Day 65: 1 Corinthians 15 "The Resurrection of the Dead"

I love this logic. It's like trying to listen to a theologian or something.

If there is no resurrection of the dead, Christ has not been raised, and all preaching and faith is useless, as we are still living in our sins.
We are also false witnesses of God, testifying that Christ has been raised. 

BUT, Christ has been raised!  Adam brought death, Jesus conquered death.

And everything will be put under his feet.  Well, except for God, who put everything under Jesus' feet.  Jesus submits to God and God is all in all.

Day 64: 1 Corinthians 15 "The Resurrection of Christ"

We have taken our stand on the gospel.  If we do not, we believe in vain.

The gospel: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve, After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of who are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."

First: Christ died
Second: He was buried
Third: He was raised
Fourth: He appeared to a lot of people

BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I AM!
not by my works, but only by Him can I be who I am.  can I get where I need to go.  Only by His grace.  And as a result,
I WORKED HARDER THAN ALL OF THEM
and to remind everyone it's not me,
YET NOT I, BUT THE GRACE OF GOD THAT WAS WITH ME

<3

Day 63: 1 Corinthians 14 "Orderly Worship"

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.  For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.

Interestingly enough, it says that women are to stay silent.  If they have something to say, they should ask at home.  why?  cause women talk too much? (yes I do as well) cause women were the first to fall?  cause women are made of man?  why?

Also, I love how it is not one person teaching.  We should learn from EACH OTHER.  And if one has a revelation, we should listen to that person.  There is no "rabbi" anymore. Well, there's Jesus, but I'm talking about the church we are in now...that doesn't make sense.  Hmmmm...no one person within the church to change our lives to become exactly alike.  Only Jesus.

Yup.  God loves order.  Just imagine the order He put into our DNA, our genes, genome, chromosomes, cells, body, community, world, and universe.  The complexity and order of it all.  Amazing.  Truly truly amazing.  I seriously can't believe that scientists can think that there is no God.  how? 

Day 62: 1 Corinthians 14 "Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues"

Gifts again :)
God, you're awesome.


Okay...let's look at this...prophesying vs. speaking in tongues.  it is better to make a prophecy than to speak in tongues because it helps the church while speaking in tongues is confusing and not helpful at all.  makes sense.

"For this reason, anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says."

then there is something about the spirit and the mind. and how both need to be fruitful. ohhhh is it something along the lines that if you are really worshiping, singing, speaking out of the spirit, how can you not know through your mind?  but then how does the Holy Spirit "work" through you and some people claim they had no idea what they were saying?

"Brothers, stop thinking like children.  In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."

This was brought up to me lately and it's been on my mind.  We are to be like children to enter the kingdom of God: humble.  However, we are to think like adults.  Reasoning, thinking, obeying as adults.

Unbelievers.  OHHHHH tongues show unbelievers God's power.  prophecy shows BELIEVERS God's way.  so everyone has different gifts, to cover all the bases.  I think...
cause then the last verses goes "if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand come sin while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare.  So he will fall down and worship god, exclaiming, "God is really among you!""  So does that mean it's still better to prophesy? hmmm

Day 61: 1 Corinthians 13 "Love"

If I have everything but not love, I am nothing.

Love.  the focus of my life this year.  to love others and how to do so.

LOVE:
Patient: answer nicely to my brother, don't be annoyed at him, don't lose my temper
Kind: to my brother play with him, give him the attention he longs for
Does not Envy: don't want what others have; God has so much more for me
Does not Boast: watch yourself, especially as you are graduating
Is not Proud: watch yourself, marks and such (ATTITUDE)
Is not Rude: answer when spoken to (emails too)
Is not Self-seeking: my plans are not for me but for God (and others)
Not easily Angered: don't lose my temper, especially with my brother and when I'm trying to get something done
Keeps no record of Wrongs: forgive and forget (forget as in don't bring it up again to harp)
Does not delight in Evil, but Rejoices with the Truth: oh. open my heart.  don't hide the darkness.  I really need help on this one...
Always Protects: instinct tells me this too.
Always Trusts: my trust does not waver.
Always Hopes: my hope is in God
Always Perseveres: I will not give up on this faith.  EVER.
Never Fails: thats God.  God never fails.

When I was a child, I reasoned, thought, acted like a child.  Now I am a man. [woman].  I will reason, think and act like one.

faith, hope and love.  but the greatest is love.

Day 60: 1 Corinthians 12 "One Body, Many Parts"

God is really trying to tell me something here.  You see, it has been brought up over and over in my life this past little while about who am I? What does God want me to do?  What is His plans for me?  What plans should I make for my future?  (grad time :P)

And this keeps coming up: spiritual gifts, differences in the body (as in not everyone will be doing the same thing), His direction through opportunities, skills, interests.

If the entire body were an eye, where would the sense of smell be?  If everyone was a doctor, where are those who teach?  where are those who write? entertain?  Now to find out what God wants me to be. 

And just thinking about the body itself, (even though it is a metaphor, chew on this a bit) think about how complex the body is.  I'm currently studying about DNA and protein synthesis.  The detail of each gene, which goes down to codons, separated into nucleotides, nitrogenous bases.  Just imagine, God says that He placed each of the body parts where He wanted it so it would work.  Well that would be coding it all just in the right way so it would work.  We can barely decipher what He has made, let alone try making something of the like.  So He has a place for me. Somewhere that nothing else can work.  He will shape me and form me (like a protein) and I'll only be able to work in His body in the shape He makes me to be.  My part?  Don't withhold the nucleotides and make mutations.  Don't go against His perfect plan. 

So, still, thats the passage, but what does this mean for me realistically?  I believe I know.  You've seen my interest.  You've heard my concerns.  You've seen my faith.  That is where I'm going.  If I'm thinking wrong, I pray God stops me.  NOW. PLEASE.

Day 59: 1 Corinthians 11-12 " The Lord's Supper" "Spiritual Gifts"

Sorry I missed yesterday.  I kinda fell asleep after dinner and didn't wake up until the next morning.  I did read the passage in the morning though (not that thats any excuse...)

