Meditating The Word

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapters 2 & 3
God makes his grace visible in Christ, who includes me as a partner of his endless triumph. Through my yielded life, he spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere I go. Like a sweet perfume, my life is a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. And I have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of Christ. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, I am a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, I am a life-giving aroma that leads to abundant life. 
And who is adequate for such a task as this? How can I rise to this challenge? I am not like a huckster who preaches for personal profit, watering down the message of salvation. I preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority and in union with him, knowing that God is watching me.
 
I do not praise myself, or bring letters of recommendation or ask others to write such letters on my behalf. The only letter of recommendation I need is the Word of God permanently engraved on my heart and displayed in my life and in the lives of those I have touched. Everyone can read it and recognize my good works. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but is a living letter written by the Spirit of the living God on tablets of tender hearts. 
I carry this confidence in my heart because of my union with Christ and my great trust in God the Father. It is not that I think I am qualified to do anything in my own strength. My competence flows from God's empowering presence. He alone has enabled me to be a minister of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of Spirit. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit pours out life.
The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ glowing face because of the radiant splendor of God shining from his countenance -- even though the brightness was already fading away. Yet, how much more radiant is this new and glorious ministry of the Spirit that shines from me. If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes me right with God. In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
So then, with this amazing hope living in me, I step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth. I can be very bold. I am not like Moses, who used a veil to hide the glory to keep the Israelites from staring at him as it faded away. The people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers people's minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Before I believed, my heart was covered with that veil, and I didn't understand.
But when I turned to the Lord, the veil was taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So, now that I have had that veil removed, I can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes me more and more like him as I am changed into his glorious image.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/serenity-prayerLicense code: E6GCYFWBRO10DAXQ

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 1
Undeserved favor and endless peace are mine from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I offer all my praise to God. He is my merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts me in all my troubles so that I can comfort others in any painful trial. I can bring them the same comfort that God has poured out on me. I know that the more I suffer for Christ, the more God will shower me with his comfort through Christ. 
Even when I am weighed down with troubles, his comfort and salvation are available for me so that I can patiently endure the things that I suffer. I am confident that anyone who suffers can also share in the comfort that God gives.
When I am crushed and overwhelmed beyond my human ability to endure, and when I think I cannot possibly live through it, I have learned to stop relying on myself and to rely only on God, who is able to raise even the dead. The comfort pouring into me empowers me to bring comfort to others. This comfort upholds me so I can endure victoriously. I have placed my confidence in him, and my hope is unshakable. And I am thankful for the help I receive from faithful intercessors who pray for me. What a gracious gift of mercy that surrounds me.
I can say with confidence and a clear conscience that God has empowered me to conduct myself in a holy manner and with no hidden agenda. His marvelous grace enables me to minister to others with pure motives, not in the clever wisdom of the world or in my own human wisdom. I am straightforward, and there is nothing to read between the lines of what I say and nothing that can’t be easily understood. 
I do not make my plans carelessly. I am not like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”. As surely as God is faithful, my word does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” Nor does Jesus Christ, the Son of God, waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. Jesus has always been and always will be a resounding "YES!" For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ. And through Christ, my “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God and brings him glory.
It is God who enables me to stand firm for Christ. He has anointed and commissioned me, constantly strengthening me in union with Christ. He has stamped his seal of love over my heart, and I am his. He has placed the Holy Spirit in my heart as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised me - a down payment of the blessings to come.
I am full of joy, for it is by my strong faith that I stand firm.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/to-adoreLicense code: HDSXXKE34C9CL8WE

