2 Corinthians 4:10
Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. (NLT)
I cannot image the suffering Paul went through in his walk with Jesus. We read about it, but can we really comprehend it? Others are suffering in much the same way in third world countries today, but we do not see it. We hear about it from time to time and take time to pray for them, but thank God it is not close to home.
Bad things do happen to us, just not at the level of what Paul is speaking about. We have our challenges, but usually not life threatening ones. Our level of belief is not dependant on what we have gone through. A person who has had to suffer little may have a stronger faith than others who have come from the bottom of life.
I would not say they have missed the suffering because of their belief. Paul believed, yet he suffered daily. Our walk with Jesus is not about avoiding suffering. It is about having Jesus at our side as we get through the troubling times in our lives.
As others see us living out our good and our bad times, they see the evidence of Jesus. May our lives be a reflection of Him in our bodies.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Fragile Clay Jars
2 Corinthians 4:7
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. (NLT)
The word fragile brings to mind things like a delicate china coffee cup which is very thin walled with one o f those handles you cannot get your fingers in. You are almost afraid to pick it up because you know one wrong move and it will break.
Another meaning of fragile is being unlikely to withstand any severe stresses and strains. Many of us are strong and bold when the going is good, but fall apart when the going gets tough. Where we are confident, we excel. Where we are not, we turn away.
As believers we have the Holy Spirit living in us. We have Jesus in our heart. We have our Father God always looking after us. We are like a treasure chest hidden away in an attic. We have His permission to step up to the plate and use the gifts He has given us. Yet, we hold back as if we were fragile clay jars afraid to be broken.
With Jesus we can withstand severe stress and strain. We can overcome all adversity. It is time for us to let His light shine from our hearts out to the world around us.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. (NLT)
The word fragile brings to mind things like a delicate china coffee cup which is very thin walled with one o f those handles you cannot get your fingers in. You are almost afraid to pick it up because you know one wrong move and it will break.
Another meaning of fragile is being unlikely to withstand any severe stresses and strains. Many of us are strong and bold when the going is good, but fall apart when the going gets tough. Where we are confident, we excel. Where we are not, we turn away.
As believers we have the Holy Spirit living in us. We have Jesus in our heart. We have our Father God always looking after us. We are like a treasure chest hidden away in an attic. We have His permission to step up to the plate and use the gifts He has given us. Yet, we hold back as if we were fragile clay jars afraid to be broken.
With Jesus we can withstand severe stress and strain. We can overcome all adversity. It is time for us to let His light shine from our hearts out to the world around us.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Preach Jesus
2 Corinthians 4:5
You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. (NLT)
There are many today producing all kinds of self help books. They appear all over the country to tell how wonderful they have become because of the methods they used. They preach about themselves and what they can do to help you-just attend their seminar at a cost and purchase the CD.
Now the Internet is filled with the same kind of material only you can stay at home to get it. They advertise e-books on how you too can make a fortune using the Internet and never leave you home. They preach about themselves to make money. The more you read the more you understand they are really making money telling you about making money and not in the business they are telling about in their book.
What is the message you give? Are you telling others about Jesus Christ or about yourself? The great commission instructs us to go and tell.
The go means we are to go outside of our home and our circle of acquaintances. We are to go where we do not normally go. Anyone can sit on their front porch and wait for a stranger to walk by. It is like expecting unbelievers to flock into church on Sunday morning. It happens and it is good, but it has nothing to do with "go".
The tell could be chapter and verse about Jesus, but what unbeliever will really want to stick around and hear it? Much more interesting is the personal story we tell, the story about how Jesus has changed our life. I was once... and now that I have gotten to know Jesus, I am... You see, our history is his story. That is the message we have to preach; not about how great we are, but about how His greatness has allowed us to become more like Him.
You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. (NLT)
There are many today producing all kinds of self help books. They appear all over the country to tell how wonderful they have become because of the methods they used. They preach about themselves and what they can do to help you-just attend their seminar at a cost and purchase the CD.
Now the Internet is filled with the same kind of material only you can stay at home to get it. They advertise e-books on how you too can make a fortune using the Internet and never leave you home. They preach about themselves to make money. The more you read the more you understand they are really making money telling you about making money and not in the business they are telling about in their book.
What is the message you give? Are you telling others about Jesus Christ or about yourself? The great commission instructs us to go and tell.
The go means we are to go outside of our home and our circle of acquaintances. We are to go where we do not normally go. Anyone can sit on their front porch and wait for a stranger to walk by. It is like expecting unbelievers to flock into church on Sunday morning. It happens and it is good, but it has nothing to do with "go".
The tell could be chapter and verse about Jesus, but what unbeliever will really want to stick around and hear it? Much more interesting is the personal story we tell, the story about how Jesus has changed our life. I was once... and now that I have gotten to know Jesus, I am... You see, our history is his story. That is the message we have to preach; not about how great we are, but about how His greatness has allowed us to become more like Him.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Blindfold
2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (NLT)
I remember playing "Pin the tail on the donkey" at birthday parties when I was growing up. The player would have a blindfold placed over his eyes and be spun around a few times. He would then stop spinning and attempt to locate the donkey so he could pin a paper tail on it.
