Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 14-16

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. 

Index of devotionals

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

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

What is the purpose of the spiritual gift of prophecy? How does this gift benefit? How does Paul substantiate his statements to the Corinthians?

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

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?

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

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?

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

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?

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

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?

1 Corinthians 16

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.

"Sermons." Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

"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/>.

Working Together to Make the Right Moves

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The post “Being Industrious” gives some thoughts after reading Proverbs 6 about the importance of working together to make the right moves in life. The importance of setting goals and managing our time. We also received instructions in good relationships and how to handle our personal lives.

Our moves in live may not always line up with how God tells us to live but remember that the King of kings always has one more move before the game of life is over. The blood of Christ is the extra move God gives us for the path to victory. Then each day we can study God’s Word for continual cleaning. We can also hold each other accountable, share ideas, and encourage one another.

Today, I’m reminded of a song delivered on The Voice 2016 by Contestant Sundance Head. With Jesus by our side, we can make the impossible possible.

Index of devotionals

Victory in Life

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4

Brought out in the post Overcome Evil with Good, were some main ideas expressed and emphasized within Romans 12:9-21. Imagine a society that obeyed these ideas. There would be much less crime, greater health, and much more productivity in the economy.

The game plan to obeying these ideas is to overcome evil with good by being faithful in prayer, being joyful in hope, and devoted to one another in brotherly love. If wronged, understand that God will take care of the injustice.

The key then is to focus on being on God’s side. My pastor Steve Ramsdell brought out in a sermon one time that our plans do not always work out but God’s plan for us always brings victory in life.

So this day with God, let Him in your life and allow for His power to bring hope to your future. Many of us hate losing. We may watch our favorite sports team and at some point they lose. We can be down for several days but with God, we never lose. There is always victory.

Just as brought out in the song My Victory by Crowder, we gain victory through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was hell’s defeat. A cross meant to kill became the secret weapon to victory.

Index of devotionals

United in Spirit for Good Works

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others – Romans 12:5

As explained in the post “Finding My Place in this World”, Paul’s appeal in Romans 12:1-8 relates to the status we have in Christ. As Christians, we are a diverse group forming one body.

To show today that we are a member of the body of Christ and to one another, let us use our individual God given strengths to fulfill His purposes.

Be inspired by the song Place in this World by Michael W. Smith to affirm the strength God has blessed you with in order to fulfill His purposes.

Index of devotionals

Dear Younger Me by MercyMe

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Brought out in the post “Shared Experiences” is the thought that we are united with God through Christ who conquered death. We are a new person in Christ with the purpose of serving a great God who has given us the help of a body of believers. For a triple-braided cord is not easily broken just in the scripture above points out.

We can feed each other Spiritual food for the soul to fulfill God’s purpose. There is no need to worry or nothing to fear for we are free to be the person God wants us to be. As in the song How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, we can rejoice in our future together as we use our individual strengths for His great purpose.

Index of devotionals

Two Are Better Than One

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The post “Walk by the Spirit” has some thoughts and ideas towards blessing others. I also remember a while back when our church did a Mobile Pack Event for Feed my Starving Children. It was a fun event for adults and children. There were jobs for everyone to help get all the food ingredients into 100,000 food pack meals that was sent to various places where it was needed around the world.

We all need the help of others from time to time in life. We can all find comfort in knowing that God is big enough to get us through and He provides many believers to pick us up. Be inspired by today’s song called How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin.

Index of devotionals

One In Christ

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I can remember years ago when the Bible study group I was a part of started a prayer chain. We prayed for each other and the group began to grow tremendously. It was a group of Christian singles just starting their careers. We would attend church together, have Bible Study together, and meet for social events together.

I look back on that group now and many friendships were formed. I’ve kept in contract with them and several couples are now missionaries around the world.  There were even a few marriages from that group.

We can display oneness with other believers in Christ today. Our faith in Christ gives us the freedom we need and we have the opportunity to tap into our individual skills and talents for His glory. As you go about your day today, remember that you are never alone and that God has given other Christians to help us along the journey. How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin!

Index of devotionals

One Mind and One Voice

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

The post “Through His Diverse People” has some thoughts about Christianity and how it is like a relay race. We all help each other out with our unique abilities for God’s purposes.

