Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
OUT OF THE RED
Networking opportunities
Many activities can also double as chances to meet other young professionals
Another interesting article for the newcomer on networking.
AMY BALDWIN
Eager to make career contacts?
Whether it's volunteering or attending wine tastings, working out or honing your leadership skills, Charlotte has plenty to offer younger professionals.
Check out a few options, all but one of which I've tried and enjoyed.
Young Affiliates of the Mint
Encourages professionals ages 21-45 to become involved in the Mint museums through educational and social events -- wine tastings, art education events, and music and movie nights -- to raise money for the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. I have enjoyed some of the group's happy hours -- a nice way to unwind after work and exchange a few business cards. More info: www.youngaffiliates.org; 704-337-2010 .
YMCA/gym
One thing I noticed soon after moving to Charlotte three years ago: This is a fit city. Must be the nearly year-long nice weather. I joined the YMCA, because being fit is important to me too. One side benefit: I find lots of sources for stories and story ideas while working out. More info: A gym is a personal choice. Ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations. That's what I did.
Hands on Charlotte
Supplies volunteers to area charities, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Project H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live On). The cool thing and what attracted me to Hands on Charlotte: Projects can be completed in one day, so volunteers can fit projects into pockets of their time, rather than wrestle an ongoing commitment. I have taken my dog to visit with nursing home seniors and sorted clothing at Crisis Assistance Ministry. More info: www.handsoncharlotte.org; 704-333-7471 .
Charlotte Jaycees
This is the only item on the list that I have not tried. But it sounds like a rewarding way to volunteer and improve leadership skills. Members of the not-for-profit group are ages 21-40. New members passionate about causes or groups not on the Jaycees roster are encouraged to form their own pet project. More info: www.charlottejaycees.org; 704-331-5331 .
Wherever you find yourself trying to get to know people, just remember, relax and be cool. It's somewhat tacky to whip out your business card right away. Rather, try to get to know people and let your network expand more naturally.
Amy
Baldwin
Networking opportunities
Many activities can also double as chances to meet other young professionals
Another interesting article for the newcomer on networking.
AMY BALDWIN
Eager to make career contacts?
Whether it's volunteering or attending wine tastings, working out or honing your leadership skills, Charlotte has plenty to offer younger professionals.
Check out a few options, all but one of which I've tried and enjoyed.
Young Affiliates of the Mint
Encourages professionals ages 21-45 to become involved in the Mint museums through educational and social events -- wine tastings, art education events, and music and movie nights -- to raise money for the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. I have enjoyed some of the group's happy hours -- a nice way to unwind after work and exchange a few business cards. More info: www.youngaffiliates.org; 704-337-2010 .
YMCA/gym
One thing I noticed soon after moving to Charlotte three years ago: This is a fit city. Must be the nearly year-long nice weather. I joined the YMCA, because being fit is important to me too. One side benefit: I find lots of sources for stories and story ideas while working out. More info: A gym is a personal choice. Ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations. That's what I did.
Hands on Charlotte
Supplies volunteers to area charities, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Project H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live On). The cool thing and what attracted me to Hands on Charlotte: Projects can be completed in one day, so volunteers can fit projects into pockets of their time, rather than wrestle an ongoing commitment. I have taken my dog to visit with nursing home seniors and sorted clothing at Crisis Assistance Ministry. More info: www.handsoncharlotte.org; 704-333-7471 .
Charlotte Jaycees
This is the only item on the list that I have not tried. But it sounds like a rewarding way to volunteer and improve leadership skills. Members of the not-for-profit group are ages 21-40. New members passionate about causes or groups not on the Jaycees roster are encouraged to form their own pet project. More info: www.charlottejaycees.org; 704-331-5331 .
Wherever you find yourself trying to get to know people, just remember, relax and be cool. It's somewhat tacky to whip out your business card right away. Rather, try to get to know people and let your network expand more naturally.