When we are blindfolded and all of a sudden in total darkness we are confused, even a little afraid. We have been able to see and to not do so can be frightening. How can we locate something when we cannot see it?
The enemy does not place a physical blindfold on people. But he does confuse their minds by giving them reasons to not hear the message. It is like politics. No matter which side you are on in the discussion, the other person thinks "They just do not get it!"
Sometimes this even happens in a discussion between husband and wife. There can be no agreement because neither side is able to understand the other. This does not make one right or one wrong. They are blinded to what the other has to say.
When we share the gospel message with some, they hear it and are excited to learn how they too can become a believer and have Christ in their heart. Others immediately put up a wall and just do not get it. They are the ones we are talking about. They have a blindfold on and satan has spun them around so they cannot find the truth.
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (NLT)
I remember playing "Pin the tail on the donkey" at birthday parties when I was growing up. The player would have a blindfold placed over his eyes and be spun around a few times. He would then stop spinning and attempt to locate the donkey so he could pin a paper tail on it.
When we are blindfolded and all of a sudden in total darkness we are confused, even a little afraid. We have been able to see and to not do so can be frightening. How can we locate something when we cannot see it?
The enemy does not place a physical blindfold on people. But he does confuse their minds by giving them reasons to not hear the message. It is like politics. No matter which side you are on in the discussion, the other person thinks "They just do not get it!"
Sometimes this even happens in a discussion between husband and wife. There can be no agreement because neither side is able to understand the other. This does not make one right or one wrong. They are blinded to what the other has to say.
When we share the gospel message with some, they hear it and are excited to learn how they too can become a believer and have Christ in their heart. Others immediately put up a wall and just do not get it. They are the ones we are talking about. They have a blindfold on and satan has spun them around so they cannot find the truth.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Reflection
2 Corinthians 3:18
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)
Mirror mirror on the wall... That is a line that goes back to a story written in 1857, but we all know it as in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Queen was looking at her reflection in her magic mirror when the mirror informed her that Snow White was fairer than she.
How many times do we look at our reflection in the mirror? Probably at least twice a day when we brush our teeth and comb our hair. Maybe more often for many. Do we like what we see? Sometimes I wonder what happened to that young man I used to see and remember that he is still inside me. The reflection does not show the inner me.
As believers, the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us just as He did that first time at Pentecost to all the believers. The Spirit of Christ lives in us.
When others look at us, do they see the same old us they have known for years? No, they see the glory of the Lord reflected from us to them. They see Christ in us not only in our appearance but in the fruit coming forth in our lives.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)
Mirror mirror on the wall... That is a line that goes back to a story written in 1857, but we all know it as in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Queen was looking at her reflection in her magic mirror when the mirror informed her that Snow White was fairer than she.
How many times do we look at our reflection in the mirror? Probably at least twice a day when we brush our teeth and comb our hair. Maybe more often for many. Do we like what we see? Sometimes I wonder what happened to that young man I used to see and remember that he is still inside me. The reflection does not show the inner me.
As believers, the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us just as He did that first time at Pentecost to all the believers. The Spirit of Christ lives in us.
When others look at us, do they see the same old us they have known for years? No, they see the glory of the Lord reflected from us to them. They see Christ in us not only in our appearance but in the fruit coming forth in our lives.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Veil
2 Corinthians 3:14
The people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. (NLT)
When I was teaching programming there were some students that just could not get the concepts. They would listen to the lectures, do the lab work, and just not get it. Something just would not click. Then one day, for no apparent reason at all a light bulb would go off in their mind and they would understand. From that point forward, they understood and were able to write programs.
Paul is speaking about the Jews not being able to get it. They just could not see Jesus in the Old Testament readings. I have to admit that I could not either. I have gone to church since I was born and heard all the stories, but that is just what they were-stories.
The ones I remember most are the big ones in the Old Testament like Adam and Eve eating the fruit, Noah and the ark, Moses parting the Red Sea, Daniel in the lions den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Jonah in the whale. But they were just cool stories. I do not remember any tie in to Jesus.
Later on in life, when I decided to ask Jesus into my life, all that changed. Reading the Old Testament started to take on a new meaning. They were not just stories anymore. Oh they were still stories, but they pointed to the one who was coming. They pointed to Jesus.
The Jews minds were hardened and as the next verse says "Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand." No matter how convincing an argument you try to give them, they will not see until they are ready to receive Christ on their own and that veil is removed.
Thank God as believers you and I can pick up the Old and New Testament and have God speak directly to us through what we read.
The people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. (NLT)
When I was teaching programming there were some students that just could not get the concepts. They would listen to the lectures, do the lab work, and just not get it. Something just would not click. Then one day, for no apparent reason at all a light bulb would go off in their mind and they would understand. From that point forward, they understood and were able to write programs.
Paul is speaking about the Jews not being able to get it. They just could not see Jesus in the Old Testament readings. I have to admit that I could not either. I have gone to church since I was born and heard all the stories, but that is just what they were-stories.
