1 Corinthians 4  Can We Say, “Imitate Me”?

Vs. 1-2 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

If someone (even our children and spouse) described us, I wonder if they would be able to say this about us- that we are ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. That is God’s plan for our lives- to reveal His glory to others.  But in this journey as servants of Christ we may be called as the apostles were to be on display, to be a spectacle to the world, to be fools for Christ’s sake, to hunger, thirst, or even poorly clothed, beaten or homeless; to respond to all of this as these great men of God did- “being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we endure, being defamed we entreat. (Vs. 9-13)

Seriously, how do we respond when we are corrected or mistreated; would our response be pleasing to Christ; do we really bless our enemies? I don’t know about you but I have a long ways to go! Ah!!!! But God never gives up on you or me.  He’s still working on us.  I was recently offended and I did indeed respond wrong.  God surely knew that I needed this today.  Thank you, Father, for being by Teacher, for the power and working of the Holy Spirit in my life and for your Word that daily and powerfully convicts me.  I love Your Word.  We need it soooooo much, every single day of our lives! We can’t live without it.

Do we so live that we too could say to others as Paul did, “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” (Vs. 16)

1 Corinthians 5  A New Lump

Paul was teaching the church to discipline or purge those who were found guilty of things like fornication, drunkenness, extortions, covetousness and idolatry.  We as an individual must also purge from our lives that which is not pleasing to the Father- Vs. 6 -7 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.  Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.

We must be that “lump” is that sincere and truthful (Vs. 8). Have our lifestyles brought us to a place of coveting that which the world has, like making material possessions, our jobs, television or sports our idols?  Do we find time for all that but cannot find time for God- that personal time alone with Him every single day in prayer and Bible study and also finding a place in which to serve Him? Are we really fulfilling the great commission? Are we ministering to the widows, the fatherless; are we loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Do we need to let go of some relationship in our lives?  Vs. 13 Put away from yourselves the evil person.

Will we allow God to make us a “new lump”? What is it in our lives that is holding us back from being all that God knows we can be?

1 Corinthians 6  Temples

Do we really fully understand the concept that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit- it is not our own body.  (Vs. 19) A price has been paid- by the blood of Jesus.  Does that sentence we speak, the thought we think, that food we eat, that deed we do,- do they absolutely bring glory to God?   Are they expedient (Vs. 12)?  Things may be allowed or acceptable but are they the best God has for us?

I love Philippians 4:8 and I keep going back to it so many times in my life as well as share it with others over and over again.  It is a standard by which to live.  “Whatsoever things are true, noble just, pure, lovely, of a good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Let us measure this very hour, this day in light of this passage.  God gives us His precious Word every single day of our lives to mold, to cleanse to correct and to perfect us.

1 Corinthians 7 Married or Single

It is made very clear that married couples are not to defraud (deprive- or refrain from physical relationships (except for a time of consent for prayer and fasting) so that Satan cannot tempt us in the area of self-control. To those who are single we are told, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” (Vs. 2)  The single are blessed by having their whole lives to seek without distraction,  the things of the Lord.  Yet Paul warns that if one cannot refrain that it is better to marry (8, 9, 32-33).

To those who are married to a lost spouse, that lost spouse is sanctified and the children are made holy by the saved one. Vs. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the , unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, now are holy.

Whatever our calling is in life; wherever God has assigned and placed us we are to continue our calling with all diligence Vs. 17, 20 As God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.

Where do you find yourself?  In our calling can we really say that we are all God wants us to be? In our relationships, are we loving, giving, surrendered and selfless?

1 Corinthians 8  Knowledge or Love?

Vs. 3 Knowledge puffs up but love edifies.

Are we using our puffed up knowledge with those around us or is it charity that we practice?.  God calls us to be humble, to serve and to give. Matthew 5:3, 16, 41-42 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him that asks of you, and from him who wants to barrow from you do not turn away.

