iPray: 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Warning labels can be helpful, scary, and sometimes funny as they state the seemingly obvious.

Consider these "funny"/"obvious" supposed warning labels:

For a Go-Kart:  "This product moves when used."
For an iPod Shuffle:  "Do not eat."
For a hairdryer:  "Do not use while sleeping."
For a tube of squeeze cheese product:  "For best results, remove cap."
For a Dremel:  "Not intended for use as a dental drill." 

Maybe it all started with someone needing a reminder that McDonalds coffee is hot.
Or maybe it started with grumbling and golden cows.

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"  -1 Corinthians 10:11-12

When it comes to warnings, it seems as though they exist to advise, that they are informed by previous examples, and that they are relevant to us now.  Paul makes his purposes very clear in our beloved 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 passage.  He is intentionally pointing out the antics of the Israelites as more than just a "nice" story... more than just something to shake our heads at and go "wow, those Israelites"... no, Paul implies a relevance to readers ("were written down as warnings for us")... And it's not that complicated as to why... "if you think you are standing firm, be careful...") 

Warning:  You shouldn't eat an iPod Shuffle.
Warning:  You should indeed remove the cap from the cheese-squeeze product for best results.
Warning:  We need Jesus, our Rock, and His provision.  We cannot do it on our own.  Attempts to do so may result in golden cows and wandering for decades, snakes, destruction, and death.

How then should we pray?

Thankfully.  Jesus provides.
Dependently.  Jesus provides.
Vigilantly.  Jesus provides.
Constantly.  Jesus provides.

Dear Jesus,
Please be with us.  Thank you for Your provision.  Thank you for this reminder in your Word .  Thank you that in my powerlessness I find Your strength.  Please help me keep my eyes fixed on You and myself in Your presence so that through You I can stand firm.
Amen.

See you tonight at 6pm for PoC|Coverage.

Pastor Celia