A diverse group of people has an advantage because with one mind and one voice, they have the opportunity to pull together with various ideas and skill sets. Each day can be amazing when we fix problems together.

This song by Miranda Lambert talks about the pluses of All Kinds of Kinds.

Index of devotionals

Acknowledge Greatness

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. - Hosea 6:3

Technology has been developed so that we can communicate with each other on the other side of the world but at the same time, humanity can be a fool in not acknowledging God’s part in making the world amazing. Such was the case when I shared in the post “Evidence of His Existence”.

When God is present, we have purpose, teamwork, and integrity. Without a focus on God, there is corruption and failure. This day with God, let us see Him around us and acknowledge His greatness. As we go throughout the day, let us give thanks.

To gain momentum to an amazing day, receive inspiration from this video highlighting God’s amazing world: God’s Beautiful Creation, Awesome Scenery – Creation Calls by Brian Doerksen.

Index of devotionals

Finding Missing Pieces can Lead to Tremendous Increases

Working with computer systems, many times things don’t go as they should because one piece is missing. Like a recipe, all the ingredients must be there and applied like the instructions tell you.

One time, I was setting up this system and doing some testing but I just couldn’t figure out why the bar code was not printing on a document we send out through our mail machine. Eventually, after spending some time going through all the pieces and asking for a fellow worker to go through it with me, we found one piece of code that was missing. When this code was included, everything worked.

You might have that missing piece for someone that may make their life easier and this might make all the difference between helping them have a good day or a bad day. The words you say or the ideas you give can make all the difference and we need all kinds of people on our team, especially in our complicated world in which we live today.

Here is a video using a country song and the students of a Jr High to explain the importance of all kinds of people. A good team, good school, or good company requires all kinds of people working together; using individual skills to help lead to success. Enjoy today’s video: All Kinds of Kinds – North Park Jr High – Miranda Lambert.  

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! - Romans 15:5-6

Index of devotionals

Truly Important

The night before going to a concert with my daughter, I had a major project due and really didn’t know if I could finish and be able to make it. It was just a matter of putting it into God’s hands. Many years into the future, I will not remember the project but I will remember the concert that I went to with my daughter. Time flies by and this song puts everything in perspective for what is truly important: Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman.

Teach us to number our days aright. That we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Index of devotionals

Glorify Him with One Mind and One Voice

In the post Concern for Others, I shared some thoughts after studying Acts 11:19-30. Within this passage, the Holy Spirit rallies Christians together for the purpose of spreading the Good News. The thought was that teamwork is demonstrated as Christian churches or groups show love and concern for each other.

This day with God, let us work as a team and show concern for each other. For it is Jesus Christ who binds us together and the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go. Receive inspiration from today’s video: We will Stand – Larnelle Harris & Russ Taff.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

Index of devotionals

Partnership in the Faith

In the post Believe and Have No Need, I wrote about the believers becoming of one in heart and mind. It was not about the individual but about something bigger. It was about working together to spread the Good News of the Lord Jesus.

We can do the same today but at an even greater rate because of the Internet. Thoughts and ideas can be shared with believers across the globe. There are inspiring videos, quotes, thoughts, and ideas that are easily shared daily.

Let us purposefully look for God today in nature, music, sports, movies, at the golf course, work, the shopping center, and in His people. Document what you see. Collect facts, quotes, and personal thoughts from your experiences. Let us work together to highlight the building blocks of faith that lay a path for us to step ahead and spread the Good News.

Let us be thankful that Christ has given us a helper in the Holy Spirit that we can lean on together as our partner in the faith. Enjoy today’s video Lean On Me – Bill Withers

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. - Philemon 1:16

Index of devotionals

It’s All About Jesus

A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help. Make things as complicated and difficult as possible so that character will be built through struggle. But maybe things in the technological age are complicated enough. How about working together, receiving the help God gives in Christ, and accepting the obvious as truth.

In the post Thoughts of Life Leading to Meaning and Purpose, Jacob gathered his sons together as he was in his last days and gave a talk to his sons on their character traits. It’s always important to listen to others, pray for direction, and make adjustments along the journey.

