by Don Ruhl

Read First Corinthians 11:17-34.

The one that rejects what Paul teaches rejects the Lord, because Paul merely passes on what he received from the Lord. Likewise, he who rejects what you teach rejects the Lord, because you are merely passing on what you have received from the Lord, or at least we hope that is what you are doing. Hear Paul in First Corinthians 11:23.

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you ... (1 Corinthians 11:23a, NKJV).

This is the reason that we observe the Lord's Supper in the manner that we do, because we read Paul's instructions in First Corinthians 11:17-34 and we seek to follow it. However, he received those instructions from Jesus Christ. So, ultimately we observe the Lord's Supper because that is what Jesus wants us to do, not what Paul wants us to do.

You read the Scriptures and God teaches you. Then you speak to others, not giving them your word, but the very thoughts of heaven. Keep it up.

by Don Ruhl

Read Psalms 126-128

Listen to the joy of the psalmist,

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3, NIV).

Are you a Christian who is not filled with joy? There are times to mourn, so it is difficult to have joy during those times. However, if it is not the time for sadness, but joy still does not fill your heart, I encourage you to think on what the psalmist says here. Notice joy does not overwhelm us automatically, but we have to be aware of the things the Lord has done for us, indeed the great things He has done for us.

Here is one way to do this. Often our prayers are filled with requests and petitions. Why not devote prayers from time to time to nothing but thanksgiving? Some time today, have a prayer in which you devote every part of the prayer to thanking God for everything that comes into your mind. Do not restrict yourself to matters pertaining to the body, but put an emphasis on the things of the spirit. Start first with the blessings for the body, but then move into the greater blessings that are for the spirit.

When you are done, you may be exhausted, but you will be enriched. And watch to see if joy now fills your heart!

by Don Ruhl

Read First Corinthians 10:19-33.

Where is God's country? It is not just your favorite place, but it is the entire earth, and everything on it belongs to Him. Therefore, Paul wrote these words,

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness" (1 Corinthians 10:25,26, NKJV).

Pork is the Lord's creation. Therefore, Christians are allowed to eat it. Meat that came from a sacrifice to an idol is also the Lord's creation; therefore, we are free to eat that meat. Do not speak against what the Lord has created.

If that is true in regard to meat, it is certainly true in regard to all places on the earth. Often we are heard to say that we do not like a certain place, or someone will tell us that he is from such and such a place, and we immediately say what we do not like about that place. Would Jesus speak that way? He created it. Why would He say it is ugly? Moreover, He labored to get us to quit thinking about earthly things and to put our minds on heavenly things.

by Mike Benson

Folks in deep south probably think that the Weather Channel has something against them. It appears as though the gulf states are facing yet another violent hurricane. First it was Charles, then it was Frances, then it was Ivan (a category 5 storm with winds in excess of 156 m.p.h.), and now it is Jeanne.

This recent series of atmospheric events serves as a metaphor for life. While you and I try to pick up from the effects of earlier tempests, yet another one looms on the horizon (cf. Job 1-2). Impending emotional pressures look to drench us like a driving rain. Additional stresses promise to surround our hearts like rushing flood waters. Our spiritual resources are already depleted, and the thought of facing yet another climatic assault seems impossible.

So how do we prepare for Ivan when we're still reeling from his siblings (Psalm 55:8)?

It sounds simple, but it's profound. Remember that no storm is stronger than the Savior. Our personal hurricanes are never beyond His divine control.

The Psalmist wrote, "For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea ... He calms the storm, so that its waves are still" (Psalm 107:25, 29; cf. Psalm 83:15; 135:7; 147:18; Job 26:12; Matthew 5:45; Mark 4:35-41).

Dear friend, are you facing another hurricane in your life? Don't try to "ride it out" yourself. The wind and the waves obey the Lord's will. Let Him take charge (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 78:26). He can handle Jeannie and her family.