Pause

Well, yesterday wrapped up 2 Corinthians. I'm going to take a hiatus for a while on the online QT notes. I may start back shortly, maybe with a different format. Email me if you have any suggestions of how this could be more helpful.

Thanks
Pastor Noel
noel@fbcho.com

2 Corinthians 12-13 -- Wednesday, 9/11

Today, read 2 Corinthians 12-13 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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12:6 (NLT) If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,

Father, may my life be only about bringing honor to you.

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12:9 (NLT) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Thank you Lord for your all sufficient grace.

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13:5 (NLT) Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

It is very important that we make certain the genuineness of our faith.

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13:10 (NLT) I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

Lord help me to always use my influence and authority to strengthen the church.

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13:11 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

What a great summary of what a growing Christian will look like.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 11 -- Tuesday, 9/10

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 11 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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11:2-3 (NLT) For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. 3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

Lord, I pray for my church. I pray that you will keep her pure and holy. I pray that we will always be pleasing to you. Lord show us where we fall short and give us the courage and desire to change.

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11:14 (NLT) But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Things are not always as they appear. We must be very discerning.

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11:23-27 (NLT) Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

11:28-29 (NLT) Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?

I should never gripe or complain about the hardships I face. My hardships are not anything like the hardships Paul faced with good courage and a godly attitude.

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11:30 (NLT) If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

Thank you Lord that your strength is seen so clearly in my weakness.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 10 -- Monday, 9/8

Today, read 2 Corinthians 10 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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10:8 (NLT) I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

I must be very careful as I use any authority I have that I always do so to build others up.

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10:18 (NLT) When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

Lord, please let me always have a humble spirit. Never let me boast or minister in arrogance and pride.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 9 -- Sunday, 9/7

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 9 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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9:2 (NLT) For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

Lord I pray that my church can be a model church in its giving to other churches and to missions.

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9:8 (NLT) And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness in caring for those who give.

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9:10 (NLT) For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Lord, thank you for your generosity.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 8 -- Saturday, 9/6

Today, read 2 Corinthians 8 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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8:1-2 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

Troubles and poverty do not preclude joy and generosity.

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8:3 (NLT) For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

More than they could afford meant they made sacrifices to give.

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8:4 (NLT) They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

Lord, please help me to have this same eagerness to give.

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8:7 (NLT) Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

We should aspire to give more, just like we aspire to excel in other areas of life and service.

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8:8 (NLT) I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

Our giving is a test of how genuine our love is.

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8:9 (NLT) You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Thank you Lord. Praise you Lord for the generous gift of Your Son.

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8:20 (NLT) We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.

It is essential that all money given for ministry is handled with transparency and full accountability.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 7 -- Friday, 9/5

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 7 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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7:1 (NLT) Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

This should be the goal and priority of every believer. We should never be satisfied as long as there is sin in our lives needing cleansing.

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7:6 (NLT) But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

Thank you Lord for sending encouragement to me when things are hard.

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7:8-9 (NLT) I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.

I should never be sorry for preaching the Word. I should never apologize for preaching the Word.

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7:8-9 (NKJ) For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.

Sometimes a preacher has to bring bad news and stern warnings. Sometimes it is just necessary.

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7:10 (NLT) For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

You can distinguish between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow by the results. Godly sorrow always leads to a change (repentance).

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 6 -- Thursday, 9/4

Today, read 2 Corinthians 6 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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6:4-5 (NLT) In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

I must face hardships in ministry with patience no matter the severity of the hardships.

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6:8 (NLT) We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.

I must remember that I am here to please God not man. I must serve with grace and consistency regardless of the thoughts or actions of others.

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6:14-15 (NLT) Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?

There can be no partnership between people committed to God and those who are not.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 5 -- Wednesday, 9/3

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 5 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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5:1 (NLT) For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

Thank you Lord for the promise of eternal life and of a new body.

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5:4 (NLT) While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.

God has given us a strong desire for our eventual bodies and our eventual home. We are strangers in this world.

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5:5 (NLT) God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit, Your guarantee of the promised inheritance.

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5:9 (NLT) So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

Lord, I pray that you will help me to always keep this as my first and highest goal.

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5:10 (NLT) For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

It is not only the unsaved who will be judged but all people.

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5:11 (NLT) Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.

I need to remember moment by moment that I have a serious responsibility to share the gospel.

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5:12 (NLT) Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.

Lord, please keep me on the right track and with the right priorities that I will always serve from a sincere heart.

