United Devotional: Day 27
The Set-Up:
This past spring, my mom took my sisters and me to a Holocaust exhibit. The exhibit was entitled Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away, and its focus was on the rise of Nazi power, the development of concentration camps, and the creation of Auschwitz, the most tragic death camp to exist during Hiter’s reign. As someone who craves research, I instantly bought a few nonfiction books that told accounts of those who suffered through Auschwitz and its terrors.
Winston Churchill once famously wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Learning about the horrors of the Holocaust doesn’t guarantee that something of that magnitude might not happen again, but it does help me understand how humanity got to that point and gives me empathy for those who have had to endure a type of suffering I can never imagine. When we learn from history, we are given valuable insight into our current reality, and hopefully, use that knowledge to create a better future.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encouraged his readers to do the same – to learn from their history so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes as their ancestors.
A large part of the Old Testament teaches about the dangers of idolatry and disobeying God. In today’s passage, Paul is referring to accounts found in the book of Exodus. Exodus was written by Moses, the man who freed the Hebrew people from Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. Unfortunately, many of the original freed Hebrews were unable to enter the Promised Land because of their disobedience and lack of faith that God would keep His promises.
What Paul is essentially telling his readers in today’s passage is that God ensured those past accounts were included so that others could learn from them. Through the Bible, God has given us a vast assortment of accounts about people who followed Him faithfully and those who chose not to. May we strive to learn about our history as God’s people so we don’t make the same mistakes they did.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do you spend more time reading the Old Testament or the New Testament? Why do you think that is?
How can learning about history and different historical events be beneficial to you at this moment in time?
Has there ever been a time when you learned from the mistakes of someone else? Describe that experience.
Prayer Idea:
Thank God for giving us the Bible as a way to learn about Him and His expectations for His followers. Ask Him to help you learn from the accounts found in Scripture, and ask for the wisdom to know how to apply what you have learned to your life.
This devotional was written by Tonya Snodgrass.
United Devotional: Day 26
The Set-Up:
If there is one thing that unites all of humanity, it is the reality of death.
Everyone eventually has their life touched by death at one level or another. Some will have death’s experience forced upon them in a sudden, cataclysmic way, impacting them in deeply profound ways. Others may encounter it as a slow-moving train blowing its horn on the edge of town foreboding an inevitable arrival. But make no mistake about it, whether it shows up suddenly or gradually, death unites humanity in its tragedy. For the Christian though, death unites believers in another way. In Christ, we are united to the greater reality of hope and glory which lies beyond the grave.
Passages to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Why do you suppose Scripture often refers to Christian death as “sleep”?
Paul describes the resurrection of Christians as an instantaneous moment marked by profound change. Specifically, what are the details of change Paul points to in these verses?
Because of our victory over death, which will be fully realized at the resurrection, how does vs. 58 encourage us to live now?
Prayer Idea:
As you pray, ask the Lord to overcome any debilitating fear or anxiety that death may be producing in your life. In its place, ask the Lord to fill you with confidence regarding the biblical truth about Christian death; that it will be concluded by a resurrection whereby God changes us to be immortal, imperishable, incorruptible, and eternal.
This devotional was written by Chad Cummings.
United Devotional: Day 25
The Set-Up:
Pride can be an awful trap, especially when that pride is wrapped up in religion. Pride is when we think we know, act, or are better than those around us. Sadly, it can even take shape in how we express our convictions.
When we judge other Christian brothers and sisters because they do not act in the same manner as us, or share the same convictions or expressions of faith, that is pride. The Corinthian church fell into this trap over and over; from arguing over what leader they followed, what gifts were better, and even over what food they ate! We need to be Christians who are seasoned with grace and humility in our relationships, especially in how we handle our convictions in those relationships.
Passage:
1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Questions:
Are there areas in my life that are ruled by pride instead of my God’s grace?
What convictions do you have that promote unity in the body of Christ?
Are my convictions based on scripture? Or are they based on traditions and preference?
