Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture : 

2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”

 

Observation : 

Paul writes to the Corinthian church and in chapter three begins to speak on confidence in God. He makes it key to the believers that the sufficiency that a believer has is not from theirselves but it is found in Christ. Paul uses the image of the glory of Moses coming with the law and says how much more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be.

 

Application :

Do I allow my confidence to be found in Christ our in myself? The truth of the gospel is that my sufficiency is found in Christ. Today, I desire to share the truth that Jesus is sufficient and we can be found in Him.

Prayer :

God, thank You for your work in me through the gospel. Thank You Spirit for Your ministry and help me to fully live out your call in my life.

Scripture :

2 Corinthians 4 1-2; 16-18 – Therefore having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not loose heart.  But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways.  We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.   16 So we do not loose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look to things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

 

Observation :

Paul is sharing with the Corinthian church that his ministry comes from the mercy of God.  As the ministry is given by God, we must stay the course and not loose passion/zeal for what we are doing and more importantly why we are doing it.  Paul tells the truth of the Gospel and does not add anything nor does he suppress any part.  Although our physical bodies may grow old and tired our spirit (heart) is renewed.  We are going to have challenges while here but they are temporary in pale in comparison to the glory of our eternal promise which lasts forever!

Application :

We are given the opportunity to be in ministry as a blessing by God’s mercy on us.  God does not need me to accomplish His purpose, I am called to play a supporting role.  The Gospel is the gospel – nothing more, nothing less.  I can’t add anything or leave anything out in an effort to make it more palatable.  I must share the truth of the Gospel with love, not in a judgmental way.  My focus needs to be through faith and the spirit on unseen things that are eternal rather than temporal things of this world.  By keeping focused on the gospel message and eternal glory with the Father this will help give me strength to overcome the troubles we face.

Prayer :

Father,

Thank you for your mercy and allowing me the opportunity to be a part in ministry.  Help me to share your love and truth in a kind way.  Let your Spirit give me strength and encouragement as I focus on you and your eternal glory. 

Scripture:

“For this is why I wrote that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven-if I have forgiven anything-has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his designs). 2 Cor 2:9-11

 

Observation:

The subject of the Adversary is always interesting. Scary figure? Evil? Potent or impotent? Ever wonder how this creature fits in the Gospel Plan and narrative? I have and do…

 

Application:

Concerning this scripture reference is there a direct link from testing and forgiveness to the designs of the devil? I don’t know-it doesn’t read like there is or that Paul is trying to line it up that way. But maybe there is a greater principle in the Gospel to consider and be aware of?

 The biggest foul we hit is thinking that the battlefield is God v. Lucifer. Good v. Evil. That is so far from the Truth. This One against the other is called Dualism and is an error of the highest order-but it is so easy to fall in to. Why? Because if you are like me, we think in either/or kind of thoughts.

 I do. It is hard to think otherwise. We have to train for an alternative way of looking at things. Thankfully the Holy Spirit is there to help us renew our mind and to conform our thinking to the scriptures, the Living Word of God. How did I do it? By asking the question: Where in the Gospel does Satan fit? The plan of the Gospel includes that creature-how then and why?

Looking at limitations there are a couple I have to consider: Not omniscient nor omnipotent nor anything even comparable to the Attributes of God, and; is subject to God as his authority (Job 1 and 2). The creature is a tempter first and foremost (Genesis 3) and a liar. So he leads us to succumb to our sin tendencies. Now to be sure our indwelling sin leans us that way anyway. So it could be said that Satan just takes advantage of what is rolling around in the heart. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that the Sin that we battle is more potent than the devil-I could be off base a little but now we have a clue to his designs.

So how does this apply to this Scripture reference? In this manner: Corinth has a guy who has committed an act that deserved church discipline of some kind. There is an indicator that this was pretty bad earlier in the chapter. There are also indications that some sort of repentance is occurring. Now the local Church has a decision to make: Forgive…or not. But it is not black and white that way…there is a middle decision to make as well.

1. Shall I not forgive because this person hasn’t suffered enough?

2. Shall I forgive but let him dangle and make him earn his way back into good graces?

3. Shall I forgive and welcome him with tears of forgiveness and acceptance?

The design of the devil is executed in the first and especially the second. Why? Because we have self-righteously assumed the mantle of Judge/Condemner. Key word: Earn his way into my acceptance.

