1 CORINTHIANS 13 - The Way of Love

1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

2If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

11When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

12We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

1 Corinthians chapter 13 is often referred to as the "Love Chapter" because it provides a beautiful and comprehensive description of what love is and how it should be expressed. Let's go through the chapter and explore its key teachings on love:

1 Corinthians chapter 13 presents a profound and comprehensive understanding of love. It teaches that love is not merely a feeling but a set of actions and attitudes that should permeate our lives. Love is patient, kind, selfless, enduring, and mature. It surpasses other virtues and is the essence of a Christian's life.

PSALMS 12

1-2Quick, God, I need your helping hand!

The last decent person just went down,

All the friends I depended on gone.

Everyone talks in lie language;

Lies slide off their oily lips.

They doubletalk with forked tongues.

3-4Slice their lips off their faces! Pull

The braggart tongues from their mouths!

I’m tired of hearing, “We can talk anyone into anything!

Our lips manage the world.”

5Into the hovels of the poor,

Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:

“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way

To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”

6-8God’s words are pure words,

Pure silver words refined seven times

In the fires of his word-kiln,

Pure on earth as well as in heaven.

God, keep us safe from their lies,

From the wicked who stalk us with lies,

From the wicked who collect honors

For their wonderful lies.

Psalm 12 serves as a reminder that even in times of moral decay and deception, God remains faithful and can be relied upon for justice and protection. It encourages believers to trust in God's enduring words and seek refuge in His presence.

All Song Up:

Goodness of God by CeCe Winans 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

God’s words are pure words and 

Be Good To One Another

And We Already Won

As a Christian, there are several passages in the Bible that express the victory we as believers have in Jesus Christ. Here are a few examples:

These verses remind us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we have already obtained victory over sin, death, and the forces of darkness. It is because of His love, sacrifice, and resurrection that we can confidently proclaim that we are on the winning side.

All Songed Up:

Fixed Fight by Neal Roberson 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

It’s A Fixed Fight & We Already Won Saints and 

Be Good To One Another  

God has the ultimate justice and faithfulness

PSALMS 10

1Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,

who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.

4In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies.

6He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

7His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims;

9like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.

10His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.

11He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.”

12Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

13Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”?

14But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

15Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.

16The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

Psalm 10 serves as a reminder that even in the face of injustice and suffering, we as believers can find solace in and trust in God's ultimate justice and faithfulness.

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

The Lord is King for ever and ever and 

Be Good To One Another  

*Sorry about the scratchy throat & the miss speak on Wholeness and Holiness my bad family

Let’s Be Whole not a Hole 

Whole - adjective - all of; entire in an unbroken or undamaged state; in one piece 

noun - a thing that is complete in itself; all of something. 

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Psalm 119:2

With my whole heart have I sought thee:O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Psalm 119:10

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:26

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Luke 8:50

Hole - noun - a hollow place in a solid body or surface; a small or unpleasant place verb - make a hole or holes in; an opening through something 

They dig a hole to trap others, but they will fall into it themselves. They will get themselves into trouble; the violence they cause will hurt only themselves. - Psalms 7:15-16 

In the Bible, the term "whole" carries different meanings depending on the context. Here are a few perspectives related to being whole and giving oneself wholly:

Regarding the cautionary aspect of "hole" in the Bible, the concept of being “hole” can also serve as a cautionary reminder. The Bible warns against being spiritually divided, double-minded, or lacking in commitment. Jesus teaches against being lukewarm in our faith (Revelation 3:16) and emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion to God (Matthew 6:24).

In summary, "wholeness" in the Bible encompasses living in obedience to God's commandments, experiencing spiritual healing through faith in Jesus, and giving our whole selves to God. It serves as an invitation to surrender our lives, emotions, desires, and plans to God, finding true fulfillment and purpose in Him. The cautionary aspect reminds us to guard against spiritual division, double-mindedness, and idolatry, and to pursue a wholehearted devotion to God.

