The Daily Dose

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

God’s Glory

“Or do you not know that your body is the TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  1 Corinthians 6:19

The glory of God!  It’s hard for us to imagine it, although it is described all through scripture.

•             Exodus 33:18-19 tells us God’s glory is seen in His goodness

•             Exodus 40:34 says God’s glory filled the tabernacle

•             Psalms 19:1 says God’s glory is on display in the heavens

•             2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us that the knowledge of the glory gives light to our hearts

•             Ephesians 3:16 says the riches of God’s glory strengthens us in our inner man

•             Hebrews 1:3 – talks about the brightness of His glory that was expressed in Jesus

•             Revelation 21:11 refers to the new Jerusalem that has the Glory of God as its source of light

These are only a very few mentions of the Glory of God and how wonderful it is.  However, before Jesus came, that glory was kept behind a curtain/veil in the temple, in the place of the Holy of Holies.  After the fall of mankind, people were no longer able to be in the presence of God’s glory or they would be destroyed because sin cannot be in the presence of God.  When God established the blood covenant and set up the temple, only one person, the high priest, could go into that place one time each year to offer up the sacrifice for the people’s sin for that year.  He could not go there without the blood that was poured out for the sins.  It was quite a process and really God set it up because of His desire to be with His creation/family.

At the time of Jesus’ death, God tore that veil from top to bottom.  The veil was so thick there is no way it could have been done naturally.  God did it supernaturally and the reason was because through the blood of Jesus, the glory of God was now released to come out from behind that curtain and move right inside of each person who received the blood sacrifice of Jesus.  What a supernatural work and so amazing.  There has never been anything like it before or since.

Today I want to encourage you to “see” the glory of the LORD living on the inside of you.  The Holy Spirit is growing you and becoming more evident through your daily walk.  Remember that the glory of God’s presence that used to live behind a great veil has now taken up residence in your inner person!  This is an amazing work and revelation. As you continue to look into the perfect law of liberty (God’s Word) you give more space for His glory to move into your life to shine and be evident in your daily activities.  This is God’s plan for all of us, to have our spirit join to His Spirit and become a new creation in Christ Jesus, displaying His glory and goodness wherever we go!

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Judge angels?

Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:3

God’s angelic force!  The thought of them can be quite intimidating.  The scripture actually talks a lot about them, but most people know little if anything about them.  Below is a short list of some of the attributes and descriptions God has told us about angels in His word:

1. One angel will put 1000 to flight and two 10,000 – Deuteronomy 32:30
2. God puts them in charge of our protection – Psalms 91:11
3. Angels excel in strength and listen for God’s word to be spoken to do it – Psalms 103:20
4. Angels are messengers from God – Luke 1
5. They are ministering spirits to minister for God’s people – Hebrews 1:14
6. Angels worship the Lord – Revelation 4 & 5

There are many more references that give us a description of God’s angelic hosts.  If you do a search for just the word angel, you will immediately find over 100 results in the word.

The focus of today’s reading says that WE will judge angels about things in this life and in this world.  I didn’t understand this for the longest time until I got a job where I drive for 3 – 5 hours per day.  I have been in several near misses, many almost collisions and even more close calls.  To the point that now even before I get on the road I declare: “Angels, I judge you more than able to keep me in all my ways.  God has put you in charge of my safety and protection and you have proven to me that you are well able to accomplish this.  Therefore, I judge you worthy of keeping me and my vehicle safe and all those around me.  I judge you mighty in strength because you have brought me through many narrow escapes and ministered grace and peace to me along the way.”

I judge my angels well able to watch over me and my loved ones and even those who are just around me.  How do you judge your angels?  Do you even realize that they are close by waiting to hear your direction?  Psalms 103 says they are listening to your words for the “word of God” to do it.  Do you release them with the power of grace, protection, wisdom and peace in your life or are they standing by with nothing to do because they do not understand your language?  They are God’s ministering spirit sent forth to minister for you (Hebrews 1:14) but it is up to you to send them out.

Today I want to encourage you to release the angels over your life and the lives of those you love.  Speak the word of God and send them in the direction that you need some mighty strength poured out on.  Judge them worthy to be in charge of your safety and protection because God has put them in charge of it and rejoice with them that one day you will stand beside them in heaven praising and worshiping your Father, just like the apostle John did in Revelation!

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Corinthians 6:1-11

A real problem                                                    

It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.  1 Corinthians 5:12

This is a problem.  We know that we, as God’s people, are the light of the world.  We know that we are not of this world, just in it.  We know that we are to reach out to the lost and hurting people of the world.  Yet in today’s reading, Paul says not to keep company with the immoral, covetous, extortioners and idolaters of the world.  Aren’t these the very people that we are to reach for the kingdom of Heaven?  The ones who need the love of God and the salvation He provided for them?

In Paul’s defense, his focus in this passage is to not condone sinful habits of fellow believers.  This part makes sense, and certainly once you become a part of God’s family, there is a much higher standard of living and no room for immoral habits with covetous, idolatry, reviling/complaining, drunkenness and extortion to still exist.  Yes, this is definitely a real problem.  It may happen in a church, but typically, when people have not stepped away from sinful habits, they are not spending a lot of time in church anyway.  The instruction in today’s text is not to associate with them by sitting with them in eating (which implies fellowshipping).  There are so many variables to this.  What if it is family members or what if it is a new believer that is trying to get on track?  I believer Paul’s point is directed toward those who are deliberately defiant and refuse to grow in their walk and relationship with God.

He concludes this chapter by saying that God judges the unbeliever, but we are to evaluate if another believer is walking toward God or away from Him.  Lost and sinful people are going to sin.  That’s what sinners do, they sin.  You really shouldn’t be surprised or appalled when you see it happening. Just expect that sinners and those who do not know God’s goodness and grace in their lives are going to sin. However, once you receive salvation and a right relationship with God, the fruit of that decision should be evident in living differently than when you didn’t know God. 

You can look at it this way:  When you receive God’s gift of salvation, you are immediately adopted into the family of your loving heavenly Father.  You move into His house and receive all the benefits of being the child of the One true King. The other side of that is, you are now subject to the new house standards.  If you continue to walk out of your adopted Father’s house to go live back where you did before you were adopted, then you are not living as if you have gained a new family and home.  You are still living as an orphan, slave and a beggar.  God is not unreasonable and His greatest joy is to bless His family, the problem is if we don’t stay within His reach, we are actually limiting His access to or lives. As you begin to submit every area of you life to Him, now you can be sure that He is taking those areas and working His greatest blessings in them.

Today I want to encourage you to receive God’s unconditional love and enter the home He has paid to give you through salvation.  Don’t be like you once were before He adopted you into His family, step away form the chains of sin that are holding back His blessings from flowing in your life.  If you have never received His unconditional love and salvation, do it today and He will bring you right home to live in His protection and grace.  Pray this simple prayer today and Jesus will come into your heart and into your life and give you a right relationship with the Father so you don’t have to be an orphan any longer.  Now you belong to the King.

Pray this from your heart: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus for Your grace that has saved me from my sin and has given me eternal life.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to come into my life to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Corinthians 5:9-13