Beyond the Gospels: Galatians

Today's Scripture: Galatians 3:1-9

(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Faith is being sure of what you hope for, certain of what you do not see. Abraham's belief alone made him righteous. It would be so much easier if we could see it right? I mean seeing is believing, or so they say. Keeping the law seems easier than faith at times. We can see the law, read the law, judge things by the law. Just make a check list of things to do... things not to do. Set it by your bedside... review it each morning. Take it along with you and check, check, check. At the end of the day weigh out the check marks. If you kept more law than not, well then, it was a day lived in righteousness... if not try again tomorrow. 

There's just one problem with this kind of living... what happens to all those days labeled unrighteous? What happens if we have more unrighteous days than not? What will God do then?  I know what you're thinking... no, this is where Grace comes in. Except it doesn't. You see, we can't separate what Jesus did into parts. We can't accept Grace for unrighteous days and still believe keeping the law gets us into the pearly gates. 

Paul asked the Galatians one thing. Did you receive grace, mercy, salvation by works or believing what you heard? We might ask ourselves the same question. Paul urged the Galatians to give up this dual kind of thinking. We should too. Jesus completes the law in us. Growing closer to Him through the Spirit brings about obedience to the law... not the other way around. 

Let's make a new list today. Not a check list but maybe just one phrase. The one phrase I begin teaching our children from the time they begin chapel at Readiness School. If they remember one thing when they enter youth ministry it is this:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Yep, that about wraps it up.

Lord, I choose faith over checklists.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Galatians

Today's Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

"For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me

and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness

could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

---verses 19-21

Let's look at a statements that come to mind as I read this...

Life in the law equals death.

Life in the law does not equal righteousness.

Law does not equal salvation.

Jesus's death completes the law.

Grace covers our lawlessness.

Christ lives in me.

I am righteous.

Did you find the last statement a little difficult? I always have because I know me. There is so much about me that makes me unrighteous, and according to the law, I am. Sanctification is not about doing the right thing... obeying the law... it is about Jesus completing the law in us. He alone makes us right before Him. His work brings completion. Not us... Him. Anything less would mean Christ died for nothing.

Let me challenge you this week to memorize one of my favorite verses. Write it on the bathroom mirror, put it as your screen saver, make a note card and place it in your car. 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.---2 Corinthians 5:21

Say it... plant it deep in your heart... embrace who you are in Him today!

Only in You, Lord Jesus, am I considered righteous.
Teach me to live this Way, not by the law but by Your Spirit.

Beyond the Gospels: Galatians

Today's Reading: Galatians 2:1-10

(No Bible handy, just click on the link.)

Three years in Arabia... 15 days with Peter... and fourteen years before Paul meets Peter again. Paul spent fourteen years sharing the message of Christ with non-Jews, while Peter and the apostles were leading from Jerusalem. Paul wanted to present his ministry for approval from the leaders of the church. He understood his place when it came to the organization of the church. He understood his authority and theirs as well.

Recognizing that my calling had been given by God, James, Peter, and John ---

the pillars of the church --- shook hands with me and Barnabs, assigning us to

a ministry to the non-Jews, while they continued to be responsible for reaching

out to the Jews. The only additional thing they asked was that we remember

the poor, and I was already eager to do that. ---The Message

Paul did not have to go to Jerusalem. He didn't need approval for what he had been doing for the last fourteen years. So why go? Why take the risk? Isn't it better to ask for forgiveness than permission?

Honestly, I just can't buy that reasoning. Paul illustrated for us exactly what it looks like to respect and honor the authority God has allowed in our lives. Just last night I read these words from the book of Titus:

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and to show true humility toward men.--Titus 3:1-2

I've learned that the authority in my life is not something I always agree with... government officials, bosses, parents, regulations, and even some laws. Submitting to authority is not about agreement it is about humility. When God allows an authority in our lives, He will use it for our benefit. What authority are you having trouble submitting to lately? Is this a pride issue... something God is working out in you?

