Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 1:1-3     “Paul, called   to be   an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes   our   brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called   to be   saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace   be   unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and   from   the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul first came to Corinth after preaching Jesus and His resurrection in Athens. Based on his meeting Aquila and Priscilla there, the time of this visit to Corinth is placed at around 50 AD. Aquila and Priscilla had fled Rome as the result of an edict issued by the Emperor Claudius that all Jews should depart Rome (Acts 18:2). Claudius’ proclamation was given around 49 AD. Scholars indicate that Paul was probably at Corinth for about two years, leaving in 52 AD. When he left Corinth, he c...

Psalm 73:24-26     "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  (25)  Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  (26)  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel." I admit to you there have been times in my travels that I would still be wandering around in the wilderness if my GPS had lost connection. I remember more than once being in an unfamiliar place and praying, "Lord, please don't let me lose connection." I have seen a lot of countryside through the years and I'm thankful to say that the Lord was with me every mile of the way. He has indeed guided me geographically in my travels. But there are so many other ways that He has guided me with His counsel. I'm so thankful as I look back that His wisdom guided me through decisions that had to be made. I wish I could tell you that I...

Romans 16:6-16    “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’   household.  Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the   household   of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salu...

Psalm 73:1-3   A Psalm of Asaph.   "Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.  (2)  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  (3)  For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Today's writing might be a little different from other days. This Psalm tells the entire story of how quickly you and I can be plunged into a state of discouragement and despair. I believe one of the most used tools in Satan's toolbox is that of discouragement. And quite honestly discouragement is the offspring of selfishness. I know that is a hard saying, but I believe it's true. Discouragement comes when we do not get our own way. Discouragement comes when we place our eyes on others and the things they possess and enjoy. Discouragement comes when we begin to compare ourselves against others. Do you see what caused discouragement in the life of the Psalmist? "... my steps had well nigh slipp...

Romans 16:1-5    “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise   greet   the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” As Paul closes out his letter to the church at Rome, he speaks to them of specific individuals that have proven their love for the church of God. While some would have us believe that Paul had no use for women, he is very diligent to mention several sisters here who were vital to the church in that day. There is much debate today about what women can and ...