Amy
Baldwin
Found a great blog for Charlotte Newcomers
This is an article written on the blog that I thought you might want to know about.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Best spots for taking out-of-town visitors?
This weekend, I had the chance to put some of my own advice to the test when I hosted two friends from out of town. One of the most frequent questions I get from newcomers is where they should take out-of-town visitors. Here's my itinerary - please feel free to critique it. I might get some more ideas for next time!Thursday evening: Friends arrive hungry, but with no particular preference for dinner. I decided to take them to Dish, 1220 Thomas Ave., for an "only in Charlotte" dining experience. Southern food but with a very updated vibe - and lots of selections for my vegetarian friend. Everyone came away happy, but I did notice it was so loud we had trouble hearing each other at times.Friday: After a lazy morning, we headed out to Ballantyne Village (at Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway) for lunch at Village Bistro. Everyone enjoyed the food there, and we topped it off with a visit to the center's new Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream Shoppe for dessert. Then we headed to Ballantyne Resort across the street for some massages and a facial in the spa. Afterward, we decided that a couple of hours in air conditioning sounded good, so we headed back to the Ballantyne Village Theatre to catch an indie film ("Becoming Jane," which we generally gave a thumbs-up to). From there, we stuck around for dinner at Table, where we had a unique dinner with attentive service.Saturday: We headed to the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Charlotte's westside. My friends weren't interested in whitewater rafting, but they enjoyed seeing the center, which was extremely busy with rafters and kayakers. We ate lunch in the restaurant, The Eddy, and enjoyed the food despite slow service. We took a walk around the whitewater course - one circuit was all we could handle in the heat. Afterward, we considered a tour of Lowe's Motor Speedway (just $5, every hour from 9:30 to 3:30 most days), but both friends had seen it before. So we headed instead to Birkdale Village at Interstate 77's exit 25 in Huntersville for some shopping, another movie (more air conditioning! - "No Reservations," which left us hungry) and dinner at Brixx. We capped off the evening with a trip to the Charlotte Knights baseball game, where we enjoyed the post-game fireworks. Sunday was their heading-back-out day.I could've brought them to many other attractions, but the heat held us back from most of the area's outdoor offerings. Where else would you suggest we should have gone?
posted by Leigh Dyer
This is an article written on the blog that I thought you might want to know about.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Best spots for taking out-of-town visitors?
This weekend, I had the chance to put some of my own advice to the test when I hosted two friends from out of town. One of the most frequent questions I get from newcomers is where they should take out-of-town visitors. Here's my itinerary - please feel free to critique it. I might get some more ideas for next time!Thursday evening: Friends arrive hungry, but with no particular preference for dinner. I decided to take them to Dish, 1220 Thomas Ave., for an "only in Charlotte" dining experience. Southern food but with a very updated vibe - and lots of selections for my vegetarian friend. Everyone came away happy, but I did notice it was so loud we had trouble hearing each other at times.Friday: After a lazy morning, we headed out to Ballantyne Village (at Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway) for lunch at Village Bistro. Everyone enjoyed the food there, and we topped it off with a visit to the center's new Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream Shoppe for dessert. Then we headed to Ballantyne Resort across the street for some massages and a facial in the spa. Afterward, we decided that a couple of hours in air conditioning sounded good, so we headed back to the Ballantyne Village Theatre to catch an indie film ("Becoming Jane," which we generally gave a thumbs-up to). From there, we stuck around for dinner at Table, where we had a unique dinner with attentive service.Saturday: We headed to the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Charlotte's westside. My friends weren't interested in whitewater rafting, but they enjoyed seeing the center, which was extremely busy with rafters and kayakers. We ate lunch in the restaurant, The Eddy, and enjoyed the food despite slow service. We took a walk around the whitewater course - one circuit was all we could handle in the heat. Afterward, we considered a tour of Lowe's Motor Speedway (just $5, every hour from 9:30 to 3:30 most days), but both friends had seen it before. So we headed instead to Birkdale Village at Interstate 77's exit 25 in Huntersville for some shopping, another movie (more air conditioning! - "No Reservations," which left us hungry) and dinner at Brixx. We capped off the evening with a trip to the Charlotte Knights baseball game, where we enjoyed the post-game fireworks. Sunday was their heading-back-out day.I could've brought them to many other attractions, but the heat held us back from most of the area's outdoor offerings. Where else would you suggest we should have gone?
