1 Corinthians Chapter 10–What Stands Out

In my morning devotions, I’ve continued my lectio divina reading in the book of 1 Corinthians. Here’s what stood out for me in Chapter 10:

“…that rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:9

In the preceding verses, Paul is speaking about the time of the exodus, when their forefathers were rescued by God from slavery in Egypt. God provided for them miraculously, by giving them manna to eat. When thirst became an issue, Moses struck a rock and fresh water gushed forth.

All of this was a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Messiah, and the way He provides spiritual food for His people in Holy Communion. The Israelites didn’t know His name, but He was still the rock, the foundation of their faith. And yes, He is our rock today. They were looking forward, we are looking back, but the same person unites us. He continues to feed us and to free us from slavery to sin and death. What a blessing!

Rest on the rock that is secure and is sufficient for all of your needs — Jesus Christ! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

For more lectio divina studies see:

1 Thessalonians 4–What Stands Out

What Stands Out–Nehemiah

James Chapter 5–What Stands Out

First Things First

This Christian song has been on my mind for days now.  When that happens I can’t help but think that God is trying to get my attention.  It was written by Rick Founds and from 1997-2003 was the song most often played in Christian churches across the country.  It’s not a surprise that Rick wrote it during his morning devotions.  It reminds me of something a friend of mine often says:  the first part of prayer and worship should be praise.  January is the right time to think about our priorities and putting the most important things first in our lives.  So listen, praise God and make Him your priority in 2019.

Devotionals & Prayer

I was recently meeting with my Via de Cristo reunion group (this is a small group of people who have attended a weekend and meet regularly to discuss their spiritual lives together).  Our topic for the day was piety, and true piety, of course, includes prayer.

Some of our conversation centered around morning devotions, and devotionals we have used.  It made me remember a little book I really liked called Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Mary Wilder Tileston. I decided to look her up and here’s what I found:

Mary Wilder Tileston had a great love for spiritual literature. Although she lived in the 19th century, her devotional selections capture biblical truths and values that will always endure. Joy and Strength is a compilation of thoughts and writings from giants of the faith including St. Augustine, Thomas a Kempis, Frederick William Faber and hundred of others. A previous book compiled by Tileston, Daily Strength for Daily Needs, shares the same love of literature and insight presented in Joy and Strength. – See more at: http://www.backtothebible.org/authors/mary-wilder-tileston#sthash.DCGB5z0T.dpuf

Now I know why I enjoyed her devotions so much:  I also love spiritual literature.  Each devotion (there are 365 in both books) start with a Bible verse, often include a poem, and then one or more quotes on the spiritual life.  If  you think you might like her devotionals, the best part is you can get Daily Strength for Daily Needs FREE.  Yes,it is in the public domain and you can get it through Amazon.com as a free ebook. 

Do you use a devotional?  What is your favorite? Bloggers and commenters, we want to hear from you!

 

Pray First

Many people have a routine of praying in the morning, getting up early and having the first cup of coffee with Jesus, offering the day to God.  I’ve told you I’m not so good at maintaining a routine, but I do this sometimes, too.  It is often a time when  I do my spiritual reading, the Bible or an edifying book.

Martin Luther wrote a morning prayer for this purpose:

LUTHER’S MORNING PRAYER                                                                                                                                                               In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You.  For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things.  Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.  Amen

He also said this:

If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.

What about you?  Is morning prayer your routine?  We’d like to hear about it.