When we offend someone, we sin against Christ. (Vs. 12)

Meat was a big issue. Look what Paul decides to do about that. Vs. 13- If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

The weak Christians thought that they should not eat meat offered to idols, when in reality these false gods did not even exist.  Yet Paul stood strong in doing whatever it took to reach others for Christ. He did not want anything in the world to stand in the way of reaching one for Christ or cause other to stumble. Today meat is not an issue, but just how far will we be willing to go to reach the hearts of those around us for His glory?

1 Corinthians 3  On What Foundation Are We Building?

Spiritually where do we find ourselves at this time of our lives; are we a carnal (infant or spiritually immature; feeding on the milk of God’s word and not the meat) Christian or spiritually mature?

Vs. 3 For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal?

The believers of the Corinthian church were divided.  They were saying, “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas (Peter), or I am of Christ.” Paul wanted them to know and understand that they were all of Christ and “all things are yours; and you are Christ’s.” (Vs. 21-23)

Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, a great speaker, mighty in Scripture, a fellow missionary of Paul’s and then further trained by Aquila and Priscilla.  Paul planted the word and and Apollos took up when he left off and watered. Tradition says he was the bishop of Caesarea.

We have great men around us like these as well, yet we must also heed this lesson and remember that we must not be a follower of man but Christ alone.  All things are ours through Christ.

Does strife, envy, or division describe our lives; does God find us in a carnal state today?  Will our service and deeds be wood hay and stubble- worthless when the day comes for God to judge the merit of our lives?  This is not the issue of spending eternity in Heaven, but receiving rewards for our service to Him on this earth.  We must build our lives on that which is not corruptible-“gold, silver and precious stones”- those spiritual building blocks that will not burn away. Vs. 13 The fire will test each one’s work. If anyone’s work endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.    Vs. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If our time was this very day, if God called us home, what would we present to Him? Let’s make sure we are not in a carnal state.  Let’s drink very deeply of His Word every single day. Let’s lay that solid foundation in our own lives as well as the lives of our children and grandchildren.  Let’s leave a godly heritage for them to follow. Let’s heed those lessons we learn and be not just a hearer of His word but also a doer.

1 Corinthians 2  Our Focal Point

Our focal point in life,
in speech should be Christ.  Everything
we do should point to Him.  We are called
to share the gospel.  Even when we speak
no words at all, our actions should be a picture of Jesus.  We do not need eloquent speech, but only to
share simply of the power of God.

Vs. 1, 7, 9, 10 When I (Paul)
came to you, I did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to
you the testimony of God.   For I
determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  We speak of the wisdom of God. Eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which
God has prepared for those who love Him. God has revealed them to us through
His Spirit.

Ah, my fellow believer,
we can’t imagine all that God wants to give to us who love Him with all our
hearts.  All we need is a willing heart
and a deep, committed love for God.   I wonder
what is holding us back.  Perhaps we do
not share with others because our lifestyle, our actions and our words do not
reflect the Savior.  Just what are we
speaking; is it words of wisdom or instead constant futile, mindless, griping,
complaining, gossip and expressions of personal pet peeves or unimportant
issues?  Let us this day beg God to give
us a heart to constantly reflect His love in our lives.  Let us allow Him to let us be slow of speech,
reaching out for His wisdom in each word that we say.  Let us be humble and willing to seek
forgiveness when our speech and actions do not glorify Him.  Let us come to a place in our hearts that He
is truly our focal point.

This chapter begins with
Paul responding to a letter from the household of Chloe, a respected woman. The
church in Corinth, established by Paul where he ministered for eighteen months
(making tents during the week and preaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath),
was in serious trouble.  There were
experiencing immorality, suing each other in court and behaving with improper
use of their spiritual gifts.

Corinth, the capital of
Achaia, was probably the richest and most important city in Greece and the main
city for trade between Italy and Asia.
It was famous for its immorality.
The church was constantly influenced by the reputation of the people and
city in which they lived.

Paul pleaded, “that you
come short in no gift; be blameless; that there be no divisions among you, but
that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.” (Vs. 7, 8, 10)

Paul reminds the Corinthian
church and us today that we are called, just as he was. Vs. 1, 9 Paul, called….
through the will of God. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the
fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

This group got swept
away by the world.  Have we too allowed
the “Corinthian” influence and false philosophies of our world to pull us away
from our true calling? Having been so loved by the Father, can we not feel
deeply humbled and encouraged to minister love and forgiveness to all those
around us.

