August 11, 2010

8-11-10 Wednesday, 6:35 am Springfield, 76 degrees, heat warnings in effect.

Last night I thoroughly enjoyed the closing worship of our worship arts camp. Nearly 100 children were singing and dancing before the Lord in the sanctuary, full of enthusiasm and joy. This is the second year for this August event, and it is very fruitful. Today here at the house we get a fence installed, which we have contemplated for 3 years. Having stained the deck in June, and with a garden bearing fruit (tomatoes) I have being outside in our yard more this year then in previous summers. As I read through Thoreau’s Walden, I am intentionally more connected to the natural world. (Next summer I must plant some beans so I can hoe them!)

I Cor 7:1-24
Paul gives very practical advice to the Christ-followers at Corinth, and to all who read this epistle (letter). He has the gift of celibacy, and recognizing that many do not have this gift, he encourages marriage and sexual relationship within the covenant of marriage. He further teaches that if a man is married to an unbeliever, and she wants to stay with him, he must not leave her. Likewise for a wife with non-Christian spouse. He acknowledges that in either case, if the spouse who is not following Christ wants to leave, the believer should allow it, and remain single. “For God has called you to live in peace” (verse 15).

This chapter is one of the most personal that Paul writes, with specific instructions that impact the daily lives of people following Christ. In verse one it is obvious that Paul is responding to a letter written by the Corinthians with a question about sexual relations. What a gift to have been able to directly ask the Apostle Paul a question. Now we have his letters, which the Church has recognized as the Word of God to us. He was a man completely dedicated to serving Christ and the church, even though he previously had attempted to destroy the church in his misdirected zeal for Yahweh.

Guide me today, holy Lord as I serve you through the church. In the meetings, decisions, correspondence, preparations and casual conversations may I reflect your love and holiness, your power and your peace.