QT 28 Sep 18, 1 Cor 4:9, God's "greats" are men of humility

1 Corinthians 4:9 (ESV) — For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

NOTE: What a contrast! The pride of the Corinthians and the humility of the Apostles. God will exalt the humble and will bring down the proud. Who do you want to mimic, the apostles or the carnal Christians exhibited by many of the Corinthians? When we stop and calmly consider our behavior, we--well I realize how ugly my pride really is. It is sad to think that I need to build myself up. I don't. Because, what does it really matter? Is my goal to please others (really myself) or do I seek to please God?

PRAYER: Lord, I want to please you. I don't want to build myself up in the front of others. I want to be a humble servant.

QT 27 Sep 18, 1 Cor 4:7, God will do what he needs to do

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) — For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

NOTE: I have been immeasurably blessed by God. I am where I never could have guessed I could be. I'm doing things I would not have thought possible. My life is multiplied into many others. And when I think back to the person I was before Christ, I know for a fact, that person could not have come this far. It was God who changed me and blessed me. That is who I am. And that is who I will be in the future. I don't know what the future holds. But I do know, I must serve God and not jockey for position and influence. I need to put all that behind. I just need to serve. It is not the wisdom that the world would argue for me, but it is what God wants me to do.

PRAYER: Father, I'm excited to wait upon you. I'm excited to serve. Protect me from myself. Give me grace to live as you command me to live.

QT 25 Sep 18, 1 Cor 3:3, Being satisfied with life

1 Corinthians 3:3 (ESV) — 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

NOTE: I do struggle with jealousy and strife, and it is related to my pride. It is no so much in the spiritual world as it is in the physical, temporal world. I would like to blame it on a sense of justice or on what I perceive as "playing favorites." Certainly those things exist in this fallen world. But what does it matter? Well, it matters if this is all that life holds, which I know is not true. God will restore this earth as he had originally intended. My problem is my pride. I need to let go of the things that I do not have and enjoy all that God has given me. It should be enough.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for always wanting more. Forgive me for not being satisfied. Forgive me for esteeming myself higher than I ought. Forgive me for my ugly pride.

QT 24 Sep 18, 1 Cor 2:6-8, As a nation, we have become fools

1 Corinthians 2:6–8 (ESV) — 6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

NOTE: So is Paul advocating a certain kind of Gnosticism? No. What he is saying is that some things are hidden from the world, but not from believers. There are two things they cannot comprehend. One, that Jesus was God. And two, that God the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, as a result of Jesus' death for our sin.  If the world had understood that, they would not have crucified the Lord. If the world knew the gift of salvation, they would not spurn the offer. No, Paul says they are doomed because they think they are too wise, that the wisdom of the world has made belief in God spurious and unnecessary. And God has chosen to reveal this "secret" to the despised, the deplorables. Someday the world hopes to rid itself of this error of evolution -- believers in the Lord Jesus. And God will actually give them what they hope for, as he often does to teach us a lesson. And the world will find that once again they were wrong. Again and again, their wisdom is wrong.

PRAYER: Father, I pray for my nation. It is certainly deserving of every judgment that can befall it. We have sinned against you in every manner possible. We seemed to be beyond rational thought and yet we try to argue that we are rational. Open our eyes to our idiocy. Have mercy on a foolish and stupid people once more.

QT 23 Sep 18, 1 Cor 1:29-31, God is against the proud

1 Corinthians 1:29–31 (ESV) — 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

NOTE: Over and over again, it is clear, God hates pride. He hates boasting. And he is choosing to save those who do not boast about themselves. We all struggle with pride. If humility was a requirement, no one would be saved. But there are people, whose narcissistic pride oozes out of their life. They are also the ones who defy God to prove them wrong, as if somehow their thinking ability can even be measured with God's. The smartest of us would not even register on God's scale. I think we might realize that, so the easier thing is to deny his existence. But what does that do? Denying God or denying what is true, is a foolish exercise.

PRAYER: Father, protect me from my pride. Continue to give me opportunities to see my foolishness. I do not need to tell of my accomplishments. It is not important. I just need to serve others.