(Note: Please understand I do not believe authority in our lives has the right to abuse us in any way... physically, mentally, or emotionally. Submitting to abuse is not the message of this devotional. If you are in an abusive situation or relationship and need help please contact Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties.)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the authority You place in my life.

Thank You for holding all those with authority accountable for how they use it.

Bless me with the humility to come under legitimate authority

and the boldness to get out from under those who abuse authority.

Beyond the Gospels: Galatians

Today's Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Something caught my attention from these verses. Something I've not read before or heard for that matter. Paul went to Arabia after his conversion, and he spent three years there before he met Peter.  My curiosity was peaked as I wondered what he did during those three years. I did a little research but no one really knows for sure. Some say he preached and taught there, others think it might have been a time for Paul to receive more revelation about Christ. My guess is... it was both.

Here's the kicker for me. Paul knew the Old Testament from a Pharisee's point of view, but his conversion was all he knew of Jesus. There were no books for him to study, no New Testament in which to submerge himself. Everything he learned in Arabia was taught to him directly from God. Wow... Just wow!

I believe God is the same yesterday, today, forever. He doesn't change because we now have a bible to study. Without His teaching... The Holy Spirit's leading it is just a book. Yes, it is our responsibility to search and know His word, but revelation still comes directly from Him.

I'm inspired by Paul today... To approach God's word by first asking Him to reveal Himself and His way in it.

Jesus, we want to know who you are... Whose we are. Each time we open your word bring revelation, teach us from on high. Amen

Beyond the Gospels: Galatians

Today's Scripture: Galatians 1:1-10
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

...who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age...  ---vs. 4

I went to eat lunch with some mini-Methodists this week, and we were discussing Good Friday. They were excited about not going to school, and telling of their plans for the day. I asked them what Good Friday means and the one across the table chimes in part of the explanation... with wonder and excitement in her eyes she says, "My dad just told me last night!" Oh that we all might have the same enthusiasm on this day. May something today fill our hearts with new wonder of the story we've heard so many times.

The sweet brown-eyed girl sitting next to me says, "I think they should call it Sad Friday." I've had the same thought---what's so good about Good Friday?

This evening we'll gather for worship and we'll hear the story we've heard lots of times. We'll watch as lights dim and Jesus journeys to Golgatha. Tears might fall as we consider His pain and suffering, the torture He endured, the blood running down from a thorny crown. Sadness covers those hours Jesus spent on the cross. It is too sad to watch (even on television). My little friend was right... this is a sad day.

It is a different kind of sadness though. It is sort of a happy sad... happy tears in a way. For today is the day that begins the saving of the whole wide world. Without this day there would be no resurrection. Without death no life. This is the day I love to say...

It's Friday but SUNDAY'S A COMIN'

(e-mail subscribers can view the video by clicking on the link below.)

Its Friday but Sunday's a comin'

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for my sins.

Thank You for delivering me from this evil age

that I may walk free, in the power of Your Spirit!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13

(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. ---2 Corinthians 13:5

Self-examination is one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can practice. I'm pretty sure it is also the hardest. Taking an honest look at ourselves can be well... yuck. Still the Scriptures encourage us to do so.

Create in me a clean heart O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ---Ps 51:10

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.---Ps 139: 23-24

Opening up our hearts to the Spirit and allowing God to search us, test us, try us might make us a little anxious. At least it makes me anxious. I don't really want God to see what's REALLY going on in my heart when it comes to certain circumstances. There are times I would rather just hang on to my bad attitude or judgmental spirit or anger.

It's Thursday... Maundy Thursday. We will gather for worship this evening and think of Jesus with the disciples. How He washed their feet... gave His body, His blood. Have you ever had someone you know, someone close to you wash your feet? (The person giving you a pedicure doesn't count.) For me it causes all types of discomfort. I become completely absorbed in the condition of my feet. Do they smell? How dirty are they? Are my toenails painted neatly? I could wash someone's feet pretty easily, but not the other way around. I don't want someone to have to touch all that ick. I'll just do it myself, but thanks for the offer.