The ones I remember most are the big ones in the Old Testament like Adam and Eve eating the fruit, Noah and the ark, Moses parting the Red Sea, Daniel in the lions den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Jonah in the whale. But they were just cool stories. I do not remember any tie in to Jesus.
Later on in life, when I decided to ask Jesus into my life, all that changed. Reading the Old Testament started to take on a new meaning. They were not just stories anymore. Oh they were still stories, but they pointed to the one who was coming. They pointed to Jesus.
The Jews minds were hardened and as the next verse says "Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand." No matter how convincing an argument you try to give them, they will not see until they are ready to receive Christ on their own and that veil is removed.
Thank God as believers you and I can pick up the Old and New Testament and have God speak directly to us through what we read.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Boldness
2 Corinthians 3:12
Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. (NLT)
When I was growing up in Rhode Island I suffered from a speech impediment. I stuttered badly. This led me to be fearful of stepping out in anything. I could not say my name without stammering through it. It made me feel inferior and certainly did not promote boldness on my part. Yes, there is a long story on how God removed that issue from my life, but I will keep that for another time.
Many go on today past their first twelve years of school to study in a specific field. They go to a college or a trade school to learn about it. Perhaps the field is Computer Technology. They spend time learning about computers from a historical perspective to using, programming, and perhaps repairing one in use today. They learn something new and then practice what they learned until they are good at it.
Once trained, they receive recognition of their achievement by receiving a degree or diploma. They also may have letters of recommendation from people successful in that trade. Then they are ready to go into the real world to use what they now know. The encouragement they receive from others coupled with the knowledge they have learned through study and experience gives them the confidence to boldly seek out employment.
What about our walk with Christ and the commission He has given each of us to boldly go and tell others about the Good News? Do we need to take the same path as we did for our employment? Some may think so. Many churches today have programs not unlike college courses to help us study and practice. They get us ready to share the Good News in much the same way we learned to become a Computer Technician. But it is not the same.
When Jesus came into our hearts because of our belief in Him, Father God sent the Holy Spirit to come into us. If we will only give Him control of our lives, He will instill in us the confidence needed to boldly go where most men dare not go. As we do, the Holy Spirit fills our mouth with what needs to be said. He anoints our hands to touch others with His love.
Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. (NLT)
When I was growing up in Rhode Island I suffered from a speech impediment. I stuttered badly. This led me to be fearful of stepping out in anything. I could not say my name without stammering through it. It made me feel inferior and certainly did not promote boldness on my part. Yes, there is a long story on how God removed that issue from my life, but I will keep that for another time.
Many go on today past their first twelve years of school to study in a specific field. They go to a college or a trade school to learn about it. Perhaps the field is Computer Technology. They spend time learning about computers from a historical perspective to using, programming, and perhaps repairing one in use today. They learn something new and then practice what they learned until they are good at it.
Once trained, they receive recognition of their achievement by receiving a degree or diploma. They also may have letters of recommendation from people successful in that trade. Then they are ready to go into the real world to use what they now know. The encouragement they receive from others coupled with the knowledge they have learned through study and experience gives them the confidence to boldly seek out employment.
What about our walk with Christ and the commission He has given each of us to boldly go and tell others about the Good News? Do we need to take the same path as we did for our employment? Some may think so. Many churches today have programs not unlike college courses to help us study and practice. They get us ready to share the Good News in much the same way we learned to become a Computer Technician. But it is not the same.
When Jesus came into our hearts because of our belief in Him, Father God sent the Holy Spirit to come into us. If we will only give Him control of our lives, He will instill in us the confidence needed to boldly go where most men dare not go. As we do, the Holy Spirit fills our mouth with what needs to be said. He anoints our hands to touch others with His love.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Spiritual Growth
2 Corinthians 3:11
If the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! (NLT)
Sometimes we forget who we are. We get so wrapped up in what is going on in the world and in the politics of our country we just forget. When we said yes to Jesus, we said yes to being a partaker of eternity with God.
The problem is that we have to live in this old body even though we know it is being replaced by our heavenly body which will remain forever. We are still too short or too tall. Our weight is still something to be reckoned with daily. Without exercise our muscles will shrivel up and we will become weak.
If we own a vehicle, when it breaks we are expected to have it repaired. We cannot just keep bringing it back to its maker and expect in to be made like new. Could they do that? Sure they could, but why? It is our responsibility to keep it in good working order.
While we are here on earth we need to take care of the body God has given us. What we eat and how we exercise is important to how we will live out our life on earth. This does not have an effect on our heavenly bodies, just what we have to put up with before passing on.
Sure God can fix us to be like new. He is our maker. Does He want us to live out this life in pain? I do not believe He does, but He allows it. We are responsible to take care of our material body just as we are responsible for our vehicle. We need to feed it correctly and exercise it.
When things out of our control come against it, we are responsible to ask God to help us. Sure, He knows what is going on with our bodies, but we have to make a choice. Do we try and fix it or do we ask God?
