2 Corinthians 7

"... let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1

Good morning! I am so sorry that I fell off the face of the earth for a few days. I went home for a visit and time seemed to fly by with a quickness! I pray that you had a blessed Resurrection weekend and reflected on the ultimate demonstration of love. For the remainder of the week, consider some things in your life aren't pleasing to God. Pray about how to rid yourself of those things and fill you back up with qualities that are pleasing to him. There's a song about this :) "Empty Me" by William McDowell. Happy Wednesday! 

2 Corinthians 1

"...the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Consider this: if you seek comfort in shopping, entertainment, and surrounded by distractions, how can God comfort you? Then, when people seek you for advice and comfort you're not pushing them to Christ, but instead suggesting things to "get them through." Every life experience is two fold: to strengthen the individual and to strengthen others. Don't cheat yourself out of valuable lessons. Seek comfort from the ultimate comforter. Happy Thursday! 

1 Corinthians 16

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Words to live by. Although the Bible was written ages ago, I'm convinced the writers knew #thestuggle. Lol Some verses just jump off the page/screen and speak directly to my situation. I've committed this verse to memory for when I'm frustrated, annoyed, nervous, anxious, and doubtful. When we speak things enough, we actually begin to believe and internalize them. What are you speaking over yourself? Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we've finished another book in the Bible?! Craziness. 

1 Corinthians 15

"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." 1 Corinthians 15:58

According to scripture (Colossians 3:23-24) we are to do all work like we're working for God. What if nobody acknowledged your efforts, commitment, selflessness? It doesn't matter. We're not working to please people, but to please God. And guess what? He sees you and your work is never in vain. Keep on keeping on this Tuesday! :) 

Also, 1 Corinthians 15:55 is quoted in Kari Jobe's song "Forever." It's a powerful song, especially for this time of year. 

1 Corinthians 12-14

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." 1 Corinthians 12:4

1 Corinthians 12 breaks down every spiritual gift and how it affects the body of Christ. (I've written about Spiritual gifts a ton already) 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11

1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most familiar because it's the "love chapter". Love is a term that's used so often, that it can lose it's power. Are you really demonstrating love on a daily basis or are you still living like a selfish child? *yikes* 

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit..." 1 Corinthians 14:1

Chapter 14 really breaks down the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy. There are so many mixed messages about what they are, when they should be used, but in the end, God has already provided us with a manual. 

Happy Monday! What has been your favorite verse or chapter in 1 Corinthians so far? 

1 Corinthians 11

"Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:28 

For some, communion has become just another part of Sunday service. However, every time we take communion, we are acknowledging the new covenant that has been given to us, The next time you take communion, reflect on who Jesus is, what he has done for you, and what you are doing to serve him. Check out 1 Corinthians 11 for more insight about what communion is and why it is important. Have a blessed weekend! :) 

1 Corinthians 10

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Since we have the gift of free will, there are always options. We have the ability to follow the Holy Spirit's lead out of temptation, or follow the enemy into temptation. You know what tempts you, once you recognize that, avoid those situations like the plague. If you know you have a gossiping problem, practice self control and seek new companions. If you're fleeing from sexual immorality, don't chill and watch redbox movies into the wee morning hours. We don't have to be a slave to our sin, Jesus has offered us freedom in Him. 

Are you seeking to please Christ or your flesh? Happy Thursday!