Where are some areas or opportunities to show grace and humility to another brother or sister?
Prayer Thoughts:
Ask God to examine your heart for any areas of pride or selfishness. Ask God to reveal any areas or people in the Body that you have hurt or alienated. Pray for God to bless those brothers and sisters, even if you do not agree with them. Ask God to show you new ways of grace and humility.
This devotional was written by Trevor Seeburger.
United Devotional: Day 24
The Set-Up:
How well do you get along with people?
Do you ever struggle with getting along with fellow believers, or fellow members of your church fellowship?
In today’s passage, the apostle Paul seems to prioritize healthy relationships in the Body of Christ as a clear sign of mature discipleship in our lives. He gives us a concrete example of an obstacle to reaching that goal of maturity — we could call it “clickiness,” (f that’s a word), but another word might be tribalism. Tribalism is when we overly cling to our little friendship groups, to the exclusion of others. That could result from our focus on politics, our age group, our cultural preferences, or our favorite interpretations of controversial Bible doctrines. Whatever the root of it is, our passage challenges us to get out of our comfort zones and make it a point to connect regularly with fellow believers who don’t look, act, or think exactly like us.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do you have any pet peeves? If so, do they ever cause you to be rude or unloving towards others? Write down a list of them and invite God to give you a softer heart towards people who easily annoy you.
In our passage, how many different “groups” can you identify? What kinds of disagreements do you think they may have had with each other?
Choose a “hot-button issue” that gets people worked up these days. Have one meaningful conversation with those around you this week, and try to listen to others’ views more than you declare your own.
Prayer Idea:
Who are the (even slightly) annoying people in your life? Regardless of the reasons why they frustrate you, put them on your prayer list for a week, asking God to bless them and show them His love.
United Devotional: Day 23
The Set-Up:
“I wish...”
“I wish I was like them.”
“I wish I could make this amount of money.”
“I wish God would do this in my life so I could make an impact.”
I just watched a movie in which the main actor had a license to drive pretty much anything and everything. Wow! Lord, if you could make that happen in my life think of what I could do for you. Often times I play the “what if” game and disguise it as dreaming. But what if it wasn’t dreaming? Instead the “what if” games are just running from the exact purpose God created me for in the body of Christ.
Paul writes from a place of experience — not age or maturity, but from life lessons. He is essentially saying, “I wish you could, but that is not a current reality; that is not necessarily your gift to the body of Christ.”
Unity is something we must hold close even in our growth as individuals. Will my growth in this position benefit those around me? Paul says he wishes we could all speak in tongues but understands not everyone will. He also says he wishes we could all prophecy, but, again, he understands not everyone will. In fact, I believe he understands that some will not have either gift.
Paul’s point is that we need to recognize our unique gifts and talents and use them to enhance the kingdom of God and be a contributor of unity in the body of Christ. We were never meant to run this race alone or run in someone else’s lane. God designed a specific lane for each of us and as we all work together, stewarding our specific gifts well, we can accomplish the unimaginable.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
What are you passionate about, talented in, and gifted at that can be used for the body of Christ?
What is something you could do to enhance the body of Christ using one of your gifts, talents or passions? (Do not let anything hold your answer back — dream big!)
How could others help fan into flame the gift of God in you and help you walk in your destiny?
Prayer Idea:
Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to help you discover your unique gifts and talents. Then ask Him to give you vision in how to implement them to bring unity to the body of Christ and enhance His kingdom on earth.
United Devotional: Day 22
The Set-Up:
After Paul started the church in Corinth, he went on to preach the gospel in other places. However, Paul recognized the importance of continuing to teach the church in Corinth, so he wrote letters to them and encouraged them about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
In today’s passage, Paul compares the Christian journey to a race. He says we should run so as to win the prize.
Recently there was a viral video featuring a runner who lost her shoe just a few feet into the race. While everyone was speeding toward the finish line, she was actually running back toward the start line to retrieve her shoe. At this point, as you can imagine, she was well behind the pack, but instead of giving up, she decided to run so as to win the prize. She came from behind and ended up finishing the race in first place! She won the prize.
