He is Patient

Saturday's full reading: 2 Peter 3:1-18

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Consider, for a moment, the many times you have heard the story of Jesus Christ, how he came to earth, lived a perfect life, was publicly murdered though totally un-deserving, rose from the grave three days later, and appeared to hundreds of people (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) Consider the fact that you have heard the truth that Jesus is God's one and only Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The sad reality is that there are millions of guilty sinful people across the world who desperately need Jesus to be their Savior and yet they have not heard that simple message. If you are wondering why we are still here, and why ultimate judgment has not yet come to the world, it is because the Lord is patient and he desires that all will come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for His patience and love. Surrender your future to accomplishing the mission of the Church and His will for your life.

Just Say "NO"

Today's full reading: Titus 2:1-15

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14 NIV)

Sometimes the scriptures whisper and sometimes they shout. When I read that "[God's grace] teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives" (2:12) it rings loud and clear in my mind - "Just say 'NO'!"

Say NO to what? Ungodliness. Worldly passions. Sin.

If you continue reading today's verses you will see that Jesus did not suffer and die on a cross so that we could make light of his sacrifice by wallowing in our detestable ways, but that we might live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. "[He] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (2:14)

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for his amazing grace (his sacrificial love). Turn from sin today, and live in such a way that Christ is honored and glorified.

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

Concluding 1 Corinthians: Stand Firm in the Faith

I love the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies the achievement of a goal. We set out twenty two days ago on a trek through Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. Today we conclude our readings in 1 Corinthians by highlighting a few last minute instructions Paul left in the minds of his first century readers.

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV)

"Be on your guard."

We need to stay keenly alert to the work of the Holy Spirit and the reality of the schemes of the evil one. A spiritual battle rages around us every day. Wake up to this truth. (see Proverbs 16:17)

"Stand firm in the faith."

If you fail to know what you believe and why you believe it you could easily be led astray. Don't believe the lies of the enemy, the world, or our flesh (the old self). Do not be duped. We must know the truth, embrace the truth, and proclaim the truth as we take a firm stand in the faith against the powers of darkness. (see John 8:32 and Ephesians 6:13)

"Be men of courage."

It will not be easy to take a true stand for Jesus Christ. If you proclaim who he really is most people will not be comfortable. In fact, when Jesus spoke of his divine nature (although it was clearly the truth) his enemies nailed him to a cross. You must be courageous. (see Joshua 1:7)

"Be strong."

God has given us the ability to understand his word and live it out in our lives. We must remain mentally sharp and full of the holy spirit in order to impact the world for Christ. Do all you can with what you have and depend on God to renew you strength. (see Isaiah 40:31)

"Do everything in love."

Ultimately, the reason we live contrary to our culture is because this is what real love looks like. God loved us and demonstrated it to us by going against our cultural standards. He befriended the outcasts of society and showed them that though the world may have rejected them God had not abandoned them. We need to be motivated by genuine love and compassion for every person on the planet. (see 1 Peter 4:8)

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for his word. Commit to receive it's truth into your life. Ask God to help you "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." and "Do everything in love."

Stand Firm

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

"Therefore, my dear brothers, 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 NIV)

As we near the end of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth it is important to recognize the significance of such a letter. Paul was righting to correct, rebuke, and train the believers to live and serve Christ in a way that honored the Lord. Notice how the tone of Paul writing become remarkably forceful. I sense a certain amount of urgency in his short specific commands. "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

These words apply to us today just like they did to the church in Corinth. So what does it mean to "stand firm"? I think it means commit. We are surrounded by people who fail to keep their commitments. God is calling us to "give ourselves fully" to his work, and we must commit to take a stand for him. In the words of the great hymn writer George Duffield Jr. (1858), "Stand up, stand up for Jesus!"

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for giving us such a clear word of instruction. Embrace the truth by giving yourself not partially but fully to the Lord's work.

The True Gospel According to Paul

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

"By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve." (1 Corinthians 15:2-5 NIV)

The first six words of verse two have true eternal significance. "By this gospel you are saved," convey such heavy truth it is staggering. Imagine for a moment that you re about to hear a message that has the power to impact you in such a way that your eternal destiny is at stake. This is how Paul chose to qualify what he was about to communicate.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for the "good news" that a way has been made through the sacrifice and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ, to save all who will believe. As you praise him for his work of regeneration in the heart of every true believer, ask him for divine opportunities to share this gospel with lost souls.