posted by Leigh Dyer
Ps. 44:1-8
1 O God, we have heard it with our own ears— our ancestors have told us of all you did in their day, in days long ago: 2 You drove out the pagan nations by your power and gave all the land to our ancestors. You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free. 3 They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.
4 You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel.[b] 5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. 7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. 8 O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.
1 O God, we have heard it with our own ears— our ancestors have told us of all you did in their day, in days long ago: 2 You drove out the pagan nations by your power and gave all the land to our ancestors. You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free. 3 They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.
4 You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel.[b] 5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. 7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. 8 O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Read the first four verses and be encouraged.
Psalm 41
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. 2 The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. 3 The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.
4 “O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” 5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask. 6 They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. 7 All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. 8 “He has some fatal disease,” they say. “He will never get out of that bed!” 9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10 Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! 11 I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. 12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.
13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
Psalm 41
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. 2 The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. 3 The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.
4 “O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” 5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask. 6 They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. 7 All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. 8 “He has some fatal disease,” they say. “He will never get out of that bed!” 9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10 Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! 11 I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. 12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.
13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
How did it all start? Renata in the City? I have been thinking about that this morning. The mayor saying he wants Charlotte to be a first rate international city, then there was Renata being very unhappy trying to get all her monthly obligations met with Mary Kay. It felt like Prometheus rolling that ball up the hill, she was very discouraged. Doing something that is really not your passion can be exhuausting.
I have a personal interest in newcomers having been a newcomer myself not so long ago. I joined New Friends of Carolina and Newcomers, plus always trying to plug into fun volunteering opportunities in community. As you know I'm an encourager, so that part of me took over and I encouraged Renata to go for it. To have a show, like she had in Europe but be targeted to the group we were both interested in, the newcomer to Charlotte. We started surveying people with questions. When you first come to Charlotte what information do you need immediately. Slowly but surely the segments for our show emerged. Where to live, eat, work, play and help.
And that was just the beginning.
Proverbs 21:31
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
I have a personal interest in newcomers having been a newcomer myself not so long ago. I joined New Friends of Carolina and Newcomers, plus always trying to plug into fun volunteering opportunities in community. As you know I'm an encourager, so that part of me took over and I encouraged Renata to go for it. To have a show, like she had in Europe but be targeted to the group we were both interested in, the newcomer to Charlotte. We started surveying people with questions. When you first come to Charlotte what information do you need immediately. Slowly but surely the segments for our show emerged. Where to live, eat, work, play and help.
And that was just the beginning.
Proverbs 21:31
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
God offers good counsel in His Word. That's a word for everyone today. Don't worry, be happy.
Ps. 38:30-40
30 The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. 31 They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.
32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. 33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.
34 Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. 36 But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. 38 But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
39 The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
Ps. 38:30-40
30 The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. 31 They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.
32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. 33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.
34 Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. 36 But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. 38 But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
39 The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
1 Corin. 14:1-4
1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
Monday, August 20, 2007
This is one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible. Reminds me of that Beatle's song "all you need is love"
1 Corinthians 13
Love Is the Greatest 1 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;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13
Love Is the Greatest 1 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;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts 1 Now, dear brothers and sisters,[a] regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. 2 You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
One Body with Many Parts 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[e] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[f]
14 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. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.
But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
Spiritual Gifts 1 Now, dear brothers and sisters,[a] regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. 2 You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
One Body with Many Parts 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[e] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[f]
14 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. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.
But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
Friday, August 17, 2007
There might be a verse or verses that speak to your heart today.
Proverbs 21
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Proverbs 21
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Psalm 34
[a]A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
[a]A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
1 Corin 10:12- 13
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 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.
