Daily Devotional – June 5-11
June 5 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Prayer: “Father, thank you for not saving me based on my own merit or earthly standing. I had nothing to offer that would’ve made me worthy of Your kingdom. Instead, You delight in choosing the lowly, the despised, and the foolish to show the world that it is Your power at work to redeem and transform me in Christ Jesus. Jesus is my wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. I have no reason to boast so I reserve all my boasting in You alone. Amen.”
June 6 – Meditating on God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:26, Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“Family of faith, think about who you were when called to salvation. Not many of you were super smart according to worldly standards, not many were influential or of royal descent.”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
This is written in the larger context of Paul’s explanation that Jews want signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but Paul preached Christ crucified which Jews couldn’t grasp and Gentiles thought foolish, but to those who were called and saved, Christ is God’s power and wisdom. So, Paul wants us to remember that we were nothing special in the eyes of the world before we believed.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
It’s remarkable that I had so little to offer God, and He still came knocking on my heart’s door. To think that the God of the universe would do so is beyond my imagination.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Father, thank You for not caring about our earthly resumes before You come seeking us out. You call and welcome anyone who will respond into Your family. Praise be to You. Amen.”
June 7 – Meditating on God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:27, But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Write out the Scripture.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Observe what it is saying.
God has a different view of the things or the people that we may be quick to dismiss. God loves to use and choose that which isn’t outstanding in the world’s eyes to work His plan so that all will know that He has done it. As a result, God gets all the glory!
Relate it to your life.
What God wants to do through me isn’t dependent solely upon my ability. Instead, I am a tool or instrument in His hand. What God needs is my availability and my obedience.
Do something.
“Father, thank You for seeing beyond the surface. You choose people like me! Even though I may not have any outstanding gifts or abilities, You delight in using a surrendered life to its fullest potential. All praise to Your name. Amen.”
June 8 – Meditating on God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:28-29, God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
Write out the Scripture.
“God chose the insignificant things of this world, the despised things, the things are not- to nullify the things that are, so that no one has reason to boast before him.”
Observe what it is saying.
God deliberately chooses those who have no earthly standing so that we cannot boast about what we have done. We can only boast about what God has done in and through us.
Relate it to your life.
May I never forget that God is my competence and my confidence in all things.
Do something.
“Father, all praise and glory go to You for I have nothing but what You have given to me. Amen.”
June 9 – Meditating on God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:30, It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Write out the Scripture.
“It’s because of God that you’re in Christ Jesus, who has become our wisdom from God- that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”
Observe what it is saying.
Because God chose the lowly, we are able to be found to be in Christ Jesus. He is our wisdom who has come from God. This wisdom redeems us, it makes us right with the Father, and it declares us holy. There is no greater wisdom!
Relate it to your life.
I will fully put my trust in Jesus who alone redeems and makes me right and holy before God.
Do something.
“Father, thank you for this life-giving and life-changing wisdom found in Jesus Christ! I don’t want to miss out, so, I declare my faith and trust in You again today. Amen.”
June 10 – Meditating on God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:31, Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Write out the Scripture.
“Because this is true, just as it is written: “Let the one who boasts do so in and about the Lord.”
Observe what it is saying.
As a result of Jesus being the very source of our righteousness, holiness, and redemption, we have no reason to boast about our works or goodness. We are totally powerless on our own, but God has provided this remarkable gift in Christ for all who believe. He is worthy of all praise.
Relate it to your life.
I must remember that my redemption and my standing before God as holy and righteous is because of what Jesus has done and nothing of what I have done for myself. All praise goes to Him for this incredible gift I have been given. I have no room to boast because I’m powerless to save myself and to make myself worthy in God’s eyes.
Do something.
“Father, thank you for choosing helpless people like me. In Jesus, I am redeemed, and I stand before you in a right relationship and am declared to be blameless. Praise be to You! Amen.”