As Christians, we run the race so as to win the prize - eternity with our heavenly Father. And thankfully, we can all win the prize. As long as we run the race of faith with discipline and endurance, we can rest assured that we will spend eternity in heaven and receive our heavenly crown.
Passage to Read:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3
Reflection Questions:
What are some challenges you face as a Christian?
How do you handle the challenges you face?
How can you encourage someone else who may be struggling in their Christian journey?
Prayer Idea:
Take some time to talk to God about the challenges you face. Ask God to help you to get back up and continue running the race, even when you face obstacles. Pray for your friends and family members who may be facing challenges, that they would increase in faith.
United Devotional: Day 21
The Set-Up:
We have an opinion about everything. You see, hear, and read about it every day - especially on social media. Someone will post an opinion and, as you would expect, you'll see positive and negative responses to the post.
We live in an exposed culture and we have strong opinions about everything. Whether it's about the pandemic, how we raise our kids, or even preferences in worship styles - the culture we're in encourages us to form strong opinions about many things. Those strong opinions cause us to be divided and not united. This is not what God desires for us.
As I read this passage, I noticed something different today. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:5 that God actually takes that burden of judgment off of us as we allow Him to handle it.
There is peace in knowing that God will bring to light everything that's wrong, and He will judge what other people do. With that knowledge, we can focus on our own hearts and our own motives - not on judging others. There will be days when we need to share about something that hurt or upset us, but when we start to get the urge to let our tongues loose (online or face to face), we need to recognize it, pause, and talk to God instead. It is so freeing to let go of the judgmental and critical spirit, to let go of the drama and sin - and receive peace, knowing that God will bring things to the light and He will judge so that we don't have to.
Passage to Read: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Psalm 139:23-24
Reflection Questions:
What is one way you judge others?
How can you protect your mind from being judgmental?
Have you ever prayed for the person or situation you judged? What happened?
Prayer Idea:
Take some time to pray for people, things, situations, etc. that you have a strong opinion against. Ask God to help you let go of the judgmental and critical heart, observe your own heart, and receive the peace He offers.
This devotional was written by Evonn Dorr.
United Devotional: Day 20
The Set-Up:
Have you ever purchased something that required assembly? Regardless of whether the box read, “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED” or just plain “ASSEMBLY REQUIRED”, it sometimes turns out that we’ve put parts in the wrong place. We do this for a few reasons: 1) We didn’t read the instructions, 2) We didn’t understand the instructions, or 3) we just proceed to put parts together because we feel like they should fit together.
It’s the same with The Church: God has given a very clear set of instructions concerning the who, what, where, why, when, and how of members’ healthy conduct. That health conduct reflects the reality of being born again.
Often, people in local churches misunderstand how the issues of liberty and holiness fit together. Paul had quite the situation to address by letter in Corinth to those who didn’t read and/or understand the instructions. One of today’s great misunderstandings in church life is that confronting sin - any sin - is judgmental. But the Holy Spirit’s remedy given by Paul’s pen reminds us that love for one another means being willing to address difficult situations to preserve purity in the lives of one another.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do I understand the distinction between empathy and enabling when it comes to fellow believers’ sinful practices?
Have I ever noticed Christians whose lifestyles are contrary to God’s commandments? Did I say anything to them about it? Why or why not?
What do I understand about genuine holiness (not legalism) and its necessity for The Bride of Christ?
Prayer Idea:
Take time to prayerfully intercede for your church’s purity and holiness to mark it as, “Belonging to Jesus.”
This devotional was written by Chuck Loftis.
