1 Corinthians 4
Inspired thots
v2 IT IS REQUIRED that those who have been a given trust must prove Faithful.
~ when God gives me something, I must prove my faithfulness over it.
1) Salvation
2) Ministry
3) Prayer Intercession
4) Talents
v3 I CARE VERY LITTLE if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
~ Do not be bothered about how people view me;
~ Do not be bothered to judge myself
~ Let God be the judge!
v4 My conscience is clear but that DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT. It is the Lord who judges me.
~ I may try my best but only God knows if I pass His test.
v5 JUDGE NOTHING before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.
~ Very good advice to stay clear from all kinds of politics
~ Very good foolproof lifestyle in today's world, understanding the will of God
v8 ALREADY you have all you want! Already you have become rich!
~ My relationship and status with Christ have made all things possible. I must remember I have all things and am not in want. I must not look at myself as if in dire needs.
v10-13 In Christ, I am wise, strong, honoured because of salvation and faith.
Yet, His servants will be regarded as 'fools', 'weak', 'dishonored', 'scum of the earth', 'refuse of the world'
v18 Arrogance has no place in God's kingdom. Only the POWER of God which shall be shown.
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
All things...Mine
1 Corinthians 3
Inspired thots
How often I strive... for the approval of man! But this chapter says, 'All things are mine'. Therefore, there is no need to strive. The more important virtue is to be more like Christ by focusing on Him.
Worldly wisdom is foolishness to GOD (v19); so, that's the WRONG source to seek from.
Interactions with man build or tear down relationships; so, be wise in the dealings. Underlying all interactions is the fact that man is created by God to have His Spirit dwell within to fellowship with Him. Hence, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, I must BUILD UP and be sacred.
So,
~ NO MORE boasting about man!
~ NO MORE spiritual milk but SOLID food
~ No More worldly characteristics that do not befit the glory of God.
Be careful, then, how I build. Use ALL that is MINE to lay correctly on the Right foundation - Christ!
Inspired thots
How often I strive... for the approval of man! But this chapter says, 'All things are mine'. Therefore, there is no need to strive. The more important virtue is to be more like Christ by focusing on Him.
Worldly wisdom is foolishness to GOD (v19); so, that's the WRONG source to seek from.
Interactions with man build or tear down relationships; so, be wise in the dealings. Underlying all interactions is the fact that man is created by God to have His Spirit dwell within to fellowship with Him. Hence, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, I must BUILD UP and be sacred.
So,
~ NO MORE boasting about man!
~ NO MORE spiritual milk but SOLID food
~ No More worldly characteristics that do not befit the glory of God.
Be careful, then, how I build. Use ALL that is MINE to lay correctly on the Right foundation - Christ!
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Holy Spirit Reveals the Mind of Christ
1 Corinthians 2
Inspired thots
Life would be so much simpler when I do not consider others but focus on Christ. On the other hand, one cannot escape from interacting with others. Hmm... a balance is needed. Focus on Christ while meeting the needs of others as best as I can without being influenced by them?
The only way to achieve that greatness is through the Holy Spirit. So often, He is overlooked and has taken second or third place. Forgive, Holy Spirit. It is true in the human life too; our closest members tend to be neglected. Hmmm.... a change is needed. Priority to those closest to me for better interaction and guidance which benefit me.
Let the Holy Spirit rise up within me and lead me ~ not just in my life but also in the things of God, for, v10-11,
only the Holy Spirit knows the things of God to reveal them to the one He dwells in.
Inspired thots
Life would be so much simpler when I do not consider others but focus on Christ. On the other hand, one cannot escape from interacting with others. Hmm... a balance is needed. Focus on Christ while meeting the needs of others as best as I can without being influenced by them?
The only way to achieve that greatness is through the Holy Spirit. So often, He is overlooked and has taken second or third place. Forgive, Holy Spirit. It is true in the human life too; our closest members tend to be neglected. Hmmm.... a change is needed. Priority to those closest to me for better interaction and guidance which benefit me.
Let the Holy Spirit rise up within me and lead me ~ not just in my life but also in the things of God, for, v10-11,
only the Holy Spirit knows the things of God to reveal them to the one He dwells in.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
One Great God for All
1 Corinthians 1
Inspired thots
It is SO reassuring to confirm that :
1) I am rich in EVERY way in Christ
2) I have Every SPIRITUAL Gift required
3) God will keep me STRONG to the end
4) God will keep me BLAMELESS on the day of JESUS' return
God is God of All ~ FOR all.
