DAY 75: Do what is Best for Others

Read: I Corinthians 10:14-33

Think: From the very beginning of I Corinthians, Paul has been gently pressing his readers by repeatedly discussing, and now by this chapter, boldly challenging them to do—not what they want to do or can do but—what is best for others. Today he puts it bluntly, “Don’t be concerned for your own good, but for the good of others.” After giving numerous examples, Paul finally shares his reasoning saying, “I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many might be saved.” Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians has a simple, common theme: The life of a Christian is not His own!

Act: Many of you might (or might not) know that on my honeymoon, I had my last drink. In fact, my sobriety date is the day after my wedding Anniversary (January 29)! At that moment of relapse, I realized that I could never drink—ever. So I asked Roger (my husband who did not struggle with alcohol) if he would agree to never drink with me for the rest of my (and his) life! That’s a BIG “ask.” But in that brief moment, he didn’t hesitate. He said, “Of course.” We obviously didn’t know on our honeymoon that, years later, I would write 15 books about God’s power to change a life, or that I would give my testimony on network television in front of 2.5 million people, or that I would speak to 40,000 people at a Billy Graham Crusade in our home town of Cleveland. But in hindsight, we are both confident that if Roger hadn’t decided on our honeymoon to “never drink with me for the rest of my life,” I would have most likely followed the path of my relatives who were alcoholics until their death. I am certain that Roger’s sacrifice became the accountability I needed, not only change my family’s legacy, but to be the catalyst for leading 1000’s to Christ over the next three decades. Our story is a current example of how Paul’s conviction that if we do what is “best for others,” many will saved! What is God saying to you through these verses or even through our story? I’d love to hear your responses to today’s question at becky@viewpointchurch.org. 

Pray: Dear Jesus, I want to be a difference-maker. I realize this it might require that I take a step toward You and do something that is not about me, but about others. I am ready. Give me a plan. Give me a push. I love You. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 74: Find Common Ground/Run to Win/Endure!

Read: I Corinthians 9:19-10:13

Think: Today’s reading begins a very significant (and familiar) stretch of teaching in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. For the next few days, I encourage you to highlight, circle, date, then make notes in your Bible or journal about specific verses in chapters 9-13 that speak directly into your life. For example, in I Corinthians 9:22, Paul writes, “I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” In I Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul discusses the goal of the race we are all running. He reminds us that we do not compete for a prize that will fade away someday, but we run to win our race and receive an eternal prize worth every bit of the hard work and discipline. Finally, in I Corinthians 10:12-13, Paul shares legendary advice that has been memorized by most young Christians, “If you think your are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so you can endure.”

Act: Which of these three passages “meets you right where you are at” today? (1) Are you in season of life when God is giving you opportunity to talk about His love with strangers, co-workers, or resistant family members? If so, do everything you can to build bridges and find common ground with those He brings your way! (2) Perhaps you are second-guessing all the effort and discipline you have been expending in your faith to be strong (rather than lazy)? Perhaps others are doing things you used to do or would prefer to do, but you are certain God is asking you to refrain from doing. Today, hold tight to Paul’s reminder that your prize for the race of faith you are running is not of little value, but its reward is the most precious, eternal prize of all! (3) Maybe temptation has been knocking and knocking and knocking at your door and you are tired, almost about to give in. Identify your temptation by name. Then the next time it comes knocking, shut the door on it—one minute, one hour, one day at a time. I am confident that God has a way of escape for you. Be on the look out for it. He promises to send a way out, but you have to take it! Journal about #1, #2, or #3.

Pray: Dear Jesus, these verses in Corinthians speak to me about my body, heart, and mind. I ask you to give me the courage to find common ground with everyone who is looking for You, to run my race to win it, and to always look for Your way of escape when I am tempted. I need You, Lord. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 73: The Responsibility of the Gospel Message

Read: I Corinthians 9:1-18

Think: Though it is Paul’s passion and privilege to share the Gospel, his main goal in today’s reading is to remind the church-at-large that its reputation (good or bad) will have a definite impact on how the Gospel message is received (and believed) within their community and culture. Paul makes the case that the Gospel message must be accompanied by a lifestyle that is congruent to its message. Paul simply wanted the church to be responsible to live (and practice) what they preach! This is a timely message for any church in any location, don’t you think?