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 14
Love is my highest goal, but I am also passionate about spiritual gifts —especially the ability to prophesy. When I speak in tongues, I am speaking only to God, because people aren’t able to understand me. I speak by the power of Holy Spirit, but I am speaking intimate mysteries. But when I prophesy, I speak to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort. When I speak in tongues, I am personally strengthened, and advance my own spiritual progress. But when I speak a word of prophecy, I strengthen the entire church.
I wish everyone could speak in tongues, but even more, I wish everyone could impart prophetic revelation to others. For greater gain comes through prophecy than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what is said so that the whole church will be strengthened.
If I speak to someone in an unknown language, how does that help them? But if I bring a clear revelation from God, or some special knowledge or insight, or prophecy or teaching, I can enrich others. Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly. If they are out of tune, no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
It's the same for me. If I speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what I'm talking about? I might as well save my breath.
There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. But if I don’t understand a language, I will be like a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be like a foreigner to me. I am passionate about embracing the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and even more so about the things that strengthen the entire church.
When I do speak in tongues I pray also for the ability to interpret what I'm saying. For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t have a clear understand what I am saying.
So I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing rapturous praises in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. For if I praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand me praise God along with me? How can they join me in giving thanks when they don’t understand what I am saying? I may be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear me.
I thank God that I speak in tongues. But in a church setting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. That way, I can have a role in teaching others. 
I am as innocent as a baby when it comes to evil, but I am mature in understanding matters of this kind. It is written in the Scriptures that God will speak to his people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But they will not listen.
Speaking publicly in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but a miracle for unbelievers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is a miracle sign for believers, and not unbelievers. Yet, even unbelievers can be convicted of sin and judged by prophecy. As they listen, they will be convicted by all that they hear and will be called to account, for the intimate secrets of their heart will be brought to light. They will be mystified and fall facedown in worship in the presence of God.
I will observe order in the church. Letting each person fill their assigned role, so that everything that is done strengthens the whole congregation. When I speak in tongues, if there is no interpreter present, I will speak privately to God.
If I receive a revelation from the Lord, I will take my turn to speak so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. Holy Spirit is a gentleman, and if I am used in the gift of prophecy, I am still in control of my spirit and I can take turns. If I have questions, I do not interrupt the meeting to ask. God's word didn't originate with me. I am not the only one to whom it has been given. God is a God of harmony, not confusion, as is the pattern in all the churches of God's holy believers.
I am passionate to prophesy, and to speak in tongues. But I make sure that I do all things in a beautiful and orderly way
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/zimpzon/mindfulLicense code: UI2LISMMLRMANJZ4

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 12
I know that no one who speaks by the Spirit of God would ever curse Jesus, and no one would say that Jesus is Lord, unless the Holy Spirit is speaking through him.
Although there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, there is one Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. And he continues to distribute many different varieties of gifts. Just as there are different kinds of service, but we all serve the same Lord. The same God distributes different kinds of miracles that accomplish different results through each believer's gift and ministry as he energizes and activates them. I am given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just myself, but all. In this way, we can help one another. 
There are three gifts that reveal something: The word of wisdom which reveals things in the future; the word of knowledge which reveals certain facts of the past or present; and the discernment of spirits, or the ability to see into the spiritual realm. 
There are three gifts that say something: the gift of tongues in an unknown language; the interpretation of tongues; and the gift of prophecy or revelation from God to build up the members of the church. 
And there are three gifts that do something: The gift of faith beyond what we can believe for; gifts of healings of all kinds of diseases; and the gift of miracles to do what isn't possible in the natural realm.  
It is the one and only Spirit of God who distributes, activates and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer. He alone decides which gift I should have.
Just as the human body has many parts that make up one whole body, so it is with the body of Christ. For by one Spirit we all were immersed and mingled into one single body. No matter what our status -- Jew or non-Jew, oppressed or free -- we are all privileged to drink deeply of the same Holy Spirit. 
So, it would be silly for me to think that I'm not a part of the body of Christ, just because I don't have a particular gift. The foot isn't any less a part of the body than the hand. It is still a vital part of the body. And the ear isn't any less a part of the body than the eye. It is still an important part of the body. If we all were the same, how could the body of Christ function? 
But God has carefully designed me and placed me in the body to function as he desires. He has put me just where he wants me in order to benefit his body. Diversity is required. Even if I may seem to be less significant, or less important than other members of the church, I still have an important part to play in God's plan. In fact, some of the least seen, hidden jobs, are actually more vital and essential in the grand scheme of things.
As a Christian, I will always strive to promote harmony, and care for others. If one suffers, I suffer. If one is honored, I rejoice. I treat each member with respect. Each of us -- together -- are Christ's body. And I am a unique and vital part of the whole. 
God has appointed apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, leaders, and those who speak in unknown languages. And while some people may have more than one of these assignments, no one has all of them. Yet, all of them are necessary.
The important thing is that I earnestly desire -- and boil over with passion -- in seeking the higher gifts, and that I fulfill the purpose Holy Spirit assigns me. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/shroudLicense code: 0SHCBIDLGGDBSQYU

