The Daily Dose

Be edified

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify/build up.  1 Corinthians 10:23

I have been struggling this week with a decision about plans for an upcoming holiday.  We thought it would be nice to have a little get away.  Not far, but just something to step away from life for a day or two.  As I looked at options and wrestled with thoughts about getting a place during a holiday weekend, I finally had the thought:  “You know what?  I am going to turn this over to the Lord!”  Maybe I had been talking to Him about it some, but mostly, I was just trying to put a plan together by myself.  So, finally I prayed: “Heavenly Father, we thought it would be nice to get away for a few days, but it is turning into pressure and anxiety trying to figure out the details.  Would You please open the doors for the right timing and place to have a little break?”  As I then went back to bed and started drifting off, I heard these words deep within my heart: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not want.” (see Psalms 23)   I thought “Yes! That is exactly right!”  He is the One that leads me in the right path, and I know He will lead us to the right place at the right time!!  I do not need to stress or feel pressure or force anything, I just need to follow my Shepherd.

My point is, it is not wrong for us to get away, and it is not wrong for us to put together a plan to take a short get away trip or even a long trip around the world for that matter. However, there is always a better way and that is God’s way.

In the verse today, Paul says a similar thing.  He said all things are lawful to me, but not everything is helpful to what I am working toward.  Even though all things are lawful to me, not everything grows and encourages my spirit man.  Of course, he is talking about food in this passage, but the same is true in all things in life. 

There are many options we face each day.  Where we will work, where we will go after work and even where we will live.  Although making these decisions and many other daily decision are not sinful, there is always the best choice that can be made, and that is to follow your great Shepherd.  He will lead you in the path of righteousness and to the still waters and even THROUGH the trials and the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes the plans we make on our own are just distractions from the real path we should be on.

Today I want to encourage you as you face decisions in life.  All things are fine for you to do, but not everything is useful and beneficial.  Even though a plan may look good on the surface, it may not be the most productive or profitable for what you want to accomplish in life.  Turn it all over to your good Shepherd and let Him lead you on the right path at the right time with the right people!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

Always an escape

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation!  It seems like it is always out there haunting us.  Whether it’s big or small, it is still a trick of the devil to lead us off course.  Temptation is the lure that draws us into the enemy’s trap to be devoured by him!  We know from scripture that Satan is like a roaring lion looking for those he can devour/feast on. (1 Peter 5:8) 

Today’s scripture says, there are no new tricks.  Satan is still using the same old lies he used in the Garden of Eden, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Every one of us has been subjected to them at one point or another. Whether it’s something we see that we just have to have, something we feel that pushes us over the edge, or the desire for power and fame.  However, we do not have to give into these deceptions.  Often, we rename these things with labels such as: addictions, depression, disorders and syndromes, but mostly they are self-centered emotions that steal our heart away from God.

So, what’s the solution?  God’s faithfulness!  The passage says God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist it.  You can count on it!  God wants to protect you from the jaws of your enemy, so He has given you a way to escape and it starts in your thoughts.  If you are allowing the lust of eyes, flesh, and pride to dominate your thought life, you are going to struggle with every temptation that comes your way.  James 1:14 says, we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires and enticed (aka thought life).  So, we are back to input.  What are you feeding your spirit? I cannot stress enough how important it is to put God’s Word into your heart every day.  Have a daily diet of God’s Word and then meditate on it and keep it in your heart, in your thoughts and on your lips often.  The Bible says to meditate on it day and night. (Psalms 1:2)  What?  Is that even possible?  Well, I’ve concluded that we are always thinking about something.  Our brain is always going.  It is our responsibility to direct and take authority over our thoughts and not give them the ability to control us.  When your thoughts are in control of your life, you will fall into temptation every time.  By letting your spirit purposefully direct your thoughts to God’s Word, God’s plan and God’s purpose, then you will allow the Spirit of God to be in control and that is where your escape route is.

Today I want to encourage you to take inventory on your thoughts.  Recognize which thoughts you are following and which thoughts you are initiating.  It is totally up to you.  This is good news because you have the power to replace unwanted thoughts with the Word of God!  Have a verse for each day ready to put in the place of these unwanted thoughts such as worry, doubt, confusion and fear.  Putting a plan in place will assure your victory every time!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Get ready

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Our lives here on earth are a series of trials, tests, and struggles.  Our goal is to overcome, but in order to do this it takes practice.  A good example of this is athletics.  Athletes that compete must first prepare for the competition.  They must discipline themselves to eat the right diet and to do the daily training required to even have a chance at the prize.  They cannot skip even one day of their training.  Most days, they probably do not feel like training, but they overcomes their feelings because they know they must “suffer” to be prepared for the competition.  They keep their focus on what the desired outcome is . . . Victory!  The way to get to that victory, is to go through the struggle, discipline, and intense training required.  Surprisingly, after a while of living a life of this kind of discipline, the body begins to crave it and the training becomes a habit.  The athlete no longer has to push through the feelings and suffering because they actually look forward to the preparation time and getting better in their ability.

