Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Corinthians 15:9-10: “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”

Are you comfortable with who you are? Have you realized that your purpose is not in your position? Have you thought about what is God’s perspective on who you are and acknowledge His grace in developing and strengthening your abilities? Paul did.

Paul became one of the most influential apostles. Paul recognized that God had poured kindness and grace into his life despite his sin.

Paul had no desire to compete with the other apostles. I find that interesting and noteworthy of his leadership style. He fully accepted and witnessed the grace of God upon his own life and stood firm in his position in Christ. He simply fulfilled God’s purpose for his life in being a servant for Christ, while being a tent-maker, in writing and teaching the churches, and worked hard in whatever he did. He kept his focus on the heavenly prize of living in eternity with Christ.

Declaring Christ’s message was Paul’s top priority rather than debating issues of opinions held by various cliques (at one point the Corinthians had split into following their own favorite preacher such as Paul, Apollos, Peter, etc.). He didn’t get sidetracked and stayed the course of preaching the truth of the gospel and the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul was chosen last and not in the number of the twelve apostles. He was selected as an extra apostle. He was a witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which caused him to radically change from an unbeliever to that of a believer because he saw the Lord raised from the dead. Jesus presented Himself to Paul. Paul gave the grace of God all the credit for changing his life. That is what kept Paul humble. This grace of God changes us, but not all at once. It takes a lifetime. What do you know about the grace of God in your life?

Do you sometimes feel unlovable? Do you feel you have worth? Have you wrapped yourself around the fact that whose you are determines who you are? I have to remind myself often that my security and self-worth resides in God’s unconditional love for me. My intellect, position, performance, possessions, and business and personal contacts that I count on, are all temporary and fallible. But the wisdom and care God gives me is eternal and sure. God’s grace is sufficient.

Did you ever think of yourself as a trophy of God’s grace? I believe Paul did. Paul sums it up when he states: “But by the grace of God, I am what I am . . .” just as God said to Moses in Exodus 3:14: “I AM THAT I AM.”

God is faithful.

Listen to MercyMe – Beautiful – Story Behind The Song, YouTube. 7.40 minutes. A message from Bart.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

Paul gives a synopsis of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5. After Jesus’s death and burial, and He has His resurrected body, Paul states Jesus made a special appearance to Peter (Luke 24:34). It might have been because there was a particular need for comfort and restoration in Peter that Jesus wanted to provide for him. Then Jesus appeared next before His disciples. This was the meeting where Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit. Then during the time before His Ascension, Jesus met with many followers (more than 500), James, and even to Paul, that saw the living proof that Jesus had indeed died and rose again exactly as the Scriptures had prophesied. They saw the living proof right before their eyes, and it revolutionized their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This is a historical fact.

The power of the gospel has the ability to change lives. The longer Paul lived, the more he was aware of his own sin and admitted that it was the work of the grace of God in him that changed his life from one of hate to a man cleansed, forgiven, and full of love in spreading the gospel. There is history behind the word “gospel.” The Greek word was “evangelion.” Soap Merchants, in Biblical times, would advertise their products by calling out “Good News!” upon entering a town. Remember in those days before the arrival of cologne or deodorant, bars of soap was good news! These salespeople that sold soap products would enter the town and advertise their wares by shouting “Good News!” They shared the good news of making oneself clean. Hence, Paul and the disciples shared the Good News, the gospel, so that people could be cleansed from the stench of their sin, and were like their counterparts, soap merchants, and were therefore called evangelists.

How has God showed you grace and mercy?

Since Jesus is alive right now and that by His Spirit, lives within us that have accepted His free gift of salvation, He is praying in Heaven for you and for me today and every day. Do you realize every day is Easter Sunday?

What do you struggle with in living out the gospel before others, such as in your workplace? What is your biggest challenge? I will share mine. Why am I surprised that others do not have the same expectations I do? I struggle with this because I have to rely on others to get my job responsibilities accomplished so our company’s sales goals can be achieved and be profitable. The root problem is I am a competitive, goal-orientated person, but those strengths can also be a weakness. I run into conflict with those that don’t share my passion in these similar traits. I then feel defensive, and the people I depend on sometimes leave me confused and bewildered and frustrated because I have been quick to judge in taking action. The solution is I need to alter my expectations of others. I need to mull over in my mind, use my pause technique with interoffice communication, instead of solely in a sales call, and quickly pray for wisdom in my response in times of conflict. Can you relate?

