February 21 -- "Your Placement, His Purpose"

 

 Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

God has called us to serve Him exactly where He has placed us. Today's verse is a powerful reminder that each one of us is meant to live out our faith in our unique situations. Scripture encourages believers to walk confidently in the life the Lord has provided, trusting that His plan is both perfect and intentional.

The apostle Paul, in this chapter, drives home the message that whether you find yourself married, single, engaged, divorced, or widowed, the primary focus should be on nurturing your relationship with Christ and glorifying Him in your present circumstances. Our earthly conditions do not hinder our ability to serve God. In fact, God has a unique plan for each one of us, placing us in specific circumstances to fulfill His divine purpose.

Take a moment to reflect on your current situation. Are you single or married? Employed or searching for work? Wealthy or struggling financially? Healthy or battling illness? Known or unknown? Whatever your condition, God has placed you there for a purpose. Instead of yearning for different circumstances, look for ways to serve God right where you are. If you are married, love your spouse with Christ's love. If you are single, dedicate your time and energy to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. If you find yourself in a challenging job, view it as a mission field where you can demonstrate Christ’s love. Every situation presents an opportunity to reflect His love and grace.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing the life situation God has given to us. Rather than striving to alter our circumstances, our focus should be on fulfilling God’s purpose within those circumstances. Trust in God’s placement and embrace your situation, recognizing that God has placed you there for a reason.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "If the Lord does not change the place for the better, He will make us better in the place." Let this be a comforting reminder that even if our surroundings remain challenging and uncomfortable, God is still working to transform us right where we are.

May the Lord strengthen your heart and settle your soul in the place where He has called you. May you find peace in His perfect plan, knowing that every season of life is an opportunity to serve Him with joy and faithfulness.

February 20 -- "Liberty To Do All Things"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 6

Isn't it absolutely amazing to think about the incredible gift of freedom we have in Christ? It's like being given a pair of wings – we're no longer chained down by sin or our old ways! But just like a bird needs to learn how to fly, we need to learn how to use this amazing freedom in a way that truly lifts us up!

The Bible talks about how we have this wonderful liberty as followers of Christ. In fact, today’s verse says, “all things are lawful for me” which means I can do whatever I want. This statement likely reflects a slogan some Corinthians used to justify their behavior, implying that they had unrestricted freedom in Christ. And while it is true that we are not “under the law” but “under grace,” not everything we CAN do is actually good for us. Paul quickly clarifies that just because something is permissible, it doesn't mean it's beneficial or constructive.

True Christian liberty is not about doing whatever we please, but about using our freedom wisely to glorify God, build ourselves up in faith, and build up others. We need to be smart about the choices we make, thinking about how they affect our relationship with God, how they impact the people around us, and how they help us grow spiritually. We wouldn't want our freedom to turn into something that actually holds us back, or worse, hurts us or someone else, would we?

For example, imagine someone who loves playing video games. It's fun, right? But what if it starts taking over their whole life? Suddenly, they're not studying, they're not spending time with their friends and family, and they're definitely not at church. They might say, "Hey, it's my free time, I can do what I want!" But is it really freedom if it's controlling them, keeping them from drawing closer to God and connecting with other believers? Even though video games themselves aren't necessarily bad, in this case, they're not helpful. True freedom comes when that person realizes what's happening and makes a change, choosing to focus on what really matters.

Yes, you can do whatever you want. But, as a new creation in Christ, the things you “want” should be those things that benefit your relationship with your loving Savior. So, as you go through your day, think about the things you're doing. Are they bringing you closer to God, or are they pulling you away? Are there any habits you need to rethink? Any relationships that need a little bit of a boundary? Talk to the Holy Spirit about it! Ask for guidance in making choices that will honor God and help you grow.

Let's truly embrace the freedom that Jesus has given us, but let's do it with wisdom and discernment. Let love be the driving force behind everything we do, and let our biggest desire be to bring glory to God. Our choices really do matter, and they should shine the light of Christ within us.

February 19 -- "Purity, Grace, and Church Discipline"

Read 1 Corinthians 5

God calls His followers to live holy lives, distinct and untainted by the world's corruption. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul urges the believers in Corinth to address the sin that had infiltrated their church. They had allowed blatant sin to persist among them, but Paul warns that unchecked sin spreads like yeast permeating a lump of dough, endangering the spiritual health of the entire community.

Paul speaks to the church's failure to confront sin in their midst. Rather than grieving over the sin, they had become complacent. Yet, when sin is left unchallenged, it dulls our spiritual senses and weakens our testimony. Paul's solution is straightforward: sin must be confronted, and persistent rebellion must be removed. This isn't about condemnation but about preserving the purity of Christ's bride.

