Rev. Patrick Vincent
“Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.” – 1 Cor. 9:10
As we work for the Lord’s kingdom, we do so in total confidence that He will bring the harvest.
“Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” – 1 Cor. 3:21-23
This is like spiritual Russian nestling dolls. We are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.
Wonderfully comforting
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,” – Rom. 4:5
The person who’s faith is accounted for righteousness is the person who does not lean on his or her own works, but rather, who relies solely on God.
God is the one who justifies the sinner, not the sinner’s actions or accomplishments.
It’s not based on us, but Him.
“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” – 1 Cor. 8:9-13
Puts things into perspective.
Something to always remember, but I fear we often forget.
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Cor. 6:9-11
If you want to live a miserable life, focus on the past. If you want to love well, focus on the One who washed you, sanctified you, and justifies you.
“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7b
Jesus is our Passover.
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” – 1 Cor. 3:20
The wisest of human thought are futile; “without purpose or ground; properly, aimless (vain), without purpose; (figuratively) without profit because without basis, i.e. fleeting (transitory), ineffectual (“groundless”).”
God knows our thoughts.
God alone is wise.
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.” – Psa. 36:7-8
Some verses just sing.
How precious is God’s kindness. When we put our trust in Him, God exceeds our wildest expectations – not with earthly health and wealth, but – with the fullness of His house.
That’s verses 7-8. The icing on the cake is verse 9: “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”
He is the source, not us or our circumstances or our feelings. Because of Him we see the world as it truly is.
Like I said: Sings.
“So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.” – Acts 13:42
When was the last time you heard people beg that the Gospel be preached to them? What hunger for words of life. What thirst for truth.
This sort of searching is just what we need!
Those who seek will find and those who hunger and thirst will be filled!
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” – Isa. 26:3
We all want peace. What about perfect peace?
Perfect peace comes only from God and knowing His Son, Jesus.
God is able and willing to keep you in this divine calm.
It comes only to the one who keeps their mind stayed on God. Of course, that’s easier to do when you trust Him.
Trust God.
Stay your mind on Him.
And God will keep you in His perfect peace.
A Verse A Day 