We all need a strategy and road map along the journey so it’s important to reflect on the past, come to the Lord in praise, have a heart of worship and realize it’s all about Jesus. Today’s video speaks about this approach: Heart of Worship – Matt Maher.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Index of devotionals

Hope in the Lord

The psalmist has dedicated his life to praising the Lord as pointed out in Psalm 146. The psalmist points out that those who hope in the Lord are more trustworthy. Many societies put their hope in a government but history has told us that governments are not always trustworthy.

I heard recently that for the first time in the history of the United States, more people are receiving government assistance than are working. Our nation cannot expect to make it if this continues. People have to be willing to go the extra mile for each other and not depend on a government. We must realize that what works is our faith in God and in each other. Incentives have to be put in place to encourage the creation of more jobs and the desire to work.

When we have faith in God instead of government, we will not be let down because our hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever (v. 6). Our trust must be in God and in the work for His purposes. Then together, we can uphold the cause of the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and provide for health.

Our love of God and neighbor can best support the alien, sustain the fatherless, and the widow (v. 9). This day with God, let us pray for steadfastness and righteous because it is in our faith that there are true possibilities. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way. Praise the Lord for the beauty of nature, for His power, and for our chance to meet with Him in prayer.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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Thankful for the Simple Truths of the Gospel

I have been going through the book of Zechariah in my daily devotional. The picture received in Zechariah 11 is different from Zechariah 10. Trying to anchor this prophecy in history is next to impossible and the text is difficult. It seems to cover a wider span of history and perhaps going past our present times. The prophecy begins with the desolation of the land; then goes into the rejection of the Messiah and to the destruction of all that do not accept Christ as the Messiah.

On the other hand, the gospel message is really a simple one. Explained throughout the Bible is this need to be reconnected to God. Sin had disconnected people from God and the solution is His Son who died on the Cross as the ultimate sacrifice. We no longer have to fulfill the law but simply belief that Jesus is our Savior. Here’s a link to God's Plan for Us which documents a study I led with a small group.

Jesus is the way and the glue that holds us together. During difficult times like a death in the family or sickness, God’s people are there to care for each other. In the book, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, the following is written, “As believers we share one Lord, one body, one purpose, one Father, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism, and one love. We share the same salvation, the same life, and the same future - factors far more important than any differences we could enumerate”.

Alone we are just one small drop of water but together with God and with other believers we combine to form an entire ocean that brings new life. The video below helps to illustrate this point: Dolphins rescued by people at the beach.

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. - Romans 12:5

This day with God, I’m praying that I encourage, build up, and humbly care for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, there is an amazing impact.

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You Can Keep The “F” and I’ll Keep My Dream

In anything we do, there should be a purpose. I once heard a story about a grammar lesson in eighth grade. The teacher said, "Paul, give me a sentence with a direct object." Paul replied, "Everyone thinks you are the best teacher in the school." "Thank you, Paul," responded the teacher, "but what is the object?" "To get the best mark possible," said Paul”.

When we have a purpose, it reduces frustration and keeps us on a steady course. Our motivation is increased by making our life meaningful and giving us a hopeful future. We are able to concentrate on a target and teamwork is easier because there is cooperation to proceed in the same direction.

A baseball coach once made the statement that hitting is about 90% mental. I remember a story my high school baseball coach told our team the day before a tournament. He gave a talk to the team about a golfer that was sick. He would lay in his bed dreaming about playing golf. In his dreams he would always see himself hitting the perfect shot. This went on for several weeks as he played rounds of golf in his head. When he got over his sickness several weeks later, he was able to go out to the golf course and shoot his best round of golf ever.

Most athletes see in their mind the accomplishment of their dream. Have you ever seen a track athlete focus on the finish line as they warm up for the 100 meter sprint or a high jumper as they focus on clearing the bar? Just like a track and field athlete trying to win a race or jump far and high, we can see ourselves winning in our marriages, our professions, or our businesses. In the movie “Field of Dreams” there is a voice “If you build it, they will come”. The voice inspires the building of a baseball field.

From the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul” By Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, revealed to us is the importance of having a dream and sticking to it. The story is about a group on a retreat at a horse ranch in Southern California. To start the activities, the owner of the ranch tells a story of a boy in high school who had to write a school paper. This boy’s family was always moving because his father was a horse trainer and they would move from ranch to ranch; wherever there was work. Since it was the boy’s senior year, the paper assigned by the teacher to all his students was on the topic, “What do you want to be when you grow up”. Many students were going their separate ways either off to college, to the military, or straight into a career so the teacher was wondering what their dreams were.