We also need to be feeding our spiritual selves. The best way to do that is not by listening to Christian music or attending some church event every evening; not that these things are bad. We need to be listening to the Word of God and that is Jesus. Our relationship with Him determines the growth of our spiritual self.
If the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! (NLT)
Sometimes we forget who we are. We get so wrapped up in what is going on in the world and in the politics of our country we just forget. When we said yes to Jesus, we said yes to being a partaker of eternity with God.
The problem is that we have to live in this old body even though we know it is being replaced by our heavenly body which will remain forever. We are still too short or too tall. Our weight is still something to be reckoned with daily. Without exercise our muscles will shrivel up and we will become weak.
If we own a vehicle, when it breaks we are expected to have it repaired. We cannot just keep bringing it back to its maker and expect in to be made like new. Could they do that? Sure they could, but why? It is our responsibility to keep it in good working order.
While we are here on earth we need to take care of the body God has given us. What we eat and how we exercise is important to how we will live out our life on earth. This does not have an effect on our heavenly bodies, just what we have to put up with before passing on.
Sure God can fix us to be like new. He is our maker. Does He want us to live out this life in pain? I do not believe He does, but He allows it. We are responsible to take care of our material body just as we are responsible for our vehicle. We need to feed it correctly and exercise it.
When things out of our control come against it, we are responsible to ask God to help us. Sure, He knows what is going on with our bodies, but we have to make a choice. Do we try and fix it or do we ask God?
We also need to be feeding our spiritual selves. The best way to do that is not by listening to Christian music or attending some church event every evening; not that these things are bad. We need to be listening to the Word of God and that is Jesus. Our relationship with Him determines the growth of our spiritual self.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Qualification
2 Corinthians 3:5
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. (NLT)
Many today finish twelve years of grade school and four or more years of college. Some go right out of college and land that high paying job they were aiming for. We hear the stories of their successes. We leave school qualified by the educational elite to do the work they trained us to be able to do. We have all seen it and it may even be us.
What we hear less about are the many that graduate with the great qualifications and never find work in their field of study. We justify it by saying things like "It is the piece of paper that counts", "All you need is the degree" and so on. We never talk about the years wasted learning what we learned.
We can perform miracles with a computer, but are working selling shoes in the Mall. Sure we are the manager now, but what did that degree get us? We had the qualifications, but all we do in our field of study is help all our friends keep their computers running.
When our Father God places His hand on our life things begin to change. His favor is upon us and we cannot fail when we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who truly qualifies us and He is right there with us during the interview, the training, and the work. He qualifies us, trains us, and encourages us all along the way.
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. (NLT)
Many today finish twelve years of grade school and four or more years of college. Some go right out of college and land that high paying job they were aiming for. We hear the stories of their successes. We leave school qualified by the educational elite to do the work they trained us to be able to do. We have all seen it and it may even be us.
What we hear less about are the many that graduate with the great qualifications and never find work in their field of study. We justify it by saying things like "It is the piece of paper that counts", "All you need is the degree" and so on. We never talk about the years wasted learning what we learned.
We can perform miracles with a computer, but are working selling shoes in the Mall. Sure we are the manager now, but what did that degree get us? We had the qualifications, but all we do in our field of study is help all our friends keep their computers running.
When our Father God places His hand on our life things begin to change. His favor is upon us and we cannot fail when we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who truly qualifies us and He is right there with us during the interview, the training, and the work. He qualifies us, trains us, and encourages us all along the way.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Caught not Taught
2 Corinthians 3:2
The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. (NLT)
When it is time to locate a new work opportunity we get our resume ready by adding any new education we have obtained and the last place we worked. That plus cleaning ourselves up for the interview may not be enough. We ask some previous employers and maybe some prominent people we know to write us letters of recommendation.
It reminds me of a great birthday cake. It is covered with delicious frosting decorated with colorful flowerlike sugar filled ornaments. There are candles on top blazing to announce our age or at least how many decades we have seen.
It is not what is on the outside or what it looks like that really counts. The real test happens when we take a slice of that cake, cut off a small piece with our fork, and put it in our mouth. Then we find out if that pretty exterior was covering a delicious cake or a dry and tasteless pastry.
When someone looks at our lives, what do they see? The sharp dressing we do before attending church does not change who we really are. The fruit of our lives shouts out the truth. Are others changed because of who we are and not what we have taught? Do they catch the truth as we go about doing our good work amongst them?
Our outward appearance changes because of what we have been taught. Our inside changes because of what we have caught. The Holy Spirit places us in the right place and at the right time to catch it from those who are walking with God.
The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. (NLT)
When it is time to locate a new work opportunity we get our resume ready by adding any new education we have obtained and the last place we worked. That plus cleaning ourselves up for the interview may not be enough. We ask some previous employers and maybe some prominent people we know to write us letters of recommendation.
It reminds me of a great birthday cake. It is covered with delicious frosting decorated with colorful flowerlike sugar filled ornaments. There are candles on top blazing to announce our age or at least how many decades we have seen.
