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Scripture for today:
Job 39-40; 1 Corinthians 13-14
Key scripture for today:
I Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
Observation: Paul was speaking to the Church of Corinth in his in appeal to teach concerning the necessity of the members to show love. Having all the gifts and showing no love was useless in Paul’s theology.
Application: Love is tough. Love is difficult when people stab you or talk behind your back. Love is tough when people do not honor commitments. But, love is the hallmark of a Christian! Love is the goal.
Prayer: Help me to always strive to love others and see them as God’s children.
Scripture for today:
Job 37-38; 1 Corinthians 12
Key verse today:
I Corinthians 12:19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
Observation: Paul statement was that the body would be useless if all parts were the same. The human body is complex and needs all parts to function properly. The body would be useless if it was only one part.
Application: The church is the body of Christ. But, often in the church everyone is molded into being all a like. This is tragedy because the church needs everyone because the more the parts the more opportunities to reach more people. God honors the variety of ministries to reach the people he loves.
Prayer: Help the church honor the gifts and talents that each bring to the table.
Scripture for today:
Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11
Key Verse fro Today:
I Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Observation: Paul did everything he could to reach people for Christ.
Application: It is convenient to only reach those that are like us or speak affirmation to our ears. That is human nature. Our calling from Christ should push me out of my comfort zone because they need the Gospel. Maybe, the reason why so few reach out to those different is they do not believe that all need to hear and believe in the Good News.
Prayer: May my heart always want to share the Gospel message with those different from me.
Scripture for today:
Job 35-36; 1 Corinthians 7-8
Key verse for today:
I Corinthians 9:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Observation: Paul was speaking about certain foods that make people stumble because of their beliefs.
Application: Yes, Paul was admitting the tension between believers concerning which foods to eat and not to eat. We still have debates on what Christan’s should or should not do. But, this verse calls the believers to examine their actions in light of new believers or in light of those interested in believing. Our lifestyle should not hinder people coming to the faith but should draw them closer; therefore, not to make them stumble.
Prayer: May my life not be a stumbling block to others.
Scripture for today:
Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4-6
Key scripture for today:
I Corinthians 4:7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Observation: Boasting was around in Paul’s day and in the Church of Corinth. It is still prevalent both in the church and in the culture. This verse claims boasting should never be about someone because it was God who gave them the gifts. So, if any boasting/ bragging is occurring it should be about how powerful and mightily is our Heavenly Father.
Application: This verse is painful because it is so convicting to me. I have been blessed in ministry here at Denver but it was only because of the gifts I got from above. What I bring to the table should be a humble heart not a heart that needs affirmation are authority. Christ came as servant not a demanding leader.
Prayer: May humbleness be the lens by which I serve.
Scripture for today:
Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1-3
Key verse for today:
I Corinthians 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Observation: So often we think that when people come to God it is because of our skills, the right church program, or the most effective advertizing. This verse says that God is the one doing the calling.
Application: This verse is needed today in our attempt to attract people to be involved in the life of the church. With only 20% of the people in America attending Church something must be done. What is needed? It is to pray and ask God to send people who we can show them what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Prayer: May God empower Denver United Methodist Church to change lives!