"The Lord's Supper"

Remember, remember, remember what Jesus has done for us.  Remember the extent of his pain.  Remember the extent of his love.  And if anyone eats this drink and eats this bread in an unworthy manner is guilty of sinning.  SO examine yourself first.  Take care of your sins and your attitude before you come before God.  This is important.  A reminder but a solemn and meaningful one nonetheless. 

"Spiritual Gifts"

I love God's timing.  I read this passage after we had our first Grad Trans class and basically just after all the questions were raised: what am I going to be doing in the future? what does God want me to do in the future?  what are my gifts? talents?

And here's what the Bible says about spiritual gifts.  It all comes from the Spirit.  And there are different manifestations of the Spirit.  Not everyone is to do the same thing, we're all different.  It goes on to talk about healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues.  Then I asked myself this: what is my spiritual gifts?

Well the answer God gave me was: well, what have you done?  (your actions generally reflect who you are, your gifts, interests, etc...) I went, kids, I love them.  I love the teach them, take care of them.  Relationships.  I love to build them and encourage others.  Then came the one thing I get from everyone, in my heart jar, on my encouragement notes, I'm cheerful, joyful.  I can spread joy and happiness because I have it from God. 

Yup.  Thank you sooo very much God.  Thank you.

Day 58: 1 Corinthians 11 "Propriety in Worship"

Always found this to be a very interesting passage.

The idea that woman have to cover their head while praying or prophesying while men are not supposed to. 

Here's what I think of the ideas:
1) I agree that men are made in the glory of God and that woman are made in the glory of man.  however it also says that all things come from God.  Even though woman came from man and man was born of woman.
2) It says "because of the angles, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head." Really?  I give in that we have authority over us.  But really???
3) I like this part: "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?"  This part kinda leaves it for people to choose themselves but then the next verses kinda suggests otherwise.  They talk about what is proper, men are not supposed to have long hair and women do for a crown of glory on their head. 

So what's the conclusion?  Ummmm....?  For now I'm continuing what I've been doing: not covering my head when I pray.  But it is something to think about woman's place on earth.

Day 57: 1 Corinthians 10 "The Believer's Freedom"

We are free.  There is no debating that.

Everything is allowed but not everything is good for you.

If I said eat as much candy as you want.  It's all for you, but it's your choice to eat it or not.  It's not good for you.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. 
Do it for Him.  The focus.  EVERYTHING is about Him.  Not about us. But about him.


"It's all about You, Jesus
And all this is for You
For Your glory and Your fame
It's not about me
As if You should do things my way
You alone are God
And I surrender to your ways"
Jesus Lover of my Soul

Day 56: 1 Corinthians 10 "Warnings from Israel's History" "Idol Feasts and the Lord's Supper"

Sorry again for missing a day.  I did read it on time (which is better than before), I just didn't post.  sorrrry

"Warnings from Israel's History"

The Israelites sinned as examples for us not to sin.  They received the consequences in hopes that we will not have to. 

Just saying, this section also have my favorite verse:
"No temptation has ever seized you except for what is common to man.  And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Learned it in baptismal class, have never forgotten it since.  It's a really good reminder when I get tempted.  Really good.

"Idol Feasts and the Lord's Supper"

Just slightly confused...
do not arouse God's jealously.  we are not stronger than Him.
sacrifices offered to idols are offered to demons.
you cannot partake both of God and demons (sounds like you cannot serve both God and money)
and we are one body in Christ.  ONE.

Day 55: 1 Corinthians 8+9 "Food Sacrificed to Idols" "The Rights of an Apostle"

I would like to make an excuse as to why I haven't posted for 4 days (5 if you consider after midnight another day, though I take it by the "days" I'm awake and asleep).  But that doesn't help anything so I'll just tell you the facts.

For Monday to Wednesday I was gone on a retreat.  Therefore I had asked my bffaeaeae to take over for a few days.  But, I did keep up the devos.  However, I found wi-fi at my retreat so I should have continued posting, or at the very least comment on what my bff had posted.  But I didn't check at all. 

So I came back on Wednesday and found that nothing had been posted.  Then got too lazy to post Wednesday night and Thursday night.  Laziness will be the death of my spiritual life.  It's like I'm too lazy to talk to the boy I like.  I'm killing myself here.  SO WHY DO I DO IT?!?!?!?!? no logical sense and yet it happens....I'm not logical?

Anyways.  On to the actual passage:
"Food Sacrificed to Idols"
Main Point: Don't restrain yourself from eating food offered to idols because it is now "unholy" (since it was offered to idols) (as what you eat does not bring you closer or farther away from God) BUT because it can cause the fall of others from their faith when they see you eating something "unholy".  For their sake.  Not Yours.

"The Rights of an Apostle"
the right: to harvest what they have sown (aka the support and belief of the believers)
slave to everyone to win as many as possible
"(though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law)"
"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
It takes hard work.  Discipline.  It's not easy.

Day 54: 1 Corinthians 4-5 "Apostles of Christ" "Expel the Immoral Brother!"

I did it again... missed a day.  If I do this, I should be doing it ahead, not behind...

By the way, Vivi will be taking over for the next three days as I have no access to internet :)

(I HAVE MY BIBLE WITH ME THOUGH!!)

"Apostles of Christ"

"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts.  At that time each will receive his praise from God."
Just picture it: a light shinning into our hearts, either revealing monsters, darkness, fear, shame or a clean home, loving, warm and cozy.  It also brings up a really good point of judging.  We are not to judge because we are imperfect.  God is perfect and therefore will judge everyone not fair in our sense, but just.  To expand, it's like we think that two kids should have the same amount of play time, that is fair.  But God may say that one child has been given more by Him and therefore needs to produce/do more.  God is entirely just.  We are stupid...actually thats a bad way of saying it.  We make mistakes.

"What do you prefer? Shall I com to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?"
 See the answer to these questions can be quite interesting.  If you think about it, the first inclination is to say in love and with a gentle spirit.  But then let me ask you: "Which one will make you change faster?"  One is encouraging, the other punishing.  Learn to learn through love.  Learn to teach through love.  IT'S SO HARD.
(but entirely worth it)

"Expel the Immoral Brother!"

