Upper Klamath Lake-Debra Davis 2018
Today’s Bible Reading:
Exodus 12:22-51; Luke 15; Job 30; 1 Corinthians 16: Proverbs 1
Paul has some words of advice for me this morning, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NASB
Let's take a closer look:
What does it mean to be “on the alert?” It means to be ready, to be watchful, to be prepared; so that when something happens you can take the necessary precautions. When I get behind the wheel of my car I pay close attention to what is going on around me-I am prepared to take action when a child runs out in the street after a ball. I am prepared to avoid the collision that just happened in front of me. I need to be on the alert in my spiritual life in the same way, with the same diligence.
“Stand firm in the faith” means that I will not waiver no matter what happens.
“Act like men.” Now there is a phrase that I think will soon be out of favor, if it is not already. But this is not meant as a sexist statement; I do not believe “men” here is gender specific but rather a generalization for all of us. We should act with maturity and courage.
“Be strong.” And I know that I am only strong when I recognize my weakness and need of the Lord-I am not strong on my own but only as I wholly lean on Jesus Christ.
“Let all you do be done in love.” “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Galatians 5:14, NASB. And if I have any question about what that love looks like I can just go back and reread 1 Corinthians 13.
Grace, peace, and mercy,
Debra
Exodus 12:22-51; Luke 15; Job 30; 1 Corinthians 16: Proverbs 1
Paul has some words of advice for me this morning, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NASB
Let's take a closer look:
What does it mean to be “on the alert?” It means to be ready, to be watchful, to be prepared; so that when something happens you can take the necessary precautions. When I get behind the wheel of my car I pay close attention to what is going on around me-I am prepared to take action when a child runs out in the street after a ball. I am prepared to avoid the collision that just happened in front of me. I need to be on the alert in my spiritual life in the same way, with the same diligence.
“Stand firm in the faith” means that I will not waiver no matter what happens.
“Act like men.” Now there is a phrase that I think will soon be out of favor, if it is not already. But this is not meant as a sexist statement; I do not believe “men” here is gender specific but rather a generalization for all of us. We should act with maturity and courage.
“Be strong.” And I know that I am only strong when I recognize my weakness and need of the Lord-I am not strong on my own but only as I wholly lean on Jesus Christ.
“Let all you do be done in love.” “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Galatians 5:14, NASB. And if I have any question about what that love looks like I can just go back and reread 1 Corinthians 13.
Grace, peace, and mercy,
Debra
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