Paul also draws to our
attention the need to not follow man, but God alone. When He is truly preeminent
in our lives, we will glory in Him alone.
Vs. 29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.

It is not the worldly
powerful figures that God chooses to use.
Vs. 26, 27  For you see your calling,
brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many
noble are called.  But God has chosen the
foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak
things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.

Dear one, he can use us
even if we are weak ones.  We are called,
we are chosen.  Let us not fall short in
our gifts to serve Him.

“A helper of many”- I
love how Paul described dear Phoebe in verse two.  I wonder how others describe us. Hopefully it
could be with these same words.  Would we
at all be described as “those who cause divisions and offenses” (Vs. 17)?

How precious were the
saints around Paul- “risked their lives, labored much”, became like a mother to
Paul, gave Paul a home to live in and to house the church (Vs. 23-Gaius).

Specifically, just what
are we giving and sacrificing to love, care and provide for the saints around
us; who needs our help today; who needs a word of encouragement a hug or a kiss?  Vs. 16
Greet one another with a holy kiss.

I think of the saints in
my life who could be described like Phoebe.
I remember the youth director’s wife in our church in Michigan many
years ago.  She genuinely hugged everyone
she greeted and gave her life to be a helper.
I think of my dear sweet neighbor and much loved friend, Donna, who has
taken in so many needy into her home and gives constantly.  She is such an example of giving to me.

Do we really love the
saints; are we a helper of many?

Romans 15 God’s Precious
Gift to Us- HOPE

It is my most favorite
word- hope.  I have said that over and
over again in my life time.  What in the
world would I do without hope.  I can
only imagine how horribly I would have faced the loss of my first child or the
path of my cancer journey without that wonderful hope that He is my Savior;
that I will most assuredly see my little one in Heaven; that if I had faced
death through cancer that I have that wonderful assurance that I will most
definitely go to Heaven to see my Savior.

Just how to we obtain
that hope?  Vs. 4  For whatever things were written before were
written for out learning, that we through the patience and comfort
(encouragement) of the Scriptures might have hope.  Paul quotes Isaiah in verse 12- “In Him the
Gentiles have hope.”

Vs. 13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.

I found myself with an
amazing amount of hope all throughout my cancer journey. I was utterly
surprised by the joy that God gave me. Like that verse twelve says, I abounded
in hope.  I was immersed in His
love.  I did not lose hope and I know
without a doubt that it was because His Word had grounded me. His word had
comforted me and encouraged me before that time and every single day through
that journey.  His Word was in my heart.
Some days I was so weak I could not study the Bible deeply or take notes and underline
verses like I usually do every day.  I
sometimes had my sister or my husband read a chapter to me.  When I was too weak to hold my regular Bible
I would get my mother’s very thin little Bible and read from it.  The Scriptures were my refuge, my hope, my
comfort.

What a precious gift
from God, HOPE!

Wow!  This is very convicting lesson from God,
written by Paul.  Personally, I needed
this today.  I try very carefully not to
gossip, yet I realize I am sometimes a bit guilty of what Paul is talking about
in this passage.  I have no right at all
to judge another for any reason at all.
Vs. 4, 10, 12-13, 19- Who are you to judge another’s servant?  To his own master he stands or falls. Why do
you judge your brother?  Or why do you
show contempt for your brother?  For we
shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  So then each of us shall give account of
himself to God.  Therefore let us not
judge one another, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a
cause to fall in our brother’s way.  Let
us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify
another.