All Song Up:

Whole by Da’ T.R.U.T.H. (feat. Yolanda Adams) 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

Give Him Your Whole Heart & Be Careful of the Holes  Family and 

Be Good To One Another  

Keep Going 

con·sist·en·cy - focusing on the task at hand in the present moment while maintaining a long term vision. 

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 

"Consistency: Keep Moving Forward"

In life, the journey towards success and fulfillment is often a challenging one. Along this path, there will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and obstacles that may test your resolve. During these times, it is crucial to remember two essential principles: keeping the faith and keeping the grind.

Keeping the faith means holding onto your belief in yourself and your abilities. It involves cultivating a mindset that acknowledges the ups and downs but remains steadfast in the pursuit of your goals. Believe in your dreams and the dream the Lord has given you, trust that your efforts will eventually bear fruit. Remember that setbacks and failures are not permanent; they are merely detours on the road to success.

Keeping the grind entails maintaining consistent effort and dedication to your aspirations. It requires discipline, resilience, and a willingness to put in the necessary work, even when it feels difficult or discouraging. Consistency is key. Every small step you take towards your goals accumulates over time and contributes to your progress. Embrace the daily grind, knowing that each moment of focused effort brings you closer to your desired destination.

Remember, the path to success is rarely linear. It is often marked by twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. However, by keeping the faith and keeping the grind, you can overcome any obstacles that come your way. Stay committed to your vision, even when the going gets tough. Your consistency will build momentum and create a positive ripple effect in your journey.

So, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem, keep moving forward with unwavering faith and an unyielding dedication to your goals. Believe in yourself, embrace the challenges, and persist in your efforts. Your consistency and determination will lead you to the success and fulfillment you seek.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up

All Song Up:

Consistent by Michael Dixon from “The Walk On Water Project” Album 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

con·sist·en·cy family keep going and 

Be Good To One Another  

Be a Bouncy Ball 

grit - courage and resolve; strength or character 

GRIT, which stands for Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. It refers to the combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals. Cultivating grit can indeed make a significant difference in your life in several ways:

Remember that developing grit is a continuous process that requires effort and practice. By nurturing these qualities within yourself, you can make a profound difference in your life and increase your chances of achieving long-term success and personal fulfillment.

All Prayed Up:

Dear Lord,

We come to you today asking for the strength and perseverance to face all the challenges that come our way. Help us to cultivate the qualities of grit, resilience, and tenacity that will allow us to overcome any obstacles and achieve our goals.

Grant us the wisdom to know that setbacks are a natural part of life and the courage to keep going even when things get tough. May we always remember that with you by our side, nothing is impossible.

Help us to grow in our faith and to trust in your plan for our lives. May we be open to the opportunities and lessons that come our way, and may we have the courage to take risks and pursue our dreams.

Thank you, Lord, for your constant love and support. May we always turn to you in times of need and find comfort and strength in your embrace.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Our Song Recommendation:

Grit & Grace by MyVictory Music 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

We Have G.R.I.T. Family and 

Be Good To One Another  

What God says about Me?

1. I say (or have said) I am unlovable, but God says I am forever loved.

(Romans 8:38-39)

2. I say (or have said) I am scarred but God says I am healed.

(Isaiah 53:5) 

3. I say I am weak, but God says He makes me strong.

“God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:32).

4. I recognize I am a sinner, but God says I am forgiven.

“I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus” (1 John 2:12)

5. I was abandoned, but God says I am adopted.

(Ephesians 1:5) 

6. I say I am broken, but God says He makes me whole.

“So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:10).

7. I have been rejected, but God says I am His!

“Do not fear. I have redeemed you. I have summoned you. You are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

8. I say I am alone, but God says He is always with me.

“…Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

9. I say I am hopeless, but God says because of Him, I am hopeful.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

10. I say I am purposeless, but God says I was created with purpose.

“Perhaps this is the moment for which you’ve been created” (Esther 4:14).

