A way of escape

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

12Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 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.

These few verses carry such an amazing message for us.  If we read it carefully and thoughtfully, we will find that it makes 3 major points:

1.    We should not think we are above falling into temptation - hence the warning in verse 12.

2.    It actually says that God would not ALLOW us to be tempted beyond what we are able.  Meaning          He would not allow the enemy to tempt us beyond what He knows we can handle - but then                  Philippians also says we are able to do ALL things through Christ Jesus that gives us the strength.           Meaning we can pretty much say NO to all temptations.  What would there be that God in us cannot       say NO to? 

3.   The third point is that God says HE will make a way of ESCAPE.  He will provide for us a way              OUT of temptation!

What more do we need to NOT fall into temptation?  A God who lives in us and says we are able to do all things through Him AND then He says HE will provide for us an ESCAPE whenever the enemy comes with his temptations.  

Point to ponder:  Are we tackling temptations out of our own strength - hence our numerous failures?  Maybe we need a faith-attitude adjustment in this area? 

In Christ Alone - Shane & Shane

Everything to the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31

"31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Point to ponder:  Are we doing EVERYTHING we do to the glory of God?  Sadly I have to say that I don't.  My prayer is simply, "Lord remind me in my daily walk, in the moment - to do everything to your glory!"

Do everything - Steven Curtis Chapman

For the sake of my brother

 1 Corinthians 8:12-13

12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Genesis 4:9

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”

He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Paul makes the point that sometimes we have to let go of things that are perfectly OK for us to do, say, eat, or whatever is applicable to your situation - simply for the sake of a brother.  Even if it is not a sin or a stumbling block to ourselves, only because we are honoring and protecting our brother/sister in Christ.  This is not easy, and we should prayerfully consider each situation on merit, so as to not allow ourselves to overreact and go into people pleasing either. There is a principle in the Bible that we perhaps should pay more attention to, especially in our day and age where we are so focused on our own 'human rights'.  We have responsibilities too - not just so-called rights.  One of those responsibilities is to be our brother's keeper. We cannot just live for ourselves, then we are on the same road of destruction that Cain was - and we need to remember that what we sow is what we will reap.  

Point to ponder:  Am I sowing "being-my-brother's-keeper" - so that I can reap my "brother-being-my- keeper?"  

How can it be - Lauren Daigle

Bought for a price

1 Corinthians 6:20

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

This verse stood out for me today in light of the fact that I for one know very well that I am all too human, and so often make mistakes that I regret, and yet I cannot do anything about them once they are made.  Many may ask or think that people who believe in God have it made and are perfect and moral and always have the right answer and never say wrong things, etc. etc.  Well, that's not true.  Believe me, I make mistakes, lots of them.  But one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt - I was bought for a price.  My iniquities cost Jesus a hefty price on the cross.  I can only live in thankfulness and glorify Him in body and in spirit - for I am His - because He bought me.    

My Redeemer - Nicole Mullen