“CONSISTENCY, THOU ART A RARE JEWEL.”
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnesian peninsula from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) in length and only 21.3 metres (70 feet) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. It now has little economic importance. The canal was envisioned in classical times and an initial effort was made to build it in the 1st century AD, but the project was aborted. Construction finally got underway in 1881 and was completed in 1893.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:1, 3
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
“Behaving like mere men?” Jesus said to Peter, “You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23). A paraphrase of that is, “You think like men think and not as God thinks.” God’s Word is the expression of His thoughts. In order to think and behave as God would think and act, it is of ultimate importance to stay consistent in reading and meditating on God’s Word. God has called and equipped pastor/teacher servants and put them in the pulpits of our local churches. We need this ministry gift. God put these people in our home congregations. Some of us unwisely run after big name ministers, or even think we can grow in our Christian life without the local church. If we think that, we’re wrong, and we, our families and friends will suffer negative consequences.
As I think on today’s reading, it occurs to me that indeed, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Paul’s pen penetrates deeply into our innermost beings. The church of Corinth provides an understanding into what eventually became our many denominational divisions. Paul’s has cut away (ouch!) at our careless attitudes toward those things that are harmful to the temple (our bodies) in which we live… overeating, smoking, etc, etc, and laziness or failure to work. All things which harm us are dealt with. It may be repentance time right now!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Allow me this personal prayer today…
Lord God, I repent of my laziness. Recently, I’ve twice slept beyond my early morning prayer time. Please help me as I grow older, and have certain physical challenges, to remain faithful to the disciplines to which You’ve called me. I can’t do this on my own. I need Your supernatural strength 24/7. I believe with all my heart, mind and soul that You will impart Your grace to me at all times. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Several years ago, one of my fellow ministers introduced me to a book by Campbell McAlpine called, Alone with God. The author points out that our spiritual maturity is determined by the answer to this question, “How well do I know God?” He goes on to ask, “Do you believe your spiritual growth is commensurate with the time you’ve known God? Have you neglected the means of growth? What adjustments do you believe are necessary in your life to correct this?” I received a call from a person who is reading through the Bible with the 100words reading pattern. She said that she had read through the entire Bible once before, but could not remember reading of the horrible crimes recorded in the last chapters of Judges. My response was that in an attempt to read quickly, our eyes often glaze over and our minds go into neutral. Thus the extreme importance of a well-ordered reading schedule. The two-year program will make sure that we don’t miss anything and that our minds will stay sharp each reading time.
Yours for finding that rare jewel, according to Shakespeare, “CONSISTENCY,”
David
A ship travels through the Corinth Canal.
Amen to today’s scripture and David’s message. What a wonderful example he set before us. Amen, saints? I have been thinking of Pastor James MacDonald being fired from his position with Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicago, and can see how that will affect his Walk in the Word daily segments on UCB radio. I have struggled with his teachings of late and see this as God weeding out His church. Stay safe, today, blessed saints in the Lord.
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
Heart of worship By: Hillsong with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ29ueTkSWM
Amen, sister Beverlee, it is vital that we keep our eyes, minds and hearts on our precious Lord Jesus. Blessings to each and everyone of you today!
”’ Several years ago, one of my fellow ministers introduced me to a book by Campbell McAlpine called, Alone with God. The author points out that our spiritual maturity is determined by the answer to this question, “How well do I know God?” He goes on to ask, “Do you believe your spiritual growth is commensurate with the time you’ve known God? Have you neglected the means of growth? What adjustments do you believe are necessary in your life to correct this?” ”’ This looks like it could have been taken from “Experiencing God” by Richard Blackaby….and in reverse,David could have written that book.
It is disheartening how a man can build a large church.I am not familiar with Pastor James MacDonald.What (who) could bring a man of God down like this?Is this the mother church of the other Harvest churches?(I don’t hide my ignorance,lol.)
We have division in our local churches which may be Satan’s favorite method:”Divide and conquer.” It’s snowing heavy here now.Stay safe and warm.
God bless
Yes, Bill, it is the megachurch in Chicago, 10,000 members, of the Harvest churches, but those in Canada broke away from his teachings sometime ago. Now, the same thing has happened in the States. There were financial pressures within the church and he became prideful. He got too big for himself. I remember hearing a few of his sermons and I could not believe what he was saying. Here is a link, if you would like to read, further:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-harvest-bible-chapel-james-macdonald-turmoil-20190211-story.html
Thank you Irene, Beverlee and Eraine for your prayers for the Syrian couple. The husband is in the hospital in an induced coma because of his burns. Thank you for your postings Beverlee. This is the couple who were appearing on Christian tv saying they were bringing their ministry back to Canada. Right? The Apostle Paul gives good teaching in being humble and not to glory in men in our reading today. Woke up with the reference Rev. 3:10 in my mind. Looked it up and read this, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Has snowed again but not as much. God bless.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-fire-casualties/donations-pour-in-for-syrian-refugees-who-lost-all-7-children-in-canada-fire-idUSKCN1Q92JX
I don’t know about that from what I read, Ger. Check out the link to their story.
Beverlee, I was referring to the MacDonalds on Christian tv.
Sorry Ger. No, I never heard them say they were bringing their ministry back to Canada. He ministers by himself, not with his wife. Check out the link I left for Bill.
Thank you Lord for all of the precious people who post on this prayer line! I must admit I am not up on everything that is happening in the church BUT YOU LORD KNOW ALL, I pray Lord You will pull out all the weeds in the Christian Churches and make way for the True Gospel of Jesus Christ to shine through out the land,communities, homes,schools,governments, over all of North and South America,
bless the missionaries, keep them safe; give healing to all who need healing;give strength to all who are mourning the loss of other people…we Thank You Lord for Your unconditional love,
In Jesus Name we Pray amen
Thank you Lord for all the pp on this prayer site; bless their prayers Lord; heal where healing is needed;give peace and harmony where needed;help those who are grieving the loss of loves ones;
Thank you Lord for pulling out the weeds and for bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Our Risen Lord and Saviour to all peoples everywhere in Jesus Name we Pray amen
Amen Sah!