Tuesday, July 31, 2012

July 31, Day 213 - 2 Corinthians 10

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 10

This is a hard chapter for me. Nothing is jumping out tonight.  The key verse would be the last one:
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

Blessings!

Monday, July 30, 2012

July 30, Day 212 - 2 Corinthians 9

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 9

Paul is still encouraging the Corinthians in their giving to the church of Jerusalem. He is careful to stress it is their decision, but he does remind them of the farmer that sows only a few seeds will only receive a small harvest.

It forces me to ask how many seeds am I sewing?

Be blessed!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

July 29, Day 211 - Proverbs 19

Click here to go to Proverbs 19

There are so many good verses in this chapter, it's hard for me to choose my favorite, but a couple that I really like:

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
    haste makes mistakes.

11 Sensible people control their temper;
    they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

21 You can make many plans,
    but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Again there are several others that jumped out at me, but I'll look forward to seeing which ones you guys pick.


Saturday, July 28, 2012

July 28, Day 210 - Psalm 92

Click here to go to Psalm 92

1- It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to the Most High.
 2- It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
    your faithfulness in the evening,

What would our day be like if we start each proclaiming God's unfailing love!?!?  My guess is mine would be a lot better! And as I fall asleep thinking about how God has been faithful!?!?!  I think I'd sleep better thinking about God's faithfulness than thinking about all the things I need to tackle the next day. 

Lots of great words here...
Be blessed!

Friday, July 27, 2012

July 27, Day 209 - 2 Corinthians 8

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 8

The church in Jerusalem was struggling in many ways including financially. The churches in Macedonia gave sacrificially and Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to give as well. I'm grateful I attend a church where we are encouraged to support missionaries from our denomination as well as church plants. But I don't think I really give sacrificially.  Food for thought.

Blessings,
Holly

Thursday, July 26, 2012

July 26, Day 208 - 2 Corinthians 7

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 7

Chapter 6 ends with the promise that God will live in us and among us (vv. 16 - 18) chapter 7 starts with Because of these promises...
Let us cleanse ourselves of everything that defiles our body and spirit. I think Paul is saying, God doesn't want to live in a dirty house!

I also like how Paul talks about being discouraged but God encouraged him with sending Titus to him. It reminds me that I can be God's encouragement to others who are discouraged.

I have a co-worker that needs encouragement. This was a good reminder for me.
Be Blessed!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

July 25, Day 207 - 2 Corinthians 6

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 6

Two things jumped out at me, verse 1: As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.

God gives us a marvelous gift, salvation, but how often do we ignore it.  This verse had never jumped out at me before. 

The other verse I've heard many times before, but need to be reminded over and over again, verse 16:
And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them
    and walk among them.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.

Paul was encouraging the Corinthians not to get involved with idol worshipers, sinners and the like. We are a God's temple He lives in us. 
Let me clarify I think we need to be involved in our world to reach those who don't yet know Christ, I think Paul is telling us not to spend more time with them than our Christian brothers and sisters.

There are some other good things here...
Be Blessed!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

July 24, Day 206 - 2 Corinthians 5

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 5

Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone - and see - a new life has begun! (v. 17 The Voice)

I think this should be the first verse a new Christian memorizes. So often we struggle with our "old life"  whether you were a terrible, horrible person or less "bad" that old life is gone when you are united with the Anointed One - Jesus Christ!!

Lots of Good things in this chapter. I like (and need) the reminder that we are God's ambassadors.

Be Blessed!

Monday, July 23, 2012

July 23, Day 205 - 2 Corinthians 4

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 4

So far 2 Corinthians doesn't seem to have the harsh overtones that we saw in 1 Corinthians. I like several of the verses in this chapter.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

I haven't come close to facing the hardships that Paul did, but God took care of him throughout his life He's going to take care of me in mine.

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day!  So good, so very, very good.

Be Blessed!
 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

July 22, Day 204 - Psalm 91

Click here to go to Psalm 91

This is a great Psalm to read when you are feeling afraid. There is so much encouragement here. I love the imaginary. Here are some of the verses from The Voice.

(1) He who takes refuge in the shelter of the Most High will be safe in the shadow of the Almighty.

(4) Like a bird  protecting its young God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.

(11) He will command His heavenly messengers to guard you to keep you safe in every way.

In light of what happened Thursday night in Colorado, many people are surely questioning is that verse really true.  I admit I struggle with some of the things that happen in this world. I hope and pray I never loose hope in the faithfulness of God.

Be Blessed!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

July 21, Day 203 - Psalm 90

Click here to go to Psalm 90

This Psalm brings a lot of emotion out in me. Verses 1 and 2 give such hope God has always been my home.

But thinking about some of the things Lane has shared in loosing her son, Sharon loosing her friend, we've all lost people close to use unexpectedly and verse 12 is so true.

