Apostles of Christ

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Not sure what to write? Try using ACTS to frame your prayer. Begin with adoration for who God is. Then move on to confession – being real about where you have fallen short in the last day or two. Give thanks to God for all that He gives (including forgiveness for the sin you just confessed!). And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Words of Truth

by Judy Webb

Remember a time when you got caught doing something wrong? We've all been there. The one who 'caught' you had a vested interest in your actions, as they reflected on them. Perhaps it was a teacher who found out that you cheated on a test. Maybe a parent who discovered that you weren't at your friend’s house overnight, but at a party they forbade you to attend. There could be numerous scenarios here, but you get the drift. Our behavior caused disappointment in someone who cares about us.

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. (Verse 14)

You've gotta' love Paul's heart. The church in Corinth is back-sliding and he wants to help them turn around and embrace Jesus once again. In this entire chapter Paul is admonishing the believers in Corinth to turn back in obedience and repentance. 

Paul spent 18 months building this church in Corinth into a large center of worship. Located geographically as it was, the potential to reach many with the Gospel of Christ was excellent. These opportunities could be lost if the people don’t turn back to God.

Paul's disappointment in these folks is evident in the words he uses. Even resorting to sarcasm to get their attention in verse 10 with the words: We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 

Paul is scolding these believers like a parent of a wayward child. All this to encourage them to get back on track - as a loving Father would.  We can find comfort and conviction from this chapter of scripture. If we fall away, there is still time to turn back, but we need to remember that we are not promised a tomorrow, so not to hesitate. When we sin, we can confess and be forgiven. That is the blessing of believing in Jesus and His abundant Grace.

Dear Lord, Put a 'Paul' in my life to speak truth to me when I need to hear it. Give me ears to hear these words of truth and a heart to heed them.