QT 20 Sep 18, 1 Cor 1:21, God hates pride; God works against the proud

1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV) — For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

NOTE: God specifically addresses a class of people we would call the proud and arrogant. These are the people who think they have discovered all the answers. I think Job showed signs of entering this class of "elites," but repented of it after being questioned by God. I think the reason God hates pride so much is that it is the sin that partially destroyed the angelic kingdom. And, it is probably what drives Satan today -- this feeling that he is superior to God in some way and that he knows how to win this battle. In the end, God will disprove the wisdom of the world. I feel for all the people who are led astray by their wisdom. Our intellect is so small as compared to God. We are so foolish.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me again for my pride. Help me to see it today. Help me to let go of it. Help me to give others their place and not worry about my place.

QT 18 Sep 18, 1 Cor 1:10-11, A significant cause of quarrels: pride

1 Corinthians 1:10–11 (ESV) — 10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.

NOTE: So, problem number one in this church is that there are divisions and quarreling. I imagine that some of it is pride and then related to that is power. If a person is more knowledgeable or has a better pedigree, they want to be treated differently or have their opinion accepted by virtue of their standing. Frankly, pride is always ugly. I certainly know that because it is one sin that very easily entangles me again and again. Why? Ultimately it is our sin nature. But I think it is my seriousness or lack of seriousness to the issue. It seems that pride is an acceptable sin in many circles, at least to the point of where it becomes obnoxious.

PRAYER: Father forgive me for my sin of pride. Today, help me to see where I subtly let myself fall into the trap of trying to get people to think good of me.

QT 17 Sep 18, 1 Cor 1:4-8, Even in failure, there is good to bring rejoicing

1 Corinthians 1:4–8 (ESV) — 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: For a church that is about to be raked over the coals, Paul is exceedingly gracious in his words and prayer. They are enriched (in every way) in speech and knowledge. They don't lack any gift. They are guiltless because of their faith in Jesus. And yet, this is a church with a lot of worldly problems. They are certainly not to be emulated in their actions or lifestyle. There is jealousy, sexual sin, abuse of the spiritual gifts, to name a few. I think every church has those problems and unfortunately it is almost expected. I'm not suggesting that it is okay, but I am saying that it is normal. We live in a fallen world. We have sin-marred bodies. The world is not as God intended. I think we need to get off of our high and holy horse now and then, and recognized that God still loves this mess we call the church. We can do better. Paul's letter (one of three to this church) suggests as much. But Paul is thankful for them. We can learn to be more thankful.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my critical spirit. I have been very critical of the church over the years. I treat your bride as a hindrance and a pain at times. I want to see transformation and growth and I am frustrated when I don't see it. Yet, I can do better. Give me a thankful heart. Help me to see what you see that is good. Forgive me for my sin.

QT 16 Sep 18, Acts 10:38, What are we here doing?

Acts 10:38 (ESV) — … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

NOTE: It seems like such an insignificant comment about Jesus, but it really captures the purpose of any believer's life is the sentence, "He went about doing good …." I think that would be a nice epitaph for just about anyone. That would mean that you were not remembered for: causing strife, angering people, spoiling people's job, breaking down their accomplishments, using hurtful names, talking behind another's back, ridiculing another's beliefs, and many other things. Of course, one might reply that sometimes we must do those things when another person is in error. Jesus chose two paths in that regard. In one case he gently instructed people with error. He used questions to draw out another's thinking. He was compassionate on the lost and struggling. He also dealt harshly with some, but that was always individuals with authority who were propagated things that were untrue, not those who had an error to themselves.

PRAYER: It is so easy to use the things you have given us for the wrong reasons. Help us to be gentle in our words and our interactions. May others remember us as individuals 'who went about doing good.'

QT 13 Sep 18, Ex 34:2, We need to meet with God before we do anything (in the morning)

Exodus 34:2 (ESV) — 2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.

