I’ve shared over the past few weeks some
thoughts and ideas in ways to apply what we learn in the Bible from 1 Corinthians 10-13.
Paying attention to what God has
done long-ago, taking note of what He is doing in the present, and what He is
revealing for the yet to come is very important.
Whatever we do, we should follow
the example of Christ who passionately carried out daily activities for the
glory of the Father. We’ve been given free will but that doesn’t mean that
everything we do is best for us. We should seek to take actions that benefit
ourselves and those around us.
Our growing faith can never be
taken away or depleted and there is a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about
the gospel message that sets us free and never lets us down. As the song O Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship
points out, forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Christ. Let us
tell the world of the treasure we’ve found.
As we grow in faith, there is a
purpose God has for each of us so prepare for each day by taking in the Word,
praying, and planning for the tasks of each day. Obstacles may be placed in our
way but continue to daily receive the Lord’s instructions, be inspired by
Christ, and verified with Biblical principles. Have faith that things will fall
into place and you will get a lot more things done than you ever imagined you
could.
This Day with the Lord will be
amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one
of His children. Each person has a spiritual gift and the same Spirit
distributes them. The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts and through the
Spirit, we can discover our gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.
The post “The Most Excellent Way” discusses how Paul
relates the parts of the human body to the church body. Each member has God
given abilities and should carry out their individual role so that the whole
body is functioning at the most excellent level.
There are three higher spiritual
gifts revealed to us during the last few weeks. They are faith, hope, and love.
These three spiritual gifts are considered more superior than the other gifts because
without them, the other gifts are useless. Love is the greatest God given gift.
More superior to the skills given to accumulate vast riches as a famous person,
a celebrity, or great athlete.
Think of ways to plant seeds of
faith, hope, and love; producing fruit for not only yourself, but for others.
God loves people everywhere. No matter where they come from or what they look
like, God loves them and God loves you! You will be made aware that you are
loved beyond measure and you will return this love unconditionally to others.
Thoughts and ideas for how to
apply our faith is the main purpose for the “This Day with God” devotional. A
daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument
which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. My hope
is that you will seek the Lord’s will in prayer, balance career, family, and
love of neighbor.
The reading plan below will be
used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m
thankful that Jesus is God’s
plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps
necessary to make this day with Him amazing!
Questions for Reflection
What is the purpose of the
spiritual gift of prophecy? How does this gift benefit? How does Paul
substantiate his statements to the Corinthians?
What are the rules Paul gives
concerning conduct in the church? In what ways are tongues and prophecy
controllable? How can you keep a balance between respect for Christian heritage
and innovations relating to the contemporary generation?
What is the gospel Paul
summarizes? What are the facts? How does Paul substantiate Christ’s
resurrection? How is God’s grace shown in your life?
What logical conclusions follow
if there is no resurrection of the dead? What kind of attitude and behavior
would result in those who believe in resurrection? How does the defeat of death
fit into God’s overall plan?
How does Paul use parallels in
nature to help the Corinthians grasp truths of the resurrection? How will death
be defeated ultimately? In what ways will you demonstrate the defeat of death?
What does Paul say are reasons
for giving? What does Paul desire to see accomplished in other Christians as he
works for and with them? Are there ideas you have for helping and encouraging
other people?
Feel free to respond with a
short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any
other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite
Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up
at this link: This
Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney,
Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
"Bible." The
Bible - The Word of God - ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. "Recent
Commentaries." Family-Times.net - Devotional Commentary Index.
N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
"Google Images." Google
Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
"BibleGateway." BibleGateway.com:
A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