It is not what is on the outside or what it looks like that really counts. The real test happens when we take a slice of that cake, cut off a small piece with our fork, and put it in our mouth. Then we find out if that pretty exterior was covering a delicious cake or a dry and tasteless pastry.
When someone looks at our lives, what do they see? The sharp dressing we do before attending church does not change who we really are. The fruit of our lives shouts out the truth. Are others changed because of who we are and not what we have taught? Do they catch the truth as we go about doing our good work amongst them?
Our outward appearance changes because of what we have been taught. Our inside changes because of what we have caught. The Holy Spirit places us in the right place and at the right time to catch it from those who are walking with God.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sincerity
2 Corinthians 2:17
We are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us. (NLT)
Have you ever tried to do something with someone looking over your shoulder? Try adding up a column of numbers with someone watching over you. It is harder to do than when you are by yourself. When I was teaching and showing the students a live demonstration, I would find myself making typing errors for all to see. I had thirty students looking over my shoulder.
As far back as I can remember I have known God knows all. He is with me all the time looking over my shoulder. And yet, this has never made me watch what I am doing and make mistakes like having a person looking over my shoulder.
If we could just fully grasp the concept that God is watching, perhaps we would be more careful of the words out of our mouth or the decisions we make. Instead we push on toward our goals even if they may not be His goals for us.
This also speaks to the many hucksters preaching for profit. Twenty centuries later we see the same kind of "men of god". It is not only on television, it is in many of our local churches. Many are driven by money instead of by the Holy Spirit. They come to get instead of to give out of an abundance of a Christ centered life.
When we live with sincerity out of the Word of God, directed by the Holy Spirit, the authority He has given to us as born again believers allows us to stretch forth our hands and see His signs and wonders mainfested. Ministry is not about balancing the budget it is about obeying the Holy Spirit.
We are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us. (NLT)
Have you ever tried to do something with someone looking over your shoulder? Try adding up a column of numbers with someone watching over you. It is harder to do than when you are by yourself. When I was teaching and showing the students a live demonstration, I would find myself making typing errors for all to see. I had thirty students looking over my shoulder.
As far back as I can remember I have known God knows all. He is with me all the time looking over my shoulder. And yet, this has never made me watch what I am doing and make mistakes like having a person looking over my shoulder.
If we could just fully grasp the concept that God is watching, perhaps we would be more careful of the words out of our mouth or the decisions we make. Instead we push on toward our goals even if they may not be His goals for us.
This also speaks to the many hucksters preaching for profit. Twenty centuries later we see the same kind of "men of god". It is not only on television, it is in many of our local churches. Many are driven by money instead of by the Holy Spirit. They come to get instead of to give out of an abundance of a Christ centered life.
When we live with sincerity out of the Word of God, directed by the Holy Spirit, the authority He has given to us as born again believers allows us to stretch forth our hands and see His signs and wonders mainfested. Ministry is not about balancing the budget it is about obeying the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Fragrance
2 Corinthians 2:15
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. (NLT)
Most people have a favorite team. Even if their home team did not make the final games like the Super Bowl in football or the World Series in baseball, people pick the one they want to see victorious.
Get a group of fans together that all root for the same team and the atmosphere is charged with excitement for the game. Add a stranger who favors the opposing team and that person cannot understand why everyone else would even think of rooting for a team other than his.
I do not know about you, but I get excited when the name of Jesus is mentioned. I find it hard to understand why others do not feel the same. How can they not?
This scripture explains it well. Those who are walking with God, those who are born again believers in Jesus Christ, have a different fragrance than those who do not know him. When those who are perishing are with us, they do not like the fragrance they find on us. It is strange and perhaps offensive to them.
Like going into a room that smells real bad, they back away and may even want to run. They do not know us and we represent something offensive to them. They get defensive when we try to share the gospel with them. They do not want a new fragrance.
So the next time we run into someone like that, we should be encouraged. It means we have a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God on us. We planted a seed and perhaps that is all we are to do. God will continue to place others in their path as He opens their heart to receive more.
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. (NLT)
Most people have a favorite team. Even if their home team did not make the final games like the Super Bowl in football or the World Series in baseball, people pick the one they want to see victorious.
Get a group of fans together that all root for the same team and the atmosphere is charged with excitement for the game. Add a stranger who favors the opposing team and that person cannot understand why everyone else would even think of rooting for a team other than his.
I do not know about you, but I get excited when the name of Jesus is mentioned. I find it hard to understand why others do not feel the same. How can they not?
This scripture explains it well. Those who are walking with God, those who are born again believers in Jesus Christ, have a different fragrance than those who do not know him. When those who are perishing are with us, they do not like the fragrance they find on us. It is strange and perhaps offensive to them.
Like going into a room that smells real bad, they back away and may even want to run. They do not know us and we represent something offensive to them. They get defensive when we try to share the gospel with them. They do not want a new fragrance.