NOTE: In context, the verse is a very specific command from God to Moses and it specifically concerned the ten commandments. Still, the morning is a great time to come before the Lord and be recharged. Before the day has torn us day or taken away our witness, we need to meet and be refreshed by God. It is better than breakfast. It is more important than breakfast. It is more useful than breakfast. It is more life changing than breakfast. It is essential.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for these years of getting together in the morning. Thank you for the encouragement. Thank you for the word that specifically relates to the day. Thank you for revealing yourself to me.

QT 10 Sep 18, Ps 138: 7-8, God holds my future in his hands (and that is good news)

Psalm 138:7–8 (ESV) —

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

NOTE: As I wrote earlier, I willingly wait. I wait because I know that God will fulfill his purpose for my life. I don't know the paths that may take. I don't know what each year holds. I don't know what my secular job will be. I don't know the people whose path I will cross. I don't know the people I will minister, teach, and comfort. I do know that the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.

PRAYER: Father, I await word on my next venture. You know it. I wait to hear of it. You will do what you desire for my life and for your glory. Have mercy on me a sinner. May I glorify you in all I do and say.

QT 6 Sep 18, Heb 1:11, Growing old

Hebrews 1:11 (ESV) —

11 they will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment,

NOTE: Someday, everything in life will seem harder and more difficult. Already, I can't play sports like I used to. I can't climb things like I used to. I can't even fall nicely like I used to. My energy is less than it used to be. I am getting old and my body is wearing down. But three things to note. One, God does not grow old. Two, my body will be resurrected to a glorious state someday. Three, my relationship with the savior does not have to grow old. It can be just as living and active and viral as the day I placed my faith in Jesus. And actually, it is better today than it ever has been. I know the savior so much better. I see him working so much more clearly. I understand him and his word in a way I never did before. And for all things I can't do or soon won't able to do, knowing God will not be one of those things, it will only get better with time.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for saving me and opening my eyes to truth. Thank you for your love and for speaking to me through the word and your spirit. I pray I would not harden my heart to your still small voice.

QT 5 Sep 18, Isa 30:18, When waiting becomes the joy

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV) —

18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,

and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.

For the Lord is a God of justice;

blessed are all those who wait for him.

“And Patience was willing to wait.”—Pilgrim’s Progress.

NOTE: God waits for me to learn to wait. I suppose it must be even more frustrating for God. I think I am the one having a hard time waiting. I would hate to be the one waiting on me to learn a lesson. Maybe my problem is what Patience learned to do. I need to be willing to wait. Rather than see it as an obstacle I must change my attitude -- why can't I be willing and excited to wait upon God, knowing that God's graciousness is near. That will be my goal, to change my attitude about waiting. God wants me to wait and I am willing to wait for his best and not my best. It is better anyway.

PRAYER: Father, remind today of the excitement of waiting. I want to change my attitude. I want to see waiting as much a reward as the thing I think I am waiting for. Father, change me.

QT 4 Sep 18, Dan 9:8-9, We are heading to our destruction

Daniel 9:8–9 (ESV) — 8 To us, O Lord, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him

NOTE: If this was Daniel's heartfelt concern 2600 years ago, I cannot imagine how he would feel today. We have rebelled in almost every degree and direction. We have a fake morality which is only concerned for others when it concerns us. We don't care what others might want, only what we want. We don't want discourse, we want to scream and claw and fight until we get what we want. We are worse than children. At least children were spanked for their misdeeds in society. Our (the world's) father is Satan and he encourages it. He is only interested in fostering the rebellion against God that started in the garden. He has dulled our brains and our morality. He has changed our focus to what feels good and to emotional arguments. We have stopped thinking. We are a stupid and digressing people. We are desperately in need of a savior, and we are convinced that we don't need a savior. We believe we can save ourselves.

PRAYER: Father forgive us for the deep sin we have committed. We ought to feel shame but we are so blinded by our sin and so hardened in our heart that we refuse to see our shame. Please, have mercy on us. Pour down your Holy Spirit and let us see real good again. Let us catch a glimpse of you again. Save us. We are destroying ourselves.