1 Corinthians 10 - 6.5.25

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:1 - 10

Idolatry Then and Now - Warnings from Israel’s History

1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 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.

6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

OBSERVATION

When it is written that “their bodies were scattered in the wilderness” it’s an example that the Israelites failed to keep their focus on God, and they started giving themselves to idolatry. Some of the Corinthian Christians not only got too close in their association with idols (false gods, Idols made out of stone and wood) they also made an idol out of their own “knowledge” and their own “rights.”  Also, Israel, in their idolatry, surrendered to the temptation of sexual immorality.  They worshiped sins of the flesh. 

11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation[c] 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. 

APPLICATION

What is idolatry today?  Even for those who do not bow physically before a statue, idolatry is a matter of the heart—pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a love for possessions and ultimately rebellion against God. Some Christians not only get too close in their association with idols; they also make an idol out of their own “knowledge” and their own “rights.” 

We all are tempted one way or another; every day: saying the wrong words, watching the wrong media, hanging out with the wrong people, spending money on the wrong things, etc.  You name it…”I am tempted______” –fill in the blank.   We can and should take warning from the bad examples of Israel.  God’s words are the way out…we are not locked into temptation, it’s a choice.  Think twice.  The difference is---because of Jesus Christ we have the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, a divine presence that dwells within believers, guiding and empowering us. This is a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in our journey of faith; the Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and advocate.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, words fail me, and with tears, I thank you for being my/our helper, comforter and advocate. Temptation comes when we least expect it; and in the many ways  we are most vulnerable.  I/we are not perfect.  And Lord, as difficult reading and understanding your word can be because of the time it was written, YOU show us how to identify with the experiences of the men and women in biblical times because we have your Holy Spirit in us…and because of this—You WILL show us what to avoid and be with our choices when we turn to you FIRST in any dilemma. Thank you, Father GOD, for your unfailing grace, unmerited favor. AMEN!

- Charleen Zakarian 

Psalm 119 - 6.4.25

Scripture

Psalm 119:87

They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.

Observation

In this section of Psalm 119, David cries out to God asking for help. He lays his problems before God and says, “How long must I wait?” He uses strong language to describe his adversity – my soul faints, my eyes fail (while waiting), when will you punish my persecutors, they almost wiped me from the earth. But he also says, “… but I have not forsaken your precepts.” In other words, he will not let his circumstances impact his obedience. 

Application

When we encounter adversity, we have a choice – we can cling to God’s promises and grow closer to him, or we can use it as an excuse and fall away.

We can learn lessons from this psalm to help us in times of adversity:

Vs 81 – I have put my hope in your word

Spend time in prayer. Meditate on his word. Put your hope in God.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Vs. 88 – In your unfailing love, preserve my life, that I may obey the statues of your mouth

Depend on the grace of God to strengthen you. Cling to him.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Vs. 89 – your faithfulness continues through all generations

Know that he is faithful and keeps his promises.

Vs. 92 - If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished

Remember the times that God has been with you and worked for and through you in the past.

Prayer

Thank you God that you are in control of all things. Thank you that you have a plan. Help me to remember to cling to you and draw strength from you in the hard times. You are waiting for me with open arms.

- Debbie Dunn 

Psalm 119 - 6.3.25

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 119:65-72

65 Do good to your servant
    according to your word, Lord.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.

68 You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.

69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees.

72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

OBSERVATION

Many scholars attribute this Psalm to David but some think it could also be written by Daniel. Either man was God fearing, loyal to the Lord, and afflicted in many ways but knew everything came from and directed them back to God.

I love how this Psalm goes between acknowledging the trials and afflictions David or Daniel experienced yet counters with trusting God’s commands, delights and follows God’s law, and praises God’s goodness. He values God’s word more than thousands of pieces of silver and gold – basically more than any valuable thing on this earth.

APPLICATION

Recently I was listening to a pastor’s sermon on the radio about affliction and how many Christians view affliction as a negative, that they’ve done something wrong, and more. The trails, afflictions, and all that life can throw at you (and I’ve personally gone through many) can be “good for me” and a blessing just like verse 71 says:

“ It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”

The Psalmist took the afflictions he endured and found the blessing – the goodness -  in drawing closer to the Lord and learning His ways of life.  He shows the way he found the goodness by:

-        “trusting your commands” verse 66

-         “now I obey your word” verse 67

-        Being teachable in asking God to “teach me your decrees” verse 68

-        Keeping “your precepts with all my heart” verse 69

-        “delight in your law.” Verse 70

The Psalmist then concludes in verse 71 that “it was good for me to be afflicted.”  He took all that he endured and brought it full circle back to God.

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all endured some trails, afflictions, and troubles in life. Sometimes they are short moments in the seasons of life, or they can be long or even  longer. I’ve been through short ones, multiple ones at once and long ones too. The only way I was able to make it through was to keep God as my focus, to find the blessing and see that every trial is for good.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4  

Please know I’m not saying trails and afflictions are easy to get through. Knowing who holds it all together and who can give you peace through your troubles is the key:

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We are all human and in the moment can start to worry, stress, or even have tears. At that moment, I take a deep breath, pray, and remember that throughout everything in life, I have seen God bring me up and out of all the negativity and into the blessings. Remember God’s goodness is everlasting. He will turn that trial into something we need, to bless us in one way or another, to draw us closer to Him, and more!  He makes all things good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  2 Corinthians 9:8

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your Word. In each word, chapter, verse, your Word is everlasting and a comfort. Thank you for always bringing the wrong in life back into your focus, to your goodness and for what’s best in my life. Help me to always see you in everything, to always give you glory through everything, and to praise you in the midst of it all. I trust you, and only want you in my life. In Jesus name, Amen!

- Mary Oberg