Why is this so easy to write for me? Because I fight this tendency every day. How do I fight it? By remembering the Gospel and that Jesus died for me; took the punishment that I deserve even today. I cannot condemn someone who is just like me…

 “How can I judge the ones who fall, when I know in my heart I’m just like them all? I will confess my righteousness, Jesus, must rest in you….” Judge of the Secrets by Devon Kauflin.

 

Prayer:

Lord God: Thank you for this journaling assignment. I appreciate the ability to get my thoughts down in written format. You reveal my heart and its tendencies so that I can call upon You. The Gospel permeates everything-I want to look through the Lens of your Word in everything I do. AMEN.

Scripture:

2 Cor 1:12-13 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.  For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand.

Observation:

Paul writes to fellow Christians in words they can understand. He is not concerned about being perceived as wiser, more spiritual or smarter than others. He speaks to them at levels they can understand and in ways they can apply.  There were no hidden agendas in Paul’s writings. They were open letters that meant what was said.

We are to live in the world but not rely on the world. We are to be effective in reaching the world by relying on God, not the world, for direction.

Application:

God’s word does not have to be complicated. We do not have to know the Bible inside and out to be effective in spreading His word. I do not have to be a great Biblical speaker or writer or even good at many things to bring people to Christ. I should speak His word clearly with both my words and my life. My words and my life should match. There should be no hidden agendas in my life when it comes to bringing people to Christ.

God’s wisdom is what I should use to mark my actions. Worldly wisdom is not good enough. It will not bring others to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The world will want us to join them. I must resist and go against the norms of the world. God’s wisdom and God’s grace is necessary.   

Prayer:

The message is not complicated. You loved me and sent your son to die for my sins.  Help me to speak a clear and concise message to those that I come in contact with throughout the day.

Scripture:
 

1 Cor. 16:13-14
Vs 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Vs 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Observation:

Paul is drawing his letter to the Corinthians to a close. This is the final chapter so he’s giving his final instructions to the church.
Paul lists many different orders for many different people.
It’s almost like Paul is a football coach giving everybody their route to run on the play.
Timothy, you go long. Apollos, you go short.
Stephanas, you run out and then come back.
But Paul is not just a coach on the sidelines.
He is very much on the field.
Should the Corinthians think Paul is just barking orders, Paul let’s them know that he is facing “many adversaries”.
Most importantly, Paul wants the Corinthians to know they are not spectators of the action.
They are participants. They are very much in the action and even necessary to everyone’s success.
They are also providing support to other “teams” in need with their generosity.
And now Paul, in his final instructions, gives his final words to pump up “the players” right before they run out of the locker room and take the field.
“Be watchful!”
“Stand firm!”
“Act like men!”
“Be strong!”
Yep, it it all sounds like the football coaches I’ve heard through out my life.
Until immediately after these statements, Paul says this:
“Let all that you do be done in love!”
Let all that you do be done in love?
This is not the instruction of a coach trying win a game.
This is the instruction of a new man with a new message trying to win the world.

Application:

What am I more concerned with?
What I look like on the outside?
Or what I am on the inside?
I like the instruction Paul gives in verse 13.
Those are easy to wrap my head around and “act out”.
“Be watchful!”
“Stand firm!”
“Act like men!”
“Be strong!”
I can do all these things … with my own rationalizations and justifications of why my actions may be watchful, or firm, or manly, or strong.
But Paul takes away the chance of my own spin on things when he tells me in verse 14, “Let all that you do be done in love”.
ALL?! ALL?! Really, Paul?!
As in everything? Everyday? All day? Be done in love!
Yeah, this takes something new. I can be strong, or alert, or even my own definition of manly when I want to.
But to do ALL is LOVE will take a changed heart.
I can’t do this with my own strength.
I can only do this with guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
I can only do this while trying to imitate Jesus Christ.
What am I more interested in … winning a game? Or winning the world?
I can win a short term game by looking right on the outside.
I will lose the long term mission by being wrong on the inside.
What am I more concerned with … outer piety … or inner purity?
To do ALL in LOVE I must have a pure heart, not pious acts.
I must seek inner purity more than outer piety.

Prayer:

Thank you God for your love.
Thank you that you do all things in love.
Help me to be watchful and strong and stand firm
In love
In Jesus name
Ame

Scripture:

 ^{1 Corinthians 15:36}

 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 

Observation:

Paul is obviously speaking to either the Sadducees or people who have been influenced by the Sadducees who believe in no resurrection of the dead. He is clearing up different miscommunications and seemingly things that are getting people held up on this idea of resurrection and what it means. He has to clarify what the resurrection provides to us in Christ and what it provides the one not in Christ. He gives encouragement in the Hope we have beyond this life because of the resurrection and the hope we would only have in this life apart from the resurrection.

Application:

Something does not live unless it dies. This statement is in a sense discouraging only because I see things in my life that I want to live and flourish, but I have an incredibly difficult time killing. But this passage of scripture is full of hope as the reality that something that dies has the ability to be changed and brought to new life. This is the story of my life, though not perfect is alive from my former life apart from Jesus. Though I still sin, my old self has died and when that old self try’s to come back conviction and repentance follows as the one who made me alive is within. What I sow into my body spiritually speaking does not fully bloom unless the sinful area it is attacking dies. This is difficult because it is hard to put off and kill what seems natural at times. This is proof and dependent upon the grace of my Lord Jesus and found in his Word of which spotlights the sinful areas of my life. What needs to die in my life in order for it to live? What in my life was alive but I killed because of my own sin? How can I ensure that things in my life that need to die and be sowed into get the proper attention it needs?

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for your spirit that convicts and leads to repentance. Show me the areas that need to die in my life and may they live because they die first. Help me be like you Lord.

Scripture:  

“Pursue love and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts especially that you may prophesy….So with yourselves-since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit—strive to excel in building up the church.” 1 Cor 14:1 and 12

Observation:  

Paul is coming off an opus on Gifts in Chapter 12 and 13.  In Chapter 12 and 13 Paul not only writes about Gifts, he also puts the guardrail of a proper attitude upon it: Love.  In Chapter 14 now he writes about motivation and objective.

Application:

I confess: I am an old charismatic.  Or am I still new?  I don’t know, maybe that is rhetorical.  I think in Reformed Theology within a significant charismatic framework.  What does that do for me that it doesn’t for others?  I am still learning.  But that is for me to write about another time.

In the above scripture references I have circled/outlined in various copies of my Bible three words.  Significant words.  Three words that speak of how I am to approach my Walk in the Gospel.

First word:  Pursue.  Second word: Earnestly.  Third word: Strive.

From our high school English we see 2 verbs and a single adverb.  The adverb “earnestly” is a modifier for the verb “desire.” “Pursue” and “Strive” are verbs that connote the sense of effort.

All of these words are another reminder about the effort concerning walking in the Gospel—we are to put some “oomph” into being a disciple.  I have these words and many others circled in the New Testament because not that I am clever (far from that) but I NEED the reminder of the Holy Spirt to singularly get off my derrière and do.

But to do what?  There are many targets and objectives cited in the New Testament but here in verse 12 it says to “Strive to excel in building up the church.”  The idea I take out of this is to give effort to making the local church strong and able to withstand the winds and waves of opposition (in any form it manifests), to perform works of service, and to display the miracle of the Gospel in my life and my mouth.

I have been in churches where I felt alone; not cared for; an outsider.  To be sure that is not all those local church’s fault-a good part of that was mine.  (Note: If I understand the Gospel I cannot keep score.  Other folks don’t make me sin.)  My feelings are and should be irrelevant.  Another note: I know my feelings are real and need to be harnessed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We’ll get there by the Grace of God on a daily basis.

Here is the gist of this chapter: Purse, earnestly desire, strive.  However I might think of how the Scriptures speak to me, the Scriptures DO speak.  When I see Verbs and Adverbs like these I need to pay attention to what the Spirit is saying.  I may not know how to respond yet but I need to pay attention for the long term.

Example: Concerning building up the local church: Peter writes “The end of all things is at hand.  Therefore….” and in 1 Peter 5 he writes out a list.  There is a significant instruction for “end time living” here: “Practice hospitality without complaint.”  I confess this is a difficult issue at times.  But it is still an objective-keep it in front of the face in the mirror.

Being acutely aware of these strong and decisive action words from the Hand of the Holy Spirit is imperative for Believers so that we can be a building block for a healthy local church.