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5:16 (NLT) So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!

Lord, help me to stop evaluating other in this manner.

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5:20 (NLT) So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

I must always think of myself and carry myself as an ambassador of Christ.

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5:21 (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Thank you Lord. This is the greatest news in the Bible.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 4 -- Tuesday, 9/2

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 4 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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4:2 (NLT) We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

My ministry and service needs to be always characterized by this verse. No tricks, no distortions, no hidden agendas, nothing underhanded. Just honesty and integrity.

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4:6 (NKJ) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Thank you Lord for shining the light of the knowledge of Christ into my heart.

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4:7 (NLT) We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Lord, help me to always remember that my ministry and service are not of me, for me, or about me. The focus of my ministry should be on you in every way.

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4:15 (NLT) All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

One of the greatest ways God receives glory on earth is when people are reached.

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4:16 (NLT) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

Lord, never let me give up or burn out or be distracted away from the ministry you have called me to.

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4:16 (NLT) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

Thank you for renewing and refreshing me this morning!

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 3 -- Monday, 9/1

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 2 Corinthians 3 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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3:5-6 (NLT) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

It is God who enables a person to minister. The qualification and the sufficiency come from Him!

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3:14 (NLT) But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

Thank you Lord that you have removed the veil. Thank you for giving the Holy Spirit to help me to better understand Scripture.

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3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Lord, please help me be more and more like you in character, love, and integrity.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 2 -- Sunday, 8/31

Today, read 2 Corinthians 2 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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2:7 (NLT) Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.

The purpose of all church discipline and even personal opposition to a believer is to bring reconciliation. Opposition and discipline should never be an end but only a means to an end.

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2:10-11 (NLT) When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

When we refuse to forgive someone who had done wrong in church or has hurt us, then we have been outsmarted by Satan.

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2:12 (NLT) When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me.

Thank you Lord for the open door of opportunity you have blessed me with.

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2:14 (NKJ) Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Thank you Lord that you are always willing to lead and guide when I am willing to follow and obey.

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2:17 (NLT) You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

I must always be mindful of the motives of my service and remember that my Lord is watching me.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 1:12-24 -- Saturday, 8/30

Today, read 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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1:13 Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us,

Lord, may my preaching and writing ministry always be manifest this way.

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1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Praise the Lord for your promises kept. May that always bring honor to your name.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 -- Friday, 8/29

OK. We are back on track this morning.

Before we look at this morning's devotion, let me give you a challenge. While I usually focus on only a chapter or two each morning in my Quiet Time, it is important to read larger chunks of the Bible as well. Yesterday I read 1 Samuel. I am going to try before this three day weekend is over to get from there through the end of 2 Chronicles. Ordinarily I don't read near this much in such short time, but I want to push myself this weekend. Up to the challenge? Try reading 1 Samuel on Saturday and 2 Samuel on Sunday. Read from an easy to read Bible like the NLT and you will really love doing this.

Let's get started...

I read less than a chapter today because these first verses gave me so much stuff to pray for. I try to be careful to slow down in Scripture when there is so much more to think and pray about.

So today, read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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1:4 (NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Thank you Lord that in all difficulty I can turn to you and find comfort and peace.

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1:4 (NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Lord, I pray that you will make me more sensitive to those around me that I should seek to comfort.

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1:9 (NLT) In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

When we face very hard times we must lean completely on God. At times like that we should look for ways that we are leaning upon ourselves and change those things so that we may lean entirely on Him.

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1:10 (NLT) And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

Thank you Lord for the times you have rescued me or protected me in difficulty!

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1:11 (NLT) And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Prayer for others really works! I need to spend more time praying for others.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 16 -- Thursday, 8/28

Today, read 1 Corinthians 16 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you.

This morning I am running very late and have to be in Columbus by 7:00.

Here are the verses that most stood out to me this morning...

16:2
16:9
16:13
16:14
16:16
16:18

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 15 -- Wednesday, 8/27

Today, read 1 Corinthians 15 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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15:6 (NLT) After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.

There was no legitimate way to deny the resurrection because of the number of witnesses.

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15:11 (NLT) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Every God called, obedient preacher will preach the same truth: that Jesus Christ is risen!

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15:17-18 (NKJ) And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

The resurrection of Christ is essential to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, nothing else has meaning or value.

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15:22 (NLT) Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.

Praise God that we can all be made right through Christ.

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15:27-28 (NLT) For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) 28 Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.