So the next time we run into someone like that, we should be encouraged. It means we have a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God on us. We planted a seed and perhaps that is all we are to do. God will continue to place others in their path as He opens their heart to receive more.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Practice Faith
2 Corinthians 1:24
We do not want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. (NLT)
When I was growing up we learned math and I am very good at it. One of my favorite subjects in school was math and I went on in college to take some advanced courses. Now I can only say I took those courses and not that I remember much. I only can do what I have put into practice and that is the basics and a little algebra when needed.
Now I find out that my math was the old math. They do not teach it the way I was taught anymore. When we tried to show our children how to solve problems and they did it our way, they were marked off for not using the new math. Come on, math is math and it has not changed forever. But they now tell the school children that there is only one way to put it into practice.
Religion is very similar. Jesus said to be saved you must be born again and to follow Him. What has man done with that simple instruction? For one they have created a "sinner's prayer" that many believe must be spoken in order for one to be saved. Then they tell the new believer exactly how to live in order to be a Christian. They dominate by telling others how to put their faith into practice.
We do not get stronger in our faith by following a set of rules. No, we are to put our faith into action by asking the Holy Spirit for His guidance and then doing what He says. It is by acting on our faith that we grow in faith and stand firm on the rock. And that rock in Christ.
We do not want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. (NLT)
When I was growing up we learned math and I am very good at it. One of my favorite subjects in school was math and I went on in college to take some advanced courses. Now I can only say I took those courses and not that I remember much. I only can do what I have put into practice and that is the basics and a little algebra when needed.
Now I find out that my math was the old math. They do not teach it the way I was taught anymore. When we tried to show our children how to solve problems and they did it our way, they were marked off for not using the new math. Come on, math is math and it has not changed forever. But they now tell the school children that there is only one way to put it into practice.
Religion is very similar. Jesus said to be saved you must be born again and to follow Him. What has man done with that simple instruction? For one they have created a "sinner's prayer" that many believe must be spoken in order for one to be saved. Then they tell the new believer exactly how to live in order to be a Christian. They dominate by telling others how to put their faith into practice.
We do not get stronger in our faith by following a set of rules. No, we are to put our faith into action by asking the Holy Spirit for His guidance and then doing what He says. It is by acting on our faith that we grow in faith and stand firm on the rock. And that rock in Christ.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Installments
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. (NLT)
When we purchase a new car or a house, the seller expects us to make a down payment. He expects a sizable first installment. When he receives it, he turns possession of the car or house to us, but we are expected to make payments monthly until we have paid for all of it.
Father God sent Jesus to live amongst us and show us the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was crucified for our sins, for all our shortcomings. He rose from the dead and after a short while ascended to heaven to be with the Father.
When we are teaching our children to eat all their dinner, we might bribe them by telling them what to expect for desert if they finish their dinner. It is like the first installment is the dinner, but the promise is the desert.
Once Jesus Christ was seated on the right side of the Father, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to reside in all believers. But that was only the first installment of what He has for us. When we have it, then we have everything else God has promised us. First we must have the Holy Spirit.
How do we know we have the Holy Spirit? There is evidence of Him working in our lives. Scripture tells us speaking in tongues is evidence. Other evidence more visible to others is the fruit of the spirit working out in our lives. We are changed and others can tell the difference.
God's promises are there for all to read, but those possessing the first installment are ready to obey and receive those promises for their lives.
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. (NLT)
When we purchase a new car or a house, the seller expects us to make a down payment. He expects a sizable first installment. When he receives it, he turns possession of the car or house to us, but we are expected to make payments monthly until we have paid for all of it.
Father God sent Jesus to live amongst us and show us the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was crucified for our sins, for all our shortcomings. He rose from the dead and after a short while ascended to heaven to be with the Father.
When we are teaching our children to eat all their dinner, we might bribe them by telling them what to expect for desert if they finish their dinner. It is like the first installment is the dinner, but the promise is the desert.
Once Jesus Christ was seated on the right side of the Father, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to reside in all believers. But that was only the first installment of what He has for us. When we have it, then we have everything else God has promised us. First we must have the Holy Spirit.
How do we know we have the Holy Spirit? There is evidence of Him working in our lives. Scripture tells us speaking in tongues is evidence. Other evidence more visible to others is the fruit of the spirit working out in our lives. We are changed and others can tell the difference.
God's promises are there for all to read, but those possessing the first installment are ready to obey and receive those promises for their lives.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Human Wisdom
2 Corinthians 1:12
We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. (NLT)
We spend our early years accumulating as much wisdom as we can. Some of us fought it all the way as we may not have enjoyed subjects like History or Algebra or Geometry. Others loved everything they could get and were like a sponge absorbing all the teacher was giving out. Then some go on to higher education and pack in even more knowledge to increase our worldly wisdom.
All of us have also had years of experience in our families, our vocation, and our leisure time activities. It is hard to do anything, even watching a show on television, without learning something. Heck, after a few seasons of CIS or NCIS we all feel like we are forensic experts.
So when we have a challenge in this life, it is easy to see how we can be trapped into using our own human wisdom. That is what we have been taught.
So when do we go to God? Usually it is when all out human wisdom fails us. The challenge is still before us and we have nothing left to do but fall deeper into the abyss.