It’s the same thing with issues and problems we face each day.  If we sit idly by or just ignore difficulties, most of the time they will derail us from our overall goals and victories.  We need to keep our eye on the prize and remain single minded (focused).  This is where the preparation time becomes so crucial.  You have to build up your faith and trust in God daily so that when the difficult times come, you are ready to overcome with the Word of God and your faith anchored strongly in His Spirit through your relationship with Him.  Think of it this way.  If a thief breaks into your home, that is not the time to start a workout program to become strong enough to overcome him.  You must make those preparations ahead of time.  It works the same way with overcoming the obstacles of life.  You must do the work before the trial, test or struggle “breaks in.”

In today’s verse, Paul is talking about disciplining his body.  He says he brings it into subjection so that he can talk to others about salvation without being disqualified by habits that pull him away from his focus.  Paul actually says that after all he has done for the kingdom of heaven and all that he has gone through, he can still be taken out of the race if he doesn’t keep control of his bodily habits.  He knows that there are times he will have to push through his feelings and he knows there will still come times that he will have to resist the temptation to give up and quit. 

Today I want to encourage you to strengthen your faith by getting more of God’s Word in your heart. Make spending time fellowshipping with God a priority in your daily spiritual “workout.” Spend time in praise and worship to fill up with the power and strength of His Spirit. Get prepared for all obstacles by being focused on what is on the other side of your fight and get ready for the joy of victory through every trial that comes your way. 

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Target people

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a SERVANT TO ALL, that I might win the more;  1 Corinthians 9:19

I know I am not alone in the fact that I tend to live my life with my needs being the #1 priority.  I, like most people have a desire to take care of my family and make sure that they have the things they need, but sometimes it can be an inconvenience when my main focus is on my own activities.  It is a control issue for sure and in the past I have become disappointed when others did not do the things that fit into my plans and my agenda.  As I write this out, I can see how selfish that attitude is and I want to get far away from it.  However, this habit resurfaces from time to time because everywhere I go, there I am and so once again, “I” step into first place.

I also have a tendency to draw back from new relationships because of past hurts.  Even though I encounter new potentials to connect with others, I keep my heart guarded because I might be let down or even worse, taken advantage of.  So, once again, I become the focus of my efforts and relationships.

What would happen if I put others first?  What would my life look like if I prioritized people instead of activities and duties?  How would my heart and life be different if my main objective was to bless people and serve then in any way I can?  This would be very risky, right?  I would be taking a chance that I would not be hurt or mistreated in some way.  How could I be sure that wouldn’t happen?  I would be depending on others not to do me wrong, or would I?

In today’s verse, Paul says that he makes himself the servant to all and the reason is so he will win more to Jesus. He goes on to talk about all the different groups of people that he spends time with and how he lives life on their level.  He wants to be relatable and not give others the impression that he is super spiritual and not affected by disappointments and troubles in life.

Now, what does it really mean to be the servant to all?  Becoming a servant to all will require humility.  I don’t mean you will be humiliated; I am talking about humbling yourself.  When you put on humility and serve others, you are looking out for what they need and how you can help their cause.  I don’t mean that you have to take on everyone’s problems and burdens or projects and priorities.  I am simply saying that you pay attention to what others are going through or working on and if you see a way you can be helpful, do it.  It may require some time and resources once in a while, but mostly it will just let people know you notice them and what they are going through.   

Over all, people will be thankful and appreciate that you took time to help.  There may be some that will try to take advantage of you, but this is the best part . . . they are not in control, you are.  When some people see your acts of serving and kindness, they may try to pull on you for more, but you are the one that has the ability to say this is the most or best I can do right now.  You can pray with them or set up a time later on to meet to encourage them, but you are the one who determines where the limits and boundaries are.

Simply put:  When you love others and have compassion on them, you will want to help them out where you can.  You don’t have to wonder if you are going to be hurt or let down.  Just don’t expect anything in return, and you will never be disappointed.  It is when we put our hope in others and think that we are going to benefit in some way that we can be emotionally wounded.  Make the decision that you are going to love and serve others to bring them closer to Jesus and that is all the reward and recognition that you are looking for.