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 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.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It gives me hope that even when I fall, God is there to pick me up, wipe me off, and guide me forward again.
Nehemiah 9:17-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, 'This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,' or when they committed awful blasphemies.
19 "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.
Nehemiah 9:17-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, 'This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,' or when they committed awful blasphemies.
19 "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Psalm 32
A psalm[a] of David. 1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,[b] whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
A psalm[a] of David. 1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,[b] whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
1 Corinthians 7
Instruction on Marriage 1 Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life.[a] 2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7 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.
8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.
10 But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord.[b] A wife must not leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.
12 Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man[c] has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. 13 And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. 14 For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband[d] brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. 15 (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife[e] is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you[f] to live in peace.) 16 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?
17 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. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.
20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.[g] 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters,[h] should remain as you were when God first called you.
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis,[i] I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.
29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 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.
36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.[j] 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
Instruction on Marriage 1 Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life.[a] 2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7 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.
8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.
10 But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord.[b] A wife must not leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.
12 Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man[c] has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. 13 And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. 14 For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband[d] brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. 15 (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife[e] is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you[f] to live in peace.) 16 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?
17 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. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.
20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.[g] 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters,[h] should remain as you were when God first called you.
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis,[i] I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.
29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 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.
36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.[j] 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
Friday, August 10, 2007
1 Corinthians 6
Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians 1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers[a]! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer[b] sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.[c]
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 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. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 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! 16 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.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians 1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers[a]! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer[b] sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.[c]
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 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. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 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! 16 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.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
1 Corinthians 4
Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthians
1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
6 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures,[b] you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?
8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. 9 Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.
10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment.
14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me.
17 That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.
Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthians
1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
6 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures,[b] you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?
8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. 9 Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.
10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment.
14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me.
17 That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
1 Corin. 3:5-11
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Posted in today's Charlotte Oberserver. It is a great article, Vanessa.
VOICES
A new lens on immigrant professionals
VANESSA WILLIS
Renata Coker fell in love with Ballantyne Village on her first visit to Charlotte.
"I didn't know if this was a good part of Charlotte, how far the airport was, or anything really," Coker says. "I just saw people out walking, sitting outside cafes, and it made me think of home."
Coker, 42, grew up in a small city 300 miles east of Prague in the Czech Republic.
She moved to the United States in 2004, and last year left Augusta, Ga., for her townhome at the Village.
Her Charlotte experiences inspired her to create a TV show for other international newcomers. "Renata in the City" will begin airing in October on Time Warner Cable channel 9.
Coker says the goal of the show is to help newcomers learn about the Charlotte area, but also to help viewers learn about the professional class of immigrants.
Coker is working with executive producer Susan Milner, who lives in Piper Glen with her English husband. They moved to Charlotte two years ago.
The 30-minute show will air once a week with segments on topics such as international business, profiles on movers and shakers, family life, dining and recreation.
Coker and Milner feel the professional class of international newcomers has largely been overlooked in the Charlotte area.
They say they've interviewed doctors, lawyers, bankers and other white collar workers who feel their contributions to the local economy and community are undervalued.
Milner says the show also will have a spotlight on the philanthropic work international newcomers are doing in the community. Many are not able to work immediately because of visa contingencies, and spend their time volunteering while they wait for clearance, she says.
They've started looking for sponsors and advertisers for the show, and shooting begins Monday.
Many careers
Coker's background is varied and interesting. She taught school for 10 years, modeled professionally and toured Eastern Europe as a swing band singer, skiing by day and singing at night.She also became a television personality in the early 1990s after the Czech government loosened ties on the airwaves there. For years she hosted a lifestyle show for women.
She also works for the Mary Kay cosmetic company. She says she was its first sales director in her country, and was thankful to have been part of the revolution that brought business opportunities to women.
"Until the government changed, women weren't really allowed to drive and most didn't even have bank accounts," she says. "It was amazing to watch the culture change and be part of it."