Everyone Should Bring Something to the Fellowship

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 14:18-40

"What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Corinthians 14:26, 40 NIV)

I love the word that Paul shares with the church in today's reading. It is a clear reminder that we must all come to worship with a unique offering-a heart offering. When we gather with other believers we must be mindful of what God has done in our lives in recent days and be prepared and willing to share it with the church.

Today, as an act of worship, thank our Heavenly Father for orchestrating all the events in your life in such a way that you have a heart offering to bring to the Church. Commit to offer your life and experiences to the will of the Father for his glory.

The True Value of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretations

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-17

"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified." (1 Corinthians 14:4-5 NIV)

For much of the Church, there is a great deal of mystery and misunderstanding surrounding the spiritual gifts - at least a few of the spiritual gifts specifically prophecy, tongues, and interpretation (Not to mention the gift of healing, but we can talk about that later). Even among some genuine followers of Jesus Christ there sits a great deal of skepticism as to whether or not these gifts even exist. Regardless of where you find yourself in relation to these issues, I want to draw your attention to the text here in 1 Corinthians 14. After carefully reading the text I praise God for revealing the more important aspect to embrace.

Even if you are skeptical, the text points not to whether or not the gifts are real (it assumes that), but that the gifts should be used to edify the Church. The true purpose God had in mind in giving these gifts to his Church was and is to build up the Church. This is why Paul goes on to say, "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." (1 Corinthians 14:18-19 NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for giving us everything we need to obey him and build his Church. Ask God for the wisdom to know how to effectively use your spiritual gifts to edify, strengthen, and encourage your fellow believers.

Paul's take-a-way or application step is captured succinctly in 1 Corinthians 14:15. "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

It's All About Love

Enjoy this video from Steven Curtis Chapman, "All About Love."



Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV)

This is an incredible passage of scripture. You have likely heard it many times. However, back in May I read something my wife wrote that really helped me understand this passage more clearly. An excerpt is included below. Click here to read the full article.

Agape is the Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 13. Agape love or God-love is divine, unconditional love that I am convinced within the natural man (meaning the flesh) we don't have any hope of possessing. This type of love is only a gift from the Holy Spirit. However, we can truly experience this type of love by yielding ourselves to the Spirit daily. Only agape can possess all of these qualities. God has helped me better understand these verses and put them into practice in my daily life by giving me this paraphrase:

• Agape is patient meaning that even though I could avenge myself, I will choose not to.
• Agape is kind and useful to His kingdom.
• Agape does not want what others have. It is content.
• Agape does not boast or brag except about God and what He has done.
• Agape refuses to be prideful because pride is deceit of oneself.
• Agape is never rude, therefore I should never be hateful or act unbecoming of God or the body of Christ.
• Agape is not self-seeking and it does not seek to receive love in return. If God had sought His own interests, He wouldn't have given Jesus over to be crucified.
• Agape is slow to anger. It can be angered, but very slowly.
• Agape does not keep a list of other's wrongs. It does not revel in other's failures.
• Agape doesn't delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It isn't happy when evil is taking place in it's presence.
• Agape always protects others by not exposing their faults.
• Agape has faith in others.
• Agape expects the best in others.
• Agape never gives up.
• And most importantly, agape NEVER fails!! When you love God and people with this type of love, your actions will never be in vain and even if it is not received, it will never fall to the ground. Your Savior, Jesus Christ, THE King of Kings and Lord of Lords will pick it up. Can I just say Hallelujah?

- From Elaine Price, Devotions for the Journey - May 16, 2008

Today, as an act of worship, express your love to God by loving others. Ask the Lord to give you the wisdom and strength to show agape love toward every person you interact with today. Praise God for demonstrating agape love through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

One Church, One Body, Many Members, But One Spirit

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-26

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11-12 NIV)

I love knowing that God created me with a purpose in mind. He did not just accidentally form me; he created me and created a ministry for me. I honestly believe that he designed my ministry in such a way that it will function most successfully when it is expressed in and through the fellowship of believers. I also believe this is true for all Christians. God does not want his children to be alone. God created us with an inerrant need for one another. We have been given abilities and gifts to serve the Lord and others through His Church.

