Month: August 2022

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Job 1:1-3:26 ESV, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 ESV, Psalm 37:12-29 ESV, Proverbs 21:25-26 ESV

Daily Verse: “If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?” (1 Corinthians 14:7 ESV)

APSYCHOS (6038): “Lifeless, inanimate: -lifeless.”[i]

Inanimate.

No one will know our song if we don’t play our tune.  In writing to the Corinthians, Paul uses musical instruments to make his point.  Sound doesn’t come from the harp unless someone strums its strings.  The same applies to our lives; no one will know who we follow if we don’t do what God says.

When you place your faith in Jesus, receiving the unconditional love He offers, you must share it.  If you keep the grace and mercy to yourself, no one else will know the life-changing experience Jesus offers.  Loving others like God loves you shares the message of the Gospel best.

Tune your instrument.

If you have attended a musical event, you know the musicians tune their instruments before they play.  Picking up the inanimate object and tuning it for optimum performance make a good show.  But no one will hear the music if people don’t play their horns.

In the same way, if we don’t strive to fine-tune our love skills, people will never know the impact Jesus can have on their lives.  Creating a pure heart, ready and willing to serve the Lord, takes practice.  Each day, we must seek God through His word, prayer, people, and circumstances, looking for Him in all we do—and then sharing what we find.

Ron and I had one of our heart-to-heart discussions.  One of those times when hubby showed me the wrong attitude of my spirit.  Having the right perspective with an impure heart doesn’t win anyone to Christ.  I had a correct opinion on this topic, but relationships don’t revolve around correctness; they revolve around the connection.

Lovingly, Ron helped tune my instrument by showing me an area that needed adjusting.  My goal of loving God and others requires that I accept feedback about my actions.  When I do, I become a better lover for Jesus.  One day at a time, we fine-tune our instruments.

Don’t become lifeless, not playing your instrument.  Practice loving God and people every day.  With each passing hour, you become more in tune with the Conductor.  Christ’s melody of love spreads worldwide when we keep our instruments active and in tune with God.

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[i] NIV Exhaustive Concordance Dictionary, 2015 by Zondervan

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Esther 8:1-10:3 ESV, 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 ESV, Psalm 37:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 21:23-24 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 ESV)

SOMA (4983): “Is “the body as a whole, the instrument of life,” of a local church, 1 Cor. 12:27.”[i]

Instrument of Life

God designed you as a beautiful instrument; the sounds reverberating from your life synchronize with others, creating a symphony.  No one else has the same tune; when you follow the conductor, your life draws people to you, wanting to hear your song.

Pied Pieper of Hamelin[i], the legend, played his magic pipe, drawing the rats out of hiding, and following him out of town.  The music we play doesn’t attract rodents, but if we love well, we attract people.  Just like the Pied Piper saved the village from the epidemic, we can help people overcome the world by introducing them to Jesus.

Whole body.

Unlike the Pied Piper, we don’t play alone.  Members of the body of Christ, we have many people playing with us.  As we blend our song with theirs, we become one unit, working together to build God’s kingdom.  Each of us vital to the mission; we must play our tunes to work well with others.

In an orchestra, the drums set the beat, helping the other instruments maintain it.  As the flutes toot and the trumpets blare, the racket blends miraculously.

The same happens following Jesus.  If we discover and use our talents for God, we’ll keep the body’s beat.  One person plants seeds, another water, someone else weeds, and eventually, we all enjoy the harvest together.

Praise God for the individual gifts He gave you.  Following the Conductor means doing what He says.  Applying God’s word to your life, becoming an imitator of Jesus, helps you discover God’s will for your life.

Whatever role God has for you, do it well.  Play your instrument of love loudly for all to hear, and let it blend into the body of believers, creating a beautiful symphony.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 245) Thomas Nelson

[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pied_Piper_of_Hamelin

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Esther 4:1-7:10 ESV, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26 ESV, Psalm 36:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 21:21-22 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4 ESV)

DIAIRESIS (1243): “A distinction or variety: difference, diversity.”[i]

Diversified gifts.

Paul writes about the variety of spiritual gifts God gives us, yet we all share the same Holy Spirit.  God invented smart investing.  Diversified skills make a complete body.

