Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

—1 Corinthians 12:18-20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Apostle Paul reminds us that God assigns our roles in the Body of Christ. Several principles interact with God's choice:

1. First, be faithful in what God has given us to do — until we are faithful in and with little things, he will not entrust us with big ones (Luke 16:10-13).
2. Second, if we don't use what he has given us, it will be taken away from us (Matt. 25:14-30).
3. Third, we reap what we sow — sinful or irresponsible behavior can create consequences that limit the effectiveness of our service, ministry, and use of our gifts (Galatians 6:7-8).

Bottom line: Let's be faithful to what God has given us. Let's serve him when given new opportunities using the gifts he has blessed us with and the opportunities he places before us. Let's honor him with our choices so that Satan cannot use our failure to interfere with our service to others and our faithfulness to the LORD!

My Prayer...

Dear Father and LORD of heaven and earth, please help me see my opportunities to serve in your Kingdom using the gifts you have given me. Please grow my effectiveness in your service so that I can bring you glory and bless others. In Jesus' name, I thank you and pray this. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:17-18

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

—Romans 12:17-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

REDEMPTIVELY — That's how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of everyone he met — friends, sinners, and adversaries. His goal wasn't getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments he had. Jesus focused on interacting with people redemptively. His mission was to leave them more blessed than where he first found them. The apostle Paul lived with the same goal. He could say, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). In our passage today, he challenges us to do the same!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, O God, for the grudges I've harbored and the evil things I've thought about others. Help me to see others and value them as Jesus does- how he valued them when he ministered to them while on earth. Please use me to be a redemptive influence on all my life touches. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

—Romans 12:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who genuinely felt they were conceited. But, when looking for someone we want to associate with, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to "hang around with" those who are important, loved on social media, recognized as superstars, known as successful athletes, or beloved entertainers. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, I guess that's why Paul wrote this command for us. Remember who Jesus associated with. Remember what his brother, James, said about not showing favoritism or bias because people are considered "less than" (James 2:1-13). Jesus wants his church to have many different kinds of people because harmony only happens when people sing different notes in tune!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for making me in your image, designed personally by you to do something to bring you glory. At the same time, Father, I don't want to be a snob, thinking too much of myself and my importance. Please help me see those with whom you want me to associate with. Help me love people as Jesus did! In his name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.