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God is Doing a New Thing
It’s a new year, a new beginning. And we at The Upper Room feel the excitement Read More
Harriett Jane Olson | Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
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Sign Up TodayWe often hear it said that “seeing is believing,” but “believing
is seeing” can also be true. Our expectations and
beliefs shape what we see or perceive. Paul notes that the work
of God in Christ did not meet the expectations or beliefs of either
the Greeks or the Jews....
Startle and shape me, O God, by the signs and the wisdom of the Spirit at work all around me. Amen.
The four texts for this Sunday join in warning the people of God that they should not be confused or intimidated by appearances or by how the larger society values this or that. A faithful hearing and responsiveness to the God of the Bible may not fare so well or look so good in terms of the world’s standards of judgment. But what is required and blessed is a community ordered according to the covenantal commitments, shaped by God’s gracious promises, and attuned to what Paul called the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God.
• Read Micah 6:1-8. When have you sensed God’s anguish over human injustice?
• Read Psalm 15. Where do you need to speak truth from the heart, do what is right, be without blame, or be reconciled?
• Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. How have my limited expecta- tions of how God works caused me to miss God’s action in my life or the lives of others?
• Read Matthew 5:1-12. Which of the Beatitudes do you feel most blessed by? Which best describes your life of faith?
Respond by posting a prayer.
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