So let us be living examples of the “Good News” of grace, mercy, and great blessings we don’t deserve that God has given us and remember that every day is Easter Sunday. When you see bars of soap, remember the historical origin of the Greek word “evangelion.”

Listen to Big Daddy Weave Alive (Official Music Video) YouTube. Feb. 8, 2019.

1 Corinthians 15:1: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preach to you – unless you believed in vain.”

Paul was telling the Corinthians that the gospel is of benefit if we stand in it and hold faithful to the Word of God. We must have discernment in living the day to day stuff within our culture and realize what is right and what is false thinking from God’s point of view. I have to ask myself, as I am going about my workday and I run into conflict, roadblocks, and seemingly impossibilities, what am I standing in as the basis of my motivation and life’s purpose? What are the root issues? Am I standing in the benefit of the gospel and in having my future – getting to see and be with Jesus for eternity, as the prime importance of life or in just a moment? There will be no enemies in Heaven – no more conflict, no more sorrow, and no more diseases. Our whose we are determines our who we are.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 declares: “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the LORD.” The Thessalonians’ faith was encouraging news to Paul, brought to him by Timothy. The Thessalonians were standing firm due to their hope in the Lord. I have to ask myself if my love and faith are an encouragement to someone else? Am I standing in steadfast, firm endurance in my trust in God, despite any circumstances?

Then there is the verse in 1 Corinthians 10:12, where Paul warns: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall.” The word “stands” is used in this verse as well. Paul was warning the Corinthians that many Old Testament examples have been given to us to remember that we are not incapable of sinning ourselves but we have both the Old and New Testament to give us instruction, knowledge, and the Holy Spirit indwelling us and empowering us with everything that we need. I wonder how Joseph became so merciful, forgiving, and didn’t hold any grudges against the cruelty done to him by his brothers. Who did he learn this from? His family was dysfunctional and had some problems yet God was sovereign and over ruled the bad for good time and time again yet God was faithful and used imperfect people for His ultimate good in His redemptive plan. Joseph is a picture of Christ’s forgiveness despite our sin.

What verse has God given you that has given you courage, comfort, and reassurance to keep keeping on that you stand on?

Remind yourself of verses in Scripture that have been of comfort to you in the past and stand up and stand firm in them. The promises of God will keep you secure in your faith and be of benefit. Standing firm in the Lord, despite irritations and disappointments in our expectations, gives proof that our faith is genuine and not empty. One’s future with the Lord is of prime importance. Christ is risen, He is risen indeed, and He is LORD. This other stuff isn’t. Stand up and stand firm on the promises of God our Savior. Overcome daily with the Spirit’s sword, which is the Word of God. Stand firm.

Listen to Lauren Daigle’s Rescue (Official Music Video).

1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

I had this Friday morning’s devotional Blog post all typed and ready to hit publish. I was studying 1 Corinthians 14 this week. But after yesterday’s shooting occurrence at Saugus High School, it just didn’t seem appropriate or fitting this morning, so I just now deleted most of what I had written. Our two children attended Saugus High School. Jonathan graduated in 1995 and Amy in 1997. We lived just across the street and around the corner from the high school back then. This tragedy hit where I live.

Our community and yesterday’s event at Saugus High School has now been on national news. It touched my heart seeing on the TV news reports, over and over boys hugging their mothers. Many students interviewed told how they had texted their parents telling them they loved them. The reality of death was very evident.

But God is never baffled, befuddled, bewildered, perplexed, or panic-stricken. I am drinking my morning coffee right now out of my favorite coffee mug and looking at the various names of God in gold paint on this mug. God is the giver of peace – Jehovah Shalom, He is ever-present – Jehovah Shammah, He is our healer, Jehovah Rophe. He is Jehovah Rohi, our good shepherd. He is our battle fighter – Jehovah Nissi, and my favorite, is our provider – Jehovah Jireh.