1) Hand this man over to Satan:  This is not so the man can be punished for eternity but the verse follows up with the exact opposite.  "so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his SPIRIT SAVED on the day of the Lord."  Not only is God trying to protect His people from further sin, but He is also trying to save each and every lost sheep. Wow....

2) DO NOT ASSOCIATE with sexually immoral people THAT CALL THEMSELVES BROTHERS:  Do you see that condition? "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?"  We only distance ourselves from those who say they are following Christ but their actions say the exact opposite.  Now that this is clear, how about if there is a brother that is struggling with a sin?  Struggling with sexual immorality?  If that person has gone out, committed the sin, but acknowledges the sin, repents and asks for forgiveness?  The sinner is forgiven, but what if the sinner commits it again? and again and again?  and sincerely repents and asks for forgiveness each and every time?  Where does it end? Thorn in the side.

Day 53: 2 Corinthians 3 "On Divisions in the Church"

For some reason, this title seems really similar...OHHH "Divisions in the Church" was in chapter 1!!

ONLY GOD WHO MAKES THINGS GROW.  ONLY HE IS OF ANY WORTH TO BELIEVE IN.

extended metaphor within the new testament: God's disciples are his workers, the people we invest in His field, seeds the Word

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Jesus built the foundation others are building on top of it.  Just imagine what happens if we join the project.

God's temple = you.  Do not destroy for it is scared.

You are of Christ and Christ is of God.

Day 52: 1 Corinthians 2 "Wisdom from the Spirit"

So we don't know things, like how things were made and being able to instruct others.  But through God's spirit (just like we have a spirit and it is us, also a way to explain the Trinity), we can know God's mind ("we have the mind of Christ") and instruct others.

So are we not judged the same as others because we have God's mind?  Or are we judged even harsher because we know, and therefore should follow?

The Spirit is extremely important.  It is the searcher, speaker, giver, teacher.  But what does it mean to us???

Day 51: 1 Corinthians 1 "Christ the Wisdom and Power of God"

"Where is the wise man?  Where is the scholar?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

Totally reminds me of the verse that goes the first will be last and the last first.  the proud will be humbled and the humbled exalted.  We really see things the wrong way in our lives.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth." 

The interesting thing that I just noticed typing this part out is that he says NOT MANY.  In other words, there are people called that are wise, influential and of noble birth.  Really makes me see that God is not discriminatory in any way.  But getting to the point, he is stressing that we're not special in the world's eyes but we are in God's eyes.  Not only that, but God equips the called not calls the equipped.  If we rely on God, life will be the way he planned for us, with joy and peace.  He has the keys to my car and is sitting in the driving seat!

Day 50: 1 Corinthians 1 "Divisions in the Church"

I have two points and only two points.

Unity.  Paul wants unity in the church.  It reminds me of star trek voyager and the borg.  The borg got it right to have unity within so many people as the "collective" but they got it wrong when they lost their uniqueness.  Being united does not mean having to be the same as shown by the borg colony on a M class planet disconnected from the collective.  This colony survived because they wanted to be united as one through thought but remain different according to who they were.  In the same way, the church is made up of all different kinds of people.  Some are eyes, some are bodies and so forth, but we all make up one unit: the body.  Wow...sound so nerdy there....but it's so true.  Have you ever seen how God's principles show up again and again in science?  Who says faith and science don't go together?

Humility. Paul knew his place just like John the Baptist did.  It was not a matter of recognition for Paul.  He knew he was sent to preach the gospel.  He was not there to become king; he was not there to become a teacher of the law; he was not there to baptize.  He was there to preach the gospel and that is what he did.  He did what God wanted to do.  It was not an easy path, but he did it anyways.  It was full of thorns, full of difficulties and such, but he did it anyways.

Day 49: 1 Corinthians 1 "Thanksgiving"

To be utterly truthful, I'm thinking my own thoughts while I read this. 

So I'm going to read it again.

thank God for you.  thank Him for all the blessings He has given.  We call on Jesus Christ, the Lord is OURS.  you do not lack any spiritual gift.

He will keep you strong to the end.
He will keep you strong to the end.

He will keep me strong to the end.

Day 48: 2 Corinthians 13 "Final Warnings" "Final Greetings"

Sorry Vivi, I know we had agreed to start at 1 Corinthians again, but it's the last chapter and I really want to finish it.

God please calm my heart before I read this.  The final part.

It's so sad and encouraging at the same time.  The final good-bye

Watch yourselves, examine yourselves so see whether you are in faith.  Look inside of you. 

We are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
I'm so weak and have so many faults.  but by God's power i will live with him, with him holding my hand the entire time to serve others. 

Finally, brothers, good-bye.  Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Day 47: 2 Corinthians 12 "Paul's Concern for the Corinthians"

I thoroughly enjoy the metaphor that children do not save up to spend on their parents because they have to.  The proper way of things is for the parents to save and spend what they have on their children because they love them.  If a child does not spend on their parent, the parent will not stop loving them, if a child DOES spend on their parent, it just makes them love them all the more.

In the same way, Paul gave his all to those who were younger christians than him.

It's also interesting that at the end he talks about how he will be humbled as well as the Corinthians.  He's not saying that he's perfect, rather far from it.  Yet he still loves them so much and wants to teach as much as he can.  We don't need to be perfect to help others.  We need to be humble.  Humble...

Day 46: 2 Corinthians 12 "Paul's Vision and His Thorn"

"To keep me from becoming CONCEITED because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a THORN in my flesh, a messenger of SATAN, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."

These verses run through my head over and over again.  For me, there are many things I succeed at that are easy to see and measure (aka academics).  Then there are the things that bother me over and over again, never ending.  The thorn in my side.  I ask God to take it away from me, again and again, but He says "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  I'm weak so that His glory may be shown.  So I rejoice in my weakness.  As much as it hurts.

Day 45: 2 Corinthians 11 "Paul Boasts About His Sufferings"

Practical.  It seems like such a practical and real passage compared to some of the parts of the Bible about stories in far away lands or prophecies that make little sense.

Paul is boasting about how much he has suffered.  You've been in prison once?  Well he has been more.  You've been spanked once?  Well he has been flogged MANY TIMES.