Prayer:  

Aw, Father: A lot of times I feel like I am just scratching the surface of the Gospel.  There are things that I write confidently about that I am haphazard in employing.  Nevertheless please work in my heart and mind that these things I learn I can put into action, displaying the Gospel and like Paul wrote Timothy “Practice these things; immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress.” 1 Tim 4:15 Thank You, Father.  My prayer.  For the rest of my life.  AMEN.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient and Kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.

Observation:

Paul is sharing with the Corinthian church what love from God looks like versus what is has become in the Corinthian church.  People have become more concerned about their gifts and recognition than where they got them and to use them to glorify God.  When we let pride in, no believer or church is beyond this.  This just highlights our need for redemption and to respond to the love Christ showed for us on the cross.

Application:

To love as God loves, I must love with the fruit of Spirit patiently and kindly.  It’s not about what I’ve done but what He has done for me.  I know God was and is patient and kind to me as I took a long time to receive His grace and love.   It is really hard for me to love someone in true Christian love if I am wanting to prove a point to be right, am grumbling about something or glad somebody got what they deserved.  I have to love in response to the grace given to me by the Father through Christ.  Truth and love go hand in hand and I have to carry love in one hand and truth in the other. No matter what I do it has to be done in love as love endures everything.     

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for the love and grace you have given me through Christ. Let me respond to your love by loving others unconditionally and sacrificially rather than out of my own selfish desire.  Help me to share your love and truth to give the glory to you. 

Scripture :

1 Corinthians 12:12

 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

 

Observation :

In first Corinthians chapter 12 the apostle Paul writes to the church concerning spiritual gifts. He is clear that all believers have the Spirit working in them and equipping them for service. However, though the Spirit is working in all He does not equip all in the same way. Each member has different gifts and each gift is vital to health in the local church.

 

Application :

Everyone in the local church has a value and a place to serve. Am I using my gifts and helping others use and find their gifts as well? Every part of the body is necessary and valuable. Christianity apart from connection to the local church and serving is a foreign concept to the writers of the Scripture. Today, I want to be an encouragement to those in Christ recognizing that if they are different than me it is because God has given them different gifts and they are equally as valuable as mine or what I would be more comfortable with.

 

Prayer :

Thank You Lord that you have given me gifts to serve. Help me recognize and appreciate Your gifts in others. Continue to build Your church here in our two county area and I pray that you will help me be a cultivator of seeing people’s gifts be used for Your Kingdom. 

Scripture:   

“For, in the first place, when you come together as a church I hear that there are divisions’ among you.  And I believe it in part for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized….”

(Concerning Communion) “When you come together is it not the Lord’s Supper that you eat?…(note this) …”…This is my body which is for you.  Do this in remembrance of Me.”…”This cup is the new Covenant in My blood…do this, as often as you drink it in remembrance of Me.”

Let a person examine himself then…” 1 Cor 11:18-25; and v28a

Observation:

 However we get bogged down in the details, the Holy Spirit is good to us in pointing out the mountains as well as the valleys; the critical control points as well as the process.

Application:  

Couldn’t help slipping into shop speak.

Critical control points are those points in industrial process where it is recognized that a problem could lurk and it is identified where problems could be avoided.  CCP’s can be identified in our Christian walk as well.  Paul is identifying two that I think are broadly related.  If I can identify these then I can engage with the sanctifying aspect of the Holy Spirit to avoid them.

Factions lead to divisions.  If I remember correctly Paul addressed this earlier in 1st Corinthians: “Some of you say I am of Paul, others Apollos…”  It is like living in Tampa Bay and telling me you are a Yankee fan.  “What??  How can you NOT support the Rays, the home town team?”  Back then in the Church it was probably the Jews v. Gentiles (probably not church league softball either) or as Paul writes, “rich and poor.”

And then this conflict (division from each other due to faction among the local church) spilled over into Communion and begins the identifying process of unintended but inevitable consequences taking Communion in an unworthy manner.

Here’s the deal to the face in the mirror: Have I EVER approached Communion haphazardly?  Neglectful?  Irreverent?  Sloppily and not serious?  To my shame (which I don’t feel at the moment, really), yes, yes I have.

Two key phrases here: “when you come together” and, “let a person examine himself.”  These are two critical control points. When I get together with the church I have important tasks to do ahead of gathering.  Tasks like: Conflict management and resolution with any other person as necessary.  I shouldn’t celebrate Jesus’ atonement for me resulting in the Father’s forgiveness if I have not forgiven someone else (especially if they are in front of me, like say, at church?), and; have I examined myself to “see if there be any wayward way in me?”

