God has given us a gift called marriage. It’s not something we can pick and choose how we use it, it’s his design. We don’t have to accept it, that’s not a sinful decision to not be married, but should you choose to be married, it needs to be God’s way. When we think we can mold and shape marriage to be whatever we want, it does us more harm than good. We all need to learn to be content with the status we find ourselves in. Contentment doesn’t mean we never aspire to something more, but it means we leave the results up to God. We put his will ahead of our own. We surrender our rights for the sake of God’s mission. When we worship ourselves, seeking to fulfill our own desires ahead of anything else, we make ourselves an idol. Even if something is technically “ok” (meaning it’s not sinful in and of itself) if it doesn’t add to God’s glory, we shouldn’t do it. Our purpose is to help people towards the Lord, not push them away from him. If there’s something that doesn’t have to do with who Jesus is, be willing to let it go. Our whole lives are about his glory, and we need reminders. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a reminder. His body, his blood, a new covenant to provide access to God. This covenant is also a community, the church. Salvation isn’t just about individuals, but it’s about the church, a group of people, a body. The only way for a group to function together is love. We must not be selfish and individualistic, but selfless with one goal, to bring God glory. Corporate worship is not about my own individual preferences or desires, but what builds up others, so that people come to know Jesus. Our faith is rooted in the concrete reality of the resurrection. Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again. If there’s no resurrection of Jesus, there’s no eternal life… but Jesus was raised from the dead. He is our hope! Do you trust him?
Day 22: 1Corinthians 16 – 2Corinthians 12
Day 23: 2Corinthians 13 – Ephesians 4
Day 24: Ephesians 5 – Colossians 4
Day 25: 1Thessalonians 1 – 1Timothy 6
Day 26: 2Timothy 1 – Hebrews 6
Day 27: Hebrews 7 – James 2
Day 28: James 3 – 1John 1
Day 29: 1John 2 – Revelation 4
Day 30: Revelation 5 – 22
Day 31: Pray and prepare for 2018!!!