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 10
I have not forgotten the lessons learned from the children of Israel as they walked through the wilderness under the cloud of God's glory and passed through the waters of the sea on dry ground. Although in the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses... Although they all ate the same heavenly manna and drank the same spiritual water from the spiritual rock that traveled with them -- and that Rock was Christ himself -- they still displeased God and most of them died in the wilderness, never reaching the promised land. 
These things served as types and pictures for me -- lessons that teach me not to fail in the same way by callously craving worthless things, or worshipping idols as some of them did. I must not embrace their ways by complaining, or grumbling with discontent. And I must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did.
All the tests they endured on their way through the wilderness are a symbolic picture, an example that provides me with a warning so I can learn through what they experienced. During these last days, the purpose of all the ages past is now completing its goal within me. 
I am not overly confident in my own strength, lest my pride becomes my downfall. I know that the temptations in my life are no different from what others experience. But God is faithful to me. He will not allow any temptation to be more than I can stand, without showing me a way out so that I can endure and come out of it victoriously.
I flee from worshipping the things of this world. I am a reasonable person. And I can discern that God's Word is true. When I drink from the cup of communion at the Lord’s Table, I am sharing the blood of Christ, co-participating with my brothers and sisters. And when I eat the bread, I am sharing in the body of Christ. For although the members of the body of Christ are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. Just as the people of Israel were united by eating the sacrifices at the altar.
I cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. I cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. I don't dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy. My strength is found only in him.
And even though I am free under grace, I still can't do everything I please. Not everything is good for me. And not everything promotes growth in others. While I may be able to do what I want, not everything causes the spiritual advancement of others. 
I don't seek to do what is best for me at the expense of another. So, although I'm free to eat anything without worrying about my conscience, for the earth and all its abundance belongs to the Lord, I will pass on eating what would bother the conscience of another who may be present. There is no benefit in doing what I please if it's condemned by someone else. 
Whatever I eat or drink, whatever I do, I do it all for the glory of God. I do my best not to offend others. And I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. I live my life in a way that glorifies and honors God.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/lift-me-upLicense code: NLDJK1A4VXGNOQ2Z

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 9
I am completely free and unrestrained. I have had a personal encounter with Jesus, and continue to see him face-to-face. My life is joined to the Lord. 
As I am spiritually plowing and spiritually treading out the grain, I labor with the expectation of enjoying the harvest. Preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I can't take the credit for my labors. I am compelled by God to fulfill my duty. It would be agony to me if I didn't share the gospel of my Lord. 
God has given me this sacred trust. It's not my idea, but God's, who commissioned me. As a follower of Christ, I have been entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel. So then, where is my reward? It is found in continually depositing the good news into people's hearts, without obligation, free of charge. Freely I have received, and freely I give. 
Even though I am a free woman with no master, I joyfully make myself a servant to all people to win as many converts as possible to Christ. When I am with those who follow religious law, I too live under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law. I do this so I can bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with those who do not follow religious law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Wherever I go, I try to find common ground with everyone, adapting to the culture, so that I can more easily win people to Christ. I do this as God's partner for the sake of sharing the blessings of the gospel.
I know that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So I run to win. Like a true athlete, I am disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control -- not to win a prize that will fade away. I run my race for an eternal prize, a victor's crown that will last forever.  So I run, not just for exercise, but with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under control. I train and discipline my body so I won't be disqualified when my race is done.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sanchii/weather-the-stormLicense code: AHARKPJ3ALV0K3YP

