Re-Center Around God
1 Corinthians 15:2…11
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you … this is what you believed.
~Apostle Paul
The verses between 1 Corinthians 15:2 and 11 are a testimony of sorts, a creed that lays out some “of first importance” gospel truths: I encourage you to take time to read them and acknowledge them before God (and man). "Holding firmly to what we believe" is the basis for our re-centering around God this week.
Review
Am I living out what I believe about God – or – do my actions in life run counter to what I claim to believe? Do I know my beliefs? Can I express them? Do I trust that God will care for me – or – do I, similar to an unbeliever’s approach, ignore Him and take matters into my own hands?
Repent if Necessary
Confess any sins that God brings to mind relating to your faith walk: Sins of weakness, unbelief, inaction, fear or anxiety. Ask forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
Return (as necessary)
Take time to confess your faith in God once again, returning to One who saves you by the Gospel. Consider using one of the formal creeds, 1 Corinthians 15:2-11, or adopt the lyrics of the song We Believe by the Newsboys.
Prayer
For today’s prayer prompt, use a prayer of sorts exclaimed to Jesus by the father found in Mark 9:24: Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Amen.
Bible Project’s Biblical Themes, Heaven & Earth
What does the Bible really teach about Heaven, and what is Heaven’s relationship to Earth? In this video, explore the surprising biblical viewpoint that Heaven and Earth were meant to overlap and how Jesus is on a mission to bring them together once and for all.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/heaven-and-earth/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:57-64 8th letter: Heth (ח)
- You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words. - I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise. - I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes. - I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands. - Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law. - At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws. - I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts. - The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
The Promise
2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Pondering Point
Vs. 61-62 in Psalm 119 are great expressions of holding firmly to what one believes in. How does holding firmly to the word find expression in your life, in your world?