Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
No Bible handy? Click on the link to read today's Scripture.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.... For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.--vs.31 and 33

Let's make a list. Name the top ten things you do each week that take time, energy, or money. Now, draw a line down the middle of the paper and label the two columns: God's Glory and My Glory. Consider each item on your list and ask yourself.

Why do I do this thing?

Place your items in the appropriate column according to how you answer. It is never easy to examine the heart or motive behind what we do.

Making you feel guilty is not the purpose of this exercise, and I'm not proposing that we quit doing anything on the lists. The verse says "whatever we do." Whatever we do, do it for His glory. Whatever career we have or whatever hobby we love. When we exercise or watch television. As we parent our kids or talk to the neighbors.

It is not really about doing something different, but more about who we do it for and the heart behind it that matters. We must do what we do not for our own good, but for the good of many. So that they might be saved.

Lord, help me examine my life: where I'm glorifying myself and

where I'm glorifying You. Convict me of the places and ways I 

advance myself. Teach me how to glorify You in all I do.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture; 1 Corinthians 10:11-22
Click on the link if you don't have your Bible close by.

Just yesterday the mini-Methodists took a look at this same scripture. The lesson began with Jesus in the desert fasting and praying for forty days. It's no accident He went to the desert, a dry place. Nothing but sand and brush all around. No food, no roof over His head, no comfortable place to sit or lie down, and no one to talk to or encourage Him. His fasting time in the desert was so much more than choosing not to eat. As He nears the end of the fast, the enemy comes to tempt Him. Food, power, an easier way is offered and Jesus resists it all.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can handle. He also says God provides a way out. Jesus had a way out and if you look closely you'll see it. In the face of every temptation, Jesus's response was God's Word. God's Word is the way out of temptation. It makes us stronger, wiser, and more discerning. My friend just recently said, "God's prayer language is His Word." So many times when I'm facing temptation a verse I've read will come to mind. His Word is living, a light to brighten our paths.

As we continue on our journey through the New Testament, let me ask you... How is God making a difference in your life through His Word? What verse has He brought to mind lately? Did it provide you a way out?

We would love to hear from you... hear your story. Won't you drop a note to us in the comment box about God working in your life through His Word?

Lord, Your are the Word made flesh.

As I pursue You, transform me to flesh out 

Your Word in my life.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
Click on the link to read today's Scripture.

I just finished reading the Exodus story and I didn't get it. I didn't see the connection to Christ until I read these verses in Corinthians today. One people following Moses through the sea, eating manna in the desert... drinking water from a rock. All along the way the people committed idolatry and indulged their flesh in ways God did not like. I noticed one sin continued on even after Moses died... grumbling and complaining. They often complained out loud, "We were better off in Egypt as slaves." We're bent to be complainers. It is so easy to find the negative in any situation. From the days of Moses up until this day, we are grumbling people.

Grumbling doesn't change who we are as a people. We too walk through the baptismal waters, we eat the body broken for us... drink blood shed for us. When the people had a chance to believe the good report and move into the Promise Land they didn't. Instead they listened to the spy's negative words and made them their own and didn't enter the land. God scattered their bodies as they wandered around in the desert for forty years that should have only taken a couple of weeks. It makes me wonder. What would have happened if they would have seen the positive side? What could have been different if they chose to praise instead of complain?

Could it be the same for us? Is our complaining and grumbling keeping us from crossing the Jordan into our own Promised Land? What would happen if we just stopped? God has given us the freedom to praise Him in the face of any circumstance. He has blessed us with the ability to see good in all things. This is our challenge. May we move from this day forward praising Him in our homes, work, community,and church.

Father God, forgive my grumbling and complaining, because

when I grumble, I complain about what You're doing in my life.

Your sovereignty in all things, brings what it wills into my life,

and You intend it all to be used for my good, the forming of

my character into that of Your Son.

Today I choose to give thanks... in all circumstances...