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 4
I am not a leader, but a servant of Christ, assigned to the ministry of reconciliation and explaining God’s mysteries. To that charge, I must be faithful and trustworthy. I am not the least bit concerned if I'm judged by others and how I might be evaluated by any human authority. I don’t even assume to be my own judge, even though my conscience is clear, that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. He is the only judge I care about.
So I resist the temptation to pronounce premature judgement on anything before the appointed time when all will be fully revealed. I will wait until the Lord returns. For he will bring everything that is hidden in darkness to light, and unveil every secret motive of the heart. Then, when the whole truth is know, God will give each of us whatever praise is due.
I am not proud of one of my leaders at the expense of another. I don't have the right to make such a judgment. It would be futile to move beyond what is written in the God's Word and be inflated with self-importance by following and promoting one leader in competition with another. 
I have nothing that God hasn't given me in grace. And if everything I have is from God, why would I boast as though it were not a gift and I was someone special?
God has already provided me with everything I need. I am content -- even rich -- in him. I reign in God’s kingdom with Christ. Although to the world, I may seem like a spectacle at the end of the line.
I am a fool for Christ. The only wisdom I have is in him. By myself, I am weak, but in Christ I am made strong. I am ridiculed by the worldly, but in Christ, I am honored -- even celebrated. I work with my own hands to earn my living. When I am cursed, I respond with a blessing. I am patient with those who abuse me. I answer gently when I am slandered. Even if I am treated like the world’s garbage, in Christ I am valued.
I follow the example my spiritual leaders, imitating them as they imitate Christ. 
I will not fall into arrogance, giving pretentious speeches but allow God’s power to flow through me. For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power in love with a gentle spirit.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/belovedLicense code: QWBH0HUY5UOQKUIF

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
I no longer belong to this world. When I was an infant in Christ, spiritually immature, I had to be fed with milk. I couldn't handle the solid food of more advanced teachings, because I wasn't ready for it. I was still controlled by my sinful nature, living a life dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. 
But now, I am no longer jealous of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not compare myself with others, or quarrel like a child and end up taking sides. I do not live my life centered on myself, behaving like an unbeliever. I don't divide myself by doctrine from other believers, or boast about my earthly teachers. I follow them only as they follow Christ. Jesus is the goal I aspire to. 
Earthly teachers are only God’s servants bringing the Good News to the world. We all have to do the work that God assigns to us. I may plant the seed in someone's heart, and another believer comes behind me and waters it. But God alone brings the supernatural growth. 
I know it's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. Both are equally important and we are on the same team. We will each be rewarded for our own work. We are coworkers with God. I am part of God's cultivated garden, the house he is building. I am God's holy temple.
Because of God’s grace to me, the foundation has been laid by expert builders. And now I am building on it. But, I know I must be very careful to do my work according to God's standards. I am not empowered to lay an alternative foundation, other than the one that already exists -- Jesus Christ.
It is up to me to build with the materials God has provided, and to do excellent work. On the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work I have done, and whether it has any value. If my work survives, I will receive a reward. But if my work is burned up, I will suffer great loss. I will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
I am God's inner sanctuary and the Spirit of God has made his permanent home in me. God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and that is exactly who I am.
I don't deceive myself or live under any illusion by thinking I am wise by this world’s standards. I have become wiser by being a fool for God. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. The wise are trapped in the snare of their own cleverness, and their thoughts are worthless as far as God is concerned.
So I don’t boast about following any particular human leader. For I already have everything. It has all been given for my benefit... whether enlightened teachers, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to me, and I belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/to-adoreLicense code: HDSXXKE34C9CL8WE

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
Father God, I don't pretend to be an expert, or use eloquent speech and lofty wisdom to tell people about your plan for salvation. I forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one crucified. I am consumed by that one topic. My message is plain. I often feel inadequate and approach others with humility and meekness, filled with reverence for you. I tremble under the sense of the importance of my words. I don't attempt to sway people to believe in you with persuasive arguments. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I rely only on the power of your Holy Spirit. I do not trust in human wisdom, but only in your almighty power.
Yet when I am among fellow believers, I love to speak about the deep things of your Word, in all of it's magnificent layers. This isn't a worldly wisdom which is soon forgotten, but your plan that was previously hidden. The plan of redemption that you made before the world began to bring us into glory. If it had been understood, then the rulers of this world would never have crucified your son, my glorious Lord. 
Father, I know that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind can even imagine what you have prepared for me and for all those who love you.
But you now unveil these profound realities to me by your Spirit. For your Spirit searches out everything and reveals your inmost heart and deepest mysteries. No one can know my thoughts but my own spirit, and no one can know your thoughts except your own Spirit, Father. I did not receive the spirit of this world system, but the Holy Spirit, your spirit, God, so I could understand and experience all that your grace has lavished upon me. 
When I share these realities, it is with the words imparted to me by the Holy Spirit, not with words taught by human wisdom. I join together Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words. Father, I know that people who aren’t spiritual, who live on an entirely human level, can’t receive these truths from your Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them. And because they can't understand it, they reject it, because these truths can only be discovered by the illumination of your Spirit. Through your Spirit, Father, I can evaluate all things, but I cannot be evaluated by others only by you. For, who can know your thoughts? Who knows enough to become your counselor?
But you give me revelation knowledge of your Word, Father, for you have given me the mind of Christ. I possess Christ's perceptions. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sanchii/auroraLicense code: 8BYNE2V5LC2N9L6X