Thankfully I don’t write this to be self-condemning-but I am writing this to be serious about walking through the CCP’s.  Confess, repent, move on-repeat as necessary.  None of us get it right all the time.

Prayer:  

 Father: I confess I sometimes approach Your Table flippantly.  I ask Your forgiveness and I repent.  Please help me, Holy Spirit, to not do this.  Help me to keep You and Your majesty in my eyesight all the time.  Thank you for being my atonement, Lord Jesus.  AMEN.

Scripture:

 

1 Cor 10:6-Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.   

 

Observation:

 

We can all learn from past behavior even if it is not ours. It was true back then and it is still true today. Paul was speaking to the Corinthians. He gave them examples of how actions by God’s people lead to sin and, ultimately, destruction and death. He shared examples of behaviors that had occurred in the past as a warning to the Corinthians and to us.  Twice Paul stated “these things happened as examples” to keep us from behaving in the same manner and experiencing the same end result.

 

Application:

 

In the examples that Paul provided, certain behaviors caused pain, death and destruction. Temptations are all around me. I must be aware of the temptations and be able to remove myself from its path. Even if I feel I am doing well in my walk, I must be aware of outside influences at all times. The world says to pursue success, happiness, wealth. I need to choose to pursue faithfulness.

 

They say history repeats itself. An often heard quote is “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  I must remember the examples Paul has provided. The serve as a reminder that God will punish believers. He will punish those whose faith is not directed toward him. God did not want these people to sin but He allowed it so we may read, study and learn from these examples.  Like the early Christians that built altars as reminders, I need to put markers in my life that remind me of times that I was able to stand firm. They can serve as beacons to keep me on the right path.

 

Prayer:

 

Keep me from temptation. Keep me seeking your will and what is right in your eyes. Remind me of the behaviors that cause me to stray from your path so that I can stand firm at all times.

Scripture:

1 Cor. 9

Vs 10 Does (God) not certainly speak for our sake? It (the law) was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.
Vs 15 But I, Paul, have made no use of any of these rights,
Vs 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
Vs 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Vs 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Vs 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
Vs 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control

Observation:

Paul is explaining to the Corinthian church what he has a right to receive versus what he is actually receiving.
Paul has a right, like the plowman or the thresher, to receive something for his work … “a share in the crop”.
But Paul is deliberately denying himself this right because he is “entrusted with a stewardship”.
This is to work on someone else’s behalf. Paul works on behalf of God and His gospel.
For this, Paul doesn’t receive a “share of the crop”. Paul receives a “share of blessings”.
To focus efforts on “a share of the crop” is to value “a perishable wreath”.
Paul wants us, as Christians, to value to “imperishable”.
To do this in a world so out of focus will require intentionality, discipline, and self-control.

Application:

I like to think of myself as my own boss, but Paul has been reminding me that I have been bought with a price.
I am not my own.
Here Paul reminds me that not just my body is not my own, but even my actions are not my own.
Even my work is not my own! I have stewardship.
I must have the right focus … and not simply a focus on “my work” or “getting the job done” (“plowing & threshing”).
I must focus, as Paul says, on “doing it all for the sake of the Gospel”.
There are so many distractions, though, the world does not want me to focus on the gospel.
Even as I type this I’m receiving Groupon Deals emailed to me … because “I’ve earned a long weekend”!
“I’ve earned it?” Really? … Paul says he makes no use of what he’s earned … He’s focused on the gospel.
But here comes another email … and another … and now a text … and another …
The world does not want me to focus on the gospel … it wants me to focus on “what I’ve earned”.
And now a knock on my office door … UGH!  … another distraction, now from an office colleague.
I think in my head “Go away! I’m trying to get something done …. I’m doing my devotional!”
“For the sake of the Gospel … Go away!!!”     
My colleague walks into my office. I’m sure she wants to tell me about her big 3-day weekend plans.
I thought wrong. … She’s not excited, she’s clearly distraught about something.
She sits down at my desk and tells me her daughter is getting a divorce.
I’m glad I didn’t tell her to “Go away”.
The easy Christian answer is “God hates divorce”.
She tells me her son-in-law is a sex addict, and he’s habitually frequenting prostitutes. (yes, you read that right.)
I’m really glad I didn’t blurt out, “God hates divorce”.
I think to myself, “Focus on the Gospel. Focus on the Gospel.”
I know she’s talking to me right now because I’m the “Christian guy” in the office.
So, I ask her, “Do your daughter and son-in-law have any sort of ‘faith’? Do they believe in God?”
“Oh yeah!”, she says … “He’s an active member in their church!” (not Good Life, by the way)
Ughh … What do I say to that?! … “We’re all sinners”? …. “We all need forgiveness”? … “Grace abounds”?
A rolodex of 50 things spin through my mind … they are all clichés … pure Christian triteness.
I can only finally whisper out … “I am so … so… sorry”.
It’s the only thing I can actually say …. And then I just sit there.
She talks … I nod … She cries … I cry.
I say again, “I am so … so … sorry”.

