Day 334: 1 Corinthians 13, 14, 15 and 16

[Love] always hopes (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Eugene Peterson translates this phrase as: [Love] always looks for the best (The Message). My own paraphrase reads: [Love] always gives the benefit of the doubt. And yet that is one of the most difficult things we will ever be called upon to do.

The antithesis of giving the benefit of the doubt is assuming the worst. This is so easy to do and, truth be told, probably the default setting for most of us. Unfortunately this lack of trust is a killer for relationships. Countless marriages have succumbed to the ravages of distrust, and countless hours of counseling have been spent in an attempt to stem the tide of disbelief.

And the church is not immune. When circumstances can be taken in more than one way, too often we err on the side of misgiving (we miss giving the benefit of the doubt). When a simple statement can be received as innocent or sinister, our insecurities make it too easy to come down on the negative side of things.

In fact, an inability to trust says a lot more about us than it does about those in whom we lack faith.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Doubt? There was none. We were guilty – hands down – and God still chose to believe in us.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Do you need to give someone the benefit of the doubt? When your default setting is to believe the worst, ask God’s help instead to believe the best.

Day 333: 1 Corinthians 10, 11 and 12

Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good (NCV, 1 Corinthians 12:7).

Paul reminds us that everyone has a gift.

Here’s the thing: the gifts of the Spirit are not for personal use. Your gifts are not for you; they’re for me, and my spiritual gifts aren’t for me; they’re for you. To be fulfilled, I must share my gift with the church.

Lots of people can preach better than me. Lots of people can sing better. Lots of people can write better music. Many are more discerning, more merciful, and more filled with faith. But when God put my spiritual gift mix together, he made me just the way he wants me, and I’m the best me there is in the whole world.

But even in being the best me in the whole world, I need to remember that no matter how good a me I am, I’m still not you. We were not meant to work in isolation, but in community. We really do need each other. No one has every gift; not everyone has the same gift; but everyone has a gift. And in God’s kingdom, everyone’s a 10 at something! It is in joining our gifts together, uniting for a common purpose that we function as the Body of Christ.

Every once in a while I’ll ask my church to repeat after me. This is the body of Christ and I am a part of it! We’re in this together.

Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body (NCV, v. 27).

TODAY’S MEDITATION

It’s almost Christmas. What’s your gift to the Body this year?

Day 332: 1 Corinthians 7, 8 and 9

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).

What should I do when standing up for my rights hurts other people? In yesterday’s text, Paul states we have the right to do anything, but that some things aren’t good for us and other things, if indulged in, could enslave us. In today’s reading, Paul gives us another assessment as to whether or not a decision is wise.

Specifically Paul is writing about eating meat offered to idols. Those whose faith is strong know that idols have no inherent power, and for them meat offered to idols would not be considered guilty by association. However, for those whose faith is weak – those who still associate meat with pagan worship rituals – the problem is very real. Paul says though some may not see a problem, they have more to consider than just that. They have brothers and sisters in Christ who would feel like they were betraying their Lord if they were to eat that devil meat.

In Romans 12, Paul writes: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (v. 10). This suggests that when my rights clash with those of another, I should carefully consider whether or not it’s worth asserting those rights. Perhaps it would be better, in that instance, to set my rights aside and, in so doing, honor my brother or sister in Christ.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

God knows how selfish we can be at times. Ask his help to treat others the way you would want to be treated. How will you honor others above yourself this week?

Day 331: 1 Corinthians 4, 5 and 6

I have the right to do anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for abusing their freedom in Christ. “I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” – but I will not be mastered by anything (6:12 in its entirety).

In a self-indulgent society that sometimes rubs off even on the church, Paul gives us some guidelines for discerning whether or not certain choices are wise. Just because something is legal or permissible doesn’t mean it’s smart. Paul gives two assessments.

It’s permissible, but is it good for me? Some things won’t hurt me, but they won’t help me either.  They aren’t necessarily bad for me, but they’re definitely not good for me. Does that mean I can never indulge? No, of course not. An occasional chocolate bar is a delicious treat, but eating one every day is diabetes waiting to happen.

