1 Cor 6:1-11

Law Suits - true back then as it is now. It all goes back to "right" and "belongings". We get, accumulate and protect them with all of our might. No one likes to feel violated from something or someone else. Many times, lawsuits occur because of misconceptions of who is the True and Rightful Owner - GOD and not us. When we become Christians, we give up our rights and acknowledge that all things work together for good, for those who love His purpose. That is not to say that we should be taken advantage of but still we should give and not take.

Church divisions could come as a result of lawsuits and the like, but praise be to our God - GFC has steered clear of these events.

1 Cor 5

This is a strong chapter with respect to morality and church discipline. Immorality is not always the action but as Jesus said, the thought as well. It is so difficult to escape it. It's in the media, advertising and as an old friend used to say - "it's all over". Maybe since I am older but not necessarily wiser, that I feel that I can put it aside. At my age, I usually say "I'm old enough to be her father" and that becomes a mantra. Don't get me wrong, I look! We all look! But as Max Lucado said, the first one is free, the second one isn't. My prayers are for my sons who aren't "my age". I pray that they look at the opposite sex with respect and dignity that befits their name and calling - Christian.

I am so glad that we had Clay and Renna Crosse at our church this past October to give us guidelines to make our homes and our minds, HOLY.


Maybe more thoughts on this to follow.

1 Cor 4

I am struck by v.20 which states, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power". What a powerful verse. I am often guilty of the phrase, 'talk is cheap' and 'actions speak louder than words'.  I guess at my age and experience, I've become a little jaded. I see so potential yet most of it is in rhetoric rather than actions. How we have become complacent in our lives to be laid back and click a "like" button on FB rather than do or be that particular status or challenge. I guess that is what our society and myself have become.

I pray that my life does make a difference and that it's not just by what I say or 'click' but what I do and how I live my life.

1 Cor 3 Temples and Denominations

I have always looked at this chapter from the view that it addresses a broader scope than the divisions within an individual church. I look at this as "slam" against denominations who tout their virtues over other. I know that this has not been the case in recent history but became more of a topic in the 70s and 80s. I am blessed to have been part of a non-denominational church for my entire life and am still skeptical when we are moving into a box. I know that there are benefits to being a part of one (resources, broader affiliations and networks, etc) but we still need to be careful as to how we are "building" the temple. Will what one denomination add to the temple (our lives and souls) be better than another? What if we go the wrong way? Only the test of God's fire will tell. Still, it is our responsibility to enhance and improve the temple daily - by reading His word, by being open to becoming His hands, feet, eyes and ears and His mouth. Working out my salvation daily...

1 Cor 2

I am so glad the Gospel was not given to the "smart" and the "wise". It is simply a matter of faith and perserverance in that faith which I work out each day. We are all equal at the foot of the Cross. It is God who gives us the "eyes" to see and "ears" to hear. We are so wrapped up in what we think is important and essential that we can sometimes miss what really is, SALVATION. We look for it, we get it (if we believe) and each day, we work it out to come closer to Christ. It is the one thing that a church is there for and sends out its people for. It is why we plant churches, talk with our unsaved friends and family and live. I guess God gives us the situations so that we can "work out  our salvation". The "wise" will never comprehend what it is. God brings us to it when we are ready - some earlier than others. The "road to Damascus" experience hits each of us not in "our strength" but in "our weakness". Sometimes we need to hit rock-bottom (as GG put it) to look upward. I call it the "inflection point" of our walk.

1 Cor 1:17-31

I am so glad that this passage came today! When I am working in the office, I hear so many people talking about the things of this world that won't last - cars, fashion and stuff!. I see that as foolishness but at times I, too can get wrapped up in it in my own way. God created me for something better than that. I also praise God that we are all equal at the foot of the cross - whether we think we are rich, wise, noble or good. We are the same as the thief on the cross or the homeless person, the destitute and the down and out. Christ is the only one that gives us our sense of worth and purpose.

So many expectations this coming year... things at church, home and work. Let the juggling act begin!

1 Cor. 1: 1-16

I have decided to take a departure from the OT to read 1 Cor. I studied this for quite a while in our NJ/SI family worship and this is one of the books that I have yet to do for a morning devotion while down in DE.

There are a few things that struck me when reading this. v. 7 - which states that as believers we have all the tools necessary to work out our salvation and for others and v. 8 - Christ will keep us strong to the end. What a great and wonderful promise! Another thing I found odd was that Paul never considered himself a "baptizer". I know that it was to make a point about the different factions that were growing out of that particular church and he was addressing that but still!

I am now trying to get myself back to the swing of things. Early morning gym, eating better and getting focused at work while still trying to be Jesus to someone each day. I am praying that 2011 will be a great year. Oh well, gym-time....