Allowing God to search our hearts, thoughts, attitudes and actions is a lot like foot washing. We don't want Jesus to go there... it is too dirty for a King. It's better if we just clean our own selves up right? Uh... no... not even possible. The disciples had to allow Jesus to wash their feet just like we must allow Him to search us... examine us... test us. When we do, healing follows and we find ourselves free... for those whom the Son sets free, are free indeed!

Lord, prepare my heart to be examined by You.

I know You already know what's in there; the examination is for my benefit.

Reveal what's in my heart, what I need to deal with to draw closer to You, 

to follow You better, to share Your love and grace with others

the same way You do with me.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

By the end of these verses Paul gives us an honest look into his feelings about those in Corinth. He's told them how much he loves them and tried to do what is right by them. It's as if he has spent all of his energy trying to get them to see the truth and in a moment his true feelings are revealed. He uses two powerful words each of us can identify with in some way when it comes to our relationships with others.

He's afraid --- afraid of the condition of their hearts, fearful of the sin they are allowing among themselves, afraid of being humbled before them.

He's grieved. It is a word not only revealing his sadness, but a sadness to the point of suffering. Paul is literally suffering over the situation in Corinth.

I've been right where Paul is in my life. Afraid for those I love to the point of suffering. I wonder... is there someone you are thinking of at this very moment? Someone you've spent years praying for with what feels like no answer? Someone you wish could see God's truth and live in it? Someone you've cried a great number of tears over?

I get it, and so did Paul. Maybe knowing we're not alone in our fear and grief for others is just what we need today. I can't help but consider we are mid-way through Holy Week. Loving others to the point of suffering is the message spoken straight from the cross. The work our Savior did on Calvary exchanged our fear, grief, and death for life. It still does today.

That someone you were reminded about earlier. Don't give up or give in. Keep loving and praying for them. Each time you think of them, carry them to the foot of the cross... lay them down at the altar of Christ's feet. Cry more tears, suffer a little longer. Jesus did for us... so we do for others.

Oh, Lord Jesus! Help me to understand more fully Your heart of love

that held You to the cross. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit

to love others as You do.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Paul talks of a thorn in his flesh... something that irritates, annoys, and causes pain... some messenger from Satan meant to torment. Many have wondered what exactly this was. Speculations continue today, and honestly I'm not sure why. Paul wasn't exact about the thorn in his life, but He was exact about who allowed it and why. 

This thorn had a purpose. It kept Paul's ego in check, and revealed to Him a priceless truth. 

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness."---vs. 9

Grace and power are perfectly revealed in our weakness. Is there some weakness you've carried for years? Some thorn that just won't let up? Maybe it annoys and irritates you to no end. You've probably prayed more than once for God to take it from you... to give you some relief. Praise God we are not alone in this. Paul understood and when we lean on His words we too become strong. In the moment we choose His grace over our own will is the moment we are strong.

Lord, today I thank You for allowing thorns in my life

that I might know my weakness and Your strength.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.---vs. 30

This thought is so opposite of the world's. All around us people boasting of their goodness... their strengths... their success. We are all prone to boast about the good things and cover the weaknesses. I can only think of one thing that keeps us hiding weakness: pride. We're a proud people. But God's Word says,

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.---James 4:10

In my experience when we are willing to be honest about our weakness, it is the very place we often connect with others. It's the place God uses to reach out and love others through us. It gives us a heart of mercy, compassion, and grace for those struggling in the same areas. This is beautiful humility, and in the midst of it God lifts us up.

What have you boasted about lately? Maybe today is the day you might share your weakness with someone.

Lord Jesus, I boast about You alone.

I am nothing. You are everything.

You are my strength, my righteousness,

my goodness, my light.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
(Most days you probably click on the link to read the Scripture, but today... find your Bible. Hold it in your hands.)

