Day 42: Letter to the Corinthians

1 Corinthians 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

In Paul’s letter to the church of Corinth, he addresses the compromise that the believers make through their immorality.  He places a high priority on being obedient to Christ and striving for unity, humility and love in the church.

We lead a sinful life – much like the people of Corinth.  Do I not understand yet, that it is far more dangerous that I continue to sin given the knowledge of God that has been bestowed on me?  I’m not sure if we, as believers, continue to sin, because we have been given the eternal gift of salvation.

As I read the beginning of 1 Corinthians, I’m reminded of Christs’ wisdom and the power of God.

⁴My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

We give so much credit to our church, those who preach – or even blame that it is due to the lacking power of our church and those who serve, which shows that we credit men’s wisdom over God’s power in regards to our faith.

Dear Lord, as I continue to read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, let humility wash over my heart.  I used to give credit and place my faith on myself or on man, in which I see the error of my ways.  I now truly believe that it is all through God’s power alone.  As 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 states: ⁷Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Keep me strong Lord, so that I may be blameless.  Thank you God – for being faithful. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 20: You Still Lack One Thing

Luke 18, 19, 20

We all still lack one thing.  Trust.  As members of this fleeting and temporary world, it’s almost natural to not trust.  So many have been hurt that they’re natural response is that they are protecting those that they love.

Trust is what we all lack.  Trust in the persistent, trust in the unknown, trust in Him. Trust leads to faith.

¹Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

⁸I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8

I try to answer that question.  As I develop a more personal relationship with Christ, I see how far I’ve fallen.  As doubt and denial rack my mind, I find comfort in the words that I’ve been reading on the daily.  I am reminded of what I need to do to redeem myself.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14

Then the verse that eased those feelings of angst away:

²⁷Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

As I continue to read, I’m faced with more reasons as to why I am determined to know more about my Heavenly Father.

¹⁰For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

Have faith because of this promise.

Dear Lord, As I spend more time in your word, I realize that all of our feelings of angst and worry are driven by us and us alone.  I realize what I lack – allow me to truly repent and completely understand what it means to be a child of God. Thank you for allowing me to trust in you. Amen

Day 6: Changing for the Kingdom of Heaven

Day 6: Matthew 16, 17, 18

How do we change for the kingdom of Heaven?  Do you know what this is actually asking of you?

We have all lost our way and lost sight of who our Father knows to be the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Our walk is spotted with life, disbelief and sin.  Yet, when asked by His disciples, Jesus answers ³“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

We are all still viewed as this little child, no matter how far we have fallen from our path. However, our Father also knows of the work Satan does to hinder this perfect innocence.  “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come.” (Matthew 18:7)  Yet, all is not lost, for this is all known by our Father.  He cares so tremendously for each and every single one of his children like a lamb.  As Matthew 18:14 beautifully describes, “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”

We struggle daily to remain on this path, thinking all is lost.  Do not let the way s of the world disguise how God wants us to lead our lives.  Its a walk where many will stumble but through faith, even the size of a small mustard seed, nothing will be impossible.

Dear heavenly Father, please allow me to focus back to what You have deemed as necessary for entry into the kingdom of Heaven.  May we use your teachings, words and instructions to mold ourselves back to the innocent children that you want us to be,  In Christ’s most heavenly and precious name, Amen.