United Devotional: Day 19
The Set-Up
As Paul begins this letter to the believers in the church in Corinth, he expresses his gratitude for the many facets of God’s grace in the church. God’s grace strengthened many first-century believers in Corinth. The grace of Jesus in their lives was appealing for many who did not know Jesus and resulted in them coming to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
I think of all the advantages I enjoy as a follower of Jesus in the twenty-first century. The grace of God through Jesus Christ has resulted in many blessings in my life. For instance, technology has literally put knowledge of every kind in our hands! Recently I read that American Christians do not lead typical Christian lives. The typical Christian lives in a developing country, speaks a non-European language, and exists under the constant threat of persecution. This is a weighty matter to consider, and Jesus is awaiting my response.
Passage to Read
1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Luke 12:48
Reflection Questions
Where is there evidence of enriching grace in my life?
What is my personal response to the love of the Father, and the grace of Jesus?
Am I eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ?
How am I partnering with Jesus to connect with those who do not yet know Him in my sphere of influence?
Am I being faithful to God as a steward of His grace?
Prayer Idea
Praise and thank the Lord for the many facets of His enriching grace and faithfulness.
Offer a prayer of intercession for a persecuted brother or sister in Christ.
Seek a way to partner with Jesus in serving others.
This devotional was written by David Grandon.
United Devotional: Day 18
The Set-Up:
History is a great storyteller.
Recently I heard a true story about the governor of Illinois during the civil war era. Governor Richard Yates felt compelled to do something meaningful for the young soldiers from his state who volunteered to serve in the war. He concluded that the most helpful thing he could provide was quality medical care, so he recruited the top doctors and nurses from the Springfield, Illinois area and brought them to the frontlines of the civil war to tend to the young soldiers who had been wounded. His act of leadership along with the higher quality doctors saved many lives simply by getting the best care possible to the soldiers who needed it most.
In this specific passage of 1 Corinthians, Paul is essentially urging believers to do the same. He invites us to share in the weakness of those who are weak and to do all we can to save some.
Passages to Read:
I Corinthians 9:22-23; Matthew 25:40
Reflection Questions:
How would you define the quality of empathy and how do you view its role in our culture today?
Where do you view the spiritual “frontline” in our society today — that space where we, as believers, engage in our great mission of making disciples of all nations?
In what ways can you practice what Paul is teaching here about connecting with those who are viewed as “weak” or who, perhaps, have been “wounded” on the frontlines of our culture and need the hope of the Gospel?
Prayer Idea:
Today, take a moment to think of people who you connect with regularly (at work, school, neighborhood, etc…) who may be viewed as “weak” or far from Jesus. Pray for them by name and ask the Holy Spirit to give you ideas on how you can show them the love of Christ in a tangible way.
This devotional was written by Nathan.
United Devotional: Day 17
The Set-Up:
A competitive spirit centered on personalities existed in the Corinthian church. Paul writes to this divided church and pleads with them for unity, not uniformity.
Unity refers to the union or harmony between different groups, whereas uniformity is the state of being uniform, with no allowance for differences. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul provides his prescription for Christian unity: “…that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The threefold repetition of the word “same” underscores the need for unity.
In the first ten verses of 1 Corinthians !, there are ten references to Christ, indicating that for Paul, Christ should be the source and focus of unity in the church. In other words, there was no room for disagreement on the fundamental nature of the gospel, while not eliminating diversity. As believers, we are united in Christ, we have one Spirit, the Spirit of God. We have one purpose, to glorify God. We have one mission, to spread the good news about Jesus Christ. We have one goal, to lift up the name of Jesus and live like Him in this world.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do you belong to a personality-based clique?
How do you contribute to maintaining the unity in your church?
Do you make allowances for differences on matters not consequential to salvation?
Do you enjoy and appreciate the diversity in your church?
Prayer Idea: Ask the Lord to help you see that He requires unity, not uniformity. Pray for all in your church to see that it is God’s church and unity is an essential characteristic of His church. Ask the Lord to help you become an “agent of harmony” in your church.
This devotional was written by Karl Francis.
United Devotional: Day 16
The Set-Up:
Be a fool! Wait, this can’t be right?!
