Through the Bible - Proverbs 19-20, 2 Corinthians 4
Good morning,
This morning is another one of those that I had something that I had intended to write but changed course because of something I read this morning.
My parents are going through some tough times right now, waiting for healing for my dad and to make decisions on their future. Navigating through these times takes faith, hope, and love.
Today's verse comes from 2 Corinthians 4 which is the New Testament reading in today's "read through the Bible" above.
2 Cor 4:1-3 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. - The Message
or from the NKJV
2 Cor 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. NKJV
It takes us back to last week with the thought of "out shining" even in the difficult times.
John MacArthur has this to say about not "losing heart", "A strong Greek term which refers to abandoning oneself to cowardly surrender. That was not how Paul responded to the continual attacks he faced. The task of ministering the New Covenant was too noble to lose heart over. Since God had called him to proclaim it, Paul would not abandon his calling. Instead he trusted God to strengthen him."
The passage and thought relates to another devotional for today from Today in the Word(www.todayintheword.com).
The passage there was in 1 Thessalonians 3.
1 Thess 3:8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. NKJV
Standing fast in the difficult times will have an impact on others. It can inspire, encourage and challenge to take a similar stand in similar or other trying circumstances.
In choosing to take a stand in faith you might think of it as "choosing to be a blessing".
The Blessing
(Joe Waller)
Chorus: Let it be said of us While we walked among the living. Let it be said of us By the ones we leave behind. Let it be said of us That we lived to be a blessing for life. Let it be said of us That we gave to reach the dying.Let it be said of us By the fruit we leave behind. Let it be said of us That our legacy is blessing for life. This day You set life, you set death right before us, This day Every blessing and curse is a choice now, And we will choose to be a blessing for life. Let it be said of us That our hearts belonged to Jesus. Let it be said of us That we spoke the words of life. Let it be said of us That our heritage is blessing for life. This day You set life, you set death right before us, This day Every blessing and curse is a choice now, And we will choose to be a blessing for life. we will choose to be a blessing for life. *Because blessings and curses are choicesWill we build up, tear down moment of truth is now*This day You set life, you set death right before us, This day Every blessing and curse is a choice now, And we will choose to be a blessing for life. we will choose to be a blessing for life. For your Kingdom, for our Children For the sake of every nationFor your Kingdom, for our Children For the sake of every nationWe will choose to be a blessing for life. For life. Blessing for life.
Be praying for my mom and dad, for healing wisdom, and strength.
Read the chapter below which ends with:
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. (2 Cor. 4:16-18)
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.
2 Cor 4:1-5:1
Trial and Torture4 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get. Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us — trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us — he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 5
No comments:
Post a Comment