism. I never imagined that God was going to move like that. I’m not sure why I couldn’t imagine it. I’ve seen God move too many times to count. But yesterday seemed even more special. 

Please pray for us as we continue to seek God. Our desire is to prepare in this place, then “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 2:37-39

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 7

Your Body Is God’s Property

I recently participated in a special moment that had as its foundation 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This passage is a great one to remind us that our bodies are not our own when we accept what Christ did on the cross as payment for our sin. 

In some societies, if a person saves your life, you are indebted to that person forever. In a sense, your life belongs to them. This is what happens when you accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. He saved your life, now your life belongs to Him.

But here’s the thing. Jesus does not Lord His salvation work over you. He gives you free will to do what you want. Please don’t abuse that free will. There’s a cost for that. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 6

“Purge The Evil”

The ending of this chapter may challenge you, especially in the, “God wants me to be happy” society in which we live. The title of this devotion is taken from Deuteronomy. There are several passages that end with “purge the evil from your midst.” God is teaching us not to tolerate things that will draw us from Him. 

That’s a challenge for Christians today. We have been taught to accept all people, which seems to be a loving thing. I cannot confirm that, but I can confirm that it is not how God has called us to live. 

The reason why God told Joshua to destroy the people from the lands they were taking is because the people would draw the Israelites away from God. Joshua and the Israelites did not accomplish what God told them to do and the people in the land led the Israelites to worship other gods. 

We think we’re being loving and supportive when we eagerly support others who have no desire to follow God. We’re not. We’re pulling ourselves away from God; walking to an eternity separated from God. (let that sink in)

This may be difficult to hear, but God is firm in His desire to be the only God. It is Him and nothing else. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 5:12-13

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 5

Motive

Recently, I was speaking to a group of young, mature Christians. We talked about what we do and the importance of motive. What drives us to do a thing matters as much as the thing we are doing. 

The Bible teaches us that God does not look at the “outward” appearance, but rather what’s inside. In this context, He’s talking about people. However, it is not a stretch to apply this principle to our actions. In Isaiah 29, God says that the people honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.

Your actions should match your motive (what’s inside). People underestimate Christ’s warning in Matthew 7, “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” You may have convinced you and your friends of your love for God, but you can never fool Him. He looks right through your false motives and will judge you accordingly. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 4:3-5

3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 4

Mature In Christ

As I read this passage I thought, “grow up, already,” in a Bronx accent. I laughed a little, but then I realized that this is a problem in the American church today. 

Far too many “Christians” are still drinking milk. If you are a parent or know anything about children, you know the milk diet phase of life is not a filling phase. In that phase, hunger comes quickly. 

As a mature believer, a continued diet of “milk” is not filling at all. You need to be in your Word daily. You need to be seeking God in prayer daily. And you need to fellowship with mature Christians daily. 

Key to mature Christian fellowship is accountability. If you do not have people in your life who are willing to point out things in your life that don’t seem right, then you have the wrong friend group. And even worse, if your rationale for not having friends who hold you accountable is because you don’t want to get your feelings hurt, you’re in denial and that is dangerous. 

Spend some time in prayer today. Ask God to show you the people in your life who hold you accountable. Then text or call them and tell them thank you. 

Additionally, seek to become a friend who lovingly holds others accountable to the Word. It’s time to put away the milk diet and begin to live the life of a mature Christian. One who loves to be held accountable and wants to be held accountable. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 3

The Mind Of Christ

This passage is one on which you need to meditate. In this fast paced, get information at the snap of a finger world, having the mind of Christ is more important than ever! 

The closer you draw to Christ, the better you will understand that not everyone thinks how Christ has called us to think. They can’t. They do not allow the Holy Spirit to be their guide. They have the mind of this world. You must be patient with them, but encourage them in the Lord. Do not take the posture of, “well, they’ve made their choice, it’s not my problem.”

Be intentional about sharing Christ, specifically with those who either do not know Him, or worse, have rejected Him. A person who thinks they know Christ and have rejected Him are in danger of eternal separation from God. Do what God guides you to do to help keep that from happening. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 2:13-16

13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness,and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 2

Foolish Things

In your pursuits, have you ever thought about the importance of being “foolish” or “weak” for God’s sake? This is an interesting place to be. In the US, we strive for greatness, which can lead to a bigger paycheck, bigger house, nicer car, and the “cushy” life. 

But what does that mean to God?

This passage helps us gain perspective of God’s economy. He wants us to love and obey Him. He also wants us to love and serve people. We do this well by not conforming to the pattern of this world. 

Giving in a way that seems “crazy.” Going to a place that seems “dangerous.” Creating something that seems “pointless.” These are all ways that God will use us for His purpose. We spend too much time trying to “do the smart thing” or “follow the latest trend to happiness.” 

Like Solomon said, all of that is meaningless. It’s like the chasing of the wind. When we think we’ve got God figured out, we haven’t even begun to understand His ways and why He does a certain thing. 