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

I boast in my failures.  Because in them, God's glory is shown.  In them, it shows that God has kept me going, sane and alive.  In them, I have grown closer and stronger in God.  That is what I boast in.

Day 44: 2 Corinthians 11 "Paul and the false Apostles"

Satan masquerades as an angel of light.  scary.

I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge.  We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

godly boast

Day 43: 2 Corinthians 10 "Paul's defense of his ministry"

My heart is not listening.

I can't hear.

My heart is yearing so much for God.

But it's in chaos.

help.   God please bring me peace!  please!

Day 42: 2 Corinthians 9 "Sowing Generously"

What we sow (give, put our time into, invest in) will be what we get.  If it is a little, we will get a little, if a lot, we will get a lot.

Generously: give with all your heart.  If you cannot do so, DO NOT GIVE.  I guess I would be a really bad person to ask to ask for money/offering/etc...  I will never push for a certain goal of money.  What I will ask for is what people are willing to give.  The thing is, there are so many strategies out there about how to get people to give more generously, like having an open collection basket so people can see how much you put in.  I would never make people do that.  I'm almost tempted to say I would rather make it harder for people to give so that it's those who God has put into their hearts to give will give.

And yet I look at myself and what I have given.  I have not to put it simply.  At least not in the way of finances.  I feel so tightfisted.  Time to change that.  Really.  Starting tomorrow (church), you'll find out tomorrow in my post whether I have followed God's command.

Day 41: 2 Corinthians 8 "Titus sent to Corinth"

I can feel the holy spirit in me, speaking to me.y heart is open to receive his commands and words but I always pray that this opem Jett will only receive the holy spirit, not the devil.

I love how the spirit uses these words to tell me something different but with the same message. the scripture is telling me about how believers went out o various churches to help them grow and grow the minsitry. it ends with a gift and giving generously, but that is not what my heart wants to focus on.

it is the message of going out to share one's zeal and experiences that really stuck out to me. I myself have gotten the call to say I will go (btw, that song is awesome). I will go, lord send me, to the world, to the lost, to the poor and hungry. take everything I am, ... I will go, I will go, send me.
I've always been extremely comfortable in my church, ecbc. I know the people there, I know how the church is run. I grew up there so I've seen it change, grow, go through difficulties and joys. I've always enivisioned staying in this community where I am comfortable but I think and feel I am to do what Titus and all the other zealous believers did: go out and serve others with what God has given me. it'll be uncomfortable and I'll long for my home church, but I feel God is calling me to do so.
I also know somehow that this is not to happen yet. why, I'm not sure, though I could always speculate, but I do know God will prepare me for that time. he equips the called not calls the equipped. therefore input my trust in him. there is so much life to live for him.

I love God with all my heart. I hate not having him with me, I cannot bear the silences when we do not talk, and I read with letters to me with love swelling in my heart. he never fails to provoke a reaction in my heart and I cannot imagine life without him. my first love.

Day 40: "Generosity Encouraged"

there are two points that I really enjoyed here.

the first one is the point that Paul encourages, not commands people to give. it is not something that is required, but rather something done out if love. he encourages people to be willing to give and then actually do it. words don't mean anything.

the second point is how it is all about God. giving is about God. the willingness, all of Paul's encourgaements, it is all about God. we do not give because it looks good, or we want the approval of man. we don't give according to how much man tells us to give, but we give according to what God wants. that may be hard to figure out sometimes, but if you really search for him, you'll find him. that's a promise.

day 39: 2 Corinthians 7 "Paul's joy"

I read to fast and didn't understand it. I feel so bad for beig impatient and not reading God's word carefully but I also want to get it down as soon as possible. lane me. ba me. no reverence to God. and yet I still do it...

Day 38: 2 Corinthians 6 "Paul's hardships" "Do not be yoked with unbelievers"

missed a day. I'm slipping. badddddd

"Paul's hardships"

this list is one to keep in your heart. all these sufferings should be taken with gladness not despair because we are servants of God. so many good and bad things. this is what is promised to us as workers of God. I love how it is summed up: having nothing and yet possessing everything. we have nothing of what the world wants but we have everything in God.

it's wonderful isnt it? that their hearts are wide open and are encouraging others to do so as well. it's interesting because at my youth leadership team meeting the other day, the main point that was brought up was to open ourselves, make ourselves vulnerable to make othe welcome and show them our faith. how can we connect with others and expect them to be open when we ourselves are not?
on the same note, I've been able to open my heart so much more to people because of a certain someone. he has continually encouraged me not to hide my heart and as a result, I've been able to be so much more truthful about so many things. it makes me feel so much more free. that and it's been easier to talk to people because I don't have to think about what they want me to say/be like but rather who I really am.

"do not be yoked with unbelievers"
put in straightforward words. do not be yoked with unbelievers. and Paul gves the reason too, basically ending with the fact that God and idolatry can never be together. one will win out. now you can argue what it means to be yoked. some people will asks whether this means you should not associate with unbelievers at all. if you think about it though, if we never associate with unbelievers, how are we to carry out Jesus' commission to make disciples of all nations? so knowing it can't be that, what else can yoked mean?

well the next point is marriage. you will be living with that person for the rest of your life, in the same house, 24/7. I think you'll be influencing each other quite a bit. I'm not married, but i can say from living with my family that you become like each other. therefore, if you want to stay strong in your faith and grow in it, you need someone who can help you with that, not someone who will bring you down.

my last point is about purifying ourselves for God. out of reverence for God. I love and respect him and know I need to clease myself from sin. I have one sin that weighs heavy on my heart. I know I need it to be cleansed. and because of that, I repent and ask for forgiveness and am forgiven. but then I do it again. that's why I feel so dirty at times and the. God cleans me. I don't want to do it again.

Day 37: 2 Corinthians 5 "The Ministry of Reconciliation"

If I think about this passage, it really seems like the total of the gospel message and the commission all together in one.

It tells us that God has paid the price for us of death through Jesus.  One has died, the perfect person for us all. 

And we are to be God's workers sharing this message and telling others that they can receive this wonderful gift as well.

The gospel message right?

