1 Corinthians 3:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.



A building is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation of our lives is Jesus Christ; He is our base, our reason for being. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern provided by Him. Are you building your life on the only real and lasting foundation, or are you building on a faulty foundation such as wealth, security, success, or fame?



Joe

1 Corinthians 3:7-9

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁷ It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. ⁹ For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.



God's work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. There are no superstars in this task, only team members performing their own special roles. We can become useful members of God's team by setting aside our desires to receive glory for what we do. Don't seek the praise that comes from people - it is comparatively worthless. Instead, seek approval from God.



Joe

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

 

 

 

Paul called the Corinthians infants in the Christian life because they were not yet spiritually healthy and mature. The proof was that they quarreled like children, allowing divisions to distract them. Immature Christians are "worldly," controlled by their own desires; mature believers are in tune with God's desires. How much influence do your desires have on your life? Your goal should be to let God's desires be yours. Being controlled by your desires will stunt your growth.

 

 

Joe

Today I am going to write about a dream I had a couple of years ago. I know I have written about this before, but I get comfort from it.

December 4th is my daughter Amanda's birthday. She would've been 29 today. She went home to be with the Lord a little over 9 years ago.

John 14:2

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)


 

² In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.



In my dream I remember going into a house. I walked down a long hallway toward a room that had a light on. As I entered the room and looked around, I saw painting equipment scattered around... ladders, drop cloths, open paint cans, brushes and rollers. There standing in the middle of all of it was my daughter Amanda with a big smile on her face (the "light up" the room smile that I miss so much). Her cheeks had splatters of yellow and orange paint on them. Her sweatshirt looked like she was using it to clean the brushes. I looked at her and smiled. I said to her, "Amanda, what are you doing? You know that painting is my job!" She looked at me, a more serious look on her face this time, she said, "Dad, I'm getting your room ready!

I woke up knowing that one day I will be with my daughter again.

Joe

1 Corinthians 1:10-11

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Divisions in the Church

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹ My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.


To "agree with one another", allow for "no divisions" and "be perfectly united in mind and thought" does not require everyone to believe exactly the same. There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters - Jesus Christ is Lord of all. In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians.


Joe

Romans 14:1

The Message (MSG)
 

14 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

 

This verse assumes there will be differences of opinion in the church. Paul says we are not to quarrel about issues that are matters of opinion. Differences should not be feared or avoided, but accepted and handled with love. Don't expect everyone, even in the best possible church, to agree on every subject. Through sharing ideas we can come to a fuller understanding of what the Bible teaches. Accept, listen to, and respect others. Differences of opinion need not cause division. They can be a source of learning and richness in our relationships.


 

Joe

Romans 12:19-20

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 

 

 

 

What does it mean to "heap burning coals" on someone's head? This may refer to an Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one's head as a public act of repentance. By referring to this proverb {Proverbs 25:21-22}, Paul was saying that we should treat our enemies with kindness so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. The best way to get rid of enemies is to turn them into friends.

 

 

Joe