One thing we can all hold onto is the fact that God never changes, 1 Corinthians 14:33 is still true. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

I have been reminded especially this week that Jesus Christ is risen, is risen indeed! Jesus Christ is LORD despite our cultural moment. God is bigger than our moment. We can never understand the story from the moment.

Embrace words that encourage, and comfort, those you come across today. That is using the gift of the Holy Spirit through you, and in a language, all can understand and need. Make a loving, kind, and generous memory for someone because as we have learned again yesterday, life is short and can be ended abruptly.

Has God given you something to say or has inspired you to do something for His glory? Pay close attention for God is not the author of confusion but of peace.

Listen to Hillsong The Power Of Your Love with lyrics YouTube.

Do you know someone that always gives unto others sacrificially and expects nothing in return? That person that shows kindness and grace when it is not deserved? Who holds their tongue from any harshness and gives of their time to you and doesn’t bring up your past mistakes and believes the best about you no matter how many times you fail? They are never irritable and don’t fly off the handle and are always content. They are always abounding in joy. They show incredible patience and are never jealous or resentful of others. They show enduring and steadfast perseverance and are still hopeful in trusting God always and never loses faith through every circumstance. Last but not least, they trust God to do His divine correction and chastening in those in need of it, because it says in Hebrews 12:6, that God disciplines those He loves and will make the correction. Is that person seen in your mirror? I can’t say I have it all covered consistently either. Yet Christ’s love for us in shown in every verse of 1 Corinthians 13.

1 Corinthians 13 is often called the love chapter and is frequently quoted at weddings. However, it is what we as followers of Christ are to show to our families, our friends, to our coworkers, and to anyone we encounter. Love, Paul states, is above all spiritual gifts in importance, and they are meaningless without love. This was how Jesus lead – He loved unconditionally and showed it in His actions in serving others. Romans 5:8 states: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus gave without demanding or expecting repayment. He showed love to the unlovable and unappealing. He loved even when He was rejected. This type of love is called Agape love – loving without expecting anything in return and has much to do with self-denial for the sake of someone else. We can put Jesus’ name in each of the descriptions in 1 Corinthians 13 of what love is. Can I put my name in there? Can you?

Having numerous gifts and talents is not the measure of success or maturity. The display of love coming from one’s heart attitudes and motives shows the mirror reflection of Jesus Christ. My mirror is a bit cloudy as I look at myself in 1 Corinthians 13. Then there is the other factor that I do not have the ability to see everything with perfect clarity. What about you?

When we get to see Jesus face-to-face, our overshadowing circumstances won’t matter any longer. There will be no more limitations and barriers. When we get to heaven, our vision will be clear, and we will know God entirely and completely. Our in-completes will be canceled. May we pursue while we are here on earth, 1 Corinthians 13:13: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Listen to Chris Tomlin – Jesus Loves Me – Worship Video with lyrics on YouTube.

1 Corinthians 12:7: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

I have been thinking recently about the abundant grace of God and how He has shown me time and time again His grace and mercy. It is one of God’s gifts that helps us understand who God truly is. So often I am surprised at being a receiver of God’s grace as I reflect upon my day. God remains faithful despite my wrong choices and shortcomings. He forgives and loves me unconditionally due to His grace and compassion, as He is working things out in my life to show others who God is and is doing the same for you.

Ephesians 12:7 states: “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Then Paul tells the Corinthians when they gathered together in fellowship each one has a song God has spoken to them through, a lesson God has taught them, an insight God has given them through His Word and is to be shared with one another. This is to remind the group that God is at work. My brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Rochelle, and I love to share with one another a song that God has spoken to us about – has touched our soul. The most recent one we shared with each other in a text message, was Mercy Me’s the new song they sang at the recent Dove Awards, “We Are Almost Home.” The words of this song speak to anyone who has met disappointment and believe you don’t have what it takes. It is a reminder to keep pressing on because we “are almost home” which is Heaven.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that we all have been given spiritual gifts – and these can be defined as “Gracious endowments, leading to miraculous results . . . these all came by the extraordinary influences of the Holy Spirit.” David Guzik. These spiritual gifts are always meant to be used to point others to Jesus Christ and promote the true Jesus (Romans 12:6-8). But did you realize that your particular spiritual gift(s) God wants you to use not only at church but if you are still working –  in your workplace? Since the Holy Spirit is always present with believers, He wants the light within you to shine for Him through your leadership skills, encouragement skills, understanding application of knowledge from God found in His Word, giving you supernatural insight and higher wisdom in handling work conflicts, or to solve a problem. Are you blessed by having the gift of faith? We all must have faith, but the gift of faith is the unique ability to trust God against all circumstances, just like Peter did when he got out of the boat and walked on water.