It’s permissible, but could it master me? Though I personally choose not to drink, I know the biblical writers never say we should avoid alcohol completely. At one point Paul actually recommends wine for its medicinal value (1 Timothy 5:23), although in another place he warns against drunkenness (Romans 13:13). My father and both my grandfathers struggled with alcoholism, so my decision not to drink at all is based more on family history than religious conviction.

Is it good for me? Could it master me? God leaves some things to our own discretion.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

How do you use good judgment regarding “permissible” things?

Day 330: 1 Corinthians 1, 2 and 3

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth how neither he nor Apollos can claim all the credit for their conversion. Paul may have been the first to tell them about Christ, but Apollos had followed up with faithful teaching. Working together, they brought the message that resulted in salvation.

In John 4, Jesus teaches his disciples to be on the lookout for kingdom opportunities. He borrows two agricultural axioms. The first: Four months more and then the harvest (NIV 1984, v. 35), is addressed on Day 310 (November 6). The second: One sows and another reaps (v. 37), was commonly used in a fatalistic sense. One might do all the hard work, but someone else would surely reap the benefit. But Jesus applied it in a new way. He taught, like Paul, that evangelism is a team sport. Paul said one plants and another waters. Jesus said one plants and another harvests. Same thing.

Nineteenth century preacher Dwight L. Moody preached in Chicago the night of the great Chicago fire. By popular account he did not give an altar call and many of those who delayed making a decision for Christ perished. Moody vowed to never again put off asking for a spiritual commitment. While I admire Moody’s conviction, I am relieved that the responsibility for evangelizing lost souls is a shared one.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Consider that whether you plant the seed, water or harvest, it is God who makes it grow. How can you do your part in spreading the good news this week?

Day 334: 1 Corinthians 13, 14, 15 and 16

Love . . . always hopes (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Eugene Peterson translates this phrase as: Love . . . Always looks for the best (The Message). My own paraphrase reads: Love . . . always gives the benefit of the doubt. And yet that is one of the most difficult things we will ever be called upon to do.

The antithesis of giving the benefit of the doubt is assuming the worst. Easy to do, and probably the default setting for most of us. Unfortunately this lack of trust is a killer for relationships. Countless marriages have succumbed to the ravages of distrust, and countless hours of counseling have been spent in an attempt to stem the tide of disbelief.

And the church is not immune. When circumstances can be taken in more than one way, too often we err on the side of misgiving (we miss giving the benefit of the doubt). When a simple statement can be received as innocent or sinister, our insecurities make it too easy to come down on the negative side of things.

In fact, an inability to trust says a lot more about us than it does about those in whom we lack faith.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Doubt? There was none. We were guilty and God still chose to believe in us.

Is there someone whom you need to give the benefit of the doubt?

Day 333: 1 Corinthians 10, 11 and 12

Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good (NCV, 1 Corinthians 12:7).

Paul reminds us that everyone has a gift.

Here's the thing: the gifts of the Spirit are not for personal use. Your gifts are not for you; they're for me, and my spiritual gifts aren’t for me; they're for you. To be fulfilled, I must share my gift with the church.

Lots of people can preach better than me. Lots of people can sing better. Lots of people can write better music. Many are more discerning, more merciful, and more filled with faith. But when God put my spiritual gift mix together, he made me just the way he wants me, and I'm the best me there is in the whole world.

But even in being the best me in the whole world, I'm still falling short, because no matter how good a me I am, I'm not you. We were not meant to work in isolation, but in community. We really do need each other. No one has every gift; not everyone has the same gift; but everyone has a gift. And in God’s kingdom, everyone’s a 10 at something! It is in joining our gifts together, uniting for a common purpose that we function as the Body of Christ.

Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body (v. 27).

It’s almost Christmas. What's your gift to the Body?

Day 332: 1 Corinthians 7, 8 and 9

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).

What should I do when standing up for my rights hurts other people? In yesterday’s text, Paul states we have the right to do anything, but that some things aren’t good for us and other things, if indulged in, could enslave us. In today’s reading, Paul gives us another assessment as to whether or not a decision is wise.