They say that knowledge is power, and we all know that no one wants to look foolish. Often, there are many in our culture who use and abuse information for their own personal ends. This is most apparent in social media, politics, and unfettered religious zeal (not the good kind). Great proclamations are made based on very little and or significantly slanted evidence, while wisdom and humility are often absent.
In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul fires back at mankind’s intellectual arrogance and compares it with God’s wisdom (v. 25). Needless to say, it pales in comparison! While Paul makes a general contrast, he primarily zeroes in on the legitimacy of the Gospel message. He openly admits that it is foolishness to the world, but for believers, it is the power of God (v.18). This idea simply did not fit the worldview of the predominant culture, and it’s no less true now than it was then!
So, what does God do? Does He raise up more erudite, better-educated people to defend the Gospel? No! He uses the “foolish” (you and me) to share the message. The fact is true wisdom is not primarily found in our (or the world’s) understanding but is fully realized in Jesus because He is wisdom personified (v. 30). This is not to say learning and knowledge are unimportant - we need experts in philosophy, religion, and science! That said, it should never trump God’s wisdom. Ultimately, worldly wisdom alone falls short. Hence, it is better to be a “fool” in Christ than to be wise in the eyes of the world!
Passage to Read
Reflection Questions:
Do you feel intimidated by arguments that seek to refute the Gospel?
Do you lean on your own wisdom more than God’s?
How can this passage help you become more confident in sharing your faith?
Prayer Idea:
Ask God to help you to look to His wisdom rather than your own. Pray that He will give you more confidence or humility (whichever is needed) in sharing your faith. Ask for help from the Holy Spirit to guide you when you speak.
This devotional was written by Chad Davidson.
United Devotional: Day 15
The Set-Up:
Whenever I reflect on the word unity, I cannot help but liken it to a basic musical chord — something made up of three or more different notes that when played in unison create a harmony; a sound that could not be achieved singularly on their own. However, humanly speaking, to be united sometimes seems so utterly difficult to attain.
I heard it once said: "For where there are two or three gathered in His name there is conflict.” We see it today within our own churches. The threat of clashes and divisions among us is always present. It's important that we grasp the understanding that being united does not mean being alike or having the same opinion, but rather, submitting to God’s word and serving one another in love by following God’s perfect example of oneness with the Son.
In First Corinthians, Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in order to help them achieve unity. They were suffering from divisions, conflicts, and rivalries. In spite of the conflicts, Paul addresses them as people sanctified in Christ Jesus, and not only asks them, but pleads with them by the Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony! He encouraged them, and still encourages us today, to be of one mind united in thought and purpose.
Each one of us fulfills a part of something greater, and together we achieve that perfect harmony. We are His Church purchased by His blood, for which He prayed to the Father so that through our testimony of love and unity the world might know Him. (Jn. 17:20-21).
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
How do you react to conflicts in the Church? (1 Peter 3:8-9, 11, Phil. 2:5-11)
Why is the Church’s unity as a testimony so important to the world?
What can you do to promote unity? (2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 2:2)
Why is being united as a Church so powerful? (Acts 2:1-4, Psalm 133: 1-3)
Prayer Idea:
Ask God to reveal to you if there are any conflicts in your own heart that bring division between you and God, other believers, or your own family. Confess them to God and express gratitude for His forgiveness and restoration. Pray for that the united Church would be a witness of Christ to the world.
This devotional was written by Ximena Urra.
United Devotional: Day 14
The Set-Up:
Be sure to read the text first. For those that have been Christians for a long time, it seems easy to clearly see what others are not doing right according to Scripture. In a similar fashion, over time, we can find ourselves skimming through the Scriptures while reading in order to check the box that we did them for the day.
Read through today's Scripture slowly and thoroughly — What is the message Paul is trying to encourage us in? What is the Holy Spirit trying to encourage you specifically about today?
Professional athletes do not fall into success but work hard for it. They are intentional! They have a time and place where they work to discipline themselves daily to achieve success. Likewise, if we want to live a life pleasing to God, then we must have a time and place to discipline ourselves for spiritual success!