Every money manager knows you must diversify investments.  Instead of putting all your money in one place, spread it around.  When one investment falters, another one thrives, creating a balanced portfolio.

From a spiritual perspective, we would have an unbalanced body if we shared the same gifts.  Someone must have the gift of hospitality, making people feel welcome, while someone else teaches, another cares for needs, and someone else covers everyone in prayer.  Our gifts create a balanced body when we work together to build the kingdom.

One Spirit.

God’s Spirit weaves our gifts together.  Instead of comparing your talents to someone else’s, work with them.  Discover the things that God blessed you with, then use them to honor and serve Him.   Giving God the glory for your gifts draws people to Him.  Using our talents well sets an example for others to do the same.

One of my friends possesses the gift of encouragement.  Now and then, she sends me random texts that feed my soul.  Yesterday I received a simple meme with these words:

“The world is a better place because you are in it.”

In an instant, my heart blossomed.  Weary from teaching tennis in the 90-degree weather, reading the words energized me and spurred me onward.  My friend uses her gifts well, urging people forward on the journey and helping them persevere when they feel like quitting.

Discover your gifts; God created a variety of talents.  Using what the Maker gave you to further the kingdom will fill your heart with joy.  When we use our God-given gifts in unison with the body of Christ, the kingdom grows, and we find the joy of the Lord.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 65) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Esther 1:1-3:15 ESV, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 ESV, Psalm 35:17-28 ESV, Proverbs 21:19-20 ESV

Daily Verse: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27 ESV)

ENOCHOS (1777): “Liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation) in danger of, guilty of, subject to.”[i]

Liable to penalty.

Paul answers questions about the Lord’s Supper and its sanctity.  Partaking in communion represents Jesus’s body and blood and His sacrifice for believers.  People who don’t take the sacraments seriously offend God.  Each person must examine their heart; the Creator already knows the condition and will act accordingly.

When you follow Jesus, you will become more self-aware.  Allowing God to search your heart reveals its impurities. 

Recently, during communion, the pastor prayed for the conditions of our hearts.  As I bent my head to pray, I felt the rebellion within me.  Anger towards someone in my life reared its ugly head.  Immediately asking God for forgiveness, I recognized my sin.

Let go of guilt.

Recognizing the negative emotion allowed me to deal with it.  Instead of anger controlling my actions, God’s presence made me aware of my sin.  In any relationship, it takes two to tango. 

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 ESV)

Preparing your heart to remember Jesus through communion will illuminate the log in your eye.  God highlights your part in the situation with a gentle nudge.  Forgiving the speck in others becomes easier when you remember God forgave the plank in yours.

Experience connection with Jesus through communion.  Allow Him to search your heart and reveal the iniquities.  Lay your sins at the foot of the Cross, bathe in the grace and mercy Christ offers.  Let God renew your spirit as you celebrate Him.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 89) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31 ESV, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 ESV, Psalm 35:1-16 ESV, Proverbs 21:17-18 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:2 ESV)

EPAINO (1867): “To applaud: commend, laud, praise.”[I]

Praise

Commending praises.  Having a critical spirit comes easily, but praising others takes intention.  Finding something wrong with a person doesn’t take much effort, but looking for something to cheer them on takes work.  Gruffness on the outside can hide giant teddy bears on the inside.

Ron describes me as an M&M, hard shell but a soft heart.  Single for the first 41 years of my life, I developed a protective layer.  When people take advantage of your innocence, it hurts.  Not wanting to experience the pain again, I created a defense mechanism, one my husband describes as crisp.

My husband looked past the hard shell and saw my heart.  He didn’t try to take advantage of me; instead, Ron coaxed me out of my protective wall.  Praising me for my goodness, Ron helped me overcome my past hurts.

Tell them.

Ron loves me like no one else ever has; he often tells me what he loves about me.  Because he does, Ron helps me look at life differently.  Crisp people need someone to look beneath the hard layer and nurture their soft hearts.

Tell people why you love them.  Instead of focusing on the obvious faults, look for hidden goodness.  Find the pureness in their hearts and draw it out in them.  Only when we commend people can they begin to see themselves as God does.

