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Ever seen phrases like “Enriched with…” or “Fortified with…” on food products? For example, vitamins, minerals or fiber are included to provide something not naturally present. In a similar way, Christ has provided many things not naturally present in us to better carry out His mission. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, there is a verse that describes it:

“…I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you so that you come short in no gift…” – 1 Corinthians 1:4-7a NKJV

Notice what he says, “You come short in no gift”. That wasn’t a cliché phrase to help the original readers feel better about themselves, it was a declaration about the all-sufficient power of Christ in them. They had everything needed for overcoming the wretchedness of the city and for thriving in kingdom service. They may not have been utilizing them, but the gifts were there all along.

Do you realize you’re enriched? Have you stopped to consider that God knew exactly how to “fortify” you at salvation? He not only forgives, and sanctifies; He enriches and places into service. If you’re in Christ, you have what you need and “come short in no gift”. Be thankful. And walk in that power today…

The word “saint” isn’t a title, it’s a position. It’s being “in Christ” and “set apart”. As Paul opened his letter to the troubled church at Corinth, he specifically reminded them of the following:

“…to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV

Today, the word saint is often used by some to describe a person worthy of special recognition, but in the Bible, the word means an unworthy person recognized by someone special…Christ. And based on that, a disciple is one who has committed to follow a different path than the world around them. The church at Corinth was being weakened and defiled by acceptance of the cultural norms of the city. And as a result, there was no power in the Spirit, no passion for righteousness, and no peace in the fellowship. So, as saints, they were being “called-out” to live like saints…in Christ.

Do you consider yourself a saint? Perhaps you think it’s prideful to do so. It’s not based on what you’re doing, it’s based on what’s already been done. Understanding that should bring humility and gratefulness, not pride and arrogance. Will you prayerfully commit to walk as a saint today?

“So Moses went down and spoke to the people.” – Exodus 19:25 NKJV

The incredible mountain top experience for Moses included many things; the Ten Commandments, instructions regarding worship, and guidance for daily life. However, once he came down, he found things back at camp worse than before. Those closest to him must have peppered him with questions about his time with God.

Have you ever been on the mountain? Have you traveled up and sought out God’s instructions? What did you hear? What did you see? And then, what did you find when you came back? Often the stuff going on “in the camp” can cause us to doubt what we heard on the mountain. Truth that was so loud and clear can become distant and hazy over time.

Moses’ conversation with God must have been amazing and he probably had many days where he wished to go back for reassurance. The life of a disciple can bring days like that, but don’t doubt what you heard on the mountain, and don’t second-guess God’s Word. There will always be those in the camp who don’t understand, but they weren’t there…you were.