Author: Beth Morrison

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

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-3:14 ESV, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24 ESV, Psalm 31:19-24 ESV, Proverbs 21:4 ESV

Daily Verse: “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.” (1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV)

PERIPATEO (4043): “To tread all around, i.e., walk at large (espec. As proof of ability); fig. to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary).[i]

Walk at large.

Leading comes naturally after spending a lifetime volunteering, working, and attending trainings on the topic.  In truth, we all lead people in our lives, whether we think we do or not.  Following Jesus makes us leaders.

Whatever task God gives us, He wants us to do it well.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:24-24 ESV)

Finish well.

Pastor Mike Cooke[i], friend, and mentor, taught me to pray, “Lord, help me finish well.”  He often spoke about finishing well during the transition from one church to another.  Not wanting to leave work undone, Mike completed his pastoral duties well by having the hard conversations and doing the complicated steps.

When faced with a challenging task, I pray, “Lord, help me finish well.”  When working on my degree or finishing my book, “Three Word Prayers,” God often heard the prayer.  Currently, the words come from my lips as I work to finish my next book.

People watch you when you work.  When others learn you follow Jesus, they want to see how you handle life’s situations.  Non-believers chat about judgemental Christ-followers, but they judge, too, without Jesus’s grace.

Whatever task God gives you today, do it with all your heart.  Remember, people watch you learning more about Jesus.  Lead them by finishing your job well and glorifying Christ.

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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. 199) Thomas Nelson

[i] https://lifecommunitychurch.cc/blog/

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezra 10:1-44 ESV, 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 ESV, Psalm 31:9-18 ESV, Proverbs 21:3 ESV

Daily Verse: “When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1 ESV)

PRAGMA (4229): “That which has been done, a deed.  Akin to prasso, “to do,” denotes “business” 1 Cor. 6:1, in a forensic sense, “a lawsuit.”[i]

Forensic sense.

Paul admonishes the Corinthians for taking their grievances out in the Roman courts.  Challenging them, Paul wants to know why they don’t care about God’s law.  Instead, they take their troubles to people who neither know nor follow God.

Becoming more like Christ will baffle people in your life.  As you move away from negative thought patterns and embrace the teachings of Jesus, your life does change. Leaving behind your sinful life changes relationships, actions, and words.

Tiffany Jenkins, an American author whose best-selling book details her battle with addiction, answered a question on social media.  “Can you still drink?” Posting photos, she illustrated her previous life.

Yes and no.

In Tiffany’s response, she wrote about waking up on people’s lawns, unaware of her surroundings.  Recalling her words and actions, she described a bleak life.  Tiffany’s closing comments speak volumes:

“So yes, technically as a person over the age of I’m “allowed” to drink, but as a person who knows where it will lead me, I chose not to…Life is too good without it.” Tiffany Jenkins

Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind them, following Jesus changes how you deal with life.  When you have grievances with others, find out what Jesus would do first.  Instead of acting like the world, imitate Christ.  Turn the other cheek, work on forgiving, and find ways to bring peace into the situation.

Yes, you can do whatever you want to do.  But no, following our desires instead of Jesus leads us to places we don’t want to go.

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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. 208) Thomas Nelson