Today I want to encourage you to become the servant to all.  Put aside your concerns of letting the wrong people get close to you.  Do not look at every relationship as what you can get out of it.  Instead flip that perspective to see connections by what you can contribute and help with.  When you make yourself alert to notice others, you are the one pursuing and people become your target to be hit with God’s blessings!  Then those blessings will fill your life in the form of satisfaction that you are making a difference and impacting the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Share the harvest

Who goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  1 Corinthians 9:7

I have a garden.  Just a small one, but I enjoy having the fresh vegetables when they are ready to be harvested.  I don’t feel guilty about eating from the garden and I don’t feel shame because I enjoy my fresh veggies.  You would think it strange and even ridiculous if I did have these feelings about eating from my own garden.  I don’t begrudge anyone who plants a garden to eat of their own produce.  Even if they have planted different crops than I have, I relate and like to hear and learn about their secrets of gardening.  When the full harvest comes in, there is way to much for one household to consume, so we love sharing with extended family and friends.  Others that we know appreciate it when fresh veggies come their way and they get to share in the blessing of our abundance.

This is a picture of what is happening in 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul seems a bit irritated that he has been accused of taking gifts or offerings.  I believe he was well within his rights to receive wages for sharing the gospel with them.  Most churches support many mission and especially when a missionary personally comes to minister to the congregation.  Why would they be upset with Paul, the founder of their church for accepting support for his labor.  As you read further on, Paul admits that he hasn’t taken any funds and in fact says he would rather die than to lose the ability to boast about preaching with out charging for his time and words. 

Paul continues in this chapter to say that he willingly preaches and builds the church.  He recognizes that he has an eternal reward coming and is happy to preach without charge so he does not abuse his authority as an apostle.

How do we apply this in today’s world?  It is our part to care for and bless our minister, pastors and teachers that preach the gospel in our church and those that we grow spiritually from.  It makes my heart so sad to see a minister struggling to make ends meet.  Many people think it is wrong for preachers to have money.  The truth is, they should be continually blessed by their congregations because they are God’s gift to His people.  Our hearts desires should be to make sure our pastors are overflowing with as much goodness as we can give them.

Today my encouragement to you is to first of all set aside some time to just pray for your pastor and church staff.  Thank God for their life of ministry and serving.  Send a card or message out to tell them how much you appreciate them and how thankful you are that they are God’s great gift to you.  Lastly, send a special offering or gift their way to bless them for giving their life to full time ministry.  You may have to save or set aside funds for a couple of weeks or so, but God’s ministers are worth every sacrifice you have to make.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

You are an example

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  1 Corinthians 8:9

As a Christ follower and child of God, you are an example.  Not only to the outside world, but also to other believers.  This is the reason it is so important to consider your actions and who they will influence.  It’s easy for those who are outside of the faith to look and pick at what they feel you are doing wrong, but what about a new Christian that wants to learn God’s way of living life?  What are others seeing when they look at your life?  Do they see someone who is consistent in their words and in their actions? Or do your actions and speech change depending on who you are around?  The truth is, you never know who is going to pick up on something that you may not have wanted to get back to your church family.  This is why it is so important to live your life the same way you would if you were following Jesus like one of His 12 disciples.  Not because you are focusing on keeping a set of rules and regulations, but because you want to be an example of what it means to not only be a follower, but also to be part of God’s family.  You love your heavenly Father and want the world to see that God’s people are different because you have been crowned with His lovingkindness and His tender mercies (see Psalms 103).

Today’s reading is all about eating meat that was offered to idols.  We don’t really see much of this today or at least I don’t.  However, the passage can still be applied to the example we are setting for others.  We live a separated life, not because we are putting on a show, but because we are dedicating our life to be an imitator of God our Father.  He said in Ephesians 5 to imitate Him as a child imitates their parents in this world. 

This is truly what our goal in life as a Christian is: to be more like our Father.  We are not trying to obey a set of rules, but we are trying to help others along the way.  How unnecessary it is for others to fall away from their faith simply because of a mature believer not taking their relationship with God seriously.  It is serious and it is the only thing that will last beyond this lifetime.

Jesus took this very seriously.  In fact, in Mark 9:42 He said if you cause a new believer to stumble, it is better if you were drowned in the sea.  That is pretty intense, but it gets the point through that He wants us to look out for the weaker believers and not be selfish in our behavior.