Paul is concerned about the believers in Corinth. Deception seems to be creeping into the church. It still happens today, but we have something the early believers didn't. If you found your Bible, then you are holding it right in the palm of your hand. I'm reminded of what a miracle it is to have God's Word so easily accessible. The sheer weight of it leaves me awe struck for a moment.

When I was in Bible class at Perkins we were taught that the Bible is called the Cannon. It literally means measuring rod. I've grown to love the thought. At any moment... any time... we can pick up this book that reveals truth and deception. A place we can go to see how teachings and thoughts measure up to God's Word and Way.

Is there something you are wondering about... trying to decide God's way in it? The answer, every single answer, lies in the pages of God's Word. When we seek revelation with an open heart, the Holy Spirit takes print on a page and breathes life into words. It is one miracle we have an opportunity to experience every day.

Father God, the concept of truth isn't readily accepted in our culture today.

Many live their lives based on their own version of  "truth."

I desire Your Truth, the Truth that doesn't change. The Truth that is true!

Open up Your Word to me. Teach me Your Truth and how to walk in its Way.

The sum of your word is truth,

and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Psalm 119:160 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:9-18
(We're going to read today's Scripture from The Message. Click on the link to read.)

We're the exact same people, absent or present, in letter or in person.

Things don't change much over time if you think about it. It is easy today with all the social media in our lives to present something we are not. The saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" goes much deeper than a vacation trip. What we present to the world doesn't always match who we really are.

I wonder what it would take for us to be the exact same people no matter where we are or what circumstance we're facing. In a world where nothing is really as it seems, authenticity might just be the key. Like Paul, we may be questioned, some may judge our inadequacies... others just won't understand. No matter. When we reveal on the outside what God is doing in us, the Holy Spirit uses it to draw others to Him.

There's a song I hear once in a while... the singer asking to be a see through Christian. What would that look like in my life? in yours? Today may we live and go about our day being the exact same person in our homes, at our jobs, even at the grocery store. May others see through us straight to Jesus.

Father God, bless me with the grace to be who You created me to be
both inside and out. Bless me with the grace to accept those around me 
as You work in their hearts, too.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:1-8

(No Bible handy? Just click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.--vs. 5

Webster's defines captive as "taken and held as or as if a prisoner of war."

I wonder how many thoughts one might have in a day. I did a little Internet search just for fun. Most say the average person has fifty to seventy thousand thoughts per day... that's 39-45 thoughts per minute... at least one every two seconds! I had to take a moment with that one. The number seems staggering, and it leaves me wondering how in the world we can take every thought captive. How does that work? I'm sort of thinking it's impossible.

Maybe that is just how God intended it to be. He created our thought life in a way that would be impossible to tame on our own. Taking captive every thought, making it obedient to Christ, only happens when we rely on the Spirit living in us. We think... He whispers His way in our thoughts... and leaves us with a choice.

You've been there before, so have I. A not so great thought enters the mind and sometimes it just seems to stick. We mull it over... moving it 'round and 'round like clothes in a dryer. What would happen if at the moment it enters our mind, the very moment we think it --- we make a choice? The choice to bring it to Jesus... to take it captive to obedience. Imagine making the choice 50,000 times a day.

It all starts with the first one. One thought at a time... one choice at a time. Let's be aware today. Let's notice just one thought and make the choice. Let's take the thought and chain it up... drag it right to the foot of the cross.

Lord Jesus, I commit my thoughts to You.

Continue to remind me that I don't have to keep my mind

set on worries, revenge, lust, greed, envy, anger...

Teach me to take every thought captive

and make it obedient to You.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
(Click on the link for today's reading.)

Now He who supplies seed for the sower and bread for food...--vs. 10

You will probably find this a little funny. Just go with me for a minute. As I type these words I'm sitting right outside my garden. I just finished sowing sunflower seeds in the garden... the seeds I planted a few weeks ago have yielded little green shoots...

and my four hens are scratching dirt around my chair.