Today, as an act of worship, encourage a brother or sister in Christ. Praise God for bringing them into your life for mutual edification. Ask the Lord help you reach out to those believers who feel disconnected to the body of Christ.

Self Examination and The Lord's Supper

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:27-28 NIV)

Christ was a master teacher. He used many great teaching methods including lots of stories and object lessons not to mention his content was completely life changing. The scene that Paul recounts to the Corinthian believers is when Jesus was serving the Lord's Supper to his disciples. The elements he used, the bread and wine, were normal aspects of the passover meal that the Israelites had celebrated for centuries from the time of Moses and the Exodus.

However, when Jesus explained that this bread was his body and this wine was his blood it all took on a heavier meaning. The theology of the atonement has never been more clear to me than when I read of the first passover. Now imagine Jesus being the perfect passover lamb who was sacrificed and whose blood became the sign and seal of our forgiveness.

The Lord's Supper is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be done superficially. Jesus commanded that we partake of it as a way to remember the sacrifice he paid for us.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for his great sacrifice for our sins. Thank him for reminding us to examine ourselves before we partake of this sacred meal. May we be reminded at each and every meal of our great provider as we offer thanks and praise to God.

Public Worship and Cultural Standards

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head." (1 Corinthians 11:3-5 NIV)

I must admit that when I first read today's passage I did not know where to start. How do you interpret something in the Bible that is so culturally foreign? I read the passage in a couple of translations and still wondered what the take-a-ways were. Then I decided to read some study notes in my study Bible. It made a big difference, and helped guide me to what I believe is a very solid application.

In talking about head coverings and length of hair, Paul is saying that believers should look and behave in ways that are honorable in their own culture. In many cultures long hair on men is considered appropriate and masculine. In Corinth, it was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples. And women with short hair were labeled prostitutes. Paul was saying that in the Corinthian culture, Christian women should keep their hair long. If short hair on women was a sign of prostitution, then a Christian woman with short hair would find it difficult to be a believable witness for Jesus Christ. Paul wasn't saying we should adopt all the practices of our culture but that we should avoid appearances and behavior that detract from our ultimate goal of being witnesses for Jesus Christ.
- note from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Today, as an act of worship, honor the Lord with your appearance and behavior. As you worship God make sure you are not telling God one thing while telling the world something else at the same time.

All for His Glory

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

"'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31 NIV)

Sometimes the Bible seems hard to understand and apply. There are lots of individual situations that the Bible seems to be silent on. However, principles such as the one above are overarching and guide us to make right choices. I have heard many when in doubt sayings through the years; the best one I can glean from this passage is simply: When in doubt make sure you're giving glory to God!

Today, as an act of worship, honor God in everything you do. Let your lifestyle today be a dynamic expression of your affection for God.

A Way Out

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)

The Word of God is filled with richness. Today's full reading has many nuggets of truth. We could spend lots of time highlighting each of them. However, I want us to focus on just one verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13. I remember memorizing this verse as a young teenager. I needed it then, and I still need it today. The harsh reality of life in the 21st century is that our world is bent toward sin, and the enemy will use it against us. Everyday we are inundated with the temptations of sin. We need to cling to the truth that God will not allow us to tempted beyond what we can bear and that he will always provide a way out.

Today, as an act of worship, proclaim this truth from God's word. Thank him for the provision he makes for us every time we are tempted to indulge the flesh. If you have never memorized this verse I pray you will right now. It is a real help in times of trouble.

Praise the Lord for Lay Pastors

Today full reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

"On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:12 NIV)

Sometimes it is hard to believe that Paul was a lay pastor. He had a incredible spiritual resume and a dynamic ministry, yet he chose to support himself along the way so as to further advance the gospel without becoming a burden on the young Church.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for Paul and the many other lay ministers who have served the Lord and His Church faithfully through the years. We are a testimony of their willingness to make huge sacrifices at critical times throughout redemptive history.

To Drink or Not to Drink

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV)

I remember encouraging a brother in Christ in college who was dealing with the issue of whether or not to drink alcohol. We talked about the many issues surrounding this subject and how they related to following Christ, obeying the scriptures, being controlled by the Spirit, and spreading the gospel. These verses, although they are not talking specifically about drinking alcohol, encourage us to be mindful of those who are weaker in their faith. It was this aspect that brought peace to my friend.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for setting us free from sin and the pagan lifestyle. Ask God for wisdom in exercising your freedom - especially in the areas that some weaker believers may perceive as sinful.

