Happy Friday! As we continue our study in 1 Corinthians, Paul is writing to inform the Corinthian church that division over whose ministry is the best, or who someone follows should not occur. Rather our maturity in Christ recognizes God is in control of it all. Join me as we continue reading 1 Corinthians chapter 3. Have a wonderful day and a great weekend. 

Bible Verse – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NLT

“⁵ After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. ⁶ I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. ⁷ It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. ⁹ For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.”

Reflection

As we read, Paul was making a clear point the he and Apollos were the means and not the cause/reason the Corinthians believed. That God alone should be given the credit for their belief and ministry because Paul and Apollos were given their ministries by Christ. Paul made it clear that there wasn’t a competition between him and Apollos on the contrary they complemented each other’s ministries, which was to bring the church to maturity and Christlikeness. While they/ministers serve the church, they are ultimately responsible to God. Paul and Apollos were fellow workers in the field/church – they belonged to God and they worked for God.

Sisters and brothers, don’t get distracted by the enemies schemes to divide the Christian church. Follow the Lord’s instructions, seek a church that is aligned to God’s word and not popular opinion, study the word for yourself (e.g., attend a Bible study, read a chapter in the Bible each day), continue in faith and allow the Lord to grow/mature you. Keep a servant heart and keep serving Him.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your son Jesus who made a way for us to be reconciled to you. Lord, thank you for the forgiveness of sins and for making us whole. Lord, thank you for the word that teaches us on a daily basis on how to live in you. Lord, thank you for the teachers, ministers, preachers and missionaries who are out there praying for nonbelievers and believers, caring for the flock, faithfully teaching your truth, and spiritually guiding those who are lost, least and last. Lord, may their work not be in vein, touch the people that those leaders watered and grow those people and continue to guide those leaders to be godly examples in the church. Lord, may the work of all your faithful servants be pleasing in your eyes. Continue to cast out the things that create division within the church, in our homes, on our jobs and in the world. Lord, continue to transform us into the people you designed us to be. Lord, we lift up mothers, fathers and families who have lost their children or loved ones to street violence. Lord, help communities that are plagued with violence to be transformed.  Lord, we pray for our sisters and brothers making important decisions in their lives right now. Lord, give them wisdom and discernment to make decisions that align with your will. Lord, be with our retreat planning team as we finalize the details of the event. Lord, we leave the volunteers and details in your hands. Lord, prepare the hearts of those who will be attending. Lord, do what you do and thank you for letting us serve you. Lord, continue to transform us and this world for the better. Continue to heal those who are recovering from surgery. Heal those who are recovering from past trauma, past decisions, and brokenness. In Jesus name.

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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 be hosting 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. If you would like to volunteer, email: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

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.

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. 

Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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