Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to 1 Corinthians 9:12

The apostle Paul is legendary for his work as a minister of the gospel. But we often forget that throughout his ministry, Paul also worked as a culture-creating tentmaker. As Scriptures in this plan make clear, Paul had the option to work as a “donor-supported missionary” but chose not to. Why? That’s the question we’ll answer in this plan, and in so doing, glean insights relevant to our own work.

Most men are deeply concerned with living meaningful, purposeful lives, yet we spend a lot of energy trying to figure out what that looks like. This plan is meant to help answer the question, “What is God’s purpose for my life?"

Of all the apostles, Paul’s conversion/calling story was arguably the most notable and miraculous, his assignment to take the Gospel to the Gentiles the most unique, and the tangible results of his obedience the most impressive by human standards. Even so, Paul did not operate as a lone wolf, set apart from the pack and self-sufficient. On the contrary, this hero of the Christian faith understood the essential role his brothers and sisters played in his life and stayed connected to them even when his assignment to preach and live truth called him away for long stretches of time. 

The Scriptures give a number of reasons for people to work—all of them profound in their own way—because what we do for a living matters to God. Work has value in and of itself, it is intrinsically a good thing, and when work is done with excellence, it reflects God. The Bible tells us that our work accomplishes God’s work and purpose in the Kingdom through His grace.

All Christians are called to love and serve the needs of others, but some believers are uniquely gifted to serve by leading, preaching, teaching, shepherding, evangelizing, or going cross-culturally as missionaries. Ministry begins with and is sustained by grace. This devotional plan will help you practice grace in your service to God.

The following reading plan will take you deeper into the three concepts of Spirit, Soul, and Body at a steady pace, building on the message of Jesus' finished work. It will stretch, challenge, and grow you as his follower. Make sure to allow the Holy Spirit space to work in you and to shape you. See the impact for yourself. This is the last of four plans.

Times are tough. Prices are high. Disposable income has dwindled. As followers of Jesus, how are we reacting to the severe economic crises faced by people in our communities and around the world? In this powerful, encouraging six-day plan, Busola Sodeinde explores the teachings of Jesus and the lives of various people in the Bible to show us how to respond with faith to the reality of financial uncertainty.

The light and love of Jesus meet the world’s deep need—and we can participate in bringing his light to our communities and relationships. In these devotionals, pastor and former NFL player Derwin Gray encourages us to become everyday missionaries, offering good news to those around us.

Drawing on James Spencer's book titled Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody, this Bible Plan examines eight characteristics evident in the Scriptures and in the life of 19th century evangelist Dwight Moody (e.g., surrendered, prayerful, humbled, undistracted, and studious). A free guide including these reflections along with activities and additional devotional content is also available for download from D. L. Moody Center.

If you follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit has empowered you with spiritual gifts for his glory. Are you actively using them for the benefit of others? Do you feel like you’re misapplying them? This study dives into what spiritual gifts are, how God will use your gifts, and how to connect with other Christians who possess gifts different from yours.

The world tells tales that deny God. We believe many of them. The Bible tells a different story, but to understand that story we have to live it. Inspired by D. L Moody Center’s Go Dark, Shine Bright campaign, this 10-day Bible Plan challenges you to set aside stories that keep the Lord at arm’s length by engaging in practices that will ground your life in God’s story.

In part three of a five-part, verse-by-verse journey through the Book of 1 Corinthians, we'll dive into chapters 7–9.

The church at Corinth was plagued by internal division and sinful derision. Paul provides the only solution potent enough for their disunity and spiritual disruptions: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:10). 1 Corinthians reminds us that by focusing on Jesus and His glorious resurrection, we too will “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Let’s explore how we can influence the culture with the truth of God’s word through 1 and 2 Corinthians! These two letters are a powerful message from the Apostle Paul to a church that was passionate about its mission but needed direction to remain true to its Christian faith and doctrines. Those priorities make his letters important teaching for every Christian.

Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage and key verse for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, a prayer and prayer concern to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme “God’s Life-Giving Word of Faith.”

In these devotional notes, Robin and Zoe Ham point us to Paul’s focus on our identity in Christ and the reality of his return. We’ll see that this letter is more than just a reprimand; it is rich in gospel truth and has plenty to teach us about how to live in the light of Jesus’ resurrection today.

This reading plan is part of a series that will take you through the entire New Testament in a year. Each month's plan covers a specific book or books. October focuses on 1 Peter, James, Jude, and 1 Corinthians. The plan is designed to be used with a small group of friends. Read the daily passage first, reflect on one or all of the questions, and try the engagement practice.