Loving unconditionally, God knows everything about us, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Knowing our sins, Jesus came offering grace and mercy.  Accepting His love, and finding forgiveness for our mistakes, gives us a new lease on life.  When we do, we can share what we experience with others.

Find the good in people and tell them about it.  Build people up with your words, even if it takes time and effort.  Watching people blossom before your eyes will motivate you to love more, not less.  Love from above fills our tanks, allowing us to share it with others. 

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 93) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 ESV, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33 ESV, Psalm 34:11-22 ESV,

Proverbs 21:14-16 ESV

Daily Verse: “I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.” (1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV)

PHRONIMOUS (5429): “Means, “prudent, sensible, practically wise.”[i]

Practically wise.

Sensible people possess practical wisdom.  They don’t jump to conclusions nor let their emotions rule them. Instead, even keeled people take time to research and find out the facts before making a judgment.  Paul appeals to the Corinthians’ sensible side to draw their conclusions.

In today’s world, people struggle to find the truth.  And, sadly, more concern themselves with narrative instead of facts.  Whoever can push their narrative the furthest wins, but stories based on lies eventually fall apart.

“A lie gets halfway around the world before truth puts on its boots.”  Winston Churchill

Find truth.

Paul asks the Corinthians to look at the facts of his life.  Coming from a life of persecuting Christ’s followers, Paul now begs people to believe in the Savior. 

People can’t debate the life change Paul exemplifies.  From killing followers of the “Way,” Paul became a living sacrifice for Christ, voluntarily suffering so others may know Jesus. When the Corinthians look at the facts of Paul’s life, they will know he speaks the truth.

And if we live for Jesus, people should see the truth in our lives.  We become more like Christ by applying His teachings to our daily activities.  Striving to develop healthy relationships woven together with love takes work.

Following Christ means everyone shares the same assignment: to love God and others.  How we complete our job differs.  Unique gifts create different journeys.  Together we become one body. Nothing grows you closer to God than loving people well for Him. You quickly realize that God expects you to love the people you don’t like.  Learning to love the unlovable draws you closer to Jesus.

We live for Jesus.  From Christ, we learn practical wisdom applicable to our daily lives. Seeking the truth of Jesus will help us become more sensible.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 367) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 ESV, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13 ESV, Psalm 34:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 21:13 ESV

Daily Verse: “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” (1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV)

KERDAINO (2770): “To gain something,” Metaphorically, “to win persons, of winning souls in the kingdom of God by the Gospel 1 Cor. 9:19.”[i]

Gain something.

Winning means gaining something you didn’t have before.  Tennis tournament winners receive trophies, and professionals make money only if they win.  Paul wants the prize of souls in heaven.  In all he does, Paul wants to draw people to Christ.  So even though the apostle can do whatever he wants, Paul chooses to deny himself to help people meet Jesus.

Recently, someone commented on a blog post, “This life is hard.”  The person writes truth.  Facing complex challenges taxes anyone.  Even the most optimistic people, like my husband, have breaking points.  Without Jesus, we can’t overcome the mountains to win the prize.

Ultimate trophy.

Hearing God say these words to you upon your first meeting remains the ultimate trophy:

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21 ESV)

Winning praise from Jesus means you did your best to love Him and others well.  During difficult times you persevered.  Clinging to God’s promises carried through the times your faith wavered.  Understanding God’s ways differ from ours; His thoughts differ from ours.

Offering yourself as a living sacrifice to Jesus means not doing everything you want to do.  But instead, do what Christ did, love God and others to the best of your ability.  Jesus offers unconditional love; to offer the same to others, we must connect with the source.  When we do, we will win the ultimate trophy.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 137) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 7:73-9:21 ESV, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 ESV, Psalm 33:12-22 ESV, Proverbs 21:11-12 ESV

Daily Verse: “Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.” (1 Corinthians 9:10 ESV)

ALOAO (248): “To tread out grain: tread out the corn, thresh.”[i]

Tread out.

Paul continues to answer the Corinthian’s questions, referring to getting paid for his work.  According to the Law of Moses, Paul can receive payment, but he chooses not for the gospel’s sake.

