Day 241: Psalms 134-137; 1 Corinthians 9
by Jonathan Merki on August 28th, 2023
In pondering 'Christian Liberty' and reflecting on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:19: "Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people" (CSB), Martin Luther wrote this famous line: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." In context, Lut... Read More
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Day 240: Psalms 131-133; 1 Corinthians 8
by Jonathan Merki on August 27th, 2023
What is good to the core and appealing to experience is the beautiful unity that exists in God's Family (Psalm 133). This is where the Spirit is abundantly present and at work (like the oil of anointing), and where God's commanded blessing finds its eternal resting place. No wonder Paul so emphasizes these realities in his writings. Today we read them in practice in 1 Corinthians 8. For instance: ... Read More
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Day 239: Psalms 128-130; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
by Jonathan Merki on August 26th, 2023
Real people who loved God and were on their own spiritual journey, these are the ones who penned the words we read in the Word of God. I am not certain how literalists explain 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 that begins and ends with Paul saying that this is his 'opinion.' He very clearly acknowledges that he is walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, but is humble enough to say: 'This is what I think.' Do... Read More
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Day 238: Psalms 124-127; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24
by Jonathan Merki on August 25th, 2023
One thing I appreciate about the apostle Paul is that he is a master of 'the grey areas' of life. Out of a recent conversation I was reminded that not everything is 'black and white,' as the expression goes, and that for thinking Christians who long to be Christlike, these grey areas become a place of spiritual reflection and even, at times consternation. There are times when those grey areas may ... Read More
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Day 237: Psalms 120-123; 1 Corinthians 6
by Jonathan Merki on August 24th, 2023
Joining the chorus, singing in the sanctuary with fellow-worshipers, these bring joy. Today we have begun a series of 15 Psalms called 'The Songs of Ascent'...pilgrim songs sung going up to Jerusalem, enroute to holy festivals celebrating God's deliverance, forgiveness and provision. They are divided into groups of three (unfortunately our reading doesn't recognize this). The first in the group of... Read More
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Day 236: Psalm 119:105-176; 1 Corinthians 5
by Jonathan Merki on August 23rd, 2023
Perhaps Psalm 119 evokes the same emotion within as a genealogy would, or another read of Leviticus. It's a good thing we generally read it a stanza at a time. However, could I remind you of the beauty of the whole? In Hebrew it is a marvelous acrostic poem. As you notice each heading, a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, remember that every line in that section begins with that letter. More amazing i... Read More
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