He wants Unity amongst His children ~ agreement amongst His children is important to be Perfectly UNITED in Mind and Thought. (v10)
So, where I can, I should submit to the church authority to keep the unity of the body. Yes, Lord, forgive me for failing to do so all the time. Forgive me for being wayward in certain areas, but thank God for prompting and revealing to let me get back into your ways.
Thank you for helping me recall Jesus' submissive behavior ~ paying taxes; being baptised ~
Salvation is for ALL ~ it is up to each one to receive it by faith (or foolishness as the world may term it)
The world only sees the death of Christ as weakness whereas it is actually strength.
~ strength in being humble to put aside own preferences for others' sake (for my own case too)
~ strength in being patient to wait for the better things to come (victory and power)
~ strength in overcoming death and gaining eternal life! The final victory!
How GREAT is my GOD!v25 'For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.'
It is wiser to get right on God's side.
I am exactly what verse 26 says: not wise by Human Standards, not influential, not of noble birth
But praise GOD! the cloud has a silver lining ~
v27 God CHOSE the FOOLISH things of the world to Shame the Wise;
God CHOSE the WEAK things of the world to Shame the Strong.
God CHOSE the LOWLY things of this world and the DESPISED things (things that ARE NOT),
to Nullify the things that are
so that NO ONE may boast before Him.
Through Christ, I am Righteous, Holy and Redeemed. Thank you Lord.
Inspired thots
It is SO reassuring to confirm that :
1) I am rich in EVERY way in Christ
2) I have Every SPIRITUAL Gift required
3) God will keep me STRONG to the end
4) God will keep me BLAMELESS on the day of JESUS' return
God is God of All ~ FOR all.
He wants Unity amongst His children ~ agreement amongst His children is important to be Perfectly UNITED in Mind and Thought. (v10)
So, where I can, I should submit to the church authority to keep the unity of the body. Yes, Lord, forgive me for failing to do so all the time. Forgive me for being wayward in certain areas, but thank God for prompting and revealing to let me get back into your ways.
Thank you for helping me recall Jesus' submissive behavior ~ paying taxes; being baptised ~
Salvation is for ALL ~ it is up to each one to receive it by faith (or foolishness as the world may term it)
The world only sees the death of Christ as weakness whereas it is actually strength.
~ strength in being humble to put aside own preferences for others' sake (for my own case too)
~ strength in being patient to wait for the better things to come (victory and power)
~ strength in overcoming death and gaining eternal life! The final victory!
How GREAT is my GOD!v25 'For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.'
It is wiser to get right on God's side.
I am exactly what verse 26 says: not wise by Human Standards, not influential, not of noble birth
But praise GOD! the cloud has a silver lining ~
v27 God CHOSE the FOOLISH things of the world to Shame the Wise;
God CHOSE the WEAK things of the world to Shame the Strong.
God CHOSE the LOWLY things of this world and the DESPISED things (things that ARE NOT),
to Nullify the things that are
so that NO ONE may boast before Him.
Through Christ, I am Righteous, Holy and Redeemed. Thank you Lord.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
God of Contrasts
2 Corinthians 13
Inspired thots
God is seemingly a God of Contrasts.
He is SO different from what the world would make of Him; hence, every discovery of His nature is an amazement because it would be a discovery that is so different from worldy expectations.
Jesus chose to become WEAK so that He is POWERFUL.
He DIED so that He LIVES FOREVER.
He became a MAN so that He can show Himself as GOD.
He testified to the TRUTH so that He can expose the FALSE.
Likewise, as God's child, I am to live my life like Him ~ not easy as the human nature and the world lure constantly to their sides.
But Paul warned about being ALERT to who we are in Christ, so that we do not Fail the test.
1) Examine myself
2) Realize Christ is within
3) Do nothing wrong
4) Live by the Truth
5) Be Strong in the faith
6) Be perfect
7) Be Built up
8) Be of ONE mind
9) Be at Peace
Inspired thots
God is seemingly a God of Contrasts.
He is SO different from what the world would make of Him; hence, every discovery of His nature is an amazement because it would be a discovery that is so different from worldy expectations.
Jesus chose to become WEAK so that He is POWERFUL.
He DIED so that He LIVES FOREVER.
He became a MAN so that He can show Himself as GOD.
He testified to the TRUTH so that He can expose the FALSE.
Likewise, as God's child, I am to live my life like Him ~ not easy as the human nature and the world lure constantly to their sides.
But Paul warned about being ALERT to who we are in Christ, so that we do not Fail the test.
1) Examine myself
2) Realize Christ is within
3) Do nothing wrong
4) Live by the Truth
5) Be Strong in the faith
6) Be perfect
7) Be Built up
8) Be of ONE mind
9) Be at Peace
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
SpringCleaning for the Future
2 Corinthians 12
Inspired thots
God really knows every situation and emotion I go through at every moment. He speaks through His Word as the Holy Spirit prompts me in the application.
As I waited before the Lord yesterday, conversing with Him, He put into me a realization.
1> The Lord is drawing me away from the 'limelight' and 'activity' of ministries so that I can spend more time in intercession, which is quite burdensome because it is related to people. Paul was not spared of the same disappointments when he wrote to the Corinthians of their attitude and faith.
2> God is 'stripping' me of the things of the world ~ fame, recognition, success, dependency on wealth,
and to 'cloth' me with His ways. I have accummulated too much worldly stuff within that needs a thorough springcleaning from the Lord.
Hence, boasting should be refrained. ie. keeping quiet in everything about myself, so that 'no one will think of me MORE than is warranted by what I do or say' v6
12v9 ~ His GRACE is sufficient for Me; for HIS POWER is made PERFECT in my weakness.
In the sight of men, I ought to have been commended (v11) but I am NOT; people have a different viewpoint OF me and FROM me.
Nevertheless, I am NOT in the LEAST Inferior to the 'super apostles' even though I am Nothing.
This is MY situation today. This is what I was struggling with the past few months.
Acceptance, Compliments and Expectations from people ~ to be an ACE. But God says, 'that is not the way; not His way ~ for me'
Hence, no more looking towards people but God - who cleanses and builds for my best.
God's Q to me: 'If I love you more, will you love me less?' v15
A strong reminder not to take Him for granted. To reciprocate in His love.
Inspired thots
God really knows every situation and emotion I go through at every moment. He speaks through His Word as the Holy Spirit prompts me in the application.
As I waited before the Lord yesterday, conversing with Him, He put into me a realization.
1> The Lord is drawing me away from the 'limelight' and 'activity' of ministries so that I can spend more time in intercession, which is quite burdensome because it is related to people. Paul was not spared of the same disappointments when he wrote to the Corinthians of their attitude and faith.
2> God is 'stripping' me of the things of the world ~ fame, recognition, success, dependency on wealth,
and to 'cloth' me with His ways. I have accummulated too much worldly stuff within that needs a thorough springcleaning from the Lord.
Hence, boasting should be refrained. ie. keeping quiet in everything about myself, so that 'no one will think of me MORE than is warranted by what I do or say' v6
12v9 ~ His GRACE is sufficient for Me; for HIS POWER is made PERFECT in my weakness.
In the sight of men, I ought to have been commended (v11) but I am NOT; people have a different viewpoint OF me and FROM me.
Nevertheless, I am NOT in the LEAST Inferior to the 'super apostles' even though I am Nothing.
This is MY situation today. This is what I was struggling with the past few months.
Acceptance, Compliments and Expectations from people ~ to be an ACE. But God says, 'that is not the way; not His way ~ for me'
Hence, no more looking towards people but God - who cleanses and builds for my best.
God's Q to me: 'If I love you more, will you love me less?' v15
A strong reminder not to take Him for granted. To reciprocate in His love.
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Colourful Life
2 Corinthians 11
Inspired thots
The Apostle Paul went through MUCH in life; mine is only a minute fraction of his.
People tend to colour your life, whether you like it or not; unless you plan to be a hermit. Then that would be living in contrast to the purpose of God.
Each life tells a story ~ eventful, colourful, emotional.
There are many types of experiences involved.
v29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?
All human goes through life's offering, some time or other, in some form or manner. No one is really spared.
This is life's molding of the person ~ in character, outlook, opinions, decisions, thoughts and actions.
I AM what life impacts Me.
I Am How I allow life to mold Me.
But, as with Apostle Paul, the focus of life must be persistently clear and in front.
Losing sight of life's focus throws one in confusion, subjects one to deception and molds one in error.
Inspired thots
The Apostle Paul went through MUCH in life; mine is only a minute fraction of his.
People tend to colour your life, whether you like it or not; unless you plan to be a hermit. Then that would be living in contrast to the purpose of God.
Each life tells a story ~ eventful, colourful, emotional.
There are many types of experiences involved.
v29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?
All human goes through life's offering, some time or other, in some form or manner. No one is really spared.
This is life's molding of the person ~ in character, outlook, opinions, decisions, thoughts and actions.
I AM what life impacts Me.
I Am How I allow life to mold Me.
But, as with Apostle Paul, the focus of life must be persistently clear and in front.
Losing sight of life's focus throws one in confusion, subjects one to deception and molds one in error.
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