The sun is almost set and I'm thinking this is a perfect picture of God providing. I know what you're thinking. My husband has already reminded me I'm just a little "country." He comes to see what I'm up to and asks, "What in the world are those chickens scratching at? What's under there?" I answer from my wise chicken knowledge, "I have no idea!"

Here's what I do know. Chickens don't move leaves and dirt and peck the ground unless there is something worth eating under there. If He provides food for chickens, I'm confident He does the same for us.

Sometimes we just don't see it. We might just have to scratch the surface to get to it... dig a little deeper with our faith. God supplies seed for the sower and bread for food. We can't take the credit or make it happen. Our job is to plant the seeds, dig a little deeper and give credit where credit is due.

Lord, there is nothing I have that did not come from Your hand.

Thank You for Your provision and many graces.

Open my eyes to see and my hands to receive

all You have for me.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.--vs. 21

Imagine Paul at this point. An offering has been collected and now they must make decisions about what to do with it. This is no easy task. Money sometimes brings out the worst in us. He assures them they are taking pains to do what is right... for God... for man. The two don't always agree, and church leaders often have the hard task of making decisions and setting priorities for the whole body. It can be a struggle even to the point of pain.

This reminds me of two things. The first learned after many years of ministry. I've seen lean years when ministry dollars had to be cut, and it was painful. There is nothing easy about looking at your budget for the year and trying to discern what to go forward with and what to leave behind. I've shed tears over it, and worried about how it would effect those involved. The years have convinced me of one thing. If it is the right thing for God and man, He will provide. He's proven it time and time again.

The second is a reminder to pray for those who are in leadership at our church. The sisters and brothers in Christ who have accepted the call to leadership roles that make decisions on behalf of the body of Christ. Let us lift them up in prayer today. May they be rooted and grounded in God's love as they take pain to do what is right... for God... for us.

Father God, today I pray for those making financial decisions

for Your church. I pray first and foremost, they remember

it is Your church. Second, I ask You to remind them

to seek Your wisdom and discernment.

In turn, help me to honor those who have taken leadership positions

at FUMC, Jacksonville and respect the decisions they make.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
(Click on the link for today's reading.)

Paul is encouraging those in Corinth to give generously, and something gets my attention.

Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work... --vs. 10-11

I'm really good at beginnings. I love the newness of it. New beginnings... new things... are wonderful when they are new. In the children's sermon this week we talked about my love for a new box of crayons, and the preacher spoke of his love for new cars. In his sermon, Doug gave us some background on the phrase "brand new."

According to folks a lot smarter than myself at the Online Etymology Dictionary, the phrase actually comes from an Old English word that means "fire, flame; firebrand, piece of burning wood, torch." Even ol’ Bill Shakespeare instead of writing “brand-new” used the term “fire-new.”  

The Corinthians must have experienced that "on fire" feeling when they first had the desire to give. You know the excitement and burning when God is leading us into something new. But a year had gone by and maybe that fire had dwindled to nothing but a smolder. Oh, that we would all have a Paul in our lives. Someone who would say without hesitation, "Now finish the work."

Time has a way of turning our brand new into mere ashes. We get burned up and burned out. We get fired up about something, but walking through the fire to completion is tough. The Psalmist writes:

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.-- Psalm 66:10

Refining takes heat, lots of heat. As we walk through fire to completion those things separating us from God are revealed and we are refined. God is faithful to complete what He starts. He is not willing to leave us partially done. Yes, it might get hot along the way. There are times we feel all burned up. Maybe the old saying is true, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." Maybe whisps of white smoke rising are just a signal that we're moving through fire to completion... from new beginnings to something brand new...

Lord, keep the fire of brand new faith burning in my heart and life.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.--vs. 10

I have this tendency to feel guilty. I can beat myself up over something I've done, some sin in my life for years. In my early walk I would lay in the bed each night and think back over my day. I would look for any area of sin and beg forgiveness from God. Guilt and condemnation were my best friends. It is one of the greatest works of the enemy. And like this Scripture says, worldly sorrow brings death.