In the Trinity, although God the Father and God the Son are equal in value, God has authority over the Son. The Son does not have authority over the Father.

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15:50 (NLT) What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

Lord, remind me daily to live for those things that will last forever instead of those things which are temporary.

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15:54-55 (NLT) Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

How I look forward and wait anxiously for this great day.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 14 -- Tuesday, 8/26

Today, read 1 Corinthians 14 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you are doing this at work and don't have easy access to a Bible, or maybe you are at home but don't have a NLT Bible, you can read almost any version at www.BibleGateway.com.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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14:4 (NKJ) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Lord, help my motives to always be to honor you and encourage the church when I preach or minister.

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14:24 (NLT) But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say.

Conviction comes when people hear the gospel clearly communicated.

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14:25 (NLT) As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”

Thank you Lord that through Your Word You convict and convert.

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14:32 (NKJ) And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

When we are filled with the Spirit we are still in control of our bodies. Never is a loss of control seen as a sign of being filled by the Spirit.

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14:33 (NLT) For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

14:40 (NLT) But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

Worship should always be orderly. If there is ever disorder in worship, then it doesn't honor God.

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14:34-35 (NLT) Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.

These verses show two responsibilities. First that of a woman to understand and submit to God ordained authority, but second the responsibility of husbands to love, lead, and teach God's Word at home. I need to be a husband/father who does this regularly at home.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 13 -- Monday, 8/25

Keep me in your prayers today... I have a 6:00 a.m. surgery and a 7:00 p.m. funeral and a non-stop day in between...

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 1 Corinthians 13 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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13:1 (NKJ) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

Lord, please don't let me become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. You have called me to speak and to teach and I should always be committed to that, but above all I should love and show love to others.

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13:1-3 (NLT) If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Loving people is more important than speaking well. Loving people is more important than having much knowledge. Loving people is more important than having great faith. Loving people is more important than sacrifice.

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13:7 (NLT) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Thank you Lord that you have loved me with this kind of love.

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13:7 (NKJ) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I need to love people regardless of their actions. I need to have a god-like love even for those who disappoint me and those who may hurt me.

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13:8 (NLT) Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

Love is always helpful, always appropriate, always right.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 12 -- Sunday, 8/24

Today, read 1 Corinthians 12 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself. My remarks are a little more brief today, but you will still be able to see a little of how the Lord guided me through the chapter.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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12:11 (NLT) It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

It is the Holy Spirit who determines the spiritual gift each of us have.

Lord, thank you for the ways you have gifted me and called me to serve.

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12:14-15 (NLT) Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.

12:20 (NLT) Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.

12:22 (NLT) In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.

Every part of the church, every member, has a key, God assigned role to play. All of these, without exception, are very important.

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12:31 (NKJ) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Lord, help me to always have the attitude to excel. Never let me just settle. Keep complacency far from me.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 11 -- Saturday, 8/23

Today, read 1 Corinthians 11 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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11:10 (NLT) For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority.

God has set up certain levels of authority and submission in all of our lives. It should be evident that we are in submission to the authorities He has placed over us.

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11:17-18 (NLT) But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. 18 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.

It is imperative that we guard against divisions in the church.

Lord, may I always have the humility to be able to sit down with those I disagree with and try to work things out instead of just talking to others and making things worse.

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11:23-26 (NLT) For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Thank you Lord for the sacrifice of your body and the shedding of your blood. Thank you that you let me participate in this very special remembrance called the Lord's Supper.

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11:28 (NKJ) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Lord, help me to always very seriously examine myself prior to taking the Lord's Supper. I know I should also lead my family to do this in my home before we go to the Lord's Supper service.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 10 -- Friday, 8/22

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 1 Corinthians 10 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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10:6-11 (NKJ) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Lord, please help me to learn right and wrong and the urgency of obedience and submission through these Bible examples so that I don't have to learn them through personal hardship and discipline from you.

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10:6-8 (NLT) These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.

10:9-11 (NLT) Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

Notice these four categories of sin that God takes very seriously... Idolatry, Sexual Immorality, Testing Christ, Complaining.

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10:12 (NKJ) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

I must remember that I can fall into terrible sin as easily as anyone. I must be diligent to keep up my guard.

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10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Thank you Lord that you are so faithful to always be ready and able to keep me from temptation. Please help me to lean on you more for your help in this area of my life.

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10:21 (NKJ) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

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10:24 (NKJ) Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

Our focus must not be on blessing ourselves, but on blessing others.

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10:28-30 (NLT) (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?

