“But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 ->me: What a culmination of my previous 2 quiet times! Until you have been called, the gospel is foolishness and a stumbling block (hard to comprehend without faith). Those who are called are lowly in spirit and not prestigious…so that God will be the One glorified when His work is done. God CHOOSES the foolish and the weak of this human world to shame the wise and the strong. It is because of the work on the cross that I am given a place in Jesus, who has become our wisdom through His Spirit, a righteousness we don’t deserve, and given a Holiness in sanctification that would could never achieve ourselves; so we have been saved from God’s wrath at the end of time. So…where does all of the glory and boasting go? To the One Who works in the smallest and weakest to accomplish His great work. I must realize that man’s opinion means nothing; God’s opinion is the only that matters. His Character is spelled out through His word which is entirely sufficient.
QTVOTD: Don’t wrestle the reins away…
“For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him).” 1 Corinthians 1:21 -> me: Earthly wisdom displays the skill of human beings and brings praise to them, which is not the message of the gospel. Those who search for God by applying earthly wisdom will become frustrated. God’s plan for us is that we cannot truly know Him through our own logical thinking. It is only through the denial of ourselves that we can attain the beauty of God’s covering and peace in our lives. One thing I have learned through my own frailty is that the moment I take back control from God, I immediately feel myself moving away from Him…it always presents an opportunity for sin. Because I have experienced the calling of God on my life and KNOW the peace and love only God can provide, turning away from Him in these moments is shameful. Lord God, give me the strength to say no to my own ‘ways’ and cleave to Your Way in every decision, problem, and joy.
QTVOTD: Let God work in you…
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:17 -> me: <Sigh> Today is the first day in 2 weeks that I have chosen to sit down for a dedicated time in God’s word. Let me be clear – I could have made this happen but my earthly desires to spend every waking moment either focused on my family or on work pushed out this time I have so desperately missed. What I keep failing to internalize is that when time with God supersedes everything else, the ‘everything else’ becomes more manageable. How feeble my heart and mind are to this truth. This verse today helps me see how God designed us to fully rely on Him…not just in our earthly lives but in our ministry as well. ‘not with wisdom words’ speaks to that immediate mindset to take control of things ourselves. The gospel is most powerful when we let God work through us rather than trying to manipulate the message with our own wordsmithing. A great reminder to seek His will in every action, moment, conflict, and trial.