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Beyond the Gospels: Cornithians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 9:13-27
Click on the link to read today's scripture.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in a way that gets the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. --- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV

I so admire those I know who run marathons. I listen to them discuss their training methods and think of the preparation time that goes into being ready. Just this week one of  the mini-Methodists bounds through the door excited to tell me how well they did on their benchmark test. All training for THE test that's coming soon. A conversation about new classes with my oldest reminds me of the six years of training she's on to prepare for the career she hopes to have. Most anything we do takes preparation. Paul gets it too. He takes time to remind us training is all part of the game. Actually, it's the most important part.

It makes me wonder. What kind of training am I doing lately? Where do I spend my time and energy? Do I have a workout plan when it comes to spiritual things? Do you? Consider what you are training for today.

Father God, teach me to train for the race of faith.

I want to be prepared to glorify You with my life

whatever comes.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-12
Click on the link to read today's scripture.

Paul takes time to defend himself to those who choose to judge. He asks about his own rights and it leaves me wondering... what rights do we really have? If we live within those rights will it stop others from judging. You know the answer to that question and so do I. No matter what our rights are, or what we do. If we are living and breathing, working and doing... somebody, somewhere will have something to say about it. It doesn't feel so great to be judged. Plain and simple, it causes lots of pain.

Over the years I've learned there is a far more important question. One which leads us to let go of what others think or say. A question I ask myself when the gavel of judgmental words ring in my ears.

"Where was my heart in this?"

When we are seeking God above all. When our hearts are turned towards him. The answer to the question gives us the freedom to continue on in the face of judgement. Sometimes, like Paul, we defend ourselves. Most often, we just have to keep on keeping on.

Lord, enable me to receive the judgments of others with a humble heart.

Remind me to bring any criticism to You first, so You can show me if it

is a legitimate issue in my heart. Turn my heart to care first and foremost

about Your judgment of me. You alone know what's in my heart.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 8

Click on the link to read today's scripture.

But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. Those that think they know something do not yet know what they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.--vs. 1-3

The longer I study scripture the less I know in some ways. What I used to think was cut and dry is not so any longer. Don't get me wrong there are areas in scripture where God is specific, and that's not really what I'm referring to here. I'm referring more to knowing about God. You see, we can glean great knowledge about God from His Word. We can read it every day and understand its precepts. Knowledge of God's words and law does not replace knowing God Himself.

This is the area I strive to grow in everyday... knowing God. And the more I know God, the more I realize I don't know. Knowledge of God puffs us up. Knowing God brings us to humility. When we read God's Word not for knowledge but out of love for Him then the Spirit reveals to us what we ought to know.

Lord, I want to know You.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Click on the link to read today's scripture.

Paul's instructions seem a little confusing. If you're not married but can't control yourself then marry. But, it's really best to remain single. Still, it is not a sin if you marry... and on... and on. I think what Paul is saying in all of this is simple: Time is short and everything we hold dear in this world is passing a way. We don't get to take it with us.

To Paul, marriage is something to be concerned about here on earth. It causes a person's attention to be divided between God and their spouse. If you could control your passion, then undivided attention towards God is the best choice.

It's not just marriage that divides our attention these days. Let's make a short list. Name five things that distract you from God today. Is it your phone or television? How about what you are reading? Where you hang out? Maybe it is time to reduce those daily things that get in the way of spending time with God or reading His Word. You don't have to do it all at once... just choose one.

Lord, show me the one thing I need to let go of --- the one thing distracting me from serving You wholeheartedly. If it is work, teach me to work for You and to serve others through work. If it is family, turn my heart toward doing all I can to place You at the center of my family life, leading all my loved ones to put You first. If it is money, remind me it is not mine; teach me to hold it loosely and willingly put it to work where You call me to. If my own desires of the flesh divide my heart when it comes to You, guide me in taking up my cross and following You.

And the world is passing away with its desires,

but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:17 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

No Bible handy? Click on the link to read today's scripture.

From the reading today I get the sense people were attempting to use their faith or calling to change their situations... or maybe they were demanding others to change their's. It's as if answering God's call, or following Jesus, should somehow magically change our life situation.

Two times Paul says the same thing:

Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.-vs. 20

Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.-vs. 24

In other words, if you are living with someone who doesn't believe that's no reason to leave... or becoming a believer doesn't necessarily free those who are in slavery. Circumcision is not necessary. It is also o.k. for those who were already circumcised.

