We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. 1 Peter 1:13.

This morning in our Friday Zoom Retreat we were happy to continue just sharing blessings we have received from Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. One sharing led to another which led to another; and when we open ourselves to God everything changes. Realizing God is at the heart of every good and perfect gift we receive helps us as we are also deeply aware of the struggles and hardships this life brings. It’s so poignant because we long for this awareness of God for everyone because it has made such a difference in our own lives and walk with Him. I shared with our group a quote by one of the panelists yesterday of the Open Table Conference as they discussed 1 Corinthians 11. He said, God is the fullness of Christ who is the fullness of all human beings. And that’s what we find Paul stressing in all of his letters to the churches; and undergirding every teaching is his admonitions for us not to cause strife and divisions. And in our chapter, 1 Corinthians 3, there is no separation of understanding what is most important. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? v. 1-16. Do we know that? Because once we truly grasp that, everything opens up. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the One who catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.” So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God. v. 17-23.

Whether praying together for difficult things in this world today and for loved ones; whether in watching The American Revolution last night and realizing it was a wonder we ever won that war, and the atrocities committed on all sides, it was depressing; whether seeing the worst in mankind in wars and conflicts, hatreds and divisions – then and now…take heart….that is not the wisdom of God…and will be destroyed by fire. Creator God knows. So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas…or the world…or life or death…or things present or things to come…all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God. Our sins in this broken world will need to be cleansed with the holy fire of God. What will be left? Creator God knows. We who are walking with Him now are learning that we can trust Him for everything. And the greatest blessing of all is Creator God Himself. Open your heart and spirit to receive understanding from Him…Creator God IS. The joy you find in Him is all around you. Some mornings it feels as though the blessings from Him in understanding pouring forth cannot be held back…and every single one is built upon knowing God. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3.