Do you need to refocus and reflect on what God is giving you to do that shows who God is?

Are your what ifs holding you back? Take courage, your Heavenly Father is cheering you on!

The spiritual gift God gave you He intended it to be used “for the common good.” Ask God to make you of benefit – to make it good. God has made you to be significant and to show who God is through your transformed life due to His grace.

Listen to MercyMe’s Almost Home New Song YouTube.

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Are you weary? Do you feel like you have nothing left to give? Have you felt like you have had more dealings with wrestling issues this week compared to other weeks? Do you think your expectations are higher than everyone else’s at work and realize that is why you are feeling frustrated?  I have to remind and direct myself back in knowing that every aspect of the Christian life can be melted down to one point – do all to honor God – and the parallel verse is found in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I know if I would remember that this is all God requires me to do, I would not get as frustrated with various circumstances and people.

In 1 Cor. 10, Paul has just talked about do’s and don’t’s of eating meat that was possibly sacrificed to idols, in relation to the Corinthian’s conscience in that set time and culture. It was a controversial issue. Putting it in today’s time, he is talking about legalism and what is permitted versus what is beneficial. The food was never the issue. Paul states there is liberty within the limits of love. It is essential to differentiate between judgmental attitudes, pride, verbal attacks, slander, and strive to have pure motives, and humbly demonstrate Christ-like love. Often due to our various popular media forums, I am hit in the face with the lack of love and grace shown by the Christian community put out there at times in public media. That saddens me greatly. In Paul’s day, Jews and Gentiles had separations. The same is still going on today within the Christian community. Paul lived so as not to offend. He did not flaunt his liberty in front of the Jews, nor did he impose the law on the Gentiles. God hates all unrighteousness.

The purpose of our life is simply to glorify God. Our behavior, whatever we do, should be done to bring honor and praise back to God. Paul quotes Psalm 27:1 in 1 Cor. 10:26, which was used as a Jewish blessing at mealtimes, and Paul applies it to this controversial situation: “For the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” David wrote this Psalm when he was in great danger because Saul and his men were trying to kill him. David was not ignoring his severe circumstances, but he was looking at them through heaven’s point of view. His faith and obedience were based on a faithful God that provides protection and deliverance.

Have you recently sat before the Lord, poured out everything – every detail, everything that is on your heart? Give Him your anxieties, fears, and concerns. Do so right now as you sit in God’s presence. Get it all out. Now sit still and wait for Him to talk to you (Be still –  Ps. 37:7 and Ps. 46:10). What did God say to you? What verse did He bring up in your mind? The more you read, study, and learn from the Word of God, the more you will be able to recognize God’s voice when He speaks truth into your heart and mind – igniting hope. Write down in a journal what you sensed you heard God say to you so you can be reminded of God’s presence in your life. Prayer is not a technique; it is simply a conversation with God.

If you have done your best from the wisdom and knowledge God has given you, then commit it to God and ask Him to make you of benefit. Leave it there. He will work out the outcome through other people He connects you to, or whatever means He wants the action required to transpire. God has no limitations. He is Jehovah Jirah – the Lord will provide. He is the master networker.

Thank God for the grace He has given you. Are you desperately in need of a blessing? Ask Him for it. Then live heartily, passionately, and freely, all for God’s glory! God is always faithful.

