WINNING THE PRIZE
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 8-9
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Ruins of a main street in Ancient Corinth.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:22
…to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Paul’s commitment, his personal discipline, his work schedule, and the way he lived his life are all described in our key verse. The motivation, “that I might by all means save some,” is all consuming. Yes, he’s very human also. His statement about Cephas (Peter) bringing along his wife may have been evidence that for brief moments he felt sorry for himself (9:5). Nevertheless, Paul persevered with a godly stubbornness that refused to pander to his personal pleasures. The same could be said about his financial resources. He worked long hours making tents to support himself here in Corinth. He makes the point that he had every right to be supported by the offerings of the believers, but that for his own reasons, chose not to accept money from them for personal use. Just in case some would make a mandatory practice of this, remember that Jesus and the twelve accepted donations for their support (Luke 8:3). Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and many others provided for Jesus from their substance. Paul, himself, declared in 9:14 that those who preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel. However, Paul made a personal choice to support himself by his trade. I’m sure this added exclamation points (!!!) to his message and to the way these rough, tough people of Corinth opened their hearts to Paul’s preaching.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, May I be given grace to “become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I pray in the Name of the One who did this completely, the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When Jesus left Nazareth, He may have set up a carpenter shop in Capernaum. From time to time, in order to care for my family, I’ve worked extra jobs to provide necessary funds. For some reason one of my efforts comes to mind. I hope I don’t offend anyone, but I would drive to one of the many lakes in the area of Northern Ontario, catch bull frogs, and ship them overnight by train to a Montreal restaurant for their menu of frog’s legs the next day! There are several other initiatives I took in order to have the funds to stay in ministry, preaching the Gospel.
In this blog, I’m like a child colouring in the pictures of a colouring book. My sons, Reynold and Ron, both ordained ministers, create the framework and outlines in which I “colour.” Reynold is a missionary in Africa with World Embrace, as well as a professional photographer. He spent three months in Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, and Italy to shoot the photos for this blog. Ron is President of Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries.
Yours to “by all means save some,” hopefully by being “winsome,”
David
The Bible is opened to 1st Corinthians in front of the Temple of Apollo in ancient Corinth.
Love the photo of the Bible opened to 1st Corinthians in front of the Temple in ancient Corinth. Couldn’t you just imagine being there when Paul preached today’s message, saints? The need for self-discipline in 9:24-27 speaks of his tenacious resolve and inspires us the same. We claim the prize with victory through Jesus! Enjoy your day worshiping, being in the Word, and sharing in fellowship at your churches, fellow saints in the Lord! Oh, how he loves us, so!!
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21 ESV
How He Loves lyrics by David Crowder Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FxaUYjRtkc
How HE Loves Us!!!!!!!!
TY Beverlee Kay & Blessed! we need to pray for those dealing with obesity; that they can find a good program;loose the weight;find a daily routine to becoming the healthy Child of God!
Praying for healing for Kathy Mainse; haven;t read anything otherwise; God will heal;
pray for healing for families in distress; grieving the loss of loved ones; also pray for the elderly who are lonely;
pray for our leaders that they hear the people; Seniors Pension Plans MUST be increased by at least $700.00 monthly;a person can’t live on $l,500.00 a month anymore; the cost of living has increased; Pray the Lord will speak to the government and that they will put children, the seniors, those who need help at the top of the list; this would end homelessness buy 99.8%; pray that school districts and the government get counsellors lined up with families when children are preschool, this would help so much in dealing with the violence that builds up in a home; there is so much unresolved forgiveness;
IT HAS TO STOP! Churches need to speak up;stand up for families;those with wealth to stand up and support low income families;
Lord You know this whole situation; PLEASE DEAR LORD WE PRAY YOU WILL INTERVENE AND HELP THE PEOPLE TO MOVE FORWARD;KEEP THEIR DIGNITY;HELP BUILD CONFIDENCE; WE PRAY ALL THIS IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR RISEN LORD AND SAVIOUR. amen amen amen
Yes, how He loves you and me; He gave His life that we may live!!