I’m so glad I didn’t tell her to “Go away” because I’m trying to do my religious thing.
This morning there is no “getting things done” … there is no “threshing and plowing” … there is no “sharing in the crops”.
But there is hope … there is a focus on the “unperishable”.
I don’t know where this story goes. But I know I’m in it now “for the sake of the gospel”.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for Your Gospel.
Give me discipline and self-control to not focus on the wrong things
Help me do all things for the sake of the Gospel
Help this young family, and particularly this young husband
Help my colleague
May they each come close to you in this
In Jesus name
Amen

Scripture:  

 This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. ² If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. ³ But if anyone loves God, he is known by God 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

Observation: 

Food is something is simple and is consumable by all…Not every type of food was consumed back in the first century and it would cause some to stumble in their knowledge of Jesus. The urge here is to be wise and love and let that shape your actions for the building up of others.

Application:    

What should knowledge do in us, through us, and for others? Knowledge is something when obtained by us makes us feel superior to others. We make statements like; “I know what I am talking about”, “Have you studied what I studied?” We feel better than others because of the knowledge that God has allowed us to obtain. What God is teaching me here is it is better to love than to know. People can know big words, a lot of history, and everything that the bibles says, but if we do not love it is pointless and meaningless. I need to hear this today. I focus so much on what I can tell people about the bible rather than living out what the bible tells me. Humility and sacrifice is the two words described in these two verses…When I think I know, I do not know. When I loved God I am known by God.

A couple things;

1. It is better to love than to know. God doesn’t care how much I know as much as he cares that I love with the same love he gives me.
2. Humble myself before the mighty God and trust in his love for myself today.
3. Build people up today and don’t tear them down.
4. People aren’t impressed with big words and knowledge but they are CHANGED by love

 

Prayer: 

      Lord teach my heart today. Let these just not be words, let these be declarations over my life every day of the life you have given me. I love you Lord Jesus and I pray I walk in obedience today.

Scripture:  

“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not have sexual relations with a woman.”  (But) because of the temptation to sexual immorality each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.  The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights and likewise the wife to her husband….Do not deprive one another except by agreement for a limited time that you may devote yourselves to prayer-but come together again…Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him…. (Remember), You were bought with a price…” 1 Cor 7:1-5; 17; 23

Observation: 

I think there is a key principle here that the Holy Spirit is saying: Live whole heartedly to God.  The rest are details to be surrendered to….

Application:    

If I look at the whole of Chapter 7 I see that there are statements about men, women, marriage, slave, and free.  All these statements come as a corrective action to what was going on at the church at Corinth.

It probably started innocently enough as a reaction to the culture of the Corinthian community AND as a desire to be “set apart in holiness.”  But it devolved into a set of rules and Biblical godliness suffered as a result.

Sex all over the town?  Time to be an ascetic and stop all sex-even between husband and wife.  Maybe abuse was going on, men treating women badly.  Maybe other things: the letter to Corinth refers to some “out there” things later on.  Whatever are the core issues, for sure the subject of sex can bring out the extremes.  And with extremes, come speed bumps to stumble over.

Time for transparency: Sex is an issue I have had issues with all my life.  Burn with passion?  Boy, do I know that feeling.  But now I am experiencing the other swing of the pendulum.

For younger guys, self-control is the need.  For wives, the same (according to Paul in the scriptures).  For older guys?  Yep, self-control–but like me, maybe in the other direction of drive.