We live in a world that normalizes sin, but the church is called to uphold a higher standard. This isn't about being judgmental; it's about loving each other enough to uphold righteousness. If we allow sin to take root, it will suffocate our fellowship. We are called to be light in the darkness, which means confronting and removing sin with both grace and truth.

The process of dealing with sin should not be hasty or reactionary but should follow a Biblical pattern: (1) Private Correction: If a believer is in sin, they should be approached gently and with love (Matthew 18:15). (2) Witnesses Involved: If they refuse correction from one fellow believer, then bring one or two others (Matthew 18:16). (3) Church Accountability: If there's still no repentance, the matter is brought before the church (Matthew 18:17). (4) Removal from Fellowship: If the person remains defiant, they are removed (“purged”) from the congregation until repentance occurs (1 Corinthians 5:2, 11-13).

This action is not about shaming or punishing but about preserving holiness and calling the sinner to repentance. Paul later writes about restoring a disciplined believer "so that he may be saved." The goal is always redemption, never rejection (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Reflect on your own heart—are you tolerating sin in your life or within your sphere of influence? Seek restoration where possible, but do not compromise holiness for the sake of comfort. Stand firm in truth, extend grace, and pursue purity.

May the Lord grant you discernment to walk in holiness, boldness to stand for truth, and grace to restore the broken. May your life reflect His purity, and may your witness shine brightly in a dark world.

February 18 -- "Imitation and Impartation"

Read 1 Corinthians 4

Who are you following? In a world brimming with influencers and self-proclaimed experts, Paul gives a radical invitation: "I urge you, then, be imitators of me."  At first glance, that sounds bold—almost arrogant. But Paul wasn’t pointing to himself; he was pointing to Christ. Paul lived a life so surrendered to Jesus that he could say, “Follow me, as I follow Him.”

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, a church struggling with pride, division, and worldly wisdom. They were quick to follow personalities, yet slow to follow Christ. So Paul, as their spiritual father, set himself as an example—not of perfection, but of faithfulness. He wasn’t asking them to copy his mannerisms; he was calling them to embrace a life fully yielded to Christ, just as he had. His life was an open book of suffering, humility, and unwavering trust in Jesus.

Who are your role models? Are they leading you closer to Jesus? The world tempts us to follow success, comfort, or the latest trends, but godly examples point us to something better—a love for God’s Word, a life of servanthood, and Christlikeness. True discipleship isn’t about admiring from a distance; it’s about learning, growing, and walking in the same footsteps.

Keep in mind that our Christian walk is not just about imitation but also impartation. If we merely try to imitate Christ (or Paul) in our own strength, we’ll fall into legalism or frustration. But through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, we receive the very power and presence of God to live out what we are called to imitate.

Paul himself emphasized this in Galatians 2:20—"It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Imitation without impartation is like trying to live the Christian life in our own power. It is like having a stylish lamp in a dark room, but discovering that the lamp isn’t plugged in, and therefore fails to bring the light it was intended to bring. It looks good, but there’s no power. That is why we need both imitation and impartation!

Seek out and follow those who live with an undeniable passion for Jesus. Let their Spirit-filled faith inspire your own. And more than that—become someone worth imitating! Live in such a way that your life testifies to the power of the Gospel.

May the Lord impart His strength to you to walk as Christ walked. And may He place godly mentors in your path as He shapes you into an example of faithfulness for others to follow.

February 17 -- "My Body, His Dwelling"

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Read 1 Corinthians 3

Imagine your body as a magnificent temple, a sacred haven where the presence of God Himself dwells. What a breathtaking reality this is! As a cherished believer, you are the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This is not merely an abstract concept to ponder; it is a profound and transformative truth that should resonate through every fiber of your being. When you truly comprehend that the Spirit of God lives within you, it revolutionizes your thoughts, words, and actions, moving you to honor and glorify God with your body. Here are some ways to do just that.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Your body is a precious gift from God, so taking care of it is essential. This includes eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. When you nurture your body, you show gratitude to God for His gift of life.

Avoiding Harmful Substances: Using your body in ways that harm or impair it goes against the principle of treating it as a sacred space. This means staying away from illegal drugs, minimizing your consumption of alcohol, avoiding tobacco products, limiting caffeine intake, being cautious with prescriptions, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins in your environment.

Practice Holiness: This means seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, avoiding sinful behaviors, and seeking to be more Christ-like. Guard your thoughts, words, and actions, making sure they align with the teachings of Christ.

Serve Others: Use your body to help and serve those around you. Whether it’s volunteering, offering a helping hand to someone in need, or simply being a source of encouragement and support, using your body in this way reflects God's love and brings glory to Him.

Worship and Prayer: Dedicate time to worship and prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you in all that you do. This strengthens your relationship with God and helps you to remain focused on His will.