We may be causing our
own husband, children and others to stumble due to a judgmental attitude or the
liberties that we take that may cause sometime to stumble.  Perhaps our actions may be causing that new or
weak Christian to stumble.  God wants us
to bend over backwards to handle these dear ones with kid gloves. How unselfish
and caring does God find the condition of our hearts this day.  Do we really have a true and willing heart
for the things of God and a love for those around us?  We can so be perturbed and easily say, “Well,
that’s their problem!”  We may find that
we have a harder time with disagreeable Christians than we do with the lost
around us. Our faith is often tested.
How will we live out our faith during these times? These testing times
truly reveal the condition of our hearts.
How do we deal with that rude driver on the road; do our children hear
us gripe and complain and call them a jerk? Do we find ourselves jumping to
conclusions with others before we hear them out; are we really thinking before
we speak;  are we pausing long enough to
get an answer from God?  A while back I
was talking to my sweet, godly friend, Sharon. She was pausing when I asked her
a question and then said, “I am trying to get an answer from God.”  That really spoke to me and I realized how
important that need is in my life. I need to make those very needed pauses to
find the mind of Christ.

Oh, dear Father, thank
you for the power of your Word and for the godly saints You put in our
paths.  Oh how we need you!!!!

Today is an interesting reminder to submit to the government.  At the time of Paul’s writing, Nero, the
emperor of Rome was in power.  He
persecuted the Christians. But Paul wrote:
Vs. 1,2, 4 The authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority
resists the ordinance of God. For he is God’s minister to you for good.

In spite of great differences we may have with elected officials,
we still are to submit to the law. We may not respect the person, but according
to Scripture we are to respect the position they are in.  Verse 8 says, Owe no one anything except to
love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

This owing not only means money but also respect. So instead of
bashing our officials, let us respect their position, love and pray for them
with all diligence.  How much love?  Vs. 9
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

I weary of all the political bashing, the griping and complaining
that we hear all around us. It makes me think of Philippians 2:14-15 and 4:8 Do
all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and

harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Whatsoever things are
true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good
report, if there be any virtue, if there be anything praiseworthy, think on
these things.

According to those verses it will certainly rule out much of what
we may want to voice. Our job is to do our part to elect godly officials and
pray with great fervency for the salvation and spiritual direction of those in
office.  I often pray that God will put “Josephs”
in the path of our president- men, like Joseph of the Old Testament, who was an
incredible godly influence on the leader of his land.  Time is slipping away. We have so little time
left to serve Him with all diligence  Vs.
12 The night (life on this earth) is far spent, the day (eternity) is at hand.

Are we shining as lights in this world?

Romans 12 Make a Change

Verse one and two are those powerful verses  in which we can examine our lives today.  Are we a living sacrifice, holy (set apart
for God) and acceptable to God?  Or instead
have we let ourselves be conformed by this world? Are we letting God’s Word
transform us every single day?

Take inventory- is there some habit that is not acceptable in our
lives?  Why go on like this? Let us
present to Him right now our bodies anew to Him.

Do we match up to the characteristics that Paul lays out in the
following verses?  Vs. 9-14 Love without
hypocrisy; Hate evil; Cling to what is good; kind and affectionate; rejoicing
in hope; patient in tribulation; steadfast in prayer; give to the needs of the
saints; hospitable; bless those who persecute us?

That is what God wants.  We
will never get to this place if we are not taking the time to allow His word
each day to transform our minds. It is in the immersing of His word that we become
transformed.  So, are you just spinning
your wheels in the rat race of life, putting aside His word because you think
you don’t have time?  You can make that
change this very day.

Romans 11 Bow the Knee

Sometimes we feel that we are all alone;
we may also feel we are alone in our faith; we may even feel abandoned by God. We
may feel that America has turned its back on God.  But listen to what Paul says:  Vs. 1-4  I say then has God cast away His people?  Certainly not! ….God did not cast away His
people whom He foreknew.  Or do you not
know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel,
saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I
alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what does the divine response say to
him?  “I have reserved for Myself seven
thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

God has reserved us.  We are not alone.  There is a powerful remnant. Let us not in
any way bow the knee to the “Baals” around us. Let us bow the knee to God
alone.    Let us not give up or give in and turn our
backs on the principles of God’s Word.

In the midst of your greatest pain and
darkest valley, let us lift our hearts, our eyes and our voices in praise to
the great and glorious God that we serve.
I love how Paul closes this chapter.
We need to hear this.  Vs. 33, 36
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His
ways past finding out!  For of Him and
through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.