Specifically Paul is writing about eating meat offered to idols. Those whose faith is strong know that idols have no inherent power, and for them meat offered to idols would not be considered guilty by association. However, for those whose faith is weak (those who still associate said meat with their earlier pagan worship rituals), the problem is very real. Paul says those who don’t see a problem have more to consider than just that. They have brothers and sisters in Christ who would feel like they were betraying their Lord if they were to eat that devil meat.

In Romans 12, Paul writes: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (v. 10). This suggests that when my rights clash with those of another, I should consider carefully whether or not it’s worth it to assert my rights. Perhaps it would be better, in that instance, to honor someone else by setting my rights aside.

Is standing up for your rights hurting someone else?

Day 331: 1 Corinthians 4, 5 and 6

I have the right to do anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for abusing their freedom in Christ. “I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” – but I will not be mastered by anything (6:12 in its entirety).

In a self-indulgent society that sometimes rubs off even on the church, Paul gives us some guidelines for discerning whether or not certain choices are wise. Just because something is legal or permissible doesn’t mean it’s smart. Paul gives two assessments.

It’s permissible, but is it good for me? Some things won’t hurt me, but they won’t help me either.  They aren’t necessarily bad for me, but they’re definitely not good for me. Does that mean I can never indulge? No, of course not. An occasional chocolate bar is a delicious treat, but eating one every day is diabetes waiting to happen.

It’s permissible, but could it master me? Though I personally choose not to drink, I know the biblical writers never say we should avoid alcohol completely. At one point Paul actually recommends wine for its medicinal value (1 Timothy 5:23), although in another place he warns against drunkenness (Romans 13:13). My father and both my grandfathers struggled with alcoholism, so my decision not to drink at all is based more on family history than religious conviction.

Is it good for me? Could it master me? God leaves some things to our own discretion.

TODAY’S MEDITATION
How do you use good judgment regarding “permissible” things?

Day 330: 1 Corinthians 1, 2 and 3

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

 

Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth how neither he nor Apollos can claim all the credit for their conversion. Paul may have been the first to tell them about Christ, but Apollos had followed up with faithful teaching. Working together, they brought the message that resulted in salvation.

In John 4, Jesus teaches his disciples to be on the lookout for kingdom opportunities. He borrows two agricultural axioms. The first: Four months more and then the harvest (v. 35), is addressed on Day 310 (November 6). The second: One sows, another reaps (v. 37), was commonly used in a fatalistic sense. One might do all the hard work, but someone else would surely reap the benefit. But Jesus applied it in a new way. He taught, like Paul, that evangelism is a team sport. Paul said one plants and another waters. Jesus said one plants and another harvests. Same thing.

Nineteenth century preacher Dwight L. Moody preached in Chicago the night of the great Chicago fire. By popular account he did not give an altar call and many of those who delayed making a decision for Christ perished. Moody vowed to never again put off asking for a spiritual commitment. While I admire Moody’s conviction, I am relieved that the responsibility for evangelizing lost souls is a shared one.

Are you prepared to either plant the seed, water, or harvest this week?

Day 334: 1 Corinthians 13, 14, 15 and 16

Love . . . always hopes. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Eugene Peterson translates this phrase as Love . . . Always looks for the best (The Message). My own paraphrase reads: Love . . . always gives the benefit of the doubt. And yet that is one of the most difficult things we will ever be called upon to do.

The antithesis of giving the benefit of the doubt is assuming the worst. Easy to do, and probably the default setting for most of us. Unfortunately this lack of trust is a killer for relationships. Countless marriages have succumbed to the ravages of distrust, and countless hours of counseling have been spent in an attempt to stem the tide of disbelief.

And the church is not immune. When circumstances can be taken in more than one way, too often we err on the side of misgiving (we miss giving the benefit of the doubt). When a simple statement can be received as innocent or sinister, our insecurities make it too easy to come down on the negative side of things.

In fact, an inability to trust says a lot more about us than it does about those in whom we lack faith.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Doubt? There was none. We were guilty and God still chose to believe in us.

Is there someone whom you need to give the benefit of the doubt?

Day 333: 1 Corinthians 10, 11 and 12

Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. (NCV, 1 Corinthians 12:7)

Paul reminds us that everyone has a gift.