Use Your Talents: God has given each of us unique spiritual gifts and talents. Discover the spiritual gifts He has given to you and use those gifts to glorify God. Whether it's through music, teaching, writing, serving, or any other skill, let your God-given talents shine for His glory.

You are not merely flesh and bone—you are a living temple, set apart for the glory of God! The Spirit of the Almighty dwells within you, making your body a sacred vessel for His presence. Let this truth inspire you to live with purpose, choosing daily to honor Him in how you care for your body, how you walk in holiness, and how you serve with joy.

February 16 -- "Illumined by the Spirit"

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Read 1 Corinthians 2

Grasping the deep and profound wisdom of God goes beyond mere human understanding—it requires the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. Here in verse 14, Scripture highlights that a person relying solely on their natural intellect cannot accept or understand the things of the Spirit of God because they are grasped only through spiritual discernment.

Imagine trying to decipher a foreign language without any translator—it’s like trying to comprehend God's wisdom without the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s illumination, the divine truths often appear perplexing, irrelevant, or even foolish.

So how does a non-believer ever come to recognize and embrace Christ if they can't perceive spiritual truths? The incredible truth of Scripture is that God, in His mysterious and gracious ways, initiates this spiritual perception. Although non-believers may initially struggle to perceive spiritual truths on their own, God, in His grace and mercy, extends His hand through the Holy Spirit to "turn on the light" and reveal Himself supernaturally.

When the Holy Spirit first unveils spiritual truths to a non-believer, it can be a profound and transformative experience, filled with a mixture of emotions and realizations such as astonishment and awe, conviction of sin, joy and peace, curiosity and spiritual hunger, humility, and hope. This first encounter with the Holy Spirit's illumination marks the beginning of a journey of faith, growth, and transformation, as the non-believer steps into a new life in Christ and starts to understand the magnificent truths of God's kingdom.

When our human intellect and worldly wisdom fall short in understanding spiritual truths, it is the powerful and mysterious work of the Holy Spirit's enlightenment that reveals God's mysteries and deepens our understanding.

In your daily walk, make it a priority to invite the Holy Spirit into your study of Scripture and your decision-making processes. Ask Him to illuminate the Word and grant you the discernment necessary to comprehend and apply its truths. Remember, it is through the Spirit that we receive God's wisdom, enabling us to live out our faith with conviction and clarity.

February 15 -- "The Foolishness of the Cross"

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Read 1 Corinthians 1

God's wisdom transcends human understanding and often works in ways that seem paradoxical or illogical by human standards. Take, for example, The Battle of Jericho in Joshua 6: Conquering a fortified city like Jericho would typically require a well-planned military strategy and a strong army. Yet, God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to simply march around the city for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting.  How foolish! But the walls of Jericho fell, showcasing God's power and unconventional wisdom.

To human reasoning, the larger your army the greater your advantage in battle, right? But, in Judges 7, God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men.  How foolish! And yet, Gideon's armies won the battle and were able to attribute their success to God’s power and not to human strength.

In 1 Samuel 17--Israel sends a young shepherd boy with nothing more than a sling and some stones to face a giant warrior.  How foolish! And yet, David's confidence in God led to his victory over Goliath that day.

In 1 Kings 17, during a famine, a widow and her son were nearing the end of their food supply. But God told her to use the last bit of her flour and oil to feed the prophet Elijah instead of herself and her son. How foolish! Yet, the Lord miraculously multiplied the widow's flour and oil so that it did not run out until the famine ended.

Or that time in John 9:6 when a blind man needed healing.  Inexplicably, Jesus used dirt and saliva to make mud which He applied to the man's eyes.  How Foolish!  And yet, the man came back seeing. 

All of these examples highlight God's wisdom. Though it may seem foolish to human reasoning and logic, it is far superior to any manmade wisdom.

The ultimate display of God’s superior wisdom is in the crucifixion of Jesus.  The Father gave His Son to the world so that His excruciatingly brutal death, shedding His blood on the cross, would bring salvation to lost humanity.   How foolish! From a human perspective the cross seems to be a defeat and a humiliating end. But, through Jesus' death and resurrection, He accomplished the ultimate victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all of us. What appeared to be weakness was, in fact, the greatest demonstration of God's power and wisdom.

The message of the cross, the cornerstone of our faith, might seem utterly irrational and foolish to some. After all, how can you be saved simply by believing in a Man who died a brutal death at the hands of the Romans?   How foolish! Yet, God revealed His supreme wisdom by declaring: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

As you face uncertainties in life with seemingly no way out, always look to God who can transform your situation in unexpected and perhaps even "foolish" ways.  And, as you share your faith with others, may you remain unashamed of the Gospel, even when others view it as foolishness. It may seem "foolish" to some, but your testimony of the cross's power can be a beacon of hope and a testimony to God's transformative wisdom and power in people's lives.