Sharing in the work gives us hope for sharing in the reward.  As we engage with people in our lives, sharing and glorifying Christ, hopefully, they will begin to seek Him.  When people start looking for Jesus, they will find Him.  No better crop exists than the kingdom crop.

Thresh hopefully.

When people thresh out corn or wheat, they repeat the tedious process until they finish the job.  Living for Christ means loving on repeat.  Unfortunately, many people struggle to receive love.  Life’s circumstances harden their hearts, turning them cynical about any acts of kindness.

In 8^th grade, we moved to DuBois, PA.  Angry at my parents for taking me from where I loved, I refused to make friends and hid in my room for a year.  When a young boy approached me, showing me kindness, I snapped back at him; sure he had ulterior motives.  My young mind and heart couldn’t accept the friendship he offered.

When people strike back, don’t take it personally.  Understand that they have hidden struggles.  Instead of a heart ready to receive the love God offers, they’ve hardened it.  Only with repeated acts of love will they begin to soften.

Pray for the people in your life who struggle to receive love that their hearts will begin to soften.  Like threshing wheat, continue to love them, despite their reactions.  Just like I remember the young boy who offered me kindness, acts of love impact others’ lives.  You may not see the results immediately, but stay hopeful; one day, you will.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 15) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 5:14-7:73 ESV, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 ESV, Psalm 33:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 21:8-10 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV)

EIDOLOTHUTON (1494): “An image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering: things offered unto idols.  This word is an adjective signifying “sacrificed to idols.”[i]

Idolatrous offering.

Paul, answering another question from the Corinthians, addresses eating food sacrificed to idols.  The question leads to another question about exercising our freedoms.  No longer under the law, thanks to Jesus, what do they do.

Motivation for our decisions should consider how our actions will affect the person.  Paul uses the example of his rights for provision from others because he’s spreading the gospel, as written in the Jewish law.  But Paul didn’t exercise his rights because he didn’t want to give anyone a reason not to accept the truth of Jesus.

In other words, Paul put Jesus before the law and the rights he gained from it.  Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. 

Love builds.

The second half of the verse gives us an answer we can apply to any situation.  Whatever the circumstance, we should look for ways to build love, not ourselves.  If what we contemplate doesn’t advance the kingdom through grace and mercy, then we shouldn’t do it, even if we have every right.

As Christ followers, we have every right to drink alcohol.  However, if we hinder someone’s walk with Jesus by exercising our rights, then don’t drink.  Whatever the situation, ask yourself how my actions will impact the people around me?  If the answer doesn’t lead to more people knowing Christ, then don’t do it.

Living for Christ means putting Him first in all decisions.  Anything that takes away from sharing the good news of the Gospel doesn’t advance the kingdom.  Love paves the way for relationships with Jesus. 

Christ first loved us; He showed us how to care for others.  Offering our bodies as living sacrifices opens the door for others to meet the Savior.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 77) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13 ESV, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 ESV, Psalm 32:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 21:5-7 ESV

Daily Verse: “and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 ESV)

KATACHROAOMAI (2710): “To use overmuch, is found in 1 Cor. 7:31, with reference to the believer’s use (over use) of the world.”[i]

Over use.

When Paul talks about dealings, he means with the world.  The apostle, responding to a letter he received from the church, admonishes them for holding tightly to material things.

Getting attached to stuff doesn’t take much effort.  Looking for solace in material things leads to temporary happiness.  The possessions of this world pass away quickly, but when you focus your eyes on Jesus, you find the joy of the Lord.

Paul also reminds the Corinthians that their time on earth doesn’t last long.  If we focus on the things that pass away, our stuff, we’ll miss out on the eternal life Jesus offers.

Heavenly attachment.

Instead of attaching to material things, fix your thoughts on heaven.  Focus on eternal life, which lasts much longer than the average 70-80 years on earth.  We will meet our Maker one day, whether we want to or not.  Since we didn’t create life, we can’t control it.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to keep their eyes on the Son, whether married or single.

“I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV)

When we focus on stuff, we lose sight of the Lord.  Enjoy the blessings God gives you, but don’t worship them.  Remind yourself who provided the gifts.  Cling to Jesus, discovering His joy.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 135) Thomas Nelson