Purpose in your heart to allow God to use the foolish things in your life to help you lead people to the feet of Jesus. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holinessand redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Corinthians 1

Accept Help

How many struggles have you endured in your life because you were not willing to accept help? 

In a letter to the people of Corinth, Paul tells of a “thorn” in his flesh. We do not know what it was, but we do know it was bad enough for him to cry out to God for relief. We also know that God didn’t give it to him. 

So what? Right? No, not so what!

Here’s my point. Most people do not realize that Paul did not physically write all of the letters that are attributed to him; he had a scribe. Was this “thorn” in his flesh something that prevented him from being able to write for long periods of time? Some people say he had vision problems. No one knows for sure what the “thorn” was. 

In Galatians chapter six, Paul emphasizes the size of the letters he’s writing compared to the rest of the letter. This was to provide proof that the letter was actually from Paul transcribed by someone else. The letter to the Romans was also transcribed by someone other than Paul.

Imagine if Paul refused help. We may not have some of the letters he “wrote.” 

How is your stubbornness hindering what God can do in and through your life? Take time today to do a thought life inventory. Do you do things yourself because you’re not willing to ask for help? God will place people in your life to support you and help you. Don’t be foolish. Use the help God is providing. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 16:22

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Today’s Reading:

Romans 16

But Wait, There’s More

Years ago, while watching television, I would see commercials of things being sold. And just when you thought the item being sold was an incredible opportunity, the narrator would say, “But wait, there’s more.” This phrase would peak my interest. I would lean in to see what this “more” was. If I’m being honest, I was usually disappointed. 

Reading Romans 15 seems like it’s the end of this book. However, I’ve read the book of Romans enough to know that there are 16 chapters in this book. As I read, “Amen,” I thought, “but wait, there’s more.”

In Christ this phrase can be used for far more than just an “extended” book of the Bible. When times get tough and you believe you’ve received all the “help” you’re going to receive, “wait, there’s more.” When you believe the struggle couldn’t get any worse, “wait there’s more.” (yes, you read that correctly).

Most importantly, when you believe you’ve received all the grace any one person should receive, “wait, there’s more.” The statement, “God has a plan for your life” is not just words put together to sound intelligent, it’s a fact. 

My friend, Michaela Wilkes likes to say, “God created you on purpose for a purpose.” So when you find yourself feeling down and out, confused, overwhelmed, or any one of a hundred things, remember, when it comes to God’s grace, His love, and His blessings, “wait, there’s more!” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 15:30-33

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Today’s Reading:

Romans 15

The Shack

Part of the Summer Movie Crew and I watched “The Shack” the other day. In that movie is a scene where the main character meets Wisdom. Because he had been acting as the judge of others, she had him sit in the judgement seat. 

He quickly learned that judging justly is impossible for man. He realized that the consequences were too high for him to make a decision. We should adopt this level of understanding. 

In Romans 14, Paul is teaching us that our faith journey is not the same as everyone else’s. What God calls us to abstain from may not be what He has called another person to abstain from. He uses food as the example. 

As you read this chapter, pay attention. Then ask yourself the difficult questions. “Am I a stumbling obstacle for my brothers and sisters,” “How can I best relate to my friends as their brother or sister in Christ,” or any other question that leads you to love the way God loves. Not as a tyrannical judge, but rather as a loving, compassionate, and patient Judge.

Who do you need to support today? Send them a text of encouragement. Let them know you’re thinking about them and rooting for them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 14:10-13

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 

11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” 

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

Today’s Reading:

Romans 14

Think Right Live Right

This is another one of those passages I’ve read many times, yet this morning it hit different. 

Are you trapped in a cycle of sin activity? You know what you should do, but that’s not what you’re doing. Notice verse fourteen. It says not to “think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Contrast that with Philippians 4:8. 

It always comes down to what you set your mind on, that’s what you will do. Romans 12:2 gives us direction. We also get mind setting instructions from Colossians 3:2. In the end, how you think matters. 

Take time out of your schedule today and unpack the “habitual” sin areas of your life. Ask yourself why you continue to do this thing you know is not God honoring. Then seek God through His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you. He will. Do what He says. When He says don’t do it, don’t do it. It will be a challenge, but you’re up for it! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Today’s Reading:

Romans 13

Live Romans 12

This chapter of Romans has become special to me. Two dear friends of mine, Grace and Bailee, have opened this chapter to me. As I read it I realize more and more that a key to living right in Christ is to live Romans 12.

The instructions in this chapter are clear. If you purposed in your heart to live out Romans 12, how much of an impact for Christ would you have on your sphere of influence. 

Take time today to read and meditate on this chapter. Ask yourself the difficult question of how well are you living this chapter in your life. Then begin making the necessary adjustments to bring yourself into alignment with God’s Word. You’ll be glad you did! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 12:9-13

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Today’s Reading:

Romans 12