“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of non effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 1 Cor. 1:17-19
Today’s daily devotional
I am getting ready to start my shift at the downtown pub. As I prop the heavy wooden doors open, the afternoon air feels cool and fresh as it slowly seeps in. It pushes out the musty atmosphere left from the night before.
These precious moments of silence are being relished; in two hours the mad rush from the Cubs game will envelop me in chaos. For now, I immerse myself in the tranquility of soaking the beer mugs in the warm water.
“Hey.” I look up from the sink behind the bar, my hands soaked in soapy dishwater.
“The bar is not open yet, Frank.” I smile at his familiar face. Frank was a rule breaker.
“So what? My money is still good here.” He beamed back with confidence and sat down anyway. Frank enjoyed getting the special treatment.
I give him a hard stare as I pour his regular drink, Jack Daniel’s–straight up with no chaser.
“That’s my girl.” He drops a twenty on the bar nap to start his tab.
When I read 1 Cor. 1:17-19, my mind takes me back to those days of bartending and serving guys like Frank. Many carry the same heavy resolve to be a “real man” and drink their choice of poison straight up. If they were only wise enough to take the truth of God’s word just as straight up, what a place this world would be!
How many of us desire to grow up in the Lord, yet don’t allow the powerful truth of the Bible to help us to accomplish it? We crave a “watered-down” gospel that will leave us thinking pretty thoughts without inspiring true change in our lives. Sadly, many of us cannot handle the truth and that is why so many Christians have no power.
How is your growth in God? Has your faith increased, your relationship gotten deeper and your testimony made an impact?
Maybe you are watering down what the Holy Spirit is telling your heart, because you are afraid of losing friends and influence. The one you are hurting the most is yourself. Grow up. It is about time, don’t you think?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
The truth hurts and I feel the pain of these verses in 1 Cor. 1:17-19. I know that I have been a pansy and that is why I have not grown much in you.
If it is too difficult for me, or too painful or uncomfortable, I stop and choose the easier way. This is why I am at where I am today.
Lord, help me to be strong enough to handle the truth of your word, straight up with no chaser.
I don’t want to get to the other side of eternity and see that I have wasted my life because I always chose the easy way. If it is hard, then give me the persistence to see the challenge through and lean on you every step of the way.
In Jesus’ name, bless me to handle the truth and make up for all the time I lost being selfish and immature. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional.
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan