February 25 -- "When Temptation Calls"

Read 1 Corinthians 10

No one can escape the universal experience of temptation; it touches every one of us. Temptation stirs a desire within us to engage in thoughts or behaviors that stray from God's moral principles.

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a dense forest, eager to embark on a journey through its winding paths. At the start, there is a well-trodden trail that appears safe and straightforward. This path represents the moral principles and guidance provided by God and His Word. As you venture deeper into the forest, you encounter enticing side trails, each lined with beautiful flowers, exotic fruit trees, and fascinating sights. These side trails symbolize the temptations we face in life.

At first glance, these side trails seem harmless and inviting, offering the promise of pleasure, excitement, or relief. However, as you step off the main path and wander down these alluring trails, you quickly realize that they are filled with hidden pitfalls, thorns, and dead ends. The further you stray from the main path, the more challenging it becomes to find your way back.

God's promise here in 1 Corinthians 10 is like a reliable compass that always points you back to the main trail. No matter how lost you may feel or how deep into the forest you've wandered, the compass guides you safely back to the path that leads to true fulfillment and peace. It reassures you that there is always a way out of the tangled undergrowth when we turn to God for help, no matter how overwhelming the temptations may seem.

God assures us that no temptation will ever be too great for you to bear. More importantly, He always provides you with an escape route so that you can resist and triumph over it. When you are drawn to turn down a side trail, remember that you are never alone, and your struggles are not unique. Proverbs 4:26-27 exhorts us to, "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. You just have to take the way of escape He provides.

May the Lord, in His infinite grace and faithfulness, strengthen you in times of trial and temptation. And may He give you the grace to keep your feet firmly planted on His eternal path.

February 24 -- "Run For The Prize"

Read 1 Corinthians 9

Picture life as a Christian to be like a race, where a great reward—the crown of righteousness—awaits at the finish line. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the analogy of running this race to emphasize the importance of having purpose and intentionality in our walk with Christ. He encourages us to strive for an imperishable prize. This race is not about earning salvation; it's about living out our faith with complete dedication and perseverance to honor God and fulfill our calling.

Just as athletes dedicate themselves to intense training to win a temporary prize, we must fully commit to pursuing God's kingdom. Think of an Olympic athlete's regimen: early morning runs, strict dietary plans, mental conditioning, and countless hours of practice. They endure hardships and sacrifice comforts with a clear goal—to win the gold medal. Similarly, our spiritual journey calls for unwavering dedication and perseverance to faithfully live out our calling and honor God.

We face many distractions and challenges daily that can pull us away from our spiritual goals. Paul's analogy reminds us to stay focused on what truly matters. It urges us to examine our priorities and make deliberate choices that align with our faith. Whether it's spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, sharing your faith, or serving others, we are encouraged to run our race with wholehearted intensity and endurance, keeping our eyes on the prize.

Envision yourself on that racetrack, training hard and denying distractions because your heart is set on victory. This is the focus we need in our walk with Christ. We won't succeed if we indulge in things that weigh us down (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The prize, the crown of righteousness, represents the ultimate reward for believers who remain faithful and steadfast in their Christian journey (see 2 Timothy 4:8). It is God’s reward for their dedication and perseverance. It is not a literal, physical crown made of gold or jewels but represents divine recognition and honor granted to believers in eternity.

Let's run with purpose today! Let's say "no" to distractions and focus on what truly matters—growing in our faith, sharing God's love with others, and living a life that honors Him. Remember, the prize is worth it—an eternity spent basking in His presence!

February 23 -- "Love Trumps Knowledge"

Read 1 Corinthians 8

Life isn't about having all the answers neatly lined up, but about embodying the love of Christ in our daily lives. True knowledge goes beyond just having facts in our heads; it's about nurturing a deep, loving relationship with God. We might spend years poring over the Bible, but that understanding only comes alive and becomes transformative when it's fueled by our love for our Creator and one another. Knowledge by itself can be quite dangerous!

In today’s passage, Paul addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols—a heated topic in the Corinthian church. While some believers felt free to eat such food without any qualms, others (whose consciences were more fragile) were troubled by this practice. The crux of Paul's message is that believers should prioritize love and sensitivity towards others over their own freedoms and knowledge. Those with greater understanding should be compassionate and considerate of those with weaker consciences.

Our modern-day church doesn't grapple with idol food offerings, but we do face a myriad of contentious topics: Women in leadership, social justice, immigration, politics, modesty in dress, music styles, alcohol consumption, preaching methods, the prosperity gospel, end-times theology, technology in worship, holiday celebrations, climate change, mission strategies, methods of evangelism—the list goes on and on. All too often, we are prone to think we have superior knowledge on these topics.

However, the issue isn’t knowledge itself—after all, Scripture encourages wisdom and understanding.  The problem is when knowledge is divorced from love, leading to self-inflation rather than Christlike humility. True godly knowledge should lead to greater love, service, and humility, not an inflated sense of superiority.

As we grow deeper in our understanding of God and His word, let's ensure that rather than our heads being “puffed up” with knowledge, our hearts are “swelled up” with His love. We should pursue knowledge—not for personal recognition or admiration—but to deepen our genuine love for God and for one another.

May we approach every chance to learn with humility and love. And may His truth dwell richly in us, shaping our hearts to reflect His boundless love.

February 22 -- "Your Eternal Perspective"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Today, we're encouraged to take a step back and re-examine our views and priorities, focusing on what truly endures. This world, in its current form, is temporary and fleeting, prompting us to adopt an eternal perspective.

Verse 31 serves as a sobering reminder that the things of this world—its systems, pleasures, and pursuits—are temporary. We are called on to reflect on how we live. Are we living for this life? Or are we keeping eternity in mind? Our relationships, possessions, and daily routines should be influenced by the understanding that this world is not our final destination.

Jesus Christ is coming back to earth soon. Following His return, there will be a final judgment, where those who are dead will stand before God to be judged according to their works (Revelation 20). After this, the present world will "pass away with a roar, and the elements will melt with fervent heat" (2 Peter 3:10). Then, the Lord will create a new Heaven and a new Earth, free from sin, death, and suffering. God will dwell among His people, and there will be eternal peace and righteousness.

Recognizing that this world is passing away liberates us from the hold of temporary concerns and opens our hearts to eternal matters. Are we living as though our earthly circumstances are the ultimate reality, or are we focused on the eternal kingdom of God? Jesus advised us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6). Our attention should be on what lasts forever—our relationship with God and the impact we make on others for His kingdom.

Practically speaking, this means holding loosely to material possessions and worldly achievements, knowing that, after all, they’re all going to burn. Instead, we're called to love deeply, serve selflessly, and give generously, knowing that these actions resonate in eternity. Our time, talents, and treasures should be invested in God's work, making a difference that outlasts the temporary nature of this world.

Let's embrace the call to live with an eternal perspective. Rejoice in the hope of what lies ahead, and let it transform how you live today. May your eyes be fixed on eternity, embracing God's truth and investing in what truly lasts.

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.