Dear Sir or Madam...

Daily Reading:  1 Corinthians 1

Scripture Focus: To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. (1 Corinthians 1.2)

Devotional Thought: I recently heard a friend complain about a negative email: "And there was no, 'Hey, how ya doin?' or anything like that.  It was just bang..."  Most of us are turned off by - or simply turn off! - impersonal or contrived communication.  I used to tell my staff members, "Whenever you communicate with somebody - even email or text - say something genuinely kind and personal.  A simple salutation works wonders!"

Paul gave careful attention to his salutation to the Corinthians.  With deliberate precision, Paul taught a lot of theology in these words, writing that Christians should be...

In Corinth...  Paul's address immediately reminded the Corinthians that they were, indeed, in Corinth.  As Christians we must never lose sight of our surroundings!  We are to be good neighbors and citizens.

In Christ Jesus... Not just in Christ Jesus, but sanctified in Christ Jesus.  The word sanctify simply means to make holy or set apart.  While living in the world remember who you are living for - Jesus!

In the Church... They were in Corinth and in Christ together!  Sainthood is not a solitary activity.  As a matter of fact, when we try to be saints without the church we have only a whisper of the influence that Jesus intends for us.  When people isolate themselves from the people of God, eventually they find that they are isolated from the company of God!

In prayer...   Paul 'accused' the Corinthians of calling upon the name of our Lord.  Would that accusation stick with you?  Would the evidence of your life convict you of being a woman or man of prayer?  Food for thought!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that while I am in you, I am also in the church and in the world, to make a positive difference!  Help me, therefore, to be a person of great prayer and faith and obedience.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalms 111:6-10)