Here's the thing: the gifts of the Spirit are not for personal use. Your gifts are not for you; they're for me, and my spiritual gifts aren't for me; they're for you.To be fulfilled, I must share my gift with the church.

Lots of people can preach better than me. Lots of people can sing better. Lots of people can write better music. Many are more discerning, more merciful, and more filled with faith. But when God put my spiritual gift mix together, he made me just the way he wants me, and I'm the best me there is in the whole world.

But even in being the best me in the whole world, I'm still falling short, because no matter how good a me I am, I'm not you. We were not meant to work in isolation, but in community. We really do need each other. No one has every gift; not everyone has the same gift; but everyone has a gift. And in God's kingdom, everyone's a 10 at something! It is in joining our gifts together, uniting for a common purpose that we function as the Body of Christ.

Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body (v. 27).

It's almost Christmas. What's your gift to the Body?

Day 332: 1 Corinthians 6, 7 and 8

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Corinthians 8:9)

What should I do when standing up for my rights hurts other people? In yesterday's text, Paul states we have the right to do anything, but that some things aren't good for us and other things, if indulged in, could enslave us. In today's reading, Paul gives us another assessment as to whether or not a decision is wise.

Specifically Paul is writing about eating meat offered to idols. Those whose faith is strong know that idols have no inherent power, and for them meat offered to idols would not be considered guilty by association. However, for those whose faith is weak (those who still associate said meat with their earlier pagan worship rituals), the problem is very real. Paul says those who don't see a problem have more to consider than just that. They have brothers and sisters in Christ who would feel like they were betraying their Lord if they were to eat that devil meat.

In Romans 12, Paul writes: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (v. 10). This suggests that when my rights clash with those of another, I should consider carefully whether or not it's worth it to assert my rights. Perhaps it would be better, in that instance, to honor someone else by setting my rights aside.

Is standing up for your rights hurting someone else?

Day 331: 1 Corinthians 4, 5 and 6

I have the right to do anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for abusing their freedom in Christ: "I have the right to do anything," you say - but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything," - but I will not be mastered by anything.

In a self-indulgent society that at times rubs off even on the church, Paul gives us some guidelines for discerning whether or not certain choices are wise. Just because something is legal or permissible doesn't mean it's smart. Paul gives two assessments.

It's permissible, but is it good for me? Some things won't hurt me, but they won't help me either. They aren't necessarily bad for me, but they're definitely not good for me. Does that mean I can never indulge? No, of course not. An occasional chocolate bar is a delicious treat, but eating one every day is diabetes waiting to happen.

It's permissible, but could it master me? Though I personally choose not to drink, I know the biblical writers never say we should avoid alcohol completely. At one point Paul actually recommends wine for its medicinal value (1 Timothy 5:23), although in another place he warns against drunkenness (Romans 13:13). My father and both my grandfathers struggled with alcoholism, so my decision not to drink is based more on family history than religious conviction.

Is it good for me? Could it master me? God leaves some things to our discretion.

How do you decide what's best for you?

Day 330: 1 Corinthians 1, 2 and 3

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)

Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth how neither he nor Apollos can claim all the credit for their conversion. Paul may have been the first to tell them about Christ, but Apollos had followed up with faithful teaching. Working together, they brought the message that resulted in salvation.

In John 4, Jesus teaches his disciples to be on the lookout for kingdom opportunities. He borrows two agricultural axioms. The first: Four months more and then the harvest (v. 35), is addressed on Day 310 (November 6). The second: One sows, another reaps (v. 37), was commonly used in a fatalistic sense. One might do all the hard work, but someone else would surely reap the benefit. But Jesus applied it in a new way. He taught, like Paul, that evangelism is a team sport. Paul said one plants and another waters. Jesus said one plants and another harvests. Same thing.

19th century preacher Dwight L. Moody preached in Chicago the night of the great Chicago fire. By popular account he did not give an altar call and many of those who delayed making a decision for Christ perished. Moody vowed to never again put off asking for a spiritual commitment. While I admire Moody's conviction, I am relieved that the responsibility for evangelizing lost souls is a shared one.

Are you prepared to either plant the seed, water, or harvest this week?