If we instead depend on God's grace up front, the Holy Spirit could direct us onto the best path to overcome the challenges. He knows best how to couple God's direction and the human wisdom we posses to get to the other side.
We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. (NLT)
We spend our early years accumulating as much wisdom as we can. Some of us fought it all the way as we may not have enjoyed subjects like History or Algebra or Geometry. Others loved everything they could get and were like a sponge absorbing all the teacher was giving out. Then some go on to higher education and pack in even more knowledge to increase our worldly wisdom.
All of us have also had years of experience in our families, our vocation, and our leisure time activities. It is hard to do anything, even watching a show on television, without learning something. Heck, after a few seasons of CIS or NCIS we all feel like we are forensic experts.
So when we have a challenge in this life, it is easy to see how we can be trapped into using our own human wisdom. That is what we have been taught.
So when do we go to God? Usually it is when all out human wisdom fails us. The challenge is still before us and we have nothing left to do but fall deeper into the abyss.
If we instead depend on God's grace up front, the Holy Spirit could direct us onto the best path to overcome the challenges. He knows best how to couple God's direction and the human wisdom we posses to get to the other side.
Friday, February 05, 2010
The Rescue
2 Corinthians 1:10
He did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. (NLT)
We hear about these heroic rescues from time to time on the news. Someone is trapped, perhaps in a deep hole or a well, and the rescue team show up. They have all the right equipment and rappel down the hole and bring the insured to safety.
Before Christ, we were in mortal danger. We were destined to an eternity without God. Then Jesus came along and gave us a way to eternal life in Heaven with our Father God. He brought us a path to salvation.
Like that person entrapped in the deep hole with no means of escape, our God is always there ready to pull us up. He is waiting for us to look up to Him and ask for his hand. Not matter how many times or how bad the circumstances, He is always there for us. He will always continue to rescue us.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Rely on God
2 Corinthians 1:9
We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. (NLT)
We have all heard the old adage "If you want it done right you have to do it yourself!" This philosophy had probably driven more people than want to admit it. Sometimes it is subtle and we do not even realize it. Who drives when two of you go for a ride? How come it is always one of you? "Well I am better at it then my spouse", you say. Isn't that just what that old adage is talking about?
Yesterday we were driving around town and I took a left turn knowing exactly where I was going-I thought. My wife questioned me about were we were heading and I told her exactly where we were going to end up. Then in a few minutes we were at the other end of the road, the opposite direction from where I had expected to be.
We have it all figured out. Why bother God with things we already know how to handle? He gave us a brain and we ought to use it, you think. In everything we do, there are decisions to make. We can go left or right and often the wrong turn can bring us where we never meant to venture.
God can do anything. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Why is it so hard for us to rely on Him all day long? Why do we tend to think of Him as a last ditch effort to solve something? He is ready and able to work with us throughout every day.
We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. (NLT)
We have all heard the old adage "If you want it done right you have to do it yourself!" This philosophy had probably driven more people than want to admit it. Sometimes it is subtle and we do not even realize it. Who drives when two of you go for a ride? How come it is always one of you? "Well I am better at it then my spouse", you say. Isn't that just what that old adage is talking about?
Yesterday we were driving around town and I took a left turn knowing exactly where I was going-I thought. My wife questioned me about were we were heading and I told her exactly where we were going to end up. Then in a few minutes we were at the other end of the road, the opposite direction from where I had expected to be.
We have it all figured out. Why bother God with things we already know how to handle? He gave us a brain and we ought to use it, you think. In everything we do, there are decisions to make. We can go left or right and often the wrong turn can bring us where we never meant to venture.
God can do anything. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Why is it so hard for us to rely on Him all day long? Why do we tend to think of Him as a last ditch effort to solve something? He is ready and able to work with us throughout every day.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:4
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)
One of the most comforting things to hear from someone as we go through a troubled time in our lives is that they made it through the same challenges. We have all heard of programs like AA where people of varied backgrounds and one addictive challenge meet regularly. They are not meeting to share war stories; they meet to encourage each other. The ones that have made it to the other side are evidence of possibility to those that have not.
We may not have a specific addiction, but we do have challenges. Although it may seem our challenge is unique, others have come though similar difficulties and made it to the other side. When we get through it, our life story becomes encouragement to others as they face similar times in their lives.
It is important to share what we have come out of with others. If all they see is the great life we have now, how can they be encouraged through there difficult times? There is comfort in hearing the words "I know how you feel because I had it happen to me. I made it to the other side and so can you. This is what I did."
Comfort is not just feeling bad about someone's situation and holding their hand. It is also about encouraging them through the bad times one step at a time. It is telling them how God was with us every step of the way.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)
One of the most comforting things to hear from someone as we go through a troubled time in our lives is that they made it through the same challenges. We have all heard of programs like AA where people of varied backgrounds and one addictive challenge meet regularly. They are not meeting to share war stories; they meet to encourage each other. The ones that have made it to the other side are evidence of possibility to those that have not.
