"Jesus"

Tuesday, September 15, 2020 (8:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’ve been calling out, “Jesus” recently. Every time my mind starts taking me places I’d rather not go my reset has been, “Jesus. Jesus. Jesus…”

Thank You Lord. Thank You for the genuine peace of mind and settling of my soul that has taken place. Sleep has actually happened. As well as a periodic sense of calm.

Turning in Your Word [1 Corinthians] I am reading Paul’s words. Written to “encourage the believers living in Corinth to resolve their problems and honor God” (THE BOTTOM LINE The Life Recovery Bible). Oh Dearest Lord! Oh that we would heed his words.

As I read his greetings and warnings, I liken it to him speaking to us today. “Mere infants in Christ” (v. 3:1) strikes an immediate chord. Asking You to bless us as Paul invoked on behalf of the believers living in Corinth (1:3) we truly seek Your grace and peace.

Reminding Your church in Corinth (v.1:2) that they had been called by You to be Your own holy people. “He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as He did Christians everywhere - whoever calls upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and theirs.”

Blessed Holy Father God, I don’t have to tell You the discord taking place in this nation alone. We have become an abominable people. Particularly loathsome. Forgive us Lord I pray. Lead us back to Your righteousness. Our goals and views have become skewed. We are in desperate need of Your holy presence.

Quoting The Life Recovery Bible footnote for 1:2, I insert the United States of America for the name Corinth. “Corinth [USA] was a giant melting pot with a great diversity of ethnic groups, religions, intellectual perspectives, and moral standards. It had a reputation for being fiercely independent and decadent. Idolatry flourished; more than a dozen pagan temples at one time had employed at least a thousand religious prostitutes. The new believers in Corinth had to deal with many deep-rooted habits and attitudes as they sought to nurture their new lives in Christ. Temptations of all kinds abounded throughout the city. Corinth was not unlike our world today. The apostle Paul’s advice to these early believers will touch on many of the issues we face today.”

NONE of all we are dealing with at this time comes as any surprise to You at all. You know Your people. You saw it all coming. And with that said, what is there for us to do? Call on the name of Jesus!

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us, “As Paul begins this problem-focused letter he is not discouraged. Whatever our problems, we too can remain confident in the Lord.” Thank You Father.

(1:32 p.m.)

Yes. Thank You Father. Thank You for the phone calls that got me up and moving around. Phone calls reporting improving health and relationships.

As I go out into the remainder of the day, let me remain confident in You. Whatever the problem!

Lord Jesus, continue to hear us when we call out to You. Lead and direct us to Your will and to Your way.

We love You Lord. And we are in desperate need of You. Make us obedient to Your call to love and to forgive. That we would truly become the people You would have us be. Yours! In thought, words and deeds.

Do all You must. To Your perfect end. I love You. Amen.

(583 words ~ 1:40 p.m.)