The Reality of Singleness and Marriage

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:32-35 NIV)

Today, we read about a life decision that everyone must make: singleness or marriage. Paul is clear that neither is a sin and that God is glorified in and through people who choose either path. For many of you reading this you have already made the decision. I know I have, and I love it; marriage is a beautiful thing - a gift from God. However, I realize that God also gives the gift of singleness to some people (like Paul). God is honored in that way as well.

If you read the text clearly, you can see Paul's defense of his position on encouraging believers who have not yet married to remain single. Do you see why? It's just reality. A single person can be completely undivided in serving the Kingdom while a married person is also interested in caring for the needs of his or her spouse. This is true in some regards. Perhaps a single person can take more risks, work longer hours, and go to the hard places of the world. Yes, but...

Hold on! Wait a minute! Consider this: there may be ministry opportunities that are specifically geared for singles, but don't think that exempts those of us who are married from walking by faith. We must live a life of total dependency on Christ married or single. In that case, a family united together around the mission of advancing the Gospel message can take great risks together, work long hours together, and go to the hard places of the world together for the glory of God.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for giving us this challenging word. Thank him for promising to give us everything we need to fulfill his mission in the world. Ask him to fill you with a great faith that will deepen your dependency on him everyday. Ask him to show you the next step. If you are married, then ask him what step is next for your family. If you are single, then ask him what step is next for you.

Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Sacred Duty

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:3-4 NIV)

Within the marriage relationship God has designed a beautiful, wholesome, and thrilling way to experience physical intimacy to its fullest capacity. The instructions we read here today remind us of the heart of the experience: giving. We experience godly intimacy with our spouse when we place their needs above our own.

We see the same picture of love through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. He placed our need for forgiveness above his earthly life. May we be reminded today to love our spouses with a sacrificial love.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for your spouse. Praise him for his beautiful design of our sexuality and means of physical intimacy. Pray that God will bless our marriages with open lines of communication that we may be able to know our spouse's needs and sacrificially love them by putting their needs above our own.

Bought at a Price

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-20

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)

I am reminded when I read these verses of the reality of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Left to myself, I am prone to forget that the presence of God never leaves me; he goes everywhere I go. Not only that, but because I have been purchased by the blood of Jesus, the very presence of the Holy Spirit in my life is the mark of ownership by the King of Kings.

This is an deeply important truth that will serve us well in our daily behavior. I vividly remember days of my young adulthood while away at college when I was invited to various social gatherings. I would often ponder whether or not God would want me to attend. It was this truth that helped me make many wise choices. I can honestly say that remembering this truth has never led me in the wrong direction.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for dieing on the cross to purchase our forgiveness. Thank him for giving us the seal of ownership: his Holy Spirit. Be mindful of this truth as you make life choices today.

So You Call Yourself a Christian?

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV)

First, let me say that this is a text I have not heard many sermons from. Maybe it's too clear or straight forward, but I doubt that is the reason. I grew up around Christians and have attended church services weekly my entire life. In all likelihood, the reason my pastors and teachers conveniently skipped or skimmed this text is how challenging it truly is.

On this subject I will add very little commentary at this time. However, upon reading the text closely and asking the basic question, "What does this mean I should do?", one will quickly see that Paul is in fact teaching us to "make a judgment call" toward "fellow Christians" who do not practice what they preach. He says we are not to associate with them.

I agree with Paul and believe this should be done for the sake of the witness of the Church - the bride of Christ, and for the individual who has been deceived. Read it for yourself. What do you think?

"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." (1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, respond to the Lord by thanking him for his word. Ask the Lord for wisdom to obediently live out his word.

The Kingdom: Talk or Power?

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." (1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV)

This statement comes at a very interesting place in chapter four of 1 Corinthians. Paul has just described the life of an apostle with words detailing the harsh persecution they face. Then he warns his readers about those among them who are arrogant. The decisive statement to them could perhaps be said this way: Those who are arrogant better have a change of heart. Their confidence in the flesh is out of line. It's one thing to talk a big talk about how you do or do not live, but the real life in Christ is one not of talk but of power - power to tow the line, power to lay down your life completely, power to surrender ALL.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for demonstrating the surrendered life for us. Praise him for his faithfulness to supply all our needs.

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Galatians 6:14 NIV)