Act: You’ve probably heard the quote: Your life might be the only Bible someone reads. In our culture, the sports community provides a great opportunity for Christian athletes and their families to “be the Bible that others read.” Recently, while watching the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee speeches, I was taken back by Tim Brown who told the story about the first time a NFL coach “swore him up and down” as a rookie.  He said it was so unsettling that he met with the coach after practice to tell him that their relationship was not going to work if the coach continued to talk to him that way! I was surprised when he added, “And the coach and I worked it out.” Tim Brown talked quite a bit about his faith—and especially his mother’s faith. She had raised him in the church. She raised him to honor God publicly. In fact, a few of the inductees mentioned the same thing—that their parents wanted them to respect and honor God with their lives because so many people were watching. Today, as a member of Christ’s body on earth, consider how your life positively (or negatively) impacts your sphere of influence on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. Talk to God about specific ways you can make a greater influence for Him on your team, in your school, with your friends or family! 

Pray: Dear Jesus, today’s reading is a good reminder of how I am an integral part of Your church—Your body—on earth. Today and everyday, help me be intentional about my words and actions, knowing that others are listening and watching and that my life is a Bible that others are reading. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 72: Be Careful

Read: I Corinthians 8:1-13

Think: In today’s reading, Paul writes, “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.” Paul challenges every member of the church (the body of Christ on earth) to create a safe place for the weak in faith, so they might be built up into fellowship, service, and worship with those who are strong. More importantly, Paul wants each church member to consider the impact and responsibility he or she has on those who are younger and weaker in the faith. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?

Act:  As a youth worker for the past three decades, one of the primary responsibilities engrained in me during my early years of training was the concept of creating “safe” events and a “safe” atmosphere for all students. Of course the idea makes sense from a biblical perspective, but it had a deeper impact on me personally. Because I was a student who struggled with addiction, I never thought about the church as a place to go to find help, support, or fun. And so I got farther from the church and God. Yet, I am confident that had I been involved in a church on/near my campus that offered a fun, safe atmosphere and fun, safe role models, I believe that my life would have been different as a teenager and young adult. Because of this, I’ve dedicated much of my life to creating safe places and developing safe role models for students. Today, Paul’s words give every Christian an opportunity to reflect on specific things we might do or say that could cause a weaker, younger believer to stumble. Open your heart and mind to hear God speak to you. Then, consider making a pledge today, like Paul did, not to cause another believer to stumble for as long as you live! (At Viewpoint Church, we desire to be a safe church family. We also invite people—young and old—to become Members. For more information, click here.)

Pray: Dear Jesus, I understand that, for the church to have a significant influence in the world for You, it matters what I do and say as a believer and member of the church-at-large. Let my life be an honorable reflection of You. Show me how I can be more unselfish with my life, making Your church a safe place for the weak and young. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 71: Married or Single…Serve the Lord!

Read: I Corinthians 7:25-40

Think: Marriage is the main focus of Paul’s teaching in I Corinthians 7. And just as marriage was a “hot” topic then, so it remains a “hot” topic today. For example, people who are not married want desperately to get married, believing that marriage will supply their need for deep intimacy. On the other side of the coin, married couples, after the honeymoon, find out very quickly how difficult it is to live with someone who is imperfect! Paul, in this chapter, is being quite blunt with his advice to both “married” and “single” people (verse 35): “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord the best, with as few restrictions as possible.” 

Act:  This past week, Roger taught from the book of I Corinthians, saying something that caused many people to shake their heads with agreement—I even heard a few “Amens!” He said, “People don’t make good gods.” After years of counseling couples, Roger has become an expert in helping couples not only heal their marriage relationships, but maintain healthy, holy and happy marriage relationships. If you haven’t heard this past week’s sermon, it will encourage you to do just as Paul suggests: Put Christ first in your life. This focus will inevitably put all your other relationships in their right focus. Click here to listen. 

