We forget how connected we are in life. Remember, we were made to be communal beings. In America, there is this individualism that is taught. It is all about independence from others with a me, myself, and I perspective. It’s my right, my liberty, my freedom. This is why it’s difficult to travel in roundabouts … Continue reading Expense of Others
Category: Christian Living
Two Cups
Imagine that there are two cups. There’s the cup of the Lord and there’s the cup of demons. Actually, don’t imagine. It’s true. There’s two cups. The cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. Paul speaks about these two cups in 1 Corinthians 10, and he makes it clear: “You can’t feast at … Continue reading Two Cups
Opportunity for Trust
Too often lately it seems like the sky is falling. You’ve been there, right? We each have seasons that seem more trying than others. Usually when a few dominoes fall, it appears as if all the dominoes are going to collapse. This is when the anxiety gets high. This is when the depression settles upon … Continue reading Opportunity for Trust
Learning From History
When I was in high school, history was my favorite subject with English coming in at a close second. I loved history so much that I took an advanced placement class on 20th century American History independently my senior year. This meant that each day I had class with myself in the library. I loved … Continue reading Learning From History
Adapting
Today we look at adapting. Paul says he “adapted to the culture.” The Message translates this verse as: “I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there … Continue reading Adapting
Servant to All
Paul joyfully made himself a servant to all. We read in 1 Corinthians 9:19, “Now, even though I am free from obligations to others, I joyfully make myself a servant to all in order to win as many converts as possible” (TPT). The word used here for servant or slave refers to a bondservant. A … Continue reading Servant to All
Hindrance
Today, our verse speaks about being a hindrance to the spread of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:12, we read: “And if you have supported others, don’t we rightfully deserve this privilege even more? But as you know, we haven’t used that right. Instead, we have continued to support ourselves so that we would never … Continue reading Hindrance
Wounding Others
Today’s verse speaks about causing someone to stumble, causing a brother or sister to be wounded or defeated. We read in 1 Corinthians 8:13: “So I conclude that if my eating certain food deeply offends my brother and hinders his advance in Christ, I will never eat it again. I don’t want to be guilty … Continue reading Wounding Others
The Building of Love
In 1 Corinthians 8:1, we read: “Now let me address the issue of food offered in sacrifice to idols. It seems that everyone believes his own opinion is right on this matter. How easily we get puffed up over our opinions! But love builds up the structure of our new life” (TPT). The Greek word … Continue reading The Building of Love
Undistracted Devotion
It’s too easy to become distracted today. We have everything available at our fingertips. This wealth of stuff can take our attention away from being present. Our smartphones by themselves can cause us to disengage from the task at hand. Today’s verse speaks of being undistracted. We read in 1 Corinthians 7:35: “I am trying … Continue reading Undistracted Devotion