The writer (believed to be Moses) ends the Psalm with
And may the Lord our God show us his approval
    and make our efforts successful.
    Yes, make our efforts successful!

When you think about the journey Moses made with the children of Israel I can only imagine how hard he prayed that.  Looking at the whole Psalm you can get an idea of how he must have felt as he lead those 40 years. 

Be blessed!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012

July 19, Day 201 - 2 Corinthians 2

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 2

Forgiving someone who has hurt the body of Christ. In my experience there haven't been many times when we've had people who "hurt" our church. Those who have caused problems in churches I've been out tend to leave.

I liked how he ends the chapter (OK I do know that Paul didn't end the chapter there but that was done many years later):
You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

I'm thankful for ministers who preach the word of God with sincerity... knowing that God is watching...

Be blessed!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

July 18, Day 200 - 2 Corinthians 1

Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 1

The power of prayer! In verses 8 through 11 we read of the troubles that faced Paul and his companions. They were expected to die yet they didn't. And Paul declares it was due to the prayers of those in Corinth.  It's a great reminder that it is important to pray for people. When someone comes to mind I try to stop and left them up to God. He knows what's happening even though I don't and probably won't know this side of heaven.

Be blessed!

Can you believe it!?!? We've made 200 days!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

July 17, Day 199 - 1 Corinthians 16

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 16

Paul ends this first letter to  the Corinthians with words of encouragement.  I find interesting his words regarding Timothy in verses 10 and 11:

10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

 I'm assuming it has to do with Timothy still being young.

I also like verse 13 and 14:  Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

Truly words that we should always live by.  

Be Blessed! 



Monday, July 16, 2012

July 16, Day 198 - 1 Corinthians 15

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 15

In high school I wrote songs, not sure why I don't anymore, but one of my favorites songs was based on 1 Corinthians 15 verses 51 - 58:

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)


I love the reminder that our labor is not in vain. I need that frequently. 


Be blessed!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

July 15, Day 197 - Proverbs 18

Click here to go to Proverbs 18

15 - Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.

20 - Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.

So many good tidbits.

Be blessed! 

Saturday, July 14, 2012

July 14, Day 196 Psalm 89

Click here to go to Psalm 89

This is an interesting Psalm in that it starts with the author declaring how he will sing of God's faithfulness. Moves on to talk about how God is faithful then ends with the author questioning God.  But I guess that is human nature, I've been there.  One moment I'm praising God and then the next I'm questioning where God is.  So like the author we have our ups and our downs, but one thing is certain, God is faithful!

Be blessed!

Friday, July 13, 2012

July 13, Day 195 - 1 Corinthians 14

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 14

One of my other hobbies is reading and I have a blog that I do author interviews and book reviews. One of the questions I always ask the authors is what person from the Bible (besides Jesus) would they like to meet and what question would they ask he or she.  I'm looking forward to talking to Paul.  And asking him more about this letter to Corinthians, so much I would love to understand better.

This chapteralong with chapter 12 bring a lot of division in the church in regards of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues.  I've been on both sides of the issues.  However, one charismatic pastor that I admire tremendously brought this perspective to the topic.  Too often we forget what chapter is in between these two chapters regarding the gifts of the Spirits, yep... the LOVE chapter.  When we keep the love in its proper place the other things will follow into place.

I do appreciate and agree with completely, everything needs to be done in order. 

Be blessed!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

July 12, Day 194 - 1 Corinthians 13

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 13

It all boils down to love.  We can do all kinds of great things but if we don't have love, it's pretty much worthless.

In high school one of the ministers that visited my church often had this card that she would give out and encourage people to read it each day. She adapted it from 1 Corinthians 13:


I am patient and kind. I am not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. I do not demand my own way. I am not irritable, and keep no record of being wronged.  I do not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. I never give up, never lose faith, am always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance.

Her rational was that God's love abides in us therefore we are those things, or should be.  Thoughts?

Be Blessed! 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

July 11, Day 193 - 1 Corinthians 12

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 12

This is another chapter that has created many controversies in the church. But rather than focus on the things that might create conflicts, I would prefer to remind us that like the human body the body of Christ is made up of many different parts.  And it's important that we not take for grant it or discount other parts of the Body of Christ.

I had never noticed before how chapter 12 ends: But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

Because tomorrow is the Love Chapter.

Be Blessed!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

July 10, Day 192 - 1 Corinthians 11

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 11

I don't want to sound like I'm throwing stones at the Corinthian church, because if it were for their missteps we would have nothing to learn from. 

This passage has brought a lot of controversy in the church and the issue of women in leadership and ministry. Everything I've learned Paul was speaking specifically at the Corinthian church not the church as a whole. Paul acknowledge women in ministry and for a lack of a better word gave them "kudos" for their work.