Pray: Dear Lord, I realize that I am vulnerable to look for love and intimacy from people, rather than from You. Keep me focused on You as the “one” person in my life who can satisfy the deepest needs in my soul. Cause me to love You most and first, knowing that when my heart is “right” with You, I will be in the best place to love and be loved by others. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 70: The Effort of Marriage

Read: I Corinthians 7:1-24

Think: Paul, in great detail, discusses marriage in this chapter. As commentators remind us, Paul is writing to a church in crisis. He is also under the impression, at the time of writing to the Corinthians, that Christ is returning SOON, so he wants all members to lay everything aside for the work of the Gospel. Years later, when he writes to the Ephesians, it is clear that Christ has not returned immediately. In today’s reading, consider verses 14-16. Paul is encouraging all believers to (1) see their relationship with God as a parallel t0 the marriage relationship, (2) make their homes a place where spouses treat each other with the utmost of care (as they would treat unbelievers, in order to draw them to Christ by their words and behavior), and (3) create a safe home atmosphere in which their family is protected from the storms of life, rather than subjected to another stormy, chaotic war zone. 

Act:  My husband, Roger, a Marriage pastor and counselor for many decades, often reminds couples of Paul’s words, quoting I Corinthians 7:28b, “But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.” Why? Neither Roger nor Paul is trying to discourage couples! Both are reminding couples that the marriage relationship requires great effort! Today, consider your home. If you are married, is your home a safe place for your spouse? What would you need to do to become a better encourager, prayer warrior, a listener to him or her? Is your home a battle ground or a resting place for your children? What could you do differently to make your home a safer place for all? If you are single, do you have fond memories of your childhood home atmosphere? If so, what are the habits that your parents modeled that you admire and/or what are specific ways you can create a healthier atmosphere? Remember, a healthy home requires systems for conflict resolution, spiritual growth, and good communication! Be intentional this week. 

Pray: Dear Jesus, I learn so much by reading the Bible. I am reminded of ways to think and live that are counter-cultural. Your word brings Your thoughts into my life. Give me a deep desire and constant willingness to bring You into my home—hour after hour. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Be full of faith today!

DAY 69: A Radiant Power

Read: I Corinthians 6:1-20

Think: Paul is “virtually” pastoring the church in Corinth through this letter because he can’t be there in person. As you can tell, he has no trouble correcting them! And he doesn’t just cover spiritual concerns. In this chapter, Paul discusses the specific behaviors of Christians toward each other as it pertains to, for example, law suits. In addition, he lists a catalog of sins immersing the current culture. I found William Barclay’s commentary on I Corinthians 6 to be particularly inspiring, “Into this world, conscious of a tide of decadence that nothing could stop, there came a radiant power of Christianity, which was triumphantly able to make all things new.”

Act:  When we read Paul’s lists, we can get overwhelmed with the dominance of sin and forget there is a solution! Jesus! He came to earth to heal broken lives, recover what has been lost, and restore our intimacy with God. Those who have truly encountered Jesus—the One who heals broken hearts and minds and bodies—become humbly indebted to the One who died for them. His sacrifice leaves them in awe and something unexplainable happens. They no longer want to return to their old habits or fan the flame on their old desires. They want to live changed lives. They want freedom from their old ways. If you have been struggling to get above the culture, to leave old habits behind, or experience triumph over your old life, take the simple step of asking God to forgive you for any known sins in your life right now. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and to renew your thinking. Wait until you feel a flood of relief, a rush of joy and a wave of peace come over you. Thank God for His radiant power in your life!

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins—past, present, and future. Renew my mind. Speak to me all day long. Warn me, guide me, speak truth into my heart. Oh I love and need more of You, Lord. Amen.

Be full of faith today!