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
Tag: Holy Spirit
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
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
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
Small Compromises
Today’s devotion is difficult to write because it speaks very loudly to the current temperature in our world at this present time. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about the immorality happening. Not only was sexual immorality among the people of Corinth, but the people were proud of it. It was flaunted. It was … Continue reading Small Compromises
Correction
There is a great difference between telling someone what they are doing wrong or offering correction. The biggest difference is love. In 1 Corinthians, 4:14-15, we read: “I’m not writing this to embarrass you or to shame you, but to correct you as the children I love.For although you could have countless babysitters in Christ … Continue reading Correction
Answer Gently
In today’s verse, Paul mentions how they always answer gently or kindly. The Passion Translation says, “When we are slandered incessantly, we always answer gently, ready to reconcile. Even now, in the world’s opinion, we are nothing but filth and the lowest scum” (1 Corinthians 4:13). In this passage, Paul is speaking about how they … Continue reading Answer Gently
Endure with Patience
Today’s verse says, “We work hard, toiling with our own hands. When people abuse and insult us, we respond with a blessing, and when severely persecuted, we endure it with patience” (1 Corinthians 4:12 TPT). Endure with patience is another way of saying bear with or persist. Previously, we looked at what it meant to … Continue reading Endure with Patience