It took me a long time to distinguish between Holy Spirit conviction and worldly sorrow. I can say with full confidence today that when God brings me to repentance there is no guilt... no condemnation. God is just not that way. He doesn't forgive us for something and hold it over us for the rest of our lives. We do a good job of that all on our own. His will for us is freedom, and regret only serves to keep us imprisoned.

It's been years since I've made a sin list at the end of the day. His Word says He will never leave us nor forsake us. He won't leave us alone in our circumstances and situations. He won't leave us to ourselves... our own sin either. He is faithful to reveal it in His time, in a way which leads me and you to salvation. This my friends is freedom, and those who the Son sets free are free indeed!

Lord, You know where I've allowed guilt and regret to paralyze me in my tracks. You know where worldly sorrow is bringing death to areas of my faith. Teach me about godly sorrow, the sorrow leading to repentance, salvation, and freedom. 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus

from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

Most of us don't have other religions we are trying to mix together. We aren't attending other places dedicated to the worship of idols. If someone asked what we believe, we would tell them Jesus: Born of a virgin, died as a ransom for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory. Worshiping mythical characters or other gods is not what we struggle with, but we still struggle with idolatry.

Every once in while I answer the following questions. (Go with me here.)

Where, on what, or with whom do you spend most of your time?

What do you think about most?

Take a look at your check book for the last month. Where did your money go?

This is sort of an idol test. Is there a common theme? Does something stick out more than others? Is there one thing taking up most of your time and thoughts and money?  We can easily be drawn into something and before you know it... without much thought it becomes an idol. Is there one thing that takes your time and thoughts and money? If so, it might be time for some separation or change.

Father God, in Christ Jesus I am Your temple,

root out any form of idolatry hiding in my heart.

Purify my thoughts, will, and emotions

so I can be wholly Yours.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Bible Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.--vs. 12-13

Does someone or some situation come to mind when you read these words? So many times in our lives... maybe most... there is no fair exchange. We give and get nothing in return. We receive and give nothing back. It happens to us and when we are honest... it hurts. We might hide it under anger or frustration. It is easier to turn away from those who won't love us in return.

Paul takes a different approach. He reminds them of their love for them and then asks, maybe even pleads... open wide your hearts. Is there someone who needs to hear you say this? Is there a place where your heart has closed? Maybe it is time to open wide and allow God to reveal His love and affection for you... and for others.

Lord Jesus, open wide my heart to You

and to others in Your name.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
(No Bible handy? Just click on the link to read the Scripture.)

I don't think it is coincidence this is the same passage of Scripture our pastor read yesterday. The same words he spoke about from the pulpit. I believe sometimes God places things in front of us more than once to make a point. We heard from the sermon yesterday: In Christ we are made new... not refurbished or fixed up or re-purposed... we are made brand new. This word spoken in worship yesterday and again today leads me to think he might be speaking not only to us as individuals but as the body of Christ.

Is it possible God is reminding us He makes all things new? Most of us like new things in general, but when the new brings change to something we are used to or like the way it is, it can cause fear or anxiety... maybe even resistance. Have you been resisting something new lately? Is it time to remember Jesus is in the business of making all things new... each and everything? Let's embrace the new Jesus makes in us and around us as we watch the beauty of spring unfold.

Father God, help me to remember Jesus came to make all things new,

not for my own glory or enjoyment but for His. Open my heart and increase my faith

to the new You want to do in my life and in the life of Your Church.

Remind me I am an ambassador for Jesus through whom

You are making an appeal to an unbelieving world.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"We make it our goal to please him." 

Goal is defined as something you are trying to do or achieve; the object of a person's ambition or effort. Goals both spoken and unspoken run our lives. Graduation... college... careers. We set financial goals and parenting goals. Just waking up in the morning gets us thinking about what goals must be achieved for the day. Oh how successful we feel when the last to-do is checked off our list.