What is your time? Where is your place? If you do not have a definitive time and place for daily spiritual discipline, then it will likely never happen!
Passage to Read:
Reflective Questions:
Do you have a special place where you meet with God regularly?
Do you have a time scheduled daily to meet with God?
What can you do differently in your devotional life that will help you discipline yourself spiritually, similar to what a professional athlete does to achieve success?
Prayer Idea: Take time to pray through what the Holy Spirit quickens your heart about in changes that would strengthen your daily devotional life. Pick a place, and mark a time on your calendar daily to meet with GOD! Make sure you write it down!
This devotional was written by Josh Grimes.
United Devotional: Day 13
The Set-Up:
God demonstrates His love for us as defined in today’s passage. We are called to respond by loving God and loving people with the same love. The challenge comes when we consider loving those who disagree with or differ from us.
While this passage is often read at summer weddings, every Christ-follower needs to read this frequently as a reminder of our high calling to love God and love others in the words so eloquently described for us. While the lack of love will often pull us apart, love has the power to unite and pull us together.
Passage to Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Reflection Questions:
Who tends to get under my skin or draws a negative reaction from me?
What do I need to change in myself in order to love others as God has loved us?
How can I apply these descriptors of love in my life today?
Prayer Idea: Thank God for the kind of love He has shown you. Humbly ask for forgiveness for times when your love has fallen short. Take time to pray for your attitude and actions toward others- especially those who differ with you or even oppose you. Ask God to help your life to reflect the kind of love described in our text.
This devotional was written by Bruce Pfadenhauer.
United Devotional: Day 12
The Set-Up:
My husband’s mom used to tell us how she helped her children get along: if they had spats while doing dishes, she would sit them in chairs facing each other and holding hands until they were willing to say “I love you.” Oh, that unity in the body of Christ could be maintained that easily!
Paul made an appeal to the Corinthians to live in unity. He was asking them to live in harmony but not at the elimination of diversity. Harmony means we can agree to disagree and still walk together in unity. It also means we can be united in vision and purpose while sharing differing opinions. Disagreements will happen, but we will survive them if they are clothed with love and grace.
Passage to Read: 1 Corinthians 1:10
Reflection Questions:
Are there ways I create division by my words and/or actions? If so, what can I change to be united in mind and thought with my brothers and sisters?
What are some practical ways I can model unity?
Prayer Idea: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you are creating division in the body of Christ. Pray for forgiveness and ask for help to live in harmony.
This devotional was written by Robin Pfadenhauer.
United Devotional: Day 11
The Set-Up:
The most challenging thing for any individual is to place the needs of others above their own. However, this is the only way to experience the blessings present in a church community.
Imagine for a moment that every member of your church is a blessing waiting for you to receive; however, the only way to access that blessing is to acknowledge and appreciate where that blessing comes from.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul the Apostle addresses many of the mindsets that bring about division in the church. As a result, this keeps us from experiencing the multiplicity of blessings through the many gifts God has given His people. We are sanctified in Jesus Christ but called to be saints together. Sanctified or set apart to show the character of Christ. Together or unified by a love for others. This love that Paul speaks of does not allow preferences and selfish behavior to destroy the purpose of the church. I believe that is why he emphasizes the importance of love in chapter thirteen.
We are sanctified because Jesus loved us and gave His life in service for us. Truly being together as the body of Christ requires us to serve one another out of love. Christ’s love sets us apart from the world and holds us together as His people!
Passage to Read: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Reflection Questions:
What is your greatest challenge when putting others before yourself?
Why do you think Paul begins his letter to the Corinthian Church by telling them they are sanctified in Christ and called together?
What is your greatest difficulty in being together with others and why?
Prayer Idea: While you pray, ask God to help you recognize where your preferences hold you back from experiencing His purpose in your life. Ask if there are mindsets that He wants you to set aside so that you can be set apart more for His will. Ask him to reveal any fear, offense, bias, or sin in your life — where do you need to forgive or repent concerning applying love in every area of your life and relationships?