The boy began at once to write a seven page paper. Within the paper, he told of a dream of owning a 200-acre ranch where he would train horses. He was so excited about writing the paper that he took the extra time to draw sketches of the ranch, the buildings, and stables. He then drew detailed floor plans for a 4,000-square-foot house that would sit on the dream ranch.

He handed in the paper with confidence but two days later the teacher gave back the paper with a big fat “F”. The teacher explained to the boy that this was an unrealistic dream because he had come from an itinerant family who had no resources. The teacher explained that a horse ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the land and pay for the original breeding stock. The teacher told him to rewrite the paper with a more realistic dream and resubmit the paper.

The boy thought about it for a week before finally going to the teacher with these words, “You can keep the “F” and I’ll keep my dream.”

The owner and speaker then paused for a few seconds, looked at the assembled group, and said, “I tell you this story because you are sitting in my 4,000 square-foot house in the middle of my 200-acre horse ranch”. He said, “I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace.” He added, “The best part of the story is that two summers ago that teacher who gave me the “F” brought 30 kids just like you to this ranch.” When the teacher left to go home, he said, “look Monty, I can tell you this now. When I was your teacher, I was something of a dream stealer. During those years I stole a lot of kid’s dreams. Fortunately you had enough guts not to give up on yours.”

What is a dream of yours? Let me know of past, present, or future dreams you have had. Do you have any dreams or ideas that would make your neighborhood, community, state or nation a better place?

What if small groups led by leaders within neighborhoods started gathering together to share ideas. There may be some concerned about family issues that could team up together. With both parents working in most families in today’s world, it is hard to find time for things like grocery shopping and helping with the kid’s homework. Could these neighborhoods unite with the purpose of sharing ideas and developing resources that could help? How about the culture fight families have to take on? Many entertainment goliaths with profit as the number one priority feed our kids minds with negative thoughts. Could neighborhood groups brainstorm to take on these Giants in entertainment and be our David in a culture of Goliaths? They could work together to filter out what’s bad but highlight the good.

One area that neighborhood groups could start talking about is the tremendous increase in cost of living. Food prices are on the rise, gas prices keep going up, and property taxes going up even while market value of homes go down. Will neighborhoods make a stand? The stories above tell me that dreams can come true. Never let anyone steal your dreams. Follow your heart, no matter what. Here is a video to inspire your day: Truly Inspiring - It'll Make You Smile -Kristina Rocco.



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What Will be Your Story?

After dinner, Annie went out on the back porch. It was a Saturday evening and darkness had started to set over the Delaware sky. Her mom noticed that Annie was looking up at the stars so she went out to take a look. Annie’s Mom had always loved to star-gaze and had recently noticed that her daughter had this same passion so she had taught Annie the constellations. Annie’s Dad was finishing up dinner. Later he would meet with his business manager about a major project in his shipbuilding business.

Several years went by and Annie was home for Christmas. She was taking a few weeks away from traveling and dabbling in photography to think about her future. She decides to go out on that same back porch she used to go as a child to look up at the Delaware sky. She had graduated from Wellesley College recently where she studied physics and was contemplating reentering college to specialize in astronomy at Radcliffe College.

A few more years went by before Annie got word that she had been appointed to the staff at Harvard College Observatory to record, classify and catalog stars based on temperatures. Five years later, this would lead to the publishing of a catalog of 1,122 southern stars. In 1910, her system was adapted by observatories worldwide. Annie Jump Cannon’s system of star classification groups stars into categories labeled O, B, A, F, G, K and M (known by the mnemonic, “Oh, Be a Fine Girl, Kiss Me”)

She later compiled the Henry Draper Catalogue which was published by the Harvard Observatory between 1918 and 1924. The catalogue lists the spectral types, magnitudes, and positions of 225,300 stars and continues to be used internationally by astronomers.

This story is just one of many great stories found when we look into the lives of people that have made a difference. You see, Annie set in motion the tremendous discoveries that are being made today. Just recently, astronomers have found a new planet in a different solar system that may be Earth’s twin; capable of supporting life. They study the brightness of stars and notice a planet because its orbit crosses in front of the star and causes it to dim. Here’s a link: New Planets Discovered.

