Happy Wednesday! In a world filled with celebrities we often find ourselves trying to keep up with what is going on in their lives. We watch t.v. shows, read social media reports and speculate about their futures, relationships and whether they are worth the effort of following. Other times, we try to mimic their lives and will defend it in ways we wouldn’t defend our own family members. Today, in 1 Corinthians we will read Paul’s take on followers. Enjoy and have a wonderful day. 

Bible Verse – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NLT

“¹⁰ I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,^[c] by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. ¹¹ For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹² Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,^[d]” or “I follow only Christ.”

¹³ Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! ¹⁴ I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. ¹⁶ (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) ¹⁷ For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.”

Reflection

Brothers and sisters, Paul was addressing the Corinthian church because there was division within the church. People were putting too much emphasis on leaders they followed than on the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, Paul was clear that he had no authority over the cross, that Jesus Christ alone is the authority and Paul as a follower of Christ, his role was to preach the Good News (the gospel of Jesus Christ).

Today, as we listen to preachers, read their messages and attend church we must remember that they are servants of Christ they are not Christ. Our relationship with God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should always be the ruling authority in our lives. That way when there is a shift in leadership or pastors we will not be shaken or easily swayed because our ultimate goal is to follow Christ and share the gospel message with the world. 

Lets do a quick check up:

• Who are you following? 
• Are you following and praising them more than you are following and praising God? 
• Are you following God’s word more than you are following the words of others?

Sisters and brothers, it’s time to put more effort in following the One who came and died for our sins. 

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy on our lives. Thank you for salvation and your word that leads us in our daily lives. Lord, we thank you for the faithful leaders, preachers and ministers of your word around the world. Lord, forgive us for the times when we worshipped and followed other leaders over following you. Lord, continue to unveil our eyes so that we will continue to put you and the Good News first. Lord, we want to be followers of you. We want to live our lives fully surrendered to your will and your truth. Lord, help us to be united in our faith and purpose. Lord, guide us in our walk and teach us how to live a life that is pleasing to you. Lord, equip us in the faith, keep us focused on your truth and help us to apply it to our lives. Lord, we also pray for leaders, teachers, missionaries, pastors and ministers around the world. Lord, may their hearts be as humble as Paul. Lord, may you strengthen their faith and encourage them as they share the Good News to others. Lord, protect them from the attacks of the enemy. Keep them pure in heart and faithful to your word. Lord, remove the veil of false teachers and lead their followers to the true freedom that is in Christ Jesus. Lord, transform us daily as we seek to serve and follow you with our whole heart.

Lord, we pray for those grieving family members, friends, relationships, and things they’ve had to let go. Lord, comfort and strengthen them with your peace, love, and courage. Lord, give them discernment as they seek out what to do next. Lord, order their steps and give them wisdom to follow you with an obedient heart. Lord, restore their broken heart and bless them. Lord, continue to heal those in need of healing. Sustain their faith and show them your faithfulness.

In Jesus name, amen. 

Keep praying! Keep trusting! Keep pursuing the Lord!

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Next Bible Study

On Thursday, January 15, we will begin our next Bible Study. We will meet via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST

Next Event

On January 3, 2026, we will host a luncheon in Pasadena for the women at our partner facility from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We are looking for a few volunteers to assist with the event.

Year End Contribution Statements 

A special thank you to those who have contributed and supported this nonprofit ministry. Your contributions and in kind donations helped us to host three 12-week Bible studies, provide hygiene essentials and supplies to partner facilities, and have our annual retreat. We could not have accomplished what we did without your generosity. Year End Contribution Statements will be mailed/emailed in January.

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