Previously in the Daily Read (1 Corinthians 14-16), Paul’s letters to the Corinthians contain information about the gifts of prophesy and tongues, orderly worship and resurrection. But as I did in my last post, I am going to some it up quickly with one of his awesome mantras. I love this because it cuts through to the core and gives us something that we can repeat to ourselves to keep moving forward:

Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I was trying to find the words to follow this up, but this is just perfect for every aspect of life. With that being said, let’s go out and have a great week being courageous and strong, as well is doing it with love. Read on…

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Previously in the Daily Read (1 Corinthians 10-13), Paul gives some great wisdom about being Christians including how the many parts make one body and how we all have our own spiritual gifts. But it is all nothing without love:

There are three things that will endure – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Without it, all the other stuff just really won’t work. It’s the glue that holds all the parts together. That is awesome. Read on…

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Previously in the Daily Read (1 Corinthians 5-9), Paul throws down on the advice regarding sex, money, marriage and power! But, he reminds us why we must keep this in check:

And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, the Lord has now set you free from the awful power of sin. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. God purchased you at a high price. Don’t be enslaved by the world. 1 Corinthians 7:22-23

It is amazing to me that even though Christ had recently been risen and the church was brand new, we still have some of these problems today. But the successful churches know:

You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

We have our job to do while here on Earth and we must be fit to do it:

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

You have to love the athlete analogy. It’s a long race, let’s enjoy the scenery. Read on…

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In writing the title for today’s post, it seems like this was yesterday, but we are now into 2007. WOW! Happy New Year to all, by the way.

Before I get started with the Daily Read, I wanted to make a couple of observations about getting back to the read. First and foremost, despite being behind, I will always continue in chronological order to keep consistency. Second, I had huge encouragement from Carrie tonight. While talking about the site, she said, “You can’t stop now, you have come too far.” While I never intended on stopping, it really helped me get off my butt. How wonderful I have it! Finally, there is one good thing about taking a break from reading. When you get back to it, there is a passage like this that hits you right in the middle of the forehead and gets you fired up! With that being said:

Previously in the Daily Read, Paul reminds us not to get cocky because what we have is given to us by God and the He likes the underdog. I love this, as I am always about the underdog. We can all accomplish anything if we set our minds to it and have God on our side:

Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:27

I cannot tell you what this verse means to me. In my career, I am in a business with some of the most powerful companies in the world. I am just a one man show trying to compete with the big guns. But, he has a plan for me and this verse confirms the things that I do in my career and life. How great is that?

In my life and upbringing, myself and my family have always tremendously disliked those that think too much of themselves or brag about what they have done. It has always been ingrained in me and I know why:

What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own? 1 Corinthians 4:7

Absolutely! Everything that we have are just gifts from him and we are here to share them with others. I don’t have much, but I work hard so that I might give back. That’s what I am here for and I love it. ‘Nuff said. Read on…

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Wow, I never thought when I started my mission that I would get a month and a half behind. I did pretty good with school, soccer and other activities of the fall, but as we moved into winter, my schedule kicked into overdrive and I have fallen incredibly behind. But, I am really focused now and I will not let my goal be deterred.

Plus, not to make excuses, but I am working on some good things for others to share their faith. I am excited about the possibilities and it has been occupying some of my time. Stay tuned (even though I have been away) and see what is coming. Be patient with my efforts and pray for good stuff. Thanks. With that being said:

Previously in the Daily Read (Romans 14-16), we find that those of us that have found our Savior and are strong must help others to be be the same without judgment:

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3

As a young person, I have seen those that I looked up to please themselves with my failings. They never built me up, but used me for their own gain. But as it is mentioned in this passage, I let those insults fall on me and they have made me stronger. I can only pray for those that do this and work to help them. Each day with my reading I become stronger and those that attempt this become even more ineffective. Thanks to the Word and faith in the Lord. Thanks. Read on…

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