What will be your story? Right now, you may know of something that no one else could possibly know about. My hope is that this video will inspire you to give some thought to what great discovery you might make in the future: Giants Awakening - Vision for Success.

You may be like Annie’s mom and give a child a dream or you may be like Annie, looking to make new discoveries. Reflect on these thoughts each day and be thankful for the opportunity to reach for the stars in whatever you do.

Check out my other blogs where I receive a constant supply of inspiration for my writings by clicking on the links below:

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Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

The year is around 1970 and two high school students were members of their high school programmers group. The group received free computer time in exchange for writing computer programs. Someone came to them one day about the need to process traffic information so engineers could make good decisions on how to adjust traffic lights and improve roads.

These two friends dabbled with an idea. They kept after their dream with a passion; even making friends with some college students who helped with developing the hardware to a machine. You see, their idea was to develop a device that would process traffic data cheaper and faster than local companies. They graduated from high school and went their separate ways off to college but maintained their dream. They finally got to know enough friends with the hardware knowhow to build a device that would work with their computer programs which would read traffic tapes directly and eliminate the tedious manual work.  

It was a useful device and they started a company called Traf-O-Data. The company produced a few thousand dollars of revenue but later the states started offering free traffic processing services to cities. This ended the need for their device so the company never did take off.  

It was a lesson learned though. They may have failed with their first company but they gained experience in developing software for computer hardware that did not exist. The experience gained in this venture later was used to write a program that started a very successful company. In 1975, the two young friends named Bill Gates and Paul Allen established Microsoft to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for Altair 8800. Microsoft rose to dominate the home computer operating system market with MS-DOS in the mid-1980s, followed by the Microsoft Windows line.  

The lesson learned in the story above applies to each of us today. Dream and imagine where you want to go or want to be. Don’t be afraid to take big steps and think about things no one else has thought about. Thinking, believing, passion, and working together may lead to something beyond your wildest dreams.

Check out my other blogs where I receive a constant supply of inspiration for my writings by clicking on the links below:

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This Day with God Devotional

Organize to Fight High Prices

Think of all the inventions that have been made because of having bad days. Bad days make people think up new ways to create better days for someone else. According to amusingfacts.com, it was after dropping and breaking a bottle of milk which spilled on his floor one morning that John Van Wormer invented paper milk cartons.

Last week, I tossed out some ideas on neighbors working together to cut living expenses. Some questions were presented like what if neighborhoods worked together using coupons or buying groceries in bulk? Why can’t neighborhoods run like a business? A business saves money by purchasing items in bulk and organizing to cut cost. Think of the savings on a family’s grocery bill.

The price of food seems to be going up dramatically which is causing a lot of stress and bad days for families. Think of the items like paper plates, paper towels, drinks, diapers, etc. that can be bought in bulk with no expiration date. The main problem is storage. What if neighbors organized so that these items were bought in bulk and then distributed to the neighbors that wanted to participate in this idea? Think of the money savings on the grocery bill.

If enough neighbors worked together and were united as members of a group called “Neighbors United”, could they make a deal with a grocery store chain so its members could get discounts on purchases from their stores? If none of the grocery companies would listen, they could study the possibility or even use as a bargaining tool the development of a website so members of “Neighbors United” could sell grocery products themselves.

If “Neighbors United” could make a deal with a grocery store chain, it would provide a way for its members to save on their groceries and at the same time boost membership growth. If none of the grocery chains were willing to listen, the comprehensive online grocery store idea would take some work but in the end hopefully help to achieve an economic climate that would save families on their monthly grocery bill. The public would get a better price on their food and families would have more money in their own pockets. The “Neighbors United” organization would benefit with growth in membership and gain some power to fight against high prices because of the following reasons:

·       Enhanced public perception of “Neighbors United”

o   Neighborhoods would see benefits of “Neighbors United” membership

o   Members would have a tool that would help provide the best price and quality on their food

·       All neighborhoods would be working together on a joint project to make “Neighbors United” stronger and able to bargain for good prices

If you are willing to fight for lower grocery prices, click to +1 this post. We’ll see how much support is out there to work together at getting it organized and going. 

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Step Ahead

This Day with God Devotional