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:

1. What is one way you judge others?

2. How can you protect your mind from being judgmental?

3. 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:

1 Corinthians 5

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I understand the distinction between empathy and enabling when it comes to fellow believers’ sinful practices?

2. 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?

3. 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 

1. Where is there evidence of enriching grace in my life? 

2. What is my personal response to the love of the Father, and the grace of Jesus? 

3. Am I eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? 

4. How am I partnering with Jesus to connect with those who do not yet know Him in my sphere of influence? 

5. Am I being faithful to God as a steward of His grace? 

Prayer Idea 

1. Praise and thank the Lord for the many facets of His enriching grace and faithfulness. 

2. Offer a prayer of intercession for a persecuted brother or sister in Christ. 

3. 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:

1. How would you define the quality of empathy and how do you view its role in our culture today?

2. 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?  

3. 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:

1 Corinthians 1:1-31

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you belong to a personality-based clique?

2.  How do you contribute to maintaining the unity in your church?

3. Do you make allowances for differences on matters not consequential to salvation?

4. 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

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you feel intimidated by arguments that seek to refute the Gospel?

2. Do you lean on your own wisdom more than God’s?

3. 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:

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you react to conflicts in the Church? (1 Peter 3:8-9, 11, Phil. 2:5-11)  

2. Why is the Church’s unity as a testimony so important to the world?

3. What can you do to promote unity? (2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 2:2)

4. 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:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  

Reflective Questions: 

1. Do you have a special place where you meet with God regularly? 

2. Do you have a time scheduled daily to meet with God? 

3. 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:

1. Who tends to get under my skin or draws a negative reaction from me?

2. What do I need to change in myself in order to love others as God has loved us?

3. 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:

1.  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?

2. 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:

1. What is your greatest challenge when putting others before yourself?

2. Why do you think Paul begins his letter to the Corinthian Church by telling them they are sanctified in Christ and called together?

3. 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:

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever done things in your own power verse what you knew God wanted you to do? How did that go?

2. In what areas of your life are you working in your own power and influence instead of God’s? How can you change?

3. 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:

1 Corinthians 6:1-6

Reflection Questions: 

1. What do you do when you are falsely accused by another Christian? 

2. Do you speak about it to unbelievers and ask for their judgment? 

3. 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: 

1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Reflection Questions:

1. What are you feeding your spirit? Things that make you “feel good”? Or things that please God? What’s the difference?

2. Are there any Biblical truths that are hard for you to swallow?

3. 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.

United Devotional: Day 7

The Set-Up:

The Great Commission leads me to believe that Jesus’s main priority for us as Christians is to tell the world about Him. And yet, sharing our faith can bring out fear, insecurities, self-doubt, and intimidation (to name a few).

The Apostle Paul states that he didn’t use clever or persuasive speech when sharing his faith. He spoke plainly and relied on the Holy Spirit. He later points out that all knowledge, abilities, giftedness, generosity, and even faith, are completely worthless without the capacity to love others. So rather than worry about the depth of our theology, or how we’ll be perceived, let’s just care for people. Talk, listen, help, and maybe even allow them to help you. Do you have a story (or stories) in your life about the love, power, grace, forgiveness, and provision given to you by Jesus? Tell it, and then watch the Holy Spirit do His thing.

Passage to Read:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 13:1-3

Reflection Questions: 

1. Do you struggle with insecurities about sharing your faith?

2. Do you believe that the same spirit that worked through Paul can work through you?

3. When given, would you be willing to step out in faith and take the opportunity to show someone the love of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to move?

Prayer Idea:

Let’s pray for a bold faith that is stronger than our fears, a heart that breaks for those who are searching (even the difficult ones), and opportunities for the Holy Spirit to speak and act through us.

This devotional was written by Matt Sanford.

United Devotional: Day 6

The Set-Up:

In a world full of Photoshop and instant gratification, it’s easy to buy the lie that if we don’t like something, we can and should change it. If we don’t like our physical appearance, there’s surgery to fix it. If we don’t like our relationship status, there is a dating service to change it. If we don’t like our circumstances, we can buy, charm, run or fight our way out of it. But what if the circumstances we’re in are exactly where God wants us to be?

We are called to live the life we are given. Each one of us has unique value, insight, and experience God wants to work through to share the good news about Jesus. Our lives were not meant to be a comparison party where we attempt to constantly gain or achieve other people’s stuff and circumstances. When we are being who God made us to be in the circumstances He has given us, people can look at our lives and ask: “How does she have so much peace in the midst of ___?” or “How can he be so generous when he has so little?”

When we find ourselves in less than desirable circumstances and prayer doesn’t seem to be changing them, maybe we need to change our prayer. Instead of focusing on finding a way out, ask for a change of perspective about the situation. Watch and see how God works through the struggle for your strength and His glory.



Scripture:

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Reflect Questions:

1. Have you ever struggled with comparing your life or circumstances to those around you?

2. What is an area in your life where you would like to see God change your circumstances? How could a change in attitude or perspective help?