We may not have a specific addiction, but we do have challenges. Although it may seem our challenge is unique, others have come though similar difficulties and made it to the other side. When we get through it, our life story becomes encouragement to others as they face similar times in their lives.
It is important to share what we have come out of with others. If all they see is the great life we have now, how can they be encouraged through there difficult times? There is comfort in hearing the words "I know how you feel because I had it happen to me. I made it to the other side and so can you. This is what I did."
Comfort is not just feeling bad about someone's situation and holding their hand. It is also about encouraging them through the bad times one step at a time. It is telling them how God was with us every step of the way.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Snapshot
1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. (NLT)
When we first get to meet someone, like our first date, we are on out best behavior. They get to see the person we want them to know about. Much is not on the surface. They only get to know a snapshot of us. Too often it is that snapshot many a marriage starts off at. It is over time that the real people begin to surface; that the other pictures begin to develop.
It is through relationship we get to know each other. We may know of many, but only on the surface; only in that snapshot.
In churches we may walk around and shake people's hands on Sunday morning. We say "good morning" and move on to the next. Afterwards we may sit and chat with some who we have gotten to know. Our relationships are at church on Sundays and perhaps at other church meetings during the week. They are a series of snapshots forming a beautiful scrapbook, but they never get to really know us.
When the body of Christ, the church, meets in homes and shares meals and birthdays and death and day to day challenges together, they become a family of believers. The snapshots turn into full length live films as the real people face difficult and happy times together.
Does this mean we must abandon the church buildings and skater to homes? Not necessarily, but we could gather in small groups so we can really build relationships with a group of believers. Then we can gather on Sundays in a large congregation to listen to the Word and praise God.
The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. (NLT)
When we first get to meet someone, like our first date, we are on out best behavior. They get to see the person we want them to know about. Much is not on the surface. They only get to know a snapshot of us. Too often it is that snapshot many a marriage starts off at. It is over time that the real people begin to surface; that the other pictures begin to develop.
It is through relationship we get to know each other. We may know of many, but only on the surface; only in that snapshot.
In churches we may walk around and shake people's hands on Sunday morning. We say "good morning" and move on to the next. Afterwards we may sit and chat with some who we have gotten to know. Our relationships are at church on Sundays and perhaps at other church meetings during the week. They are a series of snapshots forming a beautiful scrapbook, but they never get to really know us.
When the body of Christ, the church, meets in homes and shares meals and birthdays and death and day to day challenges together, they become a family of believers. The snapshots turn into full length live films as the real people face difficult and happy times together.
Does this mean we must abandon the church buildings and skater to homes? Not necessarily, but we could gather in small groups so we can really build relationships with a group of believers. Then we can gather on Sundays in a large congregation to listen to the Word and praise God.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Appreciation
1 Corinthians 16:18
You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. (NLT)
Often in our lives appreciation is shown with something tangible like a gift or a reward. We do well in a sport we are involved with and they give us a trophy in apperception for our contribution to the winning season.
As we grow up it is easy to think of appreciation as a monetary reward. Then we come to expect it! Even at holidays like Valentines Day. This is the day we shown someone we love our appreciation. The stores want us to purchase cards and flowers and gifts.
I remember my mother and father. Each Valentines Day he would draw pictures and cartoons with hearts and place them everywhere. When we came to visit them in their later days, we would not be surprised to see the drawings in the refrigerator or on the bathroom mirror. He was showing his appreciation for my mother and his love for her.
In many churches today it is expected that appreciation is shown with a large offering. This can be good, but what about when we clap and perhaps even cheer when the praise and worship team finishes a particularly good piece? What about a letter or email written to someone in the church body or even the pastor recognizing a great meeting or message?
How about recognizing those who serve in rolls such as cleaning the church, playing a musical instrument, working the sound board, taping the sermons, updating the Web site, etc. Shouldn't we take the time to recognize them individually and thank them for a job well done? There are many who serve us well.
You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. (NLT)
Often in our lives appreciation is shown with something tangible like a gift or a reward. We do well in a sport we are involved with and they give us a trophy in apperception for our contribution to the winning season.
As we grow up it is easy to think of appreciation as a monetary reward. Then we come to expect it! Even at holidays like Valentines Day. This is the day we shown someone we love our appreciation. The stores want us to purchase cards and flowers and gifts.
I remember my mother and father. Each Valentines Day he would draw pictures and cartoons with hearts and place them everywhere. When we came to visit them in their later days, we would not be surprised to see the drawings in the refrigerator or on the bathroom mirror. He was showing his appreciation for my mother and his love for her.
In many churches today it is expected that appreciation is shown with a large offering. This can be good, but what about when we clap and perhaps even cheer when the praise and worship team finishes a particularly good piece? What about a letter or email written to someone in the church body or even the pastor recognizing a great meeting or message?
How about recognizing those who serve in rolls such as cleaning the church, playing a musical instrument, working the sound board, taping the sermons, updating the Web site, etc. Shouldn't we take the time to recognize them individually and thank them for a job well done? There are many who serve us well.
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