1 Corinthians 1 - 2.28.23
Scripture
I Corinthians 1:7
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Observation
You are not lacking – you have already been given the spiritual resources you need to fulfill your calling!
Understanding
Do you struggle with feeling that you’re not “spiritual” enough or mature enough in your walk with Jesus to step out and pray for needs of others? Are you scared to share the Good News that Jesus loves them and wants to have relationship with them? Sometimes we think if we were just a little more spiritually mature, then God would work through us. That’s because we are focusing on ourselves instead of the greatness of God. I think we are trying to earn the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We can never be good enough or wise enough or holy enough! But you know what? It doesn’t matter that I’m not good enough because HE IS! If he has called you, then he has equipped you and you need to step out and believe it!
Hebrews 13:21 May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Life Application
Jesus, thank you for the reminder today that I will never be good enough for you to use me. But you are good and you are wise and you are holy. Help me to walk in the knowledge that you have called me and you have equipped me to do your work.
- Debbie Dunn
Psalm 7 - 2.27.23
Scripture
Psalms 7:1 NLT
“I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!”
Observation-What does it say?
This is a psalm of David. It is a time in David’s life where his enemies were out to get him, and he didn’t quite know who to trust. Correction!..David did know WHO to trust. David knew just exactly WHO he could call. David’s first response: He called on God!
Understanding-What does it mean?
Who or what do you turn to when life’s storms come your way?
Some people seek refuge in their friends and family. Some people try to go all “Rambo” and try to take on their problems head on, all by themselves. Then you have others who may try to escape their reality through drugs and alcohol. May I suggest something? Let’s learn from David. David’s first response was to turn to God. David’s confidence and faith was always in God to rescue him from his enemies and his troubles. I believe we should do the same. Cry out to God. Know that He hears you. Know that He loves you. Please don’t worry if you currently don’t have a relationship with God. Don’t wait and try to clean your act up before seeking Him. Seek Him first, then allow Him to clean you up.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:6-7
Life Application
Don’t treat God like some “genie in a bottle”!
Don’t just go to God when you need something. What kind of relationship would that be?! Turn to God to share with Him your praises. Spend time daily not only speaking to Him through prayer, but also listening to Him in quiet, and through reading His Word. Journal what you hear from Him. Watch your relationship with Him grow! Then you too can have the same faith and confidence that David had in the awesome God we serve!💪🏽 😊
-Moses Gaddi
Romans 15 - 2.24.23
Scripture
Romans 15:30b
…join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Observation – What does it say?
The Apostle Paul had his own unique struggles he was facing, but he asked the Roman Christians for their help. They were miles away though. How could they put hands under the weight Paul was carrying to lighten his load? Through prayer.
Understanding – What does it mean?
We have the ability to help people with any struggle their facing.
It doesn’t matter if you’re too weak physically to help, if you’re on the other side of the country, or if you have no money to send. If you can pray, you can help. One of the many reasons for our value, “Prayer is our priority,” is because our prayers have the ability to release God’s love and power and provision to help people!
We also read Psalm 6 today where the psalmist is praying from a dark and desperate place:
Psalm 6:3
My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, Lord, how long?
I have gone through my share of challenges, but that Psalm didn’t resonate with me today. I’m typing from my parent’s house in Colorado, sipping coffee and looking out the window at trees freshly covered in snow, feeling so blessed to be here with my mom and dad. So what should I do? Just skim over the Psalm and dismiss it?
Speaking of my mom, she once encouraged me when reading the Psalms to read them from a corporate mindset. Rather than disregarding the ones that don’t align with our personal experience, we can join in the struggle of all our brothers and sisters around the world who are experiencing deep anguish by praying these verses over them.
Life Application
Join in the struggles of others by praying for them.
Pray through Psalm 6, lifting up all those who may be looking to God from that place of anguish.
God, thank you for the incredible privilege of being able to join in the struggles of others and truly help them through prayer. Please bring to mind anyone in particular who you want me to pray for today. And we also pray for any of our brothers and sisters around the world who are experiencing deep anguish and wondering how long until you answer them. Please draw near to them, let your kingdom come in their lives, bless them with an awareness of your presence with them, and let your light come crashing into their darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
- Levi Thompson