Today's meditation is on 1st Corinthians Chapter 1
I was chosen by you, God, invited to be a member of your family. I have been made pure, set apart. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. 
Father God, you have given me all of your blessings, joyous grace and endless peace of heart and mind are mine continuously through Jesus.
I can never stop thanking you for all the wonderful gifts you have given me, now that I am in Christ. You have given me free and open access to your grace. I have been made extravagantly rich in every way. I have been endowed with a wealth of inspired utterance and the riches that come from my intimate knowledge of Jesus. 
The reality of the truth of Christ is strengthened through my experience of him. What your Word said Christ could do for me has happened. You are faithful to your promises. 
Now I have every grace and blessing. I am not lacking any spiritual gift, for you have supplied the power for doing your will during this time of waiting for the return of Jesus Christ, your Son. You have guaranteed right up to the end that I will be counted free from all sin and guilt on that day when he returns. You will keep me steady and strong to the very end, making my character mature so I will be found innocent on that day. God, you are forever faithful. I know you will surely do this for me, for you always do what you say, and you are the one who invited me into this wonderful friendship with your Son, even Christ my Lord.
I do not argue with my brothers and sisters, but promote real harmony between us, living in unity. I put to rest any division that attempts to tear us apart. We are of one mind, united in thought and purpose, living in perfect harmony. There is a consistent choreography among us, having a common perspective and shared values. We are all followers of Christ, and members of his body. 
There is mighty power in the simple message of the cross of Christ, philosophical arguments only empty the cross of its true power. I trust in the all-sufficient cross of Christ alone.
Jesus died to save me. And this simple message, the good news of the gospel, is your mighty power released within me. God, you will destroy all human plans of salvation no matter how wise they seem to be, and ignore the best ideas of men, even the most brilliant of them. The wisdom of this world is utter foolishness.
In your wisdom, God, you saw to it that the world would never find you through human brilliance. Then you stepped in and saved me, and all those who believe your message, which the world calls foolish and silly. 
It seems foolish to those who want a miraculous sign as proof that what is preached is true; and it is foolish to those who believe only what agrees with their philosophy and seems wise to them. 
But I preach the crucified Messiah, and they are either offended or say it’s all nonsense. But God, you have opened the eyes of those you called to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, to see that Christ is your mighty power, your true wisdom, and the Messiah. Christ himself is the center of your wise plan for our salvation. This so-called “foolish” plan of yours is far wiser than the wisest plan of the wisest man, and in your weakness—Christ dying on the cross—is far more strength than in any man.
When you called me, I didn't have a big name or wealth. I wasn't a wise scholar, by human standards, and I wasn't in a position of power. Instead, you deliberately chose to use ideas that the world considers foolish, and the people that are considered to have little worth in order to shame those people considered by the world as wise and great. God, you chose a plan despised by the world, counted as nothing at all, and used it to bring down to nothing what the world considers great, so that there would be no place for prideful boasting in your presence.
God, it is from you alone, that I have my life through Christ Jesus. Jesus showed us your plan of salvation; he was the one who made me acceptable to you; he made me pure and holy and gave himself to purchase my salvation. He is my wisdom, my virtue, my holiness and my redemption. If I'm going to boast, I will boast only of what the Lord has done.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/zimpzon/calmLicense code: 4DD1BUWZYJY6JPSE