Day 622 - 1 Corinthians 11:2 - 34 & Psalm 64

 Julie

This is something else that I never really understood. So...if we are following the Word of God should we be wearing head coverings? Not that I want to do that, but unless we come across something in the near future that explains differently then it seems we should. However, why? I know that the explanation says that a woman with long hair may be ok as her face is covered, but nothing is very clear. It almost seems like explanation is trying to justify ways for women to not have to do that. I wonder when and where this practice changed and why. 

He is asking God to hide him from the evil ones and to protect him.

Michelle

The parts that stand out in this reading are verse 12, "For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman.  But everything comes from God."  "For long hair is given to her as a covering."  It seemed like it was saying at first that woman had to cover her head, but as I read on and saw verse 12, that thinking changed for me.  I understand that woman was made from man and as his companion but reading previously regarding being single and that it's ok, that would make it different for a single woman.  We really should all be worshipping God, and if we are with a spouse, he is the head, and we are his support.  As far as the head covering goes, it seems that last verse is saying that our hair is our covering.  I didn't read anything about a face being covered in my bible.  As it went on about the Lord's supper, I didn't quite understand it.  I think it's saying that we need to check ourselves before accepting the Lord's supper and should confess or repent before doing so.

It seems he is asking God to hide him from all the evil things being planned against him.

Day 621 - 1 Corinthians 10-11:1 & Psalms 63

 Julie

Paul is explaining that we have been warned many times about pledging our allegiance to idols and that people have fallen many times for not listening. There are multiple stories about how people chose the idols over God and how God has punished them. He is basically saying that time and time again God has shown what he will do and people have not learned. So Paul is pleading with the people to pay attention and to not fall into that trap again.

Michelle

Verse 31 is a reminder that we are to do everything for the glory of God.  In this reading we are told not to partake in sacrificial meals, or anything offered to demons.  We are to only do things for God's glory but that we are allowed the opportunity to choose for ourselves.

David is clinging to God in his time of need.

Day 620 - 1 Corinthians 8-9 & Psalm 62

 Julie

I really don't understand the point of today's reading. This is going to require reading the explanation because these feel like they need context in order to understand why they are relevant here.

God alone is who we should look to for our salvation.

Michelle

The first part of this reading seems to be saying we should be an example to those around us.  It is also referenced in chapter 9.  It also seems to say that you are to use your gift as God instructs you, but not specifically or just for monetary gain, but in the name of the Lord and sharing his gospel.  At the end it talks about self-discipline and that we must not just be looking for a prize.

I think you summarized this psalm perfectly.

Day 619 - 1 Corinthians 7 & Psalm 61

 Julie

This one was a little heavy, and I hope I understood it correctly. So it seems that Paul is saying there's a preference for people to stay single (I believe they mean celibate.) However, getting married is not sinful just not the preferred way to live. This seems contradictory to things that are previously said about men and women. Considering that God made Eve to be Adams's companion it would seem that there would be an expectation that there would be marriage pairings and that they would be the preference. Maybe I don't really understand what they were trying to say here...

David is asking God to watch over him as king and he will sing praises in God's name.

Michelle

Ok, the devotional says something that I think kind of sums this reading up.  Satan dangles a carrot before our eyes to entice them to be carried away by curiosity and craving, regardless of if we are married or single.  "Whatever it is that God has NOT called you to do right now in your life, Satan will do his best to entice you with that very thing.  Beware!"  I think he is saying that it is ok to be married or single, and that we are only to make sure we are keeping God at the forefront of whatever we do.  That we should not be putting our spouse ahead of God, nor should the single person be consumed by the NOTs in their lives.  

David is calling to God, but it seems like he is saying if God will give him what he wants, then he will sing his praises.  But this seems backwards to what God wants from us.

Day 618 - 1 Corinthians 5-6 & Psalm 60

 Julie

This reading is focusing mostly on sexual immorality and the consequences. However, all of the other sins are brought up as well. It almost seems like he is saying that we should not be filing frivolous lawsuits, that some of these things are judged by God and not man.

David's prayer to God asking for help during his battles.

Michelle

This is a reminder that we are to honor God with our bodies.  It does focus on sexual immorality and what comes of it.  I also thought it was talking about lawsuits, and how they should not be going against others for nonsense.  We see that alot these days.  Police officers are so busy with nonsense, babysitting calls that they are unable to really police what needs it.  It's a sad situation.  People need to be reminded of this and that God will judge those outside of our beliefs.

It sounds like he is praying to God to be with them as they battle and that he has left them against their enemies.

Day 617 - 1 Corinthians 3:5 - 4 & Psalm 59

 Julie

He is reminding everyone that God is the one that saves them not the men that lead them to God.

He is asking God to save him from his enemies and to show God's steadfast love in his protection.

Michelle

At the beginning of this reading it sounds like he is telling us and the people of the time that God has laid the foundation and that we must build upon it only as he instructs us.  It goes on to say that we should not go beyond what is written, that we should follow the word of God.

He says God is his strength and he watches for God.  But it also sounds like he is asking for bad things to happen to his enemies, but that God not kill them as that would make his people forget.

Day 616 - 1 Corinthians 1 - 3:4 & Psalm 58

 Julie

Paul is telling the people that they shouldn't be saying they are following him, but that they are following God. He says a lot to say that though...

There is only one true God that judges.

Michelle

If I remember correctly, the pastor has said that this is a letter from Paul to the Corinthians or the church at Corinth.  He does say alot to get to that point though.  And yes, he seems to be saying that they need to be of one mind, focused on God and everyone following God only.  It seems, at this point that he is speaking to the leaders of this community.  

I think you hit that one exactly.  It seems he goes on about what the evil people are like.