Nov 10: Matthew 4, Jeremiah 19, Psalm 89
Nov 11: Matthew 5, Jeremiah 20, Psalm 90
Nov 12: Matthew 6, Jeremiah 21, Psalm 91
Nov 13: Matthew 7, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 92
Nov 14: Matthew 8, Jeremiah 23, Psalm 93
Nov 15: Matthew 9, Jeremiah 24, Psalm 94
I Corinthians_10
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:3-5-
3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
Observation-What does it say?
This speaks about the issue of idolatry and pride in a Believer’s life, not an unbeliever’s life to be clear. As the passage points out, some of Israel were faithful to God, but “God was not pleased with most of them” (vs. 5) because of their idolatry and sin. There were consequences as a result of their actions. Scripture points out the following in verses 8-10:
Some committed sexual immorality-the consequence: in one day, 23,000 of them died.
Some tested Christ- the consequence: they were killed by snakes.
Some grumbled- the consequence: they were killed by the destroying angel.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Learn from the mistakes of the past. Learn from the idolatry and consequences of Israel. It’s better to do things right the first time, than suffer the consequences of unwise choices.
Galatians 6:7-Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not even our sin because He died for us WHILE we were sinners (Romans 5:8). However, there are consequences to sin and consequences for children of God are inescapable as a result of loving discipline from our Heavenly Father.
Whenever I discipline my kids, I always remind them that I’m doing it because I love them. I tell them that if I didn’t love them, then I wouldn’t discipline them. I learned that method of parenting from my Heavenly Father. (Please see Hebrews 12:5-11)
Life Application
Let us learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of other believers and the consequences of their sin; but at the same time, don’t allow the enemy to gain a foothold because of pride.
1 Corinthians 10:12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Basically, don’t believe the lie that we are too faithful to fall. It doesn’t matter if we’ve been a Christian for less than a year or 30 years. None of us are immune to temptation; however, God is faithful and will always provide a way out as we pursue purity and develop safeguards to be above reproach. None of us have to fall prey to the enemy’s lies because we are no longer slaves to sin. We are free from sin and slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18). Thank You Jesus!
Dear Lord, idolatry and pride are deadly combinations as Your Word pointed out. Thank You for not sugar coating the Scriptures, but revealing the good, bad and ugly of the past so that we can learn from it. I pray for humility of heart to apply what we learn through Your Word, through other believers and also through the discipline You lovingly provide us throughout our lives as we are shaped more into Your image. May You get all the honor and glory as we live our lives set apart for You alone. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm_121
Observation-What does it say?
Understanding-What does it mean?
God works through people and we need people, but people are still faulty because we have limitations. We have limits on our time, resources, emotional and mental energy and strength, limits on wisdom and limits on what we can control. Perfection is found in Jesus Christ alone. Our only hope is in Christ.
Life Application
Are you mourning and need comfort? Go to Jesus. (Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matt. 5:4)
Need wisdom? Ask the Lord. He gives freely to those who ask. James 1:5
Need encouragement? Go to the Lord through His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Need protection from the evil one? Run to Lord. 2 Thes. 3:3
It is promised that we will have trouble in this world. But He has overcome the world, so let’s keep looking up to Him! (John 16:33)
Thank You Lord that Your eye is always on us. Thank You that You are always available and know the depths of our heart. Thank You that whatever we are walking through in life, You are right beside us celebrating with us, leading us or even carrying us through it. We are nothing without You and thank You that Your love never fails or ends. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Corinthians_8:1
Scripture
1 Corinthians 8:1 1 …We know that “We all possess knowledge. ”But knowledge puffs up while love builds up...”
Observation
Apostle Paul is writing to the church or Corinth. Some of the Corinthians bring to him questions about eating things that had been sacrificed to idols; but he first directs their attention to their pride about their knowledge. We later learn that, truly, the meat or the fact that’s it’s been sacrificed is not the concern but, rather, if it could be stumbling block to new/fellow/weak Christians, best to avoid. To cause a brother/sister to stumble is a sin against them and against Christ.
Understanding
I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. – Leviticus 26:19But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. – 2 Chronicles 26:16In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. – Psalm 10:4Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. – Psalm 73:6When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. – Proverbs 11:2A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. – Proverbs 14:3Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18Pride brings along with it all kinds of troublesome things – violence, arrogance, destruction, disgrace, downfall; and it seems to be a natural challenge for most people. Even those of us who say we love and trust God can sometimes be quick to take credit for (and pride in) what God is doing in our lives – as if it is by our own works. Even so, there’s good news! [Seems there always is with God. :) A simple solution – STAY HUMBLE and course correct (or repent) when you catch yourself being prideful.Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah. – 2 Chronicles 32:26Repentance protects us from God’s wrath. And humility creates space for honor for the one who deserves it – God. God is the one who is worth of and WILL BE exalted.The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. – Isaiah 2:11And, apparently, that was important enough to God to mention again…just 6 verses later. Seems that might just mean something. :)The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, - Isaiah 2:17
Life Application
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10God, I thank you that you welcome a repentant heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed my pride to get in the way, to hold me back from giving YOU the honor and glory that you so richly deserve. Help me to be still, to be grateful, to turn the attention where it is due…for EVERYthing good that comes my way – no matter how big or small. May I take time today to remove any puff of pride and, instead, replace it with the building up of others with your love...in a way that turns hearts towards you. I love you and am grateful to be seen, known and loved by you; may my life reflect that today.In your name I pray. Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.