In our day it would go something like this. It doesn't matter if you're sprinkled or dunked. Salvation is not dependent on the teachings of Wesley or Calvin. You don't have to dress a certain way. You can be single, married, or divorced. Whatever situation... whenever you were called---remain there.

According to Paul this is not really what counts. Keeping God's commands---now that's what counts. Those commands were summed up in two sentences by Jesus. In short, love God... love others. This is what following Jesus is all about.

Lord, when You found me, I was right where You wanted me to be.

Help me to follow Your command right where I am.

Use me to reach those around me, those who You have placed near.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Read: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
[No Bible handy? Click the link above to read online.]

God has a way and a not the way for everything. Even sexuality. And the only safe God-honoring way for sex to happen is within the boundaries of marriage: one man, one woman.

Sex is an amazing gift from God. He came up with the idea and therefore knows the way He intends for us to practice it for our good and His glory. Anything outside His way, off-course of His well-defined plan, leaves a path of destruction in its wake.

The primary benefit of sex is the unique bonding of a husband and wife together in relationship. The two become one (Genesis 2:24). When sex happens outside a committed loving marriage it leads to unwanted children, abortion, disease, heartache, insecurity, divorce, broken homes...

The relationship between husband and wife is the most sacred relationship we can experience. It is the picture God uses to explain His relationship with His Church.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound,

and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:31-32 ESV

Every biblical marriage between Believers is the basic building block of the church. Where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there with them (Matthew 18:20). The sexual relations between a man and a woman in marriage grows not only intimacy, but also the church. Every child a new member of the church. Every family a church in and of itself.

Yesterday's Word taught us we are not our own. We belong to the One who died for us. So when it comes to sexuality and honoring God it is only right to follow His way. It is the only way good for us and for His Church.

No wonder Satan tempts us in so many ways when it comes to sex. When used outside God's boundaries, it destroys the foundation of His Church.

How many ways can you think of that sexuality practiced outside God's boundaries is causing conflict and division in the church today?

Father God, open our eyes to the lies the world has been telling us about sex.

Convict us, purify us, forgive us, for undermining Your Church

for the feeding of our flesh.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Click on the link to read today's scripture.

You are not your own; you were bought at a price.--vs. 19-20

It is so easy to slip into the mindset of me and mine. We work, we purchase, we build. Our hands dig gardens and cook meals. Our financial smarts build savings accounts. We pay interest on mortgages and cars. It is not that far of a jump to consider what you work hard for, your possessions, even yourself belongs to you.

The church staff went to enjoy a Christmas lunch at a local restaurant. The owner comes to greet us and he says, "We don't consider any of this ours. We are just stewards of what God has given us. When you're a steward there is not much to worry about."

Worry might just be an indicator we've taken ownership of something that doesn't belong to us. Nothing belongs to us really. Nothing we have is ours... not even ourselves. Christ paid the highest price of all that you might live a life of stewardship.

What are you worried about lately? Take time to give it back to its rightful owner today.

Lord, nothing I have belongs to me, not even my body.

It is all Yours. Guide me, direct me, grow me, to honor and glorify You

with every action, thought, and word.

Let it be so!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Click on the link to read the verses.

Some within the church are arguing, even taking their disputes to court. Paul asks a simple question we must all answer at some point.

Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?

1 Corinthians 6:7 NIV

His point is this: Isn't it better to just concede than win in court against your brother or sister. I've said it many times over the years, "You can be a right fighter, and end up with no relationship at all." In other words, what's so great about being right if you ruin the relationship with another. Do you get to take your "right" with you when you die? I believe we only take two things... love of God... love of others.

What would happen if we decided to choose relationship over rightness? Honestly, there are times when laying my right down doesn't change the situation. Times I've lost the relationship anyway. It doesn't change my way of thinking on this. I would rather love God and love others than be right about all the things in all the world.

Is it time for you to let go of being right about something? Do it today!

Lord, teach me to honor my relationship with You and with others

ahead of my own desire to be right. You were crucified for my wrongs,

everybody's wrongs, and were the only One of us who was right.

Only You can bless me with the love to lay down my life, my way, for a friend.