I wonder... what would happen if pleasing him was at the top of my list? What if every goal I set came under the heading: To Please Him? I could just sit here and ponder the thought, but that's not me. Instead I think I will put this idea into action. Maybe you would join me?

The weekend is upon us so let's give it a try. Wake up each morning and whisper these words:

"My goal today, Lord, is to please you." 

May everything we do become an offering with one goal. May our ambition and effort and achievements reach  high for one reason... pleasing Him.

Lord, make my life pleasing to You!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
(No Bible handy? Click on the link to read today's verses.)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,
since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I'm writing this just one day after a visit to the voting polls. Election year has just begun and I'm already frustrated by what I see. I don't watch or listen to the news much because it just seems everyone is shouting their opinions and perspectives. I visit a few websites and narrow it down some, but in the end nothing I've read or discussed or heard feels right. All this "seeing" just left me a bit confused. I'm in a bit of a pickle so the saying goes, and in that moment I ask, "God, what is your way for me in this?" 

Reading Paul's words this morning reminded me that a simple prayer for help in a decision has eternal significance. Every moment... every decision gives us an opportunity to fix our eyes on the seen or unseen. 

What areas of your life are you most likely to fix your eyes on what is seen? Take a moment to consider the unseen in those areas.

Lord Jesus, keep my eyes fixed on the eternal, the unseen,

because everything else is just temporary.

Teach me to focus on faith, hope, love,

not politics, the economy, or war.

I want to live a life of eternal significance,

reveal the unseen behind what I see.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

God said, "Let light shine out of darkness." Darkness does not produce light. It doesn't create light, but it is the place where we become aware that light shines.

I was watching a television show just recently about survival. The man demonstrating how to get out of the Brazilian forest. He's following a river when it disappears into a cave. He wades into the darkness with a handmade torch and his camera man in tow. All the while I'm thinking... nope. Not me, I would have to find some other way or just die right there in the jungle. No way I'm venturing into complete darkness. I watch as the two men try to find their way through the dark, lit only by the burning twig torch. It wasn't long before he fell and the torch was extinguished. There he and his camera guy stood in complete darkness. The only way to see was to look through the lens of the camera. Honestly I was a little shaky inside. I'm silently cheering them on, wondering when in the world the darkness would turn to light. He keeps moving through the water with hands reaching to the side and front of him. As he instructs his partner to stay close, there in the corner of the screen a light shines and I give a sigh of relief.

Like the man following the river, sometimes following God leads us through darkness. There are times when we just sit right down and refuse to go any farther. Other times we attempt to take our own light with us. The Psalmist wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." I think the key to walking through darkness is choosing to trust in the face of our own fear. As people of the Light, we just keep moving hand over hand, slowly making our way until the light breaks through.

Have you been walking in darkness lately? Take heart brothers and sisters, no darkness can extinguish the Light of the World.

Father God, remind me, when it feels like the darkness is overtaking my life that You are with me and darkness is as light to You. You know why You've allowed a dark time to enter my life. You know what You long for me to see in the dark, to learn in the dark: You are trustworthy. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 3

[No Bible close by? Just click on the link and read.]

But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.-vs. 14

Moses spent days on the mountain with God. When he would come down to speak to the Israelites he covered his face with a veil because it literally glowed. This is the same veil Paul is talking about here in Corinthians.

Webster's describes a veil as a concealing curtain or cover of cloth. When we read God's Word as just a book without the resurrection knowledge of Christ, a covering still remains. The Scriptures become a list of rules to follow... a way to decide who is in and who is out. The truth remains veiled without the power of Christ.

Baptism takes on a new picture to me when I read these words. The waters of baptism falling from a new believer's face are like the removing of a veil. Yes, we are dead to sin. Yes, we are raised from the water a new creation. The old is gone and the new begins. And in this re-birth we have a new way to read. In Christ we read unveiled words that reveal life and love and truth. What was once just a book has become a story... my story... your story. Oh, what a beautiful story it is.

Lord Jesus, thank You for making Your Word come alive to me.

Thank You for making me alive in Your Word.