There's also the issue of the Lord's Supper which unlike my church was a full meal. Again the people of Corinth are looking out for their own needs before the needs of others. This morning in our Adult Bible Fellowship (AKA Sunday School for adults) our Pastor's wife, Lisa, was sharing about talking with other leaders this week who are doing church self-evaluations and they are seeing a similar thing. The people in their churches are more concerned about what's in it for me and forgetting the lost and dying world outside their doorsteps.  As Christians we already have the most important thing we could have, salvation. But as we talked we all felt the same thing, we get thrown at us daily the "you deserve it" mentality that it's in our churches as well.  I want to go to church and be fed the Word of God and encouraged in my walk, but it's bigger than that, people are dying every day without knowing Jesus. That should break my heart, but honestly, I don't always think about it. 

Paul's writing to a church in trouble, but am I really that different!?!?

Be Blessed

Monday, July 9, 2012

July 9, Day 191 - 1 Corinthians 10

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 10

Something that jumped out at me in this chapter is verses 12 and 13:
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

I need to keep looking for the way out that He gives me.  I'm sure not seeing it most days.  

I like the way this passage ends as well: I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

Especially the part "I do what is best for others so that many may be saved."

Be blessed!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

July 8, Day 190 - Proverbs 17

Click here to go to Proverbs 17

A couple of the Proverbs that jumped out at me today were verse 1, especially after reading Psalm 84 yesterday.

But then verse 22:
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.


And verse 28:
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.


Lots of words of wisdom... which ones did you enjoy?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

July 7, Day 189 - Psalm 84

Click here to go to Psalm 84

Another Psalm rich with imagery of God and our response to Him.

From the Voice verse 2:
How I log to be there - my soul is spent, wanting, waiting to walk in the courts of the Eternal.
My whole being sings joyfully to the living God.

Verse 5:
Blessed are those who make You their strength, for they treasure every step of the journey [to Zion].
Verse 7:
They journey from place to place, gaining strength along the way.

Sometimes we want to stop, but here the Psalmist reminds us we can gain strength along the journey. In previous verses (4) we are reminded that those who make God's house their home he lives with us.

Such encouragement for me in this chapter.

I'm on work/vacation trip next week.  I hope to get all the ones done and scheduled to post.
Blessings all!

Friday, July 6, 2012

July 6, Day 188 - 1 Corinthians 9

Sorry Not Sure why this didn't post!

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 9

I really feel like I need to do a background study on the church of Corinth. I think if I did I would understand all the better what  Paul is trying to get through to them.  But one thing that always jumps out at me is the end of the chapter (24-27) How we need to run the race to win and how important discipline is to this race.  I'm grateful I listed to that small still voice that told me to start the Bible 360 project. It's been a good discipline for me and thanks to you guys you keep me going.  Thank you for sticking with me and when you can't be here you catch up and comment. I do appreciate that, it's a huge encouragement to me.

So let's continue to run this race to win!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

July 5, Day 187 - 1 Corinthians 8

Click here to read 1 Corinthians 8

This is an interesting chapter in that we don't think much about food being offered to idols. So how do we apply it to our lives today?

In the denomination I attend, they maintain a strong stance against drinking alcohol. We tend to use this passage in reference to drinking. I like verses 8 and 9 and especially 9.  We need to make sure our actions (whether eating, drinking or ??) don't cause others to stumble. 

It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do. But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.

Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

July 4, Day 186 - 1 Corinthians 7

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 7

My favorite verse in this chapter is verse 16.  It has a special meaning for me because I saw it played out in a friends life.  She faithful to her husband but continued going to church through the years, and her husband eventually became a Christian.  It is always great to see God's promises come true in such a great way.

Have a blessed 4h of July!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

July 3, Day 185 - 1 Corinthians 6

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 6

Paul again address serious issues within the Corinthian church.

The thing that jumps at me right now is in verses 12 through 14:
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.

Not everything is good for you.  Ain't that the truth!  I must not become a slave to anything.  I won't go into all the details here, but this passage really hits home.  

Thankfully we have the promise that God will raise us from the dead by his power.  Thank you Lord!

Monday, July 2, 2012

July 2, Day 184 - 1 Corinthians 5

Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 5

Paul speaks strongly to the sin of a man within their church. And the fact that like a little yeast, a little sin can hurt the church.  It is also important that Paul speaks to the fact the God will judge unbelievers but those within the church should judge those that are believers that are sinning.  How often does that happen today?  Probably not as often as it should... but it's tough stuff... 

Have any of you seen this in action?

Sunday, July 1, 2012

July 1, Day 183 - Psalm 81

Click here to go to Psalm 81

Well, we are half way through the year!!!!  It feels good!

This Psalm starts out with praise but soon turns to warnings to Israel for their failure to honor God. If you've studied the Old Testament at all you know that there was a pattern of the Israelites serving God faithfully, turning their backs on God, turning back to God...  Not unlike us today.

Have a blessed Sunday!