Listen to MeryMe  Grace Got You (Official Lyric Video) YouTube.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

We have been given numerous examples in the Old Testament of people making wrong choices and the consequences of those sinful actions. The Israelite’s didn’t seem to see that God was setting them free and that He was faithful. Throughout Exodus and Numbers, we see them falling down on their faces again and again by making a golden calf, complaining about only eating manna that God had provided, and then muttering and complaining about Moses and Aaron, because they were having thoughts of giving up, and the plague that resulted. Paul warned the Corinthians not to grumble. Psalm 78:17,21b-22 states: “Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. . . His (God’s) anger rose against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.”  That is the “therefore” Paul is referring to in 1 Cor. 10:12.

Therefore we can learn from the examples found in the Old Testament and take heed. It doesn’t have to be our experience, for we can gain understanding from Israel’s failures and mistakes on being self-focused, and then seek to live in complete obedience to our Lord and Savior. I like how the Message states 1 Cor. 10:12-13: “We are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naïve and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else.”

Paul issues caution in verse 12 when it comes to temptations – we are all vulnerable. I remember my Grandma Helmers referred to this verse when there was a conversation about an individual situation with a person involved in a particular sin, and Grandma quoted this verse and pointed the finger back to herself. I will never forget the impact that had on me as a young girl and still does.

Have you ever been fickle? Have you had regrets? We have pressures today that our parents never experienced. We always learn more from our failures over our successes. We are all so busy with our work, which is a gift from God, that we fail to take the needed time to be still before God and listen for His voice. Psalm 37:7 declares: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Then Psalm 46:10 again states: “Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!”

When Jesus was tempted by Satan he quoted Scripture. There is power in reciting out loud verses from the Bible. Speaking the Word of God, doing what it says, is where the power of God is provided. Whatever the challenge may be, speak the Word of God, and watch how it changes your mood. It defeats Satan time and time again.

Are you tempted to gossip about someone? Pray for them instead, then read 1 Cor. 10:12-13.

Are you tempted to criticize? Recite 1 Cor. 10:12-13, then pray for the person. Now examine the motivation in your heart. Has anything changed towards them? Rebuke and encourage with great patience and in love.

Staying in God’s Word, submitting and applying it to our life, being faithful to God in all that we do is our responsibility. Remember the lessons of obedience the Israelite’s learned about God. Have you felt like you have fallen flat on your face? Take heed, acknowledge the lesson you have learned in it, and take hope in our just and merciful God, who is fully present. He will never let you down, for He is faithful. Remember, you are called to a higher purpose.

Listen to Best News Ever (Official Lyric YouTube) by MercyMe.

1 Corinthians 7:17: “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”

Do you realize where you are right now is God’s design and place for you? You may be wishing you could trade places with someone else you admire and envy, but God has placed you exactly where He knows your spiritual gifts, skills, and talents can be used for His glory just as He created you to be. He always has a higher purpose in mind than we ever can see or comprehend. My struggles and failures I have to remind myself don’t tell the whole story in the circumstances in my life. I have to retrain my thinking to keep the big picture in mind because that is just what God intends. I often see my glass as half empty instead of half full. How about you?

Live, obey, love others as Christ has loved you, and believe and trust in God’s mighty faithfulness and power. You are here because God has an intended purpose only you can do. You don’t know for sure what that is? Ask God what His dreams for you are? Then commit your personal desires to God. Ask God to make you of benefit in your work, in your family, with your friends, and watch what He enfolds. God is “eternal” – He is not limited by time.

Another of God’s attributes is “incomprehensible.” That means God is beyond our understanding. We can never comprehend the power of God. God is also “infinite.” He has no limits in His person or His power.

What gives you joy? What gives you fulfillment? Your strengths will grow you in your career and in your present time of life – be that being single or married.

Christ’s return is closer to fruition each day. Until then, remember, you are on assignment from God just exactly where He has placed you. So demonstrate your faith wherever you are and let God’s light shine through you. Are you a leader? Do it with zeal. Are you compassionate and able to show mercy? Then do it with cheerfulness. Are there those that you are mentoring or contributing in their life in some way? Then do it with generosity (Romans 12:8) to use for God’s glory in what God has assigned to each one belonging in the body of Christ. “Love from the center of who you are.” Romans 12:9 MSG.

What makes up the assignment God has assigned to you?

How can you serve God faithfully in the current circumstances you find yourself?

Listen to Lauren Daigle – Look Up Child (Lyrics) YouTube.