The point for me (and maybe others) is: How do I please God?  Note that I am not referring to earning my salvation but the turning of my heart towards Him who Called me.  Married men?  Married Women?  Unmarried?  This is the cry to have: “I want to please You O God!!”

The gist of Chapter 7 on marriage and sexual relations is that in marriage, sex is to serve, not to be serviced.  For the unmarried it is the same: Serve God, not yourself.  In marriage “How do I serve my wife?”  Or “how to I serve my husband?”  There isn’t a rule here to follow except for following the principles of being a disciple.

I was bought with a price!!  I would like to think I adhere to “my life is no longer my own.”  In practice this is so far from the truth.  It is why I must be ruthless and fierce with fighting the sin within, mortifying that wretched creature that I was set free from—and finding that it is still hard to run from.

“To the Cross I cling, the Blood that washes me clean.”  Again and again, every day I must look to the Cross.

Prayer: 

O God.  Please do not let this journal entry be just a set of words, an assignment to be completed.  I write this facing the man in the mirror. Deliver me, O God so that I may serve properly as a husband.  Help those reading this begin to pray with a view of the mirror, man and women.  I pray Father that I am NOT being self-serving-if I am, Holy Spirit make me see it.  Marriage is a gift and I thank You for the gift You have given me, the best thing that has happened to me.  Help others to see as sharply as I do about their spouse.  AMEN

Scripture:   

(From Paul) “This is how one should regard us-as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God….For (though) you have countless guides in Christ you do not have many fathers; for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.  I urge you then: Be imitators of me.  That is why I sent you Timothy to remind you my ways in Christ (as I teach them everywhere in every church).”  (1 Cor 4:1 and 15-17)

Observation:  

Perspectives: Paul is asking Corinth to optimize their perspective about himself.  What is the difference between “guides” and fathers? Answer: Investment in our lives.

Application:

 For years I have encountered many “guides in Christ.”  These folks may have good, strong insight in the ways of our Lord; lots of Bible to communicate; teachers up the wazoo.  These folks have what looks like solid guidance, even holy/godly guidance.

But: what kind of “fathers in Christ” have I had?  From my perspective not too many.  Maybe I am shortsighted that way, I don’t know.

What is the difference between a “guide” and a “father?”  I have a number of men that I am grateful that God brought into my path.  I learned a lot; these guys taught and modeled stuff that helped me be the fellow I am today, helped give definition to my character.  But my Dad: no other guy like him.  Fathers are given the responsibility for the sons and daughters-there is an interest given by God.  Another point: Children are heirs of the fathers-Guides cannot bequeath an inheritance.   Fathers have an investment for the future generations.  Fathers not only teach but they are making future men to raise their own children.

What good are guides, then?  Guides can provide a perspective of the Ways and Works of God that are specific to issues and to the Word of God.  The downside is that guides can be a bit myopic, perhaps only focused on the issue of the day and moving as the Spirit leads.  Just like going to school guides can provide separate courses of education-fathers can help in integrating all the “courses” into a life.

Why am I writing about this?  We have a Father whom is perfect in all of His ways with us.  His objective is to make us into the image of His Son, having already adopted us and made us heirs in Christ.  One of the streams of hope found in the Gospel.  Set up and assert: Follow me as I follow Christ.

On this day of Pentecost there is a deposit of God from the Gospel for all who believe: It is God Himself the Holy Spirit.  “Draw near….and He will give you rest.”  Drawing near is an effort that we must engage in daily.  Note that it IS effort for the sin that we have been set free from is constantly there, drawing us, enticing us, tempting us to fall away from the Living God.  Guides and Fathers are gifts of grace-but some are wolves.  Pray for discernment of the difference.

Here is another gift of Grace: the Community of Believers in the Local Church.  Embrace them, pray for each other, encourage each other daily that we do not fall into temptation…

Prayer:  

Lord God, Father: Finding my Hope in You is a daily exercise.  There are times that I think that my Faith expressed once should be enough, more than once and I must be weak in faith.  I know through Your Word that is not so.  Every day I see Your Mercies.  Every day I am a grateful servant of the Most High.  Every day I must make effort, yes, fight to keep my eye on You, to have hearing ears and soft heart to be moldable by the Potter’s hands.  Help me be settled and not anxious.  Help me be patient and calm.  I want to walk in Your Ways all the days of my life.  AMEN.