Prayer Idea:

Ask God to reveal any envy in your heart. If you are struggling with comparing yourself to others or their circumstances, ask God to give you His peace. God tells us that He will give us wisdom if we ask - ask Him for wisdom on how to live in your current situation in a way that imitates Christ.

This devotional was written by Derek Weidman.

United Devotional: Day 5

The Set-Up:

Ever been in a situation in life where envy, regret, jealousy, and desire to be something else led you to try to control a situation on your own? Instead of remaining in Christ and allowing Him to work whatever way works in accordance with His will, you did it your own way?

Sometimes we try to change our situation instead of allowing God to move in the situation. We value control and we think if we had what they had, or if our life fit into that mold, or if our circumstance could be more like a circumstance that feels better, we ourselves would “feel” better. Life would be better.

This is what Paul is talking about in this section of 1 Corinthians, sandwiched between marriage and singleness. Paul wants us to “remain with God” instead of fighting against Him because of discontentment with our lives. We are to seek to honor Him with the life He has given us, even if it’s not the life we would have “pictured” for ourselves. Abide with Christ, and seek to serve Him no matter the circumstances you are faced with. 

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 7.17-24

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas of your life where envy has shown itself?

2. Does this passage mean that you have to stay in whatever situation you are in forever? Why or why not?

3. What does it mean to “remain in God”?

4. What disciplines can you put in place to seek to honor God with your life?

Prayer idea:

Take some time to pray over your life, and ask God to show you ways that you can honor Him, put Him on full display, and how you can be content with the life He has given you. Also, pray for others in your circle of influence to live life in such a way that honors God, no matter the circumstances they may be facing.

This devotional was written by Phil Culham

United Devotional: Day 4

The Set-Up:

Practice is important. Do you know the saying, “Practice makes perfect”? It is said that a good MLB defensive player will envision scenarios on where the ball will go and where they need to throw it if it was hit to them. Some think about this between every pitch. If they were to just go onto the field and let things play out, that could spell disaster.

Walking through life aimlessly can be dangerous. Paul challenges us to think differently about our lives now that we have chosen to follow Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul lays out the argument that he has given up his rights completely for his faith. At the end of the chapter, he explains how he chooses to focus on life as an athlete. Prepare your heart for the race God has called you to.

Passage to Read:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Reflection Questions:

1. What has driven you to succeed at something in the past? What is Paul hinting at that is the motivating factor for us running the race to win?

2. Paul is essentially saying “practice what you preach.”How does your public life line up with your faith?

3. What can you add to your life to help you have a daily focus on running this marathon?

Prayer Idea:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you ways that you can run this race. Be open to God speaking to you about things that way you down from running it well, and discovering a deep purpose so that you can run to the best of your ability.

United Devotional: Day 3

The Set Up:

Sometimes, even when we are following Jesus, we can fall into comparison and competition. “I can do it better” or “I’m no good compared to...” “My leader is better than yours!”

In this passage, Paul asks, “What…is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants…” Then it says, “neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything…” Now, this can make it sound like Paul and Apollos aren’t very important. But they are – especially as a team. But it is God who made it grow.

Sometimes there are divisions & disappointments because we put all of our hope in our own ability, or in our chosen leader and we compare that to others. But we so easily forget that we are all to be in partnership with God. Without Him, we are nothing. God could do anything He wanted to do all by Himself. But because He loves and values us so much, He works in partnership with us to accomplish His purposes!

Passage to Read:

I Corinthians 3:5-10

Reflection Questions:

1. What gifts and abilities do you have to offer? Do you tend to over-rely on your own abilities, or do you tend to lack confidence in your abilities?

2. Who do you follow and how much do you depend on them for your hope and happiness? A pastor? A politician? A spouse? Somebody else?

3. How might your attitude and approach be different if you realized that in everything you do, you are God’s “fellow worker” in partnership with Him!

Prayer idea:

Ask God to show you if you have put too much of your hope or happiness on your own ability, or on another person rather than on God. If so, confess that to Him and commit to living every day in partnership with Him.

United Devotional: Day 2

The Set-Up:

Have you ever thought, "If Jesus were here on earth right now everything would be better!" But Jesus Himself knew that the best thing for us would be for Him to ascend to Heaven and send the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit shows God's redemptive plan for us and even shares the secrets of God with us. What a friendship! Not only does the Spirit guide us into the truth, but He also shares with us the mystery of a limitless Father, and shows us Jesus.

Did you know there are countless wonderful things God has given us without us having to earn them? I don't know about you, but l want to receive those gifts! 

Passage to Read:

1 Corinthians 2: 7-12; Isaiah 64:4

Reflection Questions:

1. What ways can you point to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life?

2. What are some areas you are needing guidance from Him right now?

Prayer Idea: 

We can't even imagine the way God is working behind the scenes in our lives and in the world around us. Take a moment and say, “Holy Spirit, I receive You (verse 12).” Then as you pray, begin to ask Him to show you who He is and some of the free gifts He’s given you. Ask for His wisdom and guidance in those areas you were reflecting on. Don't be afraid to express your gratitude!