1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
Isn’t it interesting that right after Paul tells the church to remain firm, he immediately reminds them to do everything in love. Clearly, I am not the only one who struggles to be on guard, firm, strong, and courageous while being loving at the same time.
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.
Teach me to pray, dear Lord!
1 Corinthians 15:9-10 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
We all have a “because” and yet, we all are who we are by the grace of God. May I always be willing to accept the Lord’s grace in spite of who I was…in spite of my “because.”
1 Timothy 1:19 …holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Help me to cling to my faith, dear Lord!
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
Nothing that the Lord does is out of disorder. May I be reminded that when things seem to be out of control, our God is a God of peace.
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
As we read in the first and second greatest commandments, love is what is most important. Love, above all else, will ultimately never cease, as it will remain in the kingdom of God forever and ever.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s burst of praise was for his forgiveness having been the worst of sinners. May I be as grateful for my forgiveness As well.
1 Corinthians 12:31a Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Lord, may I desire and be granted greater spiritual gifts throughout the new year.
1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience…
I am so grateful that Jesus is patient with me.
1 Corinthians 10:12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
When I am weak, I am strong, but when I think I am strong, I am weak. Lord, may I especially be on guard and rely on You when I do not feel weak.