Day 36: 2 Corinthians 4-5 "Treasures in Jars of Clay" and "Our Heavenly Dwelling"

Because I was being lazy and did not post yesterday, here is a double reading and reflection:

"Treasures in Jars of Clay"

we have renounced secret and shameful ways.
we tell the truth plainly
the gospel is veiled but only to those of unbelievers
let light shine out of darkness
we have this treasure in jars of clay to SHOW that this all-surpassing power is from GOD and not from us
verses 8 and 9 are full of so much importance but I can't place it down on what........ARGGGG
we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed (does this refer to the metaphor of a jar of clay too? but then the rest don't make sense with it),
perplexed, but not in despair; (confused but not sad? I can tell you for sure i'm confused)
persecuted, but not abandoned (yup, God NEVER leaves us.  YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS!!)
struck down, but not destroyed (we win the war don't we God?)
hmmm...

"Our Heavenly Dwelling"

this reflects my feelings so well.  i hate this body right now, i want to be with God in my heavenly dwelling.  i groan, longing to be clothed with my heavenly dwelling because when i am clothed, i will not be found naked
the Spirit is our deposit.  the assurance of what is to come (like we put in money that we consider important to assure a hotel we are coming, God has put the Holy Spirit who he values so much as assurance that he is going to take care of us)
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Day 35: 2 Corinthians 3 "The Glory of the New Covenant"

glory. they repeat it over and over again glory. the one thing I think of constantly with the word glory is to give glory to God. to give everything to him. everything is done by him and not me. something I struggle with because there are ones I think it is alle. but it is not, it's God.

I love verse 18. we are being transformed to become like him. we will never be like him, but we are continually changing for the better. I can't believe God puts so much work into us. no one is beyond hope. no one should be left alone.

Day 34: 2 Corinthians 2 "Ministers of the New Covenant"

I read it too fast...
I feel really bad about it...
But I'm tired.

I'm giving me leftovers. 
BAD...

So what am I doing about it...?
sleeping?  ARGGGG

(basically, I have no idea what I just read)
(I need to fix myself...no wait...God, please mold me into your follower.  I'm not doing it right now.  I'm going after my selfish desires.  And totally not relying on you)
(and please please protect me from the tempter) - the Screwtape Letters

Day 33: 2 Corinthians 2 "Forgiveness for the Sinner"

It says to forgive others because the pain inflicted by the majority is punishment enough.

Now I've been struggling with a sin that I repeat again and again and again.  I know I need to stop.  I want to stop.  I have prayed to God to stop me, to help me stop, to end my willfullness.  And yet I still do it.
Am I still forgiven?  Should others forgive me?  I knew at the beginning that if I confessed my sins, He is faithful and just forgives us our sins.  However, if you continue doing it, how does that show true repentance?

On top of that, He says that "No temptation has ever seized you except for what is common to man.  And God is faithful.  He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  and when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)  I take it as I have this temptation yes but there is no such thing as not being able to defeat it.  I just have to give up my will.

So why am I not?

Day 32: 2 Corinthians 1 "Paul's Change of Plans"

I thought we were not supposed to boast.  The only way I can understand what Paul is trying to say in verse 14 is that we boast of each other...ohhhh you boast of each other and not yourself.

taking things lightly: don't say yes or no lightly.  whatever you say, mean it.  otherwise your words become so meaningless and there is no point in saying it in the first place.  I wondered a bit about this a little while ago.  Should I say the answer that my parents want to hear or the answer that is the truth.  If I say what my parents want to say, strife will come to an end but I feel like I'm not being true to what I believe in.  However, if I continue and say what I want, strife will increase a lot more (especially since I'm usually angry at these times and say angry words...) I have come to the conclusion to keep my mouth shut.  Don't lie but don't speak harsh words either (A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs).  really hard to do though.  please pray.

another thing I'm really taking to heart:
Love is patient.  Love is kind.  It does not envy.  It does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude.  It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Day 31: 2 Corinthians 1 "Paul's Change of Plans"

there is so much in this passage.  so much for me to reflect on.  and i'm extremely tired (I missed yesterday's as i was on the plane.  still could have done it but i decided not to.  bad)

therefore, i'm going to write down words here that really jump out to me in my tired state and reflect on the same passage tomorrow.  I really do not want to give my leftovers to God.  I want to give Him my very best.

love
boast
seal
lightly
promises
yes
amen
spirit
deposit
painful visit
joy
anguish
tears

day 30: 2 Corinthians 1 "intro and the God of all comfort"

comfort. we suffer so we can comfort others. we suffer as Christ's sufferings overflow. there's always a reason and a good side to things. you just need to find it.

He will comfort you. He is always with you. He is your comfort and shelter. rely on Him.

day 29: 1 Corinthians 16 "final greetings"

last part of 1 Corinthians!! can't belie we're already there!

final greetings. it's the end. yet somehow it doesn't because they are greetings, usually the first thing you do when you talk to someone. oxymoron right? or was it juxtaposition? either or, it's amazing how they work out. it's the final things that Paul says to them but it sending the people a goodbye with a hello with blessings. kinda like Hawaiian. you see, aloha means hello, goodbye and I love you. a hello, a goodbye and a blessing.

marana tha (come, o lord!)- I love other languages. so much.

the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
my love to all to all of you in Christ Jesus.

day 28: 1 Corinthians 16 "personal requests"

these are the things that someone asks for themselves because they know they need them. these are things that are affecting one's life right here and now. these are personal requests.

you read it and realize everything goes back to God. all the glory goes to God, all the work is for God, everything is in God, for God and by God. this reminders comes at a time when I'm starting to forget about God.

lately my focus has been on mark and the things I can do for him. I forget that I first need to I've my all to God, my first lover. evreything i am, all my time, all my thoughts. it's hard though when you don't know what t talk about since he's not physically there.

"be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. be men of courage. be strong. do everything in love."

day 27: 1 Corinthians 16 "the collection for God's people"

short today.

...?

collecting money from wages. I know that we set aside 10% of our income for tithe and it goes to the church but this sounds a little different.

I wonder.

I dont know.

