S – For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 

²⁵ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 CSB

O – Jesus gave his body as a sacrifice for us. He shed his blood to write the new covenant with God and forgive our sins.  We must not forget this.

A – Communion is more than an act we do as believers.  It is an experience with God that takes us to his love in action through Christ.  It should “soften” us to realize that He loved us first before we even understood his love for us.  It explains how we can be in a relationship with him now.  It is humbling and full of hope.

R – Heavenly Father, all that is created is yours.  You are worthy of the highest praise and honor.  Thank you for Jesus going to the cross and shedding his blood so we can have a relationship with you.  Thank you for demonstrating your love for us before we even knew we needed it.  We choose you today in all things.

S – The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.

Proverbs 21:17 CSB

O – Commentary:

Loving pleasure (the word rendered “joy” in v. 15) results in poverty. Maḥsôr is yet another word for being poor. It means “deficient, destitute, or in need.” It is used in Proverbs more often than in any other Old Testament book (6:11; 11:24; 14:23; 21:5, 17; 22:16; 24:34; 28:27). Proverbs 21:17a does not argue for a dismal, stoic life, but against living only for pleasure and self. If a person continues to use up his wine and oil, he will not become rich.

“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – God gives us many things to enjoy life.  That is healthy and good.  When that becomes our primary focus (or love), then it takes the focus off of God.  Our relationship with God is our primary love and he adds pleasurable things to enhance it.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are a good God.  Thank you for all of the blessings that make our life and relationship with you so much more.  We recognize this is a blessing.  We want to keep you the primary focus in our lives.

S – “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. ²⁴ No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.

1 Corithians 10:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:

The principle of freedom (everything is permissible; cf. 6:12) was to be regulated by love for others. Activities that are not beneficial or constructive or that do not promote the good of others (cf. 10:33) should be avoided.

  “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Our freedom should be a catalyst for others to observe and desire.  When we walk in freedom and love, it models God’s character because it embodies an attitude of “others first.” 

R – Heavenly Father, we recognize that you are the one true God.  Help us to walk in freedom and love today.  We want to value others as you do and to be catalysts to help them grow closer to you.

S – No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB

O – Commentary:

After kicking out the props of false security, Paul pointed toward the One on whom the Corinthians could rely. The temptations that seized the Corinthians were like those people had always faced. They could be met and endured by depending on God, who is faithful. Part of the Corinthian problem, of course, was that some in the face of temptation were not looking for a way out by endurance, but a way in for indulgence

 “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We all face temptations.  The enemy continues to tempt, accuse and lie every day.  We need to put on the armor of God.  We need to know God’s word and promises as part of our language to ourselves.  We need to do our part and expect God to do his so we do not yield to the temptations.

R – Heavenly Father, you are a big God.  Empower us today to face the lies and temptations with all that provide through your Word and our relationship with you.  There will be battles and challenges today – we want to win.  Thank you for the promise of your presence and power.

S – But look, the Lord keeps his eye on those who fear him—those who depend on his faithful love 

¹⁹ to rescue them from death and to keep them alive in famine.

Psalms 33:18–19 CSB

O – God sees those who have reverence for him and have a relationship with him.  He acts on their behalf when facing challenges.

A – In all situations, we have hope in God.  Whether we feel he is near or far, nothing escapes his observation.  He is ready to step in and act on our behalf.  The challenge for us is when he “doesn’t” act.  Will we still love him?  Absolutely, yes!

R – Heavenly Father, you are sovereign and holy.  Nothing is too big or small for you.  We invite your Holy Spirit to be in every aspect of our day.  Give us the courage to face all of our challenges with full assurance of your presence and power.

S – Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. ² If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. ³ But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.

1 Corinthians 8:1–3 CSB

O – Commentary:

It is those who truly love God—not just those who know all the answers—who are acknowledged by God as his own (see 13:12; Gal 4:9). • the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes: Some manuscripts read the person who loves has full knowledge

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Knowledge is good.  Used correctly, it keeps us teachable, humble and we continue to grow. Incorrectly, it makes us arrogant or condescending. Knowledge leading to God moves us to love. When we do this, we reflect him.  This makes our knowledge complete.  We should humble ourselves in our desire to grow and live humbly today.

R – Heavenly Father, You are the creator of all things.  We recognize your greatness and humble ourselves before you.  We desire knowledge and wisdom that come from you.  Let it be the foundation of loving others.  We want them to see your character and love in us today.

S – From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, ¹⁷ who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Nehemiah 4:16–17 CSB

O – Commentary:

We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary 

A – Each day we must do the work set before us physically and spiritually.  There are no days off.  Also, we must put on the armor of God knowing there will be spiritual warfare.  The image of tool in one hand and sword in other is a great snapshot of our approach.  

R – Heavenly Father, you alone are worthy of the highest praise.  Equip us today with the tools and weapons to serve and fight.  Give us the discernment to be led by your spirit and the tenacity to stand strong in spiritual warfare.  You already assured us the victory – let us do all today from that vantage point.

S – Love the Lord, all his faithful ones. The Lord protects the loyal, 

but fully repays the arrogant. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, 

all you who put your hope in the Lord

Psalms 31:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist closes by encouraging the faithful to love Yahweh. He assures them that Yahweh preserves the faithful and ultimately punishes the prideful. He encourages other sufferers by telling them to remain strong and wait for Yahweh’s deliverance.

Faithlife Study Bible

A – The Christian walk is not easy.  There are seasons of good and challenge.  The desire is to be faithful in both.  When it feels like God is most distant, our faith is usually the strongest because it is so reliant on what we believe and not what we see.  Stay the course!

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Strengthen us in our faith.  Every day presents new victories and challenges.  We want to be faithful in both.  Let our walk with you be evident to all who we encounter today.

S – Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 

Proverbs 21:3 CSB

O – Commentary: 

God is not pleased with worship unless godly actions flow from a godly heart (see Ps 40:6–8; Mic 6:6–8).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

* Our outward actions must line up with our inner hearts.  If not, it is hypocrisy and done for impure motivations.  We cannot align with God’s will and purpose saying and doing with opposing hearts and actions.

A- Start with ourselves.  Each day, we are responsible to examine our own lives first.  We should do a “heart check” to ensure it is healthy and aligned with God’s word and truth.  The outflow of that are healthy actions that embody the heart’s motivations and desires.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the only God and we give you the highest honor in our lives.  Help our hearts and actions to align today.  We want to be known as faithful and true in both.  We want to impact others with your love in a genuine and authentic way today.

S – A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses

Proverbs 21:1 CSB

O – Commentary:

A king was the most powerful individual in an ancient nation, and it seemed that he could do as he pleased. However, God directs the heart of the king.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – God has given each of us “free will” to do as we please.  God’s sovereignty intersects with our desires and will and he leads us.  Ultimately, we have choices to make between his will and our own.  It is better to seek his will and align with it.  This comes through faith and obedience.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God and your ways are higher than ours.  We want to know you will in our lives so we can choose you and your ways.  There are many distractions; help us to navigate those to get to the essence of your heart and love.