In 2004 she moved her Mary Kay business to Augusta, Ga. She came to Charlotte last summer at the suggestion of a Mary Kay senior official who lives near Lake Norman.
She communicates with her family on the Internet, using the free Skype program and a Webcam. She also talks with old friends who have families of their own there.
Since she settled here Coker has become a master networker. She's joined several clubs and women's groups and got two part-time jobs to help her meet people. She's the Saturday evening hostess at Gallery Restaurant at the Ballantyne Resort and a salesperson at I.C. London at the Village.
Everywhere she goes she listens for foreign accents. She likes to ask newcomers what brought them to Charlotte and what would make them happier about living here.
Hopefully, she says with a broad smile, the TV show will help them feel appreciated and welcome.
Voices
Where They're From
About 12 percent of Mecklenburg County residents were born outside of the United States. Of that group:
• 69 percent entered the U.S. later than 1990.
• 54 percent are from Latin America.
• 23 percent are from Asia.
• 11 percent are from Africa.
• 10 percent are from Europe.
• About 14 percent of the population (or more than 90,000 people) in Mecklenburg County speak a language other than English at home.
SOURCE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce
Got a Show Idea?
Send ideas for the "Renata in the City" show to deliciamedia@bellsouth.net.
VOICES
A new lens on immigrant professionals
VANESSA WILLIS
Renata Coker fell in love with Ballantyne Village on her first visit to Charlotte.
"I didn't know if this was a good part of Charlotte, how far the airport was, or anything really," Coker says. "I just saw people out walking, sitting outside cafes, and it made me think of home."
Coker, 42, grew up in a small city 300 miles east of Prague in the Czech Republic.
She moved to the United States in 2004, and last year left Augusta, Ga., for her townhome at the Village.
Her Charlotte experiences inspired her to create a TV show for other international newcomers. "Renata in the City" will begin airing in October on Time Warner Cable channel 9.
Coker says the goal of the show is to help newcomers learn about the Charlotte area, but also to help viewers learn about the professional class of immigrants.
Coker is working with executive producer Susan Milner, who lives in Piper Glen with her English husband. They moved to Charlotte two years ago.
The 30-minute show will air once a week with segments on topics such as international business, profiles on movers and shakers, family life, dining and recreation.
Coker and Milner feel the professional class of international newcomers has largely been overlooked in the Charlotte area.
They say they've interviewed doctors, lawyers, bankers and other white collar workers who feel their contributions to the local economy and community are undervalued.
Milner says the show also will have a spotlight on the philanthropic work international newcomers are doing in the community. Many are not able to work immediately because of visa contingencies, and spend their time volunteering while they wait for clearance, she says.
They've started looking for sponsors and advertisers for the show, and shooting begins Monday.
Many careers
Coker's background is varied and interesting. She taught school for 10 years, modeled professionally and toured Eastern Europe as a swing band singer, skiing by day and singing at night.She also became a television personality in the early 1990s after the Czech government loosened ties on the airwaves there. For years she hosted a lifestyle show for women.
She also works for the Mary Kay cosmetic company. She says she was its first sales director in her country, and was thankful to have been part of the revolution that brought business opportunities to women.
"Until the government changed, women weren't really allowed to drive and most didn't even have bank accounts," she says. "It was amazing to watch the culture change and be part of it."
In 2004 she moved her Mary Kay business to Augusta, Ga. She came to Charlotte last summer at the suggestion of a Mary Kay senior official who lives near Lake Norman.
She communicates with her family on the Internet, using the free Skype program and a Webcam. She also talks with old friends who have families of their own there.
Since she settled here Coker has become a master networker. She's joined several clubs and women's groups and got two part-time jobs to help her meet people. She's the Saturday evening hostess at Gallery Restaurant at the Ballantyne Resort and a salesperson at I.C. London at the Village.
Everywhere she goes she listens for foreign accents. She likes to ask newcomers what brought them to Charlotte and what would make them happier about living here.