I don't know a lot...

day 26: 1 corinthians 15 "the resurrection body"

I always wondered and people always ask: what is our body going to be like when the resurrection occurs? this question is uailly quite prominent with Rhodes who are extremely ugly or pretty, with deformations or such.

interesting. these bodies are different. there will be an earthly body, sown into the ground at death and a spiritual body raised at the resurrection. it is up to God how it'll be but we can know that that body will be imperishable and immortal.

still confusing to me.

day 25: 1 Corinthians 15 "the resurrection of the dead"

I really like how he keeps on repeating that our faith is based on Christ's resurrection and if that is not true, nothing is. and if we don't believe that the dead will be resurrected, then we don't believe that Jesus was resurrected. in other words, the dead will be resurrected.

then there is an interesting point in the middle. one deathe will be the last enemy to be defeated, the one thing humans seem to fear most in life because it ends our lives. and then it follows with Paul talking about how God has put everything under Jesus' feet save God (since he was the one who gave the authority in the first place.) eveything will be ruled by Jesus. he will have lower over everything.

we will all be alive at the end. either for more suffering and pain or love.

day 24: 1 Corinthians 15 "the resurrection of Christ"

Jesus is alive!!! that is the first thing that pops into my head with that title.

the work of Jesus. what is work? a responsibility given to an individual or group to complete. whether the work is enjoyable or not is up to the individual's attitude. Paul had a humble and hardworking attitude. he thought himself lower than everyone else and gave glory to God. it's this kind of example that I want to follow.

then there is the proof of Jesus' resurrection. he appeared to many after his resurrection, including paul (I did not know that). there is so much proof and so much God. I love it.

lastly I want to point out that the entire tone of the story is humble and entreating. we have been given this to believe in and put our gain in. its truth and Paul is trying to share that. he wants everyone to be saved. and that can only happen through God and Jesus.
it's amazing.

day 23: 1 Corinthians 14 "orderly worship"

it seems like a chapter out of a church rule book. and yet Paul makes sure to mention that this is the Lord's command and needs to be followed.

people who are moved by the spirit should speak (if in tongue, then with an interpreter. interesting that it is interpreter and not translator. you are trying to make sense of it not repeat it.) in turn, at most 2 or 3 at a time (to make sure the thoughts sink in?)

interesting enough, women are not allowed to speak in church but have to at home to their husbands. why????? they "must be in submission, as the Law says.". still why???? this I do not understand unless you are co
paring the different cultures. but then it still wouldn't make sense because this is the lord's command. If it has to do with women being the dirt to fall and made as man's companion, I guess that kinda makes sense. but does that mean we are "less" then men, or is that rule there to keep order and peace (I personally know how generally women like to talk and talk and talk and get absolutely nowhere while men can just bash each other out for it) or something along those lines. really wonder though.

day 22: 1 Corinthians 14 "gifts of prophecy and tongues"

that just totally answered quite a few of my questions.

first off is the question of what exactly is speaking in tongues. well I'm told here that it is talking in another language, basically something not really understandable but amazing (shows God's glory)
I love how he puts it: to prophesise is for believers, for those of the church while speaking in tongues are for unbelievers and only helps believers if the person can interpret too.

then comes the question if my faith is already one where I can simply trust in God, why do I need to go to look for the answers to hard questions? I find the main point is that now you have this faith, you must help others in theirs "edify their faith".

then comes the question of how we are supposed o be like children so we can enter the kingdom of God. here we are told o be like insane with evil but think with maturity. we cannot think like children where they completely and only think about themselves, we must think about others and how we can help them.

day 21: 1 Corinthians 13 "love"

it's going to be interesting this week as eveythibg is going to be off my iPod (hence the lack of capitals)

love. the thought on the forefront of my mind thanks to a certain someone. what is it? what does it mean? when will I know I really love someone? then God gives me these verses.

the first part opens with how precious love is and how we need it above all things. without it we are nothing. nothing we can do for God is worthwhile without love.

love is patient. I am not.
love is kind. this one word encompasses so much.
love does not envy. no more jelly.
love does not boast. (no making others jelly) I believe there is a difference between boasting and saying something out of delight. mostly where the Gloucester will lie. it needs to lie with God.
love is not proud. along the same lines. the glory is Gods
love is not rude. time to watch my words and actions
love is not self-seeking. for me this means that the focus is never on me, it's always for the betterment of others. this is how God wants us to treat others.
love is not easily angered. watch my temper and how i react.
love keeps no record of wrongs. long memory for some, for mr it jut means forgetting what missiles have been done in the past and focus on the future. no more bringing up the past.
there is so much more to love.

but you see, what I was looking for in love was someone to serve me. this is not the case. love is there to serve others and glorify God. that is where we get our love from. it's epic.

Day 20: 1 Corinthians 12 "One Body, Many Parts"

I love how this comes at a time with I feel envy over other people's gifts.  Sometimes I feel like I'm lacking in something because I see others and the things they can accomplish while I cannot.  At these times I feel so lonely and depressed because I'm a "failure" at life.  (simply because I cannot do one thing or another)

Stupid right?  Well, for me, I actually feel this.  I feel like just because I can't speak well, teach well or be a good leader, I'm a failure at life.

Then these verses invade my soul.  They tell me that my achievements are different from others.  If they were all the same, well it's not much of a body now is it?  They have their achievements that God has set out for them to do, I have my own.  And rather then being envious, I should be glad when one is honoured and be sad when one is in failure or hurt.

Another part really hit me.  Some parts are treated with special honour, some are not since they are already presented.  These gifts of ours also give us different treatment, though we are all equal.  For example, a pastor is seen as a leader and is scrutinized by everyone, as opposed to a child in the church who is still learning.  We are still all equal, but treatment is by what God has given us.  Makes a lot of sense doesn't it?

Day 19: 1 Corinthians 12 "Spiritual Gifts"

Without reading the passage, here is my reflection on the title:

gifts are things that God has given us expecting nothing in return.  however, there is the expectation that the gift is used, otherwise all the effort that the person made into giving it is gone to a lost.  don't you ever feel guilty leaving a gift on the side and never touching it again?  for me a fine example are my bags.  i got so many of them as gifts but i make sure i use all of them because they were given to me.

spiritual.  it's an adjective.  does that mean that the gifts themselves have to do with the spiritual world (ie speaking in tongues, seeing spirits) or just that they come from God? (but then again, don't all gifts technically come from God...?)

