Wednesday, April 9, 2014

1Corinthians 9

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24 

Apostle Paul discusses the importance of self discipline in verses 24-27. He compares our walk with Christ with athletes training for a competition. If the athlete wants to have a chance to win, they train. They equip their mind and body for the ultimate test. In the same way, we should be arming ourselves with scriptures to cast down distracting thoughts and positioning ourselves in alignment with God's will. What have you sacrificed to gain traction in this race? 

Happy Wednesday! 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

1 Corinthians 8


"Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes." 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 

If we, mere humans, had all the answers, would we need God? Would we need faith? If we knew how our sin would impact our calling, we wouldn't need a savior. The fact that we don't have all the answers and we choose to have faith and trust in God draws us closer to him. He knows and recognizes those that diligently seek him. He loves those who love him. 

Also, go see "God's Not Dead" if it's playing in a theater near you. It is a phenomenal movie! Let me know when you see it and we can chat about it. Happy Tuesday :) 

Monday, April 7, 2014

1 Corinthians 7

"God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world." 1 Corinthians 7:23 

With the "main" and "side" culture in full bloom, having Godly standards will make you stand out. When you know your value, you won't settle for less than God's best for you in every aspect of your life. This life is temporary, so focus on pleasing God and you will be rewarded eternally. 
 
"Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away." 1 Corinthians 7:31

*if you have questions about sex, greed, marriage, church order, drinking and more, study 1 Corinthians 5-7*

Happy Monday! 

Friday, April 4, 2014

1 Corinthians 4

"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." 1 Corinthians 4:5

Only God can judge me. We've all heard it. Most of the time people say it to justify their sin. Every time I hear it, I want to say, "doesn't that scare you?!" Although their intent is flawed, the statement is still true. It's not up to us to expose everyone's flaws, shortcomings, or their deliberate sinful actions. We can share what God places on our hearts, but we're not Jesus. We don't have the power to save everyone. Let's make sure our hearts are in order to receive praise from God about our work on earth. Happy Friday!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

1 Corinthians 3

"Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God." 1 Corinthians 3:18-19

Have you ever been around people who know everything about everything? They don't take direction or criticism well? Those are the types of people in Corinth that Pail was writing to. Their vanity created conflict in the church. As believes, we should constantly strive for humility, patience and understanding. What are the areas in your life that you need less worldy wisdom? 

Happy Thursday! 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

1 Corinthians 2

"And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us."1 Corinthians 2:12

Those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, have discernment. We're able to comprehend "spiritual realities" (1 Corinthians 2:13-14). The Holy Spirit will reveal Isaiah 64:4 ie: purpose, His plans for your life, direction, and clarity. Continually seeking The Lord will draw him closer to you and closer to your purpose. Happy Wednesday! 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Corinthians Study: The Qualified


"...few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 

We are equipped with everything that we need to work in the calling that God has for us. There are no excuses! I strongly urge you to read all of chapter 1 for yourself because there's so much good stuff in there! 

I'm so excited to start a study on 1&2 Corinthians for the month of April. I'll be reading a chapter per day. Corinthians addresses various topics including: jealousy, marriage, sexual immorality, spiritual gifts, and relationships. These books continue to prove themselves relevant even though they were written long ago. Happy Tuesday!