Hopefully, she says with a broad smile, the TV show will help them feel appreciated and welcome.
Voices
Where They're From
About 12 percent of Mecklenburg County residents were born outside of the United States. Of that group:
• 69 percent entered the U.S. later than 1990.
• 54 percent are from Latin America.
• 23 percent are from Asia.
• 11 percent are from Africa.
• 10 percent are from Europe.
• About 14 percent of the population (or more than 90,000 people) in Mecklenburg County speak a language other than English at home.
SOURCE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce
Got a Show Idea?
Send ideas for the "Renata in the City" show to deliciamedia@bellsouth.net.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Psalm 27
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. 6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! 8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” 9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. 12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. 13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. 6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! 8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” 9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. 12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. 13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Bible Reading for August
01
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21Romans 15:1-22Psalm 25:1-15Proverbs 20:13-15
02
2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13Romans 15:23-16:9Psalm 25:16-22Proverbs 20:16-18
03
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33Romans 16:10-27Psalm 26:1-12Proverbs 20:19
04
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:231 Corinthians 1:1-17Psalm 27:1-6Proverbs 20:20-21
05
Ezra 1:1-2:701 Corinthians 1:18-2:5Psalm 27:7-14Proverbs 20:22-23
06
Ezra 3:1-4:231 Corinthians 2:6-3:4Psalm 28:1-9Proverbs 20:24-25
07
Ezra 4:24-6:221 Corinthians 3:5-23Psalm 29:1-11Proverbs 20:26-27
08
Ezra 7:1-8:201 Corinthians 4:1-21Psalm 30:1-12Proverbs 20:28-30
09
Ezra 8:21-9:151 Corinthians 5:1-13Psalm 31:1-8Proverbs 21:1-2
10
Ezra 10:1-441 Corinthians 6:1-20Psalm 31:9-18Proverbs 21:3
11
Nehemiah 1:1-3:141 Corinthians 7:1-24Psalm 31:19-24Proverbs 21:4
12
Nehemiah 3:15-5:131 Corinthians 7:25-40Psalm 32:1-11Proverbs 21:5-7
13
Nehemiah 5:14-7:731 Corinthians 8:1-13Psalm 33:1-11Proverbs 21:8-10
14
Nehemiah 7:73-9:211 Corinthians 9:1-18Psalm 33:12-22Proverbs 21:11-12
15
Nehemiah 9:22-10:391 Corinthians 9:19-10:13Psalm 34:1-10Proverbs 21;13
16
Nehemiah 11:1-12:261 Corinthians 10:14-33Psalm 34:11-22Proverbs 21;14-16
17
Nehemiah 12:27-13:311 Corinthians 11:1-16Psalm 35:1-16Proverbs 21:17-18
18
Esther 1:1-3:151 Corinthians 11:17-34Psalm 35:17-28Proverbs 21:19-20
19
Esther 4:1-7:101 Corinthians 12:1-26Psalm 36:1-12Proverbs 21:21-22
20
Esther 8:1-10:31 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Psalm 37:1-11Proverbs 21:23-24
21
Job 1:1-3:261 Corinthians 14:1-17Psalm 37:12-29Proverbs 21:25-26
