1 Corinthians 1 - 12.4.23

Scripture:

‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””

‭

Observation:

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul gives thanks for the church in Corinth, but then he addressed issues causing division.  The church was divided based upon the leaders that they followed. Paul pointed them back to Christ, reminding them that not even he was crucified for them. None of them were baptized in his (Paul’s) name. Then, he went on to point out that those who boast should boast in the Lord!

Application:

If we truly have anything to boast about, it should be about Jesus Christ! Divisions cease when Christ is on the throne of our (the church’s) lives.

The older I’m getting, the more and more I’m realizing that all good things come from God alone. It’s okay to be impressed, encouraged and celebrate success and hard work, but we need to remember that our ability and drive to work hard originates from God. My ability to love my husband and kids and others…that is from God. My ability to endure through trials and suffering is from God. My ability to write this SJ post is from God. My faith and salvation is from God.

We are completely dependent on the Lord and should boast in Him about every good thing. Everything should point back to Him.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, may I make every effort to secure my relationship with You, with You on the throne of my life. When people ask me who I follow, I pray that the first One Who comes out of my mouth is You. Help my life to reflect that as well. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm 23 - 12.1.23

Scripture: Psalm 23:1

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

 “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” NIV

 “Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” TPT‬‬

Observation:

Most people can quote this verse. However, do they really take in and believe the truth this contains?  God guides us and looks over us like a shepherd. We lack nothing, have no wants unmet. I like how The Passion Translation puts it. “I always have more than enough.”  Let’s face it as humans we always want more. In God we have it.

Application:

Do I live like this is true?  Hmmm….. if someone asked me, I could spout off a list of things I need.  That being said it’s time to ask myself, “Am I really relying on God as my shepherd and provider?”  Time to seek God for His provision and not dwell on the “don’t haves”. The truth is I can tend to have a poverty mindset. I assume I don’t I have the money. I need to walk in the assurance God provides and when I pray and seek him I will have all I want and need.

Prayer: Father God, please help me rely on you as my shepherd. You provide everything I need and even my wants. Forgive me for the times I have not trusted you and tried to do it my own way. Please help me seek the creative ways you are waiting to bless me. Thank you for who you are and that I have All I need in you with no lack. Amen

- Cindy Howard

Romans 15 - 11.30.23

SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:13 NLT

“I pray that God, 

the source of hope, 

will “fill you completely”

with joy and peace 

because you trust in Him. 

Then you will overflow 

with confident hope 

through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

OBSERVATION:

Paul in his final remarks to the church in Rome, shares a prayer that is packed with the extraordinary TRUTH of God’s Blessings—

We ARE Filled COMPLETELY with JOY and PEACE which brings an Abundant Overflow of Confident Hope because we TRUST in Jesus!

APPLICATION:

God…IS…

the SOURCE—of Hope

Not just “any” hope—but—JESUS—the ONE Confident Assurance-

“Jesus answered, “I AM The Way and The Truth  and The Life..”

(John 14:6a NIV)

Joy - inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.

Peace - inward state of quiet which is independent of circumstances and is that inner attitude which God's Spirit gives His people.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

(2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus,

When I look at the news I see many people who are lost and without hope.

But, You O Lord ARE Hope. Thank YOU Lord that we never need be concerned about circumstances knowing that YOU are WITH us. May YOUR JOY and PEACE abound in our hearts. May it be a magnet for the World to see. The LORD of Heaven and Earth has called us by name and assured us of Heaven! HE is our confidence. 

May we sing of His Praises and Worship Him with Thanksgiving.

May our Love for YOU and for each other be a Light to those who are lost and desperately need the Forgiveness and Redemption that Your Salvation brings.

In Jesus Name. 

““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

(Matthew 5:14-15 NIV)

Tina L Kudelka