This blog post was written by Derek Sissel.
United Devotional: Day 10
The Set-Up:
Have there been times when you don’t feel fit for the calling God has placed on your life? You are in good company if you do!
Many other Christians have shared those same feelings of inadequacy, but it’s important that we remember God’s wisdom and ways are far greater than worldly wisdom. God will choose things that look weak, unworthy, or even foolish in our worldly standards to prove Himself and give Himself all the glory. Thank God for that! He doesn’t look for the most qualified, influential, or wise. When we do things in our own strength and influence, we rob God of the glory he is due. If you don’t feel qualified, then you are the one for the job!
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever done things in your own power verse what you knew God wanted you to do? How did that go?
In what areas of your life are you working in your own power and influence instead of God’s? How can you change?
Is God calling you to do something that seems foolish in your eyes? How might you grow if you do it?
Prayer Idea:
As you pray, take some time to identify what God may be calling you to do, or places you have been working in only your own power. Ask God to help you focus on boasting only in the Lord instead of your own name.
This devotional was written by Andrew Bates.
United Devotional: Day 9
The Set-Up:
During the years we have served in Guinea, West Africa, there have been several instances when people have brought false accusations against Tom, pertaining to finances, hoping to get lots of money from him.
On one occasion, Tom was called before the state secret police and for three days, he had to respond to pages of accusations. He stayed calm and answered all the questions. At the end of the inquiry, the secret police, who were unbelievers, were amazed at all he had done in Guinea to help people who were poor and needy.
Tom’s accusers turned out to be two men who professed to believe in Jesus and attended one of our churches. The authorities told Tom that he had grounds to charge both men for defamation of character and they could both be fined large amounts and spend several years in prison. Tom responded, "I don't want to do that. If I did, what would their family members, who are unbelievers, think of me? Would they ever listen when I would try to share Jesus' love for them later?" All charges were dropped. The secret police had huge respect for Tim and the two accusers "lost face" before their fellow countrymen.
Passage:
Reflection Questions:
What do you do when you are falsely accused by another Christian?
Do you speak about it to unbelievers and ask for their judgment?
Before unbelievers, would your testimony for Jesus stand strong or would it be tainted in such a way as to bring shame to those who bear the name of Christ?
Prayer Ideas:
When others come against you, ask God for wisdom in what to do. Go to Christian brothers/sisters and ask them to pray with you. Ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you and pray for them. Ask God to help you always be a shining example of Jesus.
United Devotional: Day 8
The Set-up
My kids love to snack… constantly. Their snacks of choice are things like potato chips, granola bars, or gummy snacks. We have to always have to keep an eye on our kids to make sure they’re not filling up on too many treats. The snacks should not replace their meals. There’s a difference between the two. Treats are a great way to temporarily satisfy your hunger, but a well-prepared meal can sustain you for much longer.
In the third chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul says that the church in Corinth was “not able to receive” solid food (meaning deeper spiritual teachings). It wasn’t that God was preventing them from receiving “solid food”. The real issue was that they were filling themselves up with spiritual “junk food,” teachings based on human wisdom and eloquence, that they couldn’t receive the solid food offered by Paul. For others, their spiritual taste buds had been so conditioned to the junk food, that’s all they would crave.
Spiritual junk food is dangerous because it feels like we are feeding our spirits - yet it doesn’t actually help. Just because it tastes good doesn’t mean it’s good for you. God is willing to feed you with deeper revelation and knowledge. Can you stomach it?
Passage:
Reflection Questions:
What are you feeding your spirit? Things that make you “feel good”? Or things that please God? What’s the difference?
Are there any Biblical truths that are hard for you to swallow?
What changes need to be made in order for you to maintain a healthy “spiritual” diet?
Prayer Idea:
Ask God to reveal areas in your life that may not line up with His will. Ask him to retrain your spiritual cravings for things that will last. Pray for wisdom in areas and issues that may seem “hard to swallow.”
This devotional was written by Chris Cavan.
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