Today I want to encourage you to take a step up in imitating your heavenly Father as His dear child.  Press into Him and learn more about how to help those who are new in the faith.  Look seriously at the example you are setting to those around you and be the same loving and serving child of God no matter who you are with.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 8

This world is passing

Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:31

I like nice things.  I know that “stuff” does not matter in the grand scheme of things.  Whether it is a nice home, vehicle or clothing, it makes this life a little more enjoyable to be blessed with some of the good things this world has to offer.  The problem is that many people get so caught up in collecting as much as possible that they start to believe that life is all about what you can acquire here in this world.  Whether it’s having the biggest home or the latest fast car, sometimes owning the most expensive clothes and furniture with just the right names on them, can become a top priority in life.  However, these things are only temporary and to work your entire life just to purchase the current comforts is a fleeting goal at best.

The key verse for today talks about the things in the world.  They are for our use while we are here, but they will all pass away.  Sure it is great if you can afford nice things and enjoy them, but not so great if you have all your resources tied up in these fading possessions.  In fact, the text here in 1 Corinthians 7 says that we need to be free from the concerns of life and not tied down to the obligation of hours maintaining goods we will only be using for a short time.

This is not to condemn or say that it is wrong to have things.  It is only sinful when the things take first place in your heart.  If all your focus and desires in this life is to have the latest and greatest of all this world has to offer, then you have crossed over the line.  Especially if your are willing to go into a pit of debt to possess them.

The solution is to keep your heart fixed on God’s plan and purpose and maintain an eternal perspective.  Keep in mind that the things in this world will break, fall apart, deteriorate and turn to rust, it will be easy to remember that we are here on an eternal mission and that is where our investments should be.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to downsize any temporary area that has become a priority or distraction from your eternal purpose.  Reduce the importance of having the biggest and the best of the world’s products.  Eliminate debt that has accumulated because of a worldly desire that has gotten out of control.  Turn your heart back to God and His perspective and keep in mind that this world is fading and it will not be much longer that we live here.  Lastly, start rejoicing that we don’t have to cling to these temporary comforts but that we have an eternal kingdom as our true heritage in the family of God (see Eph. 1:14).

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Stay where you are                            

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.  1 Corinthians 7:17

I used to think I didn’t have gifts or a calling that was actually reaching others.  I looked around and saw many people in a position of leadership that seemed to be so much more effective and wondered why I was so lacking.  Then one day I started to write.  God had called me to write, but I didn’t know where to start.  I was always waiting for the right time and audience. However, as I became faithful to give the ability and resources He gave, I found myself in connection with others with diverse talents that He began working and fitting together with mine.  I didn’t have to move someplace far away and I didn’t have to change jobs.  The only thing I did different was to consistently share my heart with others.  As I began to serve others with what God had given me, He moved things forward by working our gifts together so we could then serve and reach more hearts.

The apostle Paul talks about this in today’s reading.  He said wherever you were when God called you, do not move yourself to become recognized.  He said you can start walking out the call of God on your life right where you are.  He goes on to say you don’t need to change your status, your denomination or your position, just be faithful where you are right now and He will connect you with others when the timing is right. 

So many people get the idea that God has called, so they need to find a great platform to be seen from in this calling.  However, God starts us out in ministry right where we are and then grows us into a place of greater reach.  When we become more focused on who we can reach than on who we can be, that is when He is ready to give us a greater place of influence.  This is also true of time and resources.  Until you are willing to give of not only your gifts and abilities, but also use your time and money, you cannot expect that you will reach all that He has for you.  When you hold back anything that is in your hands, you are also holding back His grace to fully supply you.  God will take care of your needs, as you serve others with every asset He gives.  So walk out your calling using all the gifts, abilities and physical resources that are required to get results, while trusting God to bring those blessings back to you as you follow Him every step going forward.

Today I want to encourage you to begin walking out your call and mission in life right where you are.  No matter where you are right now, God wants you to step out into your purpose and calling to reach the world around you.  Don’t wait for what you consider to be the perfect circumstances, start with what you have right now.  As you faithfully serve others with your gifts, talents, time and resources, He will widen your sphere of influence each day.  Soon you will be connecting with others as you grow together in ministry and God will fulfill all that was planned for you to complete here in this world through serving people.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Submit to one another

The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.  1 Corinthians 7:4

Yikes!  This is not a popular message in today’s society.  Generally speaking, women do not like to have someone in authority over them.  Men do not like it either, for that matter.  People of today’s world largely believe that the main goal in life is to take care of yourself and always have your best interest in mind.  It is a common belief that no one is ever going to care for you the way you do, so that becomes the main objective in life. . . . Looking out for #1!  The problem with taking on this mentality is the focus of looking for love becomes to find someone that will love you more than they love their own self.  Everyone wants to find that perfect person who is all about their agenda and not having selfish plans that conflict with each others.  Yet how many are willing to then love the other person in the relationship more than they do themselves? It is quite a dilemma.