Reading....

OHHHH I LOVE THIS!!  you see, these gifts are all from the HOLY SPIRIT!  the one and the same.  all these different gifts for different purposes for different people, they are all from the SAME Holy Spirit.  And there is the gift of faith, message of wisdom, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues.  all to different people, all the work of the one and same Spirit.  and God gives them to people as he determines.  no other reasons.

What's my gift?  I know that I have the gift of quick learning, the gift to be able see the joy in everything and the gift of loving children.  I thank God so much for them and ask Him to help me use them to their epicness.  I want them to affect other people's lives.  And it reminds me that the more you use his gifts, the more you will receive from him (parable of the talents).  seriously.  I want to glorify him soooo much!!!

Day 18: 1 Corinthians 11 "The Lord's Supper"

"But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgement.  When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."

be hard on ourselves to save ourselves later hardship
just like when the Lord judges us, it's not that he is harder on us than everyone else because he is being cruel but he wants to save us.  the world will be condemned.  it will die.  those people will be in agony forever separated from God.

Day 17: 1 Corinthians 11 "Propriety in Worship"

propriety:

conformity to established standards of good or proper behavior or manners.

(dictionary.com)

 

So what is the proper behavior to have?

 

head of woman is mean, head of man is Christ, head of Christ is God

man: prays or prophesies with head uncovered since he is the image and glory of God 

woman: prays or prophesies with head COVERED since she is the glory of MAN

 

wait...really?  then how come we don't cover our heads?  and it's verses like these that make me think the woman's lib has gone too far with some rights...

 

because: woman came from man and woman was created for man.

 

HOWEVER, in the LORD, woman is not independent of man, or the other way around.  For as woman is born from man, man is born from woman.  BUT everything comes from GOD.  

 

then it says: judge for yourselves whether covering a woman's head is right just like long hair for a woman is right and short hair for a guy is right.

 

interesting verses...still a bit confused with exactly how guys/girls are supposed to be.... 

Day 16: 1 Corinthians 10 "The Believer's Freedom"

"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

Day 15: 1 Corinthians 10 "Idol Feasts and the Lord's Supper"

To put it quite simply: I understand nothing.

The only feeling I can get is one of disbelief over how these people are living.  Give up idolatry.
idolatry:

excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc.

(dictionary.com)

(see, after teaching VBS kids around the age of 8/9 and having to explain every other word to them, I have to make sure I understand the words fully myself)

 You cannot be part of the Lord and part of demons.

 

This also brings up the point that our faith is not blind adoration.  We have reasons so many of them to believe in God.  We have constant experiences that reveal God to us.  It's not blind.  No where near.  Even though my faith does not require me to go find all the answers, they are all there.  cool huh? 

Day 14: 1Corinthians 10 "Warnings from Israel's History"

This is where the old testament really comes in.  We read all about Israel's history and what they did and this is where we really need to take heed of the mistakes they did and not repeat them ourselves.

I'm actually able to relate to this really easily.  You see, I have the middle sibling syndrome (or whatever it is called).  I'm not spoiled like the youngest child nor do I do all the mistakes first like the oldest child.  I get to see everything and usually I take it and not repeat the same mistakes.

In the same way, we should do that with Israel's story.  They were punished for sinning.  There are always consequences for sinning. 

And this is my favorite verse that I will never forget: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 10:13

Day 13: 1 Corinthians 9 "The Rights of an Apostle"

This brings up a lot of points that I have thought of before.

There is the first point that I thought of: I never understood what it meant when the verse said "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain."  If you take it literally, it seems so out of place, it's against animal cruelty.  And yet how can you take is symbolically?  Anyways, I find it interesting that Paul uses it to compare to us, that we have the "right" to partake of the harvest of the work we're putting in.

That brings up something else: "rights" We have the right to have this and that but Paul says that he doesn't take any of these rights, rather he would rather not have any of them as long as he is serving the Lord.  the bar has been put quite high for us.

Lastly, when he talks about becoming like a certain person to share the gospel to that person, it makes me really think.  You can take it on the surface and saying that Paul is not staying true to himself and it's all bad being easily influenced by everyone, but I think the total opposite.  What Paul is doing is not changing who he is and what he believes in (as the parts that say contrary to the persons view) but rather is living their life to experience what they experience and be able to share the gospel with those people.  He is learning their problems, their concerns, their happiness to be able to share the gospel and share the things they need while others may not.  It's an amazing thing.  I find the more I experience things, the more this becomes true for me.  I have learned how to love, now I understand what others feel when they go through it (well, to a point).   I have learned what school is like, so I understand the difficulties of homework and teachers and stuff...

Amazing what God gives us isn't it?

Day 12: 1 Corinthians 8 "Food Sacrificed to Idols"

Bit confused with this passage, especially since offering food is not prominent in the society I live it.

Sometimes I find it hard to understand the practices of the Israelites because we don't do them or anything similar.  However, I did enjoy the part where it says knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  In other words, love is what we are aiming for, it is what we want.

It also talks again about being weak and that being the reason some things happen and don't cause yourself or others to sin...

Day 11: 1 Corinthians 7 "Marriage"

This section is epic, especially considering what I was talking about a little bit ago with some campers.

Let's try to sum it up: Marry one man (or woman if you are a guy) and stay true to that person.  It is better though for you to not marry at all and stay completely devoted to God.  However, because of our compulsions/passion, it is better to marry than to sin (sexual immorality).

I personally love the part where it talks about why marriage is acceptable but not the best.  It is true that when you get into that type of relationship, your focus goes from all on God to partly on God and partly on that person.  And both Paul and I agree that this is not wrong, it just makes life more difficult.

I guess it is true when they say marriage is just a lot of work, however, it can bring us so much joy as well.  I can't wait ;)

Day 10: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 ""Sexual Immorality"

The first verse sums up everything.  "'Everything is permissible for me' - but not everything is beneficial."

We can do whatever we want, but we only go back and hurt ourselves if we follow the path of sexual immorality.  And what is it exactly?

