April 23rd, 2024

Today is April 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1.
 
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For since in the wisdom of God / the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  
 

As you come to prayer today, spend a few moments thinking about the word foolish and the word wise. How do you feel that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? Or the weak things to shame the strong? 
   
Listen again to Paul’s words and really think: what does this upside-down, counter cultural emphasis tell you about the character of God?  
 
Do you struggle being a ‘foolish thing’? Where in your heart or your ego do you resist allowing God to be the strong one, the competent one... instead of you? I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for His gift of humility. Talk to Him about your ego, and where you might be relying on the wrong kinds of things.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "God Has Been Good To Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)