22
Job 4:1-7:211 Corinthians 14:18-40Psalm 37:30-40Proverbs 21:27
23
Job 8:1-11:201 Corinthians 15:1-28Psalm 38:1-22Proverbs 21:28-29
24
Job 12:1-15:351 Corinthians 15:29-58Psalm 39:1-13Proverbs 21:30-31
25
Job 16:1-19:291 Corinthians 16:1-24Psalm 40:1-10Proverbs 22:1
26
Job 20:1-22:302 Corinthians 1:1-11Psalm 40:11-17Proverbs 22:2-4
27
Job 23:1-27:232 Corinthians 1:12-2:11Psalm 41:1-13Proverbs 22:5-6
28
Job 28:1-30:312 Corinthians 2:12-17Psalm 42:1-11Proverbs 22:7
29
Job 31:1-33:332 Corinthians 3:1-18Psalm 43:1-5Proverbs 22:8-9
30
Job 34:1-36:332 Corinthians 4:1-12Psalm 44:1-8Proverbs 22:10-12
31
Job 37:1-39:302 Corinthians 4:13-5:10Psalm 44:9-26Proverbs 22:13
01
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21Romans 15:1-22Psalm 25:1-15Proverbs 20:13-15
02
2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13Romans 15:23-16:9Psalm 25:16-22Proverbs 20:16-18
03
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33Romans 16:10-27Psalm 26:1-12Proverbs 20:19
04
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:231 Corinthians 1:1-17Psalm 27:1-6Proverbs 20:20-21
05
Ezra 1:1-2:701 Corinthians 1:18-2:5Psalm 27:7-14Proverbs 20:22-23
06
Ezra 3:1-4:231 Corinthians 2:6-3:4Psalm 28:1-9Proverbs 20:24-25
07
Ezra 4:24-6:221 Corinthians 3:5-23Psalm 29:1-11Proverbs 20:26-27
08
Ezra 7:1-8:201 Corinthians 4:1-21Psalm 30:1-12Proverbs 20:28-30
09
Ezra 8:21-9:151 Corinthians 5:1-13Psalm 31:1-8Proverbs 21:1-2
10
Ezra 10:1-441 Corinthians 6:1-20Psalm 31:9-18Proverbs 21:3
11
Nehemiah 1:1-3:141 Corinthians 7:1-24Psalm 31:19-24Proverbs 21:4
12
Nehemiah 3:15-5:131 Corinthians 7:25-40Psalm 32:1-11Proverbs 21:5-7
13
Nehemiah 5:14-7:731 Corinthians 8:1-13Psalm 33:1-11Proverbs 21:8-10
14
Nehemiah 7:73-9:211 Corinthians 9:1-18Psalm 33:12-22Proverbs 21:11-12
15
Nehemiah 9:22-10:391 Corinthians 9:19-10:13Psalm 34:1-10Proverbs 21;13
16
Nehemiah 11:1-12:261 Corinthians 10:14-33Psalm 34:11-22Proverbs 21;14-16
17
Nehemiah 12:27-13:311 Corinthians 11:1-16Psalm 35:1-16Proverbs 21:17-18
18
Esther 1:1-3:151 Corinthians 11:17-34Psalm 35:17-28Proverbs 21:19-20
19
Esther 4:1-7:101 Corinthians 12:1-26Psalm 36:1-12Proverbs 21:21-22
20
Esther 8:1-10:31 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Psalm 37:1-11Proverbs 21:23-24
21
Job 1:1-3:261 Corinthians 14:1-17Psalm 37:12-29Proverbs 21:25-26
22
Job 4:1-7:211 Corinthians 14:18-40Psalm 37:30-40Proverbs 21:27
23
Job 8:1-11:201 Corinthians 15:1-28Psalm 38:1-22Proverbs 21:28-29
24
Job 12:1-15:351 Corinthians 15:29-58Psalm 39:1-13Proverbs 21:30-31
25
Job 16:1-19:291 Corinthians 16:1-24Psalm 40:1-10Proverbs 22:1
26
Job 20:1-22:302 Corinthians 1:1-11Psalm 40:11-17Proverbs 22:2-4
27
Job 23:1-27:232 Corinthians 1:12-2:11Psalm 41:1-13Proverbs 22:5-6
28
Job 28:1-30:312 Corinthians 2:12-17Psalm 42:1-11Proverbs 22:7
29
Job 31:1-33:332 Corinthians 3:1-18Psalm 43:1-5Proverbs 22:8-9
30
Job 34:1-36:332 Corinthians 4:1-12Psalm 44:1-8Proverbs 22:10-12
31
Job 37:1-39:302 Corinthians 4:13-5:10Psalm 44:9-26Proverbs 22:13
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