Today’s scripture talks about a husband and wife relationship, but is not limited to that.  It really goes beyond to every relationship in life, yet at the very least should start with marriage.  It says that when two people unite together in marriage, they are to willingly submit every area of their lives to each other.  This passage says the wife belongs to the husband and the husband belongs to the wife.  It is almost like your salvation.  When you get saved, you are not your own any longer, you belong to the Savior and His salvation belongs to you!  This is why the apostle Paul compares marriage to the relationship of the body of believers with Christ Jesus in other books that he wrote.  The bottom line is that for any relationship to work, you must look out for the other person’s needs before your own and especially in marriage.  Your marriage will only be truly successful when you learn this truth.  In a relationship where two people are both looking for the perfect person to have the perfect relationship, they are sure to find disappointment because there is no one perfect starting with yourself.

So how do you give authority over to your spouse?  Simply by submitting all things to them and never covering up and hiding things from them.  Recognize that the commitment you made is to surrender all to that person and then consider their wants, desires and needs above your own. Not out of obligation, but out of the love that you have for one another.  If she knows that he is looking out for her best and he knows that she is always looking out for his, the trust in that relationship will thrive and flourish for as long as the two live.  The only thing left to do is to thank God each day that you have been given the opportunity to love and cherish one of His children and do it well!

Today I want to encourage you if you are married or getting married to make a fresh commitment to submit to one another, daily.  Decide that you are going to make your mate’s agenda top priority.  Begin to work together to accomplish the things that God has put in your heart to do.  Start with your own family and come into agreement on bringing your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Get into a group or study at your church on how to love each other and your family in a way that is more pleasing to God.  He is wanting to bless you in a greater way, so He set up the principles that will get His blessings to you.  This is not a scheme God made up to try to control or make you do something you do not want to do, but it is a PLAN to give you the most fulfillment and satisfaction in life.  Trust Him today and love others above yourself.  Only then can you expect the blessings of God to flow over you on a daily basis.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

The gift

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.  1 Corinthians 6:20

I used to think salvation was a free gift and after I received it, I had to go about my life figuring things out day to day.  The reason I felt this way was because one of the first scriptures I learned was Romans 2:8 that says I am saved by grace not of works, salvation is a gift from God so I cannot brag about my good deeds getting me closer to God, let along getting eternal life.  The problem with this is that the gift of Salvation had to be bought first before it could be given, which means it cost someone something.  In this case, it cost Jesus not only His life, but to be brutally punished and murdered for this great salvation.

Think about the last time you bought a gift for someone.  Maybe it was for a birthday or Christmas or maybe it was just because you wanted them to know you were thinking of them and cared for them.  You took some time to consider what gift you would get, then you paid an amount of money to get it.  Then you decided what package you would put it in so you could offer it to the person you were giving it to.  Now think about their reaction.  When you gave them the gift, your hopes were probably that they would be excited or surprised about the gift.  You probably thought this will make their day or at best you wanted it to bring a smile to their face.  Suppose they were not interested in that gift and when you gave it to them it was set aside and they said “I’ll get to it someday.”  Or maybe the person saw the gift and said, “No, that’s not for me.”  You would be disappointed for sure.  However, what if they were excited and opened it right away and said “Thank you for thinking of me” and then put it in a closet never to be seen or used again.  The cost you paid for it was never a consideration and not just the money involved, but also the time and thought that went into the present.  The gift still belong to them, but it was never thought of again or you for that matter.  Ideally, when you give a gift it will be around at least for a little while and the person will consider how thoughtful the giver was every time they look at it or use it.

On a small scale, this is like the gift of salvation. It is free to receive, but it was bought for a great price.  The most expensive price ever paid for a gift.  Today’s scripture says that you were  purchased.  You were bought by God.  He paid the price of the blood of Jesus for you.  Now He is giving you to the world as a gift to lead them to His love and salvation.  Anyone can receive His gift of salvation, but now I consider that the gift is not free.  I receive His salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven and He receives me as His child and the light of the world. His hope and expectation is that I will display this gift everywhere I go and tell everyone I meet that this great gift is waiting for them too.  The fact is, I am so thankful for His gift that I want to tell the world.

Today I want to encourage you to thank your heavenly Father for the great gift of salvation that He has given you.  Tell Him how much you appreciate that He thinks about you and made sure you didn’t spend eternity in suffering and pain.  Make a fresh commitment to Him that you want the whole world to know how good and loving He is.  Then go out and show the world what it is like to be a child of God.  Be a gift of peace and love in the lives that you come into contact with each day and then let them all know that God has a the greatest gift for them to, they only need to receive it!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 6