Insight and Encouragement

Monday, December 11, 2023

Dec 11 – The Lord’s Will – 1 Cor 16:7

7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Paul makes it clear that his travels and plans are always subject to the Lord’s will. He is a man of the Holy Spirit. He knows that his days are open and fluid because the Lord has different opportunities available. Psalm 37:23 reminds us that the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord. We are not our own we have been bought with a price.

Paul had already learned in previous times that he may have wanted to go somewhere but the Holy Spirit had different plans. In fact, the Holy Spirit had restrained him from going to Asia and instead gave him a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for Paul to come there. The lesson we learn is that we may have plans but be ready for them to change by the Lord.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Cornerstone community church service for December 10, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023

PROVERBS OF STEEL FOR DEC 8, 2022

Dec 8 – All are One – 1 Cor 16:4

4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Paul then would also include himself in this group to deliver the greetings and the offering to the church in Jerusalem. He would seek advice from the leadership in Corinth on the matter. Paul even though he was the founder of these churches he did not assume that he was greater or less than anyone else in the church.

The church is a living organism working on behalf of the Lord in every community. Each member of the church are ministers of the gospel with two tasks. First, to tell other and help them to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, they are to love those who God brings across their path. The message is a combination of truth and love.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Dec 7 – Letters – 1 Cor 16:3

3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.

Paul makes it clear that this offering is for the church at Jerusalem. It had been revealed that there was at the time a famine in Judah and the offering was designed to help the church to cope. We would call this a love offering or a gofundme project. Now Paul was also going to send men that had the approval of the church and to safeguard the money. This was common practice because of robbers and thieves on the way there who would try to steal the money.

These men would also bring letter of introduction and greetings from the church in Corinth. As today letters of recommendation carry weight and importance. You just don’t let anyone waltz in and say something. These were recommendations that would give clarity and wisdom to the receiver.