"...Greater love has no one than this,

that someone lay down his life for his friends. ..." ---Jesus

John 15:13 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 5
Click on the link if you don't have your bible handy.

Paul doesn't seem too happy at this point. In fact, he sounds a bit angry. It seems there is something terrible going on in the Corinthian church, and no one is speaking up. Paul has heard that not only are they allowing it... they are proud of it. Sin has entered the building and instead of repentance there's boasting.

The world is good at boasting about sin. Just turn on your television or read the headlines and you'll see. We are not called to judge what's happening out there in the world. We are called to be the light. A light that shines in the darkness of sin and brings others to the one who washes away all sin.

Lord Jesus, bless me with grace for the world, the kind that draws hearts to You. And in the same way, bless me with the proper judgment for my brothers and sisters in Christ, the kind that turns their hearts back to You. Use me to bring light and pour out grace to both the world and Your Church.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 4:12-21
Click on the verse to read today's scripture.

For the Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 ESV

Hmmm.... Words that start me to thinking. How much of what I do is all talk and no power? Paul was speaking to a group of people he considered arrogant. All talk... no action it seems. This is the work of pride. It creates lots of words, but without power words are worthless. In the life of the Believer, the power that backs up words comes from the Holy Spirit.

I want more than empty words. I want the power to put those words into action!

Father God, I do not want to be all talk.

Teach me to walk in the power and boldness

of the Holy Spirit.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 4:1-11

Click on the link to read today's verses.

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.

1 Corinthians 4:4

I just had one of those epiphany moments. One of those moments when something sort of just comes together like the last puzzle piece fitting just right. Let me see if I can put it into words.

Jesus had a clear conscience because He was innocent. No sin... nothing to feel guilty about. It is different for us. We sin, feel guilty, and hopefully we repent. This is the mystery of grace and the work Jesus did on the cross. The problem is we never feel innocent again, and so there might just be lingering guilt. In other words, we don't have to continue to feel guilty over not being innocent anymore.

We will never be innocent again. Sin took that from us, but we can have a clear conscience. How does that happen? When we claim the name of Jesus in the face of guilt. When we repent from those things that crop up in our lives that separate us from God. In Him --- not ourselves--- we are righteous! This gives me reason to celebrate!

Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way for me to have a clear conscience

without innocence. Thank You for the mystery of grace.

Teach me to walk in Your grace and to readily offer it to others in Your name!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-23
Click on the link to read the scripture for today.

If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. --- 1 Corinthians 3:18-19

We spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves wise. Thousands spent on education and books. Hours spent searching topics on the internet. We want knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Paul says we must become fools so we can be wise... what the world considers wisdom is foolishness. How can we know the difference? Surely what we've learned over the years isn't all for nothing.

Maybe it depends on where we lean. You see, we can lean on our own wisdom... or... we can lean on God's. Sometimes His way feels foolish to us even sort of backwards. Still, all true wisdom comes from Him. We must learn to lean on His wisdom more than our own.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 ESV

Father God, remind me to trust Your wisdom and not my own broken reasoning throughout the day. Help me to use what You've allowed me to learn in a way that is pleasing to You. Bless me with the faith to obey Your truth rather than what seems reasonable to the world. I want to trust You wholeheartedly in all I do, being wise in Your eyes and not my own.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,

which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world

rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:8 NIV84

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 3:1-8
Click on the link to read today's scripture.

This section of scripture contains a teaching that changes everything for me. It gives me peace. It sets me free.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. --- 1 Corinthians 3:7

I've spent so much time worrying and working to make things grow. I've wondered when my own kids were going to get it at times. I spent the first twelve years working at the church with teenagers. Many nights I went home praying for their growth. All the worrying and wondering was for nothing really because only God makes things grow.

We are called to plant and water... to pray and love. We are called to go and teach... give and obey. But the growing part must be left up to God. Say it with me...

Only God. Makes. Things. Grow.
Only God makes things grow!

There's freedom in those five words. Take time to be aware of those things you are trying to make grow on your own today. Give them to the one who really does make things grow.

Father God, You alone have the power to bring life and make it grow.