16"Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?  God it is said, 'The two will become one flesh.'"  Makes me think that uniting with anyone aside from the spirit is wrong.  It hurts us because of the uniting and the breaking, it hurts God because our bodies is his temple. 

I just realized, our bodies being a temple also goes along with the idea of living out our lives in a Christ-like way.  Everyone looks to the temple for what the faith looks like don't they?

This verse also hits home to me.  I've been struggling with my own sexuality and issues concerning it.  It puts it plainly: it's wrong.  "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord" "Therefore honor God with your body"  One thing to know, another to act on it.  But my spirit longs for that uniting with God and only God.  I want to be one with him.  I want my life to be of only him.  Again, words are easy to say, hard to do.

Day 9: 1 Corinthians 6: 1-11 "Lawsuits Among Believers"

I read the title and went...LAWYERS, calling all LAWYERS

7"The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already."  I love this verse.  For the simple truth: the fact that we fight shows that Satan has already won.

Okay: epic news.  EPIC PART:

verses 9 and 10 makes me lose hope.  all these people who commit these sins are not going to heaven.

verse 11 then goes and says "And that is what some of you WERE.  But you were WASHED, you were SANCTIFIED, you were JUSTIFIED in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and by the SPIRIT of our GOD."  we can have hope because there is Jesus and God.  we're not lost.  nowhere near.

don't fight.  simple yet true.  1) bad show in front of unbelievers (what would they think of the faith?).  2)Satan wins. 3) we're only justified through JESUS!!!!

Day 8: 1 Corinthians 5 "Expel the Immoral Brother!"

This is actually for yesterday...

Hmmm I like this chapter because it brings up a really good point in the old testament that I always wondered about.  It said that we had to "expel the wicked man from among you." (Deut.17:7)  They did this in the form of outcasts, stoning and various other things.  Are we supposed to continue this?  especially since Jesus has come.  But then Paul also says this:

11"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  With such a man do not even eat." 

This hurts me because I call myself a sister in Christ but I know I have struggled with these sins before and am still now.  Does this mean I should be cast out? 

Day 7: 1 Corinthians 4 "Apostles of Christ"

20"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power"

1-7 talks a lot about judging.  how we are not to judge and only God's judgement will count.  however, I feel like there is something else there, something important that I can't grasp.

I love the next part:
"we have been made a spectacle to the whole universe...We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!  We are weak, but you are strong!  You are honored, we are dishonored!  To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless...when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly."

Day 6: 1 Corinthians 3 "On Divisions in the Church"

Lots of meat to digest in here.

divisions: i believe that it basically says here that there should not be any divisions in the church.  why? 6"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but GOD made it grow." We are all workers of God and it is GOD who ultimately makes things grow.  I feel like there is so much more to this section but it is hidden from me.

building: i understand the analogy of building from the foundation up.  but why is it that "the Day will bring it to light"?  and "the fire will test the quality of each man's work"?  As Day is capitalized is it referring to Jesus and Jesus will show the work that people have done for him?  and the fire...is it suffering so that it will separate those who put little effort and work into Jesus' commands and those who really poured their lives out for him? 

temple: i find this a very adequate explanation why murder/suicide is wrong.  killing God's temple is wrong.  you will be destroyed for doing such a thing.  harsh yes, but it's the truth. 

foolishness/wisdom: we are to be foolish and not think ourselves wise.  this section actually really hits to my heart.  you see, sometimes i consider myself pretty wise.  i think i know all the answers (though in reality i know like...nothing).  but compared to God, i know nothing.  it's like the story of Job.  at the end of the book God asks were you there at the beginning of creation?  do you know how everything works?  you are not God.  He is.  It also makes me think about the verse that says God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.  we need to humble ourselves to God can shine through us.  It makes it clear that things cannot be done by ourselves, only by God.  which i need constant reminding of.

Day 5: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 "Wisdom from the Spirit"

This is an epic passage. two main points for me. one God's secret wisdom. hidden from us so that we may make our free choice to follow him or not and will be our glory. two the spirit. in this way the spirit is described as the key to the spiritual world, as the way to know what God wants you to do. the HOLY spirit tells us. if we don't have him, we can't listen to God. it's impossible.

Day 4: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

this part reminds me of the verses that talk about God is perfect through our weakness, through what we cannot do his strength will shine through, something i find personally hard to keep on believing in.

Day 3: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

it's the foolish that are the chosen ones in God's kingdom. not those who are so rich, powerful or anything like that. makes me rethink my priorities in life.

Day 2: 1 Corinthians 10-17

there aren't supposed to be any divisions in the church, and yet humans make them occur. it is through our mistakes and choices that it happens...so denominations are wrong?
but then what should we believe in? what is the "right" and "true" system of belief? i guess that also has to do with our own devos and discovering of who God is. but all the different denominations does really bother me...hmmm

Day 1: 1 Corinthains 1:1-9

out of the first part one thing stood out to me the most: Paul was called to be an apostle by the WILL of GOD. In other words, the way we serve is determined by Him and we need to listen to Him for it. Though I guess God's way of telling Paul was pretty epic.

Thanksgiving:
- thank God for you (you as in Vivi :D)
- He will keep us strong to the end (keep us strong against sin, a promise to hold onto when we are deep in temptation, for example, me talking with mr wan)
- for God called us into fellowship, a relationship with Him and Jesus (like our relationship!)
- he is faithful (meaning...he's always there, will always do what is best for us, what else?)

getting a little long but I wanted to add one more thing
you know how I can't seem to stop talking to you-know-who? well i realized that that is how it should be with God. we long with the deepest part of our souls to get to know him (read the bible), talk to him (pray), and spend time with him (devos). we just have special words for our lover, God. don't know if you have the say perspective here, but this is what i've experienced.

First post

Here's the first post with a little explanation about this blog before we jump right in.

A little while ago I had asked my best friend if we could start doing devos together everyday over the internet.  For those who don't know, it's a time just to spend with God, and for us it's in reading the Bible, prayer and discussion.  We want to read His word, reflect on it and take something away, something that really matters to us.

We decided to start in 1 Corinthians and at this point read one "story" a day.  Please feel more than welcome to join us.  It's a journey.

(Oh and one more thing, since we had already started, I'll post everything from before today and then we'll go from there.)