Probably the most know chapter of the Bible after Psalm 23?
I haven't "liked" this chapter since I was a teen because I've heard it so much. After studying it a bit last week I came to the realization, that more likely, I don't like to go to this chapter because it shows my inconsistencies and failures when it comes to love. I'm not always, patient and kind...I can be jealous and arrogant...I can definitely act unbecomingly and totally seek my own...I can be provoked and keep a grudge...sigh. Only with Christ can love be manifested perfectly.
"If I ...know all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." v.2 Once again, wow, quite a statement...something to truly think about and ponder; how am I loving both my fellow man and God. How can I love more unselfishly?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
1 Cor. 11
"Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ". v. 1
Wow, quite a statement by Paul. To be able to say that is something to strive for. Wow.
Most of the rest of the chapter is Paul giving instruction on Communion, on celebrating the Lord's supper. The Corinthian church had somehow dishonored and made a mockery of the remembrance. Before Christ, - the first covenant - the Jews sacrificed animals, symbolizing their blood for the covering of sins. Christ is the second covenant and He has shed the blood for the covering of our sins. Communion should never be taken lightly.
"Do this in remembrance of Me."..."But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
Wow, quite a statement by Paul. To be able to say that is something to strive for. Wow.
Most of the rest of the chapter is Paul giving instruction on Communion, on celebrating the Lord's supper. The Corinthian church had somehow dishonored and made a mockery of the remembrance. Before Christ, - the first covenant - the Jews sacrificed animals, symbolizing their blood for the covering of sins. Christ is the second covenant and He has shed the blood for the covering of our sins. Communion should never be taken lightly.
"Do this in remembrance of Me."..."But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
1 Cor. 10
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, also, so that you will be able to endure it." v. 12-13
I know of so many pastors that thought "they could stand" but then they fell. This temptation often comes when you are feeling very strong (prideful) in your knowledge of the Word, or how big your church is, or how many people are listening to you that you start to get puffed up and don't see the temptation for what it is; therefore, unable to combat it and see the way of escape.
This happened to me. I was in the middle of saving my marriage by going to Christian counseling, bringing my family to church, being involved in ministry. I didn't see it coming because I wasn't looking for it. Then I gave into it because it was fun and I was needy. I wasn't looking for a way of escape but before things were going to grossly change my life, God through me a life preserver and begged me to not continue. Two people, the night I left my family - that I had confided in - begged me to reconsider. Whoa..the work of the master deceiver...how sad God must have been that night knowing the sorrow my family was going to face on account of my actions. God continued to offer a way out a few more times in the months following, only to be ignored.
Dear Jesus, may I always see your way with open eyes and a heart that needs to follow you.
"For the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." v. 26
God has blessed us with so much to enjoy...you'd think we'd be able just to trust Him and go His way and enjoy all that He wants to give us. I'm looking forward to the day of eternal rest, when the enemy is stomped out and we can just love God and love each other with no interference.
I know of so many pastors that thought "they could stand" but then they fell. This temptation often comes when you are feeling very strong (prideful) in your knowledge of the Word, or how big your church is, or how many people are listening to you that you start to get puffed up and don't see the temptation for what it is; therefore, unable to combat it and see the way of escape.
This happened to me. I was in the middle of saving my marriage by going to Christian counseling, bringing my family to church, being involved in ministry. I didn't see it coming because I wasn't looking for it. Then I gave into it because it was fun and I was needy. I wasn't looking for a way of escape but before things were going to grossly change my life, God through me a life preserver and begged me to not continue. Two people, the night I left my family - that I had confided in - begged me to reconsider. Whoa..the work of the master deceiver...how sad God must have been that night knowing the sorrow my family was going to face on account of my actions. God continued to offer a way out a few more times in the months following, only to be ignored.
Dear Jesus, may I always see your way with open eyes and a heart that needs to follow you.
"For the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." v. 26
God has blessed us with so much to enjoy...you'd think we'd be able just to trust Him and go His way and enjoy all that He wants to give us. I'm looking forward to the day of eternal rest, when the enemy is stomped out and we can just love God and love each other with no interference.
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