Bless me with the discernment to know when to plant, when to water,

and when to let go and trust You with the growth.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 2
Click on the link for today's reading.

I made a quick list of those things the Spirit does in our lives according to this chapter. Those living a life guided by the Spirit:

Speak wisdom
Have access to the deep things of God
Understanding
Ability to explain spiritual truths
Make wise judgments

And finally... "we have the mind of Christ." It is so easy to rely on our own wisdom and understanding. God gave us the ability to use our experience and education to reason, but without the Spirit it does us no good. Through His Spirit we have access to the "mind of Christ."

Whose wisdom have you been leaning on lately?

Lord, forgive me for every decision I've made based on my own understanding.

Forgive me for not trusting You with the choices I make.

Bless me with the faith to accept and exercise the truth of my access 

to Your mind, wisdom, and judgment.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Cornithians 1:18-31

Click on the link to read today's verses.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.

1 Corinthians 1:26

I once saw a video where people lined up on stage with large white boards. The first side was who they were before Jesus entered their lives and then they would flip it over to the second side. The second side had a word that described who they are now. One man's said: "lost---found." Another's said: "bound---free." Every person had a story to tell through those two words. So do we.

Paul's words to the disciples urge them to remember what they were when they were called. What about you? Who or what were you? Take some time to make your own white card today. Stick it some place as a reminder of all God has done in your life. Some of you might even be willing to go a step farther and tell someone the story of your card. How God brought you from one place to another. We must remember from time to time who we were. May it spur us to gratitude to the one who changes everything.

Father God, remind me who I was before You found me,

so I will never forget all You have done for me.

Thank You.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
(Click the link to read today's verses.)

Evidently, there was some quarrelling going on. Webster's describes quarrel as "a ground of dispute." Another definition reads, "an angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms." I'm confident no family exists without this kind of disagreement at times. It is a symptom of a fallen world, and Paul didn't like it. Honestly, I don't either.

Paul appealed to them to agree with one another in what you say, to remain united in mind and thought. How is it possible to agree on everything? Even people on good terms have their own opinions and perspectives. What does this look like?

I caught a glimpse recently. My dad and I were having a discussion. You might call it "heated." At one point I decided it was time to just drop the conversation. It's no secret among the family we're both stubborn and a lot alike. Still he asked more questions and I responded. By the end of the conversation I recognized we might not be in total agreement, but we did have an understanding of the heart of the matter... on that we could agree.

I could have dropped the conversation, the old me would have changed the subject. And though I'm not proud of it. The old me would have hung up frustrated. The old me would have probably let my husband know all about my side. It might be the natural way to react, but it's not the best way... not His way.

Quarreling usually is not about the subject at hand. It's more about wanting to be heard and wanting our own way. It happens in families, it was happening in the early church, it happens in our church. Being united in mind and thought is not about agreeing on subject matter, but agreeing on the heart of the matter. Coming to an understanding we are all doing the best we can with what we know can free us to see through the quarrel right to the heart.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love,

any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love,

being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition

or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:1-3 ESV

Is there a disagreement in your life you are ready to put down? Don't delay...do it today.

Father God, return me to the heart of Your Love:

Jesus, the Gospel, the Good News of grace.

Help me to filter the minutiae that doesn't matter,

the temptations the enemy provides to divide me

from those I'm called to love.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading:1 Corinthians 1:1-9
(The reading is just a click away if you don't have your Bible close by.)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.... Right off the bat I'm struck by something Paul writes. It is not the way we start a letter. Our letters usually address the receiver first, but not this letter. Instead Paul introduces himself first. It's something to think about.

How would you introduce yourself? What would you say you are called to be in Jesus's name? I even tried it myself.

Stacy, called to be a _______________ of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Filling in the blank was not as easy as I thought. I've brainstormed lots of words to fill the space. Others might like to fill it in for me. Try it for yourself.

_____________, called to be a __________________ of Jesus Christ 

by the will of God.

It's the beginning of a new year, and it would serve us well to know our calling, to be able to claim who we are in the name of Jesus. When we ask this question in prayer, He will answer.

Lord, who am I in Your name? by Your will?

Your servant is listening...