My conduct should be limited not only by my own conscience, but also by the conscience of others.

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10:32-33 (NLT) Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

Lord, I so earnestly pray that this will always be the attitude of the people in my church.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 9 -- Thursday, 8/21

Sorry for the lateness of today's devotion... I slept late.

Today, read 1 Corinthians 9 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

If you don't know what the colors or the format mean, read the three introductions to this blog. They are linked on the left hand side of this page.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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9:12 (NLT) If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

It was important to Paul that none of his 'rights' hindered the gospel. More important than getting our own way is that the gospel be heard.

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9:16 (NLT) Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

Lord, may I and everyone in my church have this same attitude.

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9:17 (NLT) If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.

Thank you Lord that you have called me to serve you and to teach and preach the gospel.

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9:22 (NLT) When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

Evangelism was not done by Paul when it was convenient. Paul inconvenienced himself all of the time in every way to win the lost.

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9:25-27 (NLT) All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

I need to approach my walk with God as seriously as an athlete preparing for the Olympics.

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9:27 (NLT) I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

I must remember that ministry is not just about helping others walk with Jesus. I must first make sure I am walking with Jesus in a deep abiding way.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 8 -- Wednesday, 8/20

Today, read 1 Corinthians 8 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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8:1 (NKJ) Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

Lord, may my faith be characterized more by how it loves than by what it knows.

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8:6 (NLT) But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.

Praise God that He is the one, sovereign, all-powerful God. Praise Jesus through whom God made everything and through whom we have eternal life.

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8:8 (NLT) It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.

There is no longer lists of approved and non-approved foods for believers.

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8:10 (NLT) For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol?

Violating your conscience is a sin even if your conscience is not well informed.

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8:12 (NLT) And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.

If my influence causes someone to be likely to violate their conscience then I have sinned.

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8:13 (NLT) So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.

The Christian life is not about me exercising my freedoms. The Christian life is about me sacrificing my freedoms to encourage others in their walk with the Lord.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 7 -- Tuesday, 8/19

If you are just getting started following this today, you first need to read the three introduction posts to this blog. The links are on the left hand side of this web-page.

Let's get started...

Today, read 1 Corinthians 7 on your own at least one time. As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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7:3 (NKJ) Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

In marriage each spouse should be committed to meeting the needs of the other spouse first.

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7:7 (NLT) But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.

Thank you Lord for giving me the gift of marriage and through that gift, giving me so much happiness!

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7:10 (NKJ) Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband.

It should be one of the highest goal of a Christian to honor his or her wedding vows and to stay married.

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7:14 (NKJ) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

7:16 (NLT) Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?

Lord, I pray for those I know who are Christians married to non-Christians. I pray you will keep them strong and use them to lead their spouses to Christ.

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7:17 (NLT) Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.

I should learn to be content and learn to always serve God wherever He has put me.

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7:35 (NLT) I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

I should remember that my service for the Lord is number one in my life.

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel

1 Corinthians 6 -- Monday, 8/18

Have you first read all three parts of the introduction to this blog?

Here is a guide to the meaning of the colors I use...

• Black -- General insights the Lord shows me as I read.
• Blue -- Specific things I need to do.
• Red -- Things I need to be thankful for.
• Green -- Prayers I need to pray.

Let's get started...

Today, read 1 Corinthians 6 on your own at least one time. (It is a pretty short chapter.) As you read, make notes in a notebook or in the margins of your Bible. Record all of the insights God gives you. Don't read my remarks until you have first done this yourself.

Here are the insights I wrote down along with the verses they go with...

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6:1-5 (NKJ) Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

Christians should have the wisdom and fairness and humility to solve any interpersonal conflict between believers.

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6:5 (NLT) I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?

Lord, please fill our church with wise people who are growing in their faith. Help me to always grow in wisdom and humility.

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6:7 (NKJ) Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?

The reputation and harmony of the church is more important than my rights!

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6:11 (NKJ) 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.

Thank you Lord, that you forgive us and restore us from any sin!

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6:13 (NLT) You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies.

We must not be as casual about sexual sin as we often are about the foods we eat.

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6:15-17 (NLT) Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

We cannot even begin to comprehend the seriousness of sexual sin!

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6:18 (NKJ) Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

Lord, I want this to be a guiding truth and instruction in my life.

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6:20 (NKJ) For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Praise Jesus for His mighty sacrifice and praise God for His sacrifice in sending His Son!

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Don't forget to spend time in prayer... CHAT...

Pastor Noel