11. I say I have failed, but God says I am victorious in Christ.

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

12. I say I am lost, but God says He gives me direction.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

13. I say I am worried, anxious, or afraid, but God says with Him I am peace-filled.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

14. I say I am unhappy, but God says I am joyful/joy-filled.

(John 15:11) 

15. I say I am afraid, but God says I am powerful, loved, and have a sound mind.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

16. I say I am nothing special, but God says I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

17. I say I am worthless, but God says Jesus died because I am worth it.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

All Song Up - Song Recommendation:

I Am What God Says by Dorthy Norwood from her "Shake The Devil Off” Album 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

That’s What He Said and

Be Good To One Another  

The “Ships” In Life Can Take Us Far 

Let’s talk about it…

"Ships" in our lives can refer to the relationships and connections we have with others. These connections play a significant role in our personal growth, well-being, and overall journey through life. Here are a few key points about the importance of "ships" and riding them:

Building and riding these ships requires effort, time, and genuine investment. It involves being intentional about choosing healthy relationships, cultivating trust, and maintaining open communication. It also means being willing to give and receive support, being empathetic, and fostering a spirit of collaboration.

While riding these ships can bring immense joy, growth, and fulfillment, it's important to remember that not all ships are meant to sail with us throughout our entire lives. Some ships may come and go, serving specific purposes for a season. It's essential to discern which ships are healthy, uplifting, and aligned with our values and goals.

In summary, the ships we ride, such as friendships, discipleships, partnerships, and leadership, shape us and contribute to our overall well-being. Nurturing these connections with care, respect, and authenticity can greatly enhance our journey through life, enabling us to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

Stay with some Ships and

Be Good To One Another  

Choose Wisely Family 

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 22:14 

Matthew 22:14 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible. It is part of a parable that Jesus tells to a group of people, commonly referred to as the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. The verse reads:

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

In the parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son. The king sends out his servants to invite guests to the wedding feast, but those who were invited refuse to come. The king then sends his servants to invite anyone they can find, both good and bad, to fill the banquet hall.

However, when the king enters the banquet hall, he notices a man who is not wearing wedding clothes. The king asks him how he got in without proper attire, and the man is speechless. The king then has the man bound and thrown into the darkness outside, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It is within this context that Jesus says, "For many are called, but few are chosen." The verse suggests that while many people may be invited or called to enter the kingdom of heaven, only a few will be chosen or accepted. It emphasizes the importance of accepting the invitation to the kingdom of heaven and being prepared with the appropriate "wedding clothes," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for righteousness or a heart transformed by faith.

The parable serves as a reminder to the listeners that mere attendance or external appearance is not enough. It is the internal disposition and acceptance of God's invitation that truly matters.

All Prayed Up:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, recognizing Your sovereignty and grace. We thank You for the invitation You have extended to us, to be partakers of Your kingdom and to share in the wedding feast of Your Son. We acknowledge that many are called, but only a few are chosen.

Lord, we pray that You would help us be among those who are chosen. Grant us the wisdom and discernment to understand the significance of this invitation and the urgency to respond. As we walk this life out, may our hearts and minds be clothed in righteousness, purity, and faithfulness.

Help us to cultivate a deep relationship with You, Lord, and to seek Your guidance in all that we do. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be transformed from within and reflect Your love and grace to those around us.

Father, we confess that we are weak and prone to wander. We ask for Your forgiveness for any times we have strayed from Your path. Strengthen us, O Lord, to resist temptation and to remain steadfast in our faith. Help us to live in a manner worthy of Your calling, pleasing You in every aspect of our lives.

May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Give us a hunger for Your truth and a desire to grow in our knowledge of You. Empower us to share the good news of Your salvation with others, that they too may have the opportunity to respond to Your invitation.

Lord, we surrender our lives to You, trusting that You will guide and protect us. May we be ready and prepared for the glorious day when we will enter into Your presence and join in the eternal celebration of Your Son's wedding feast.

We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Song Recommendation: 

The Call by Isabel Davis 

Until Next Time Family 

I Love You 

(KISS) 

You are Chosen, What do You Choose and

Be Good To One Another