5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
I’m sure there have been many times when you’ve felt like Paul did in this passage. Like finals week when the stress of studying for all your finals can seem overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve had a close relative or friend pass away. These times in life can be very tough to get through on your own. It’s always nice to have someone like Titus in this passage to encourage you and lift your spirits. Someone you can talk to and let out all your frustration or sadness. If you have a person like this in your life, then you know how valuable they are, so I encourage you to be a Titus to someone you know that might be hurting. Show them God’s love by taking them out to lunch and listening to what they have to say. This can make a huge difference in someone’s life and it’s a perfect way to show God’s love to unbelievers.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2 Corinthians 7.2–4
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
One of the most intriguing things about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church is precisely that a first preceded it. Take a quick glance through 1 Corinthians and the multitude of problems facing the Corinthians pile up quickly: leadership, incest, lawsuits, idols, what not to eat...the list could go on. Paul’s response was to, point by point, meet each challenge head on with what the rapper Chuck D would call “truth bombs.” Taken as a whole, 1 Corinthians represents Paul’s most vigorous effort to set a church on the right track.
It goes without saying that such efforts would be met with some resistance, as 2 Corinthians proves. Has anyone ever confronted you when you were wandering from the straight and narrow in your life? Then you know what the Corinthians must have felt when reading Paul’s letter.
This time around, though, he is on the defense, explaining his ministry and motivations. Despite the sternness of his first letter, Paul wants the Corinthians to know that whatever he writes is motivated by a deep concern for their continued growth in Christ. “Make room for me in your hearts!” Paul writes. Even though I’ve had to take a tough line with you in the past, your faith encourages me and makes me proud. I don’t do the things I do to tear you down, I do them to build you up!
This makes me wonder: do I have another Christian like Paul who will candidly and lovingly speak truth into my life even when it is difficult to hear?
One of the most intriguing things about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church is precisely that a first preceded it. Take a quick glance through 1 Corinthians and the multitude of problems facing the Corinthians pile up quickly: leadership, incest, lawsuits, idols, what not to eat...the list could go on. Paul’s response was to, point by point, meet each challenge head on with what the rapper Chuck D would call “truth bombs.” Taken as a whole, 1 Corinthians represents Paul’s most vigorous effort to set a church on the right track.
It goes without saying that such efforts would be met with some resistance, as 2 Corinthians proves. Has anyone ever confronted you when you were wandering from the straight and narrow in your life? Then you know what the Corinthians must have felt when reading Paul’s letter.
This time around, though, he is on the defense, explaining his ministry and motivations. Despite the sternness of his first letter, Paul wants the Corinthians to know that whatever he writes is motivated by a deep concern for their continued growth in Christ. “Make room for me in your hearts!” Paul writes. Even though I’ve had to take a tough line with you in the past, your faith encourages me and makes me proud. I don’t do the things I do to tear you down, I do them to build you up!
This makes me wonder: do I have another Christian like Paul who will candidly and lovingly speak truth into my life even when it is difficult to hear?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.14–7.1
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
17"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."
18"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
Camps are great at using the old game of three-legged races. You know the ones where two or more people get tied together and then are asked to run a race, compete in a relay, or run an obstacle course in tandem. If everyone tied together works diligently, working in unison, the task gets accomplished and the goal is won. If those tied together don’t work together, at best our efforts are compromised, at worst they are completely futile.
As we run the most important race, to whom have we tied (yoked) ourselves? As we forge ahead are we tied most closely to those who are pulling in the same direction or have we linked up with those who are trying to drag us off course?
Today, take a look at your closest relationships. Take a look at who is impacting you most. Make sure these are the ones who are heading in the right direction.
17"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."
18"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Camps are great at using the old game of three-legged races. You know the ones where two or more people get tied together and then are asked to run a race, compete in a relay, or run an obstacle course in tandem. If everyone tied together works diligently, working in unison, the task gets accomplished and the goal is won. If those tied together don’t work together, at best our efforts are compromised, at worst they are completely futile.
As we run the most important race, to whom have we tied (yoked) ourselves? As we forge ahead are we tied most closely to those who are pulling in the same direction or have we linked up with those who are trying to drag us off course?
Today, take a look at your closest relationships. Take a look at who is impacting you most. Make sure these are the ones who are heading in the right direction.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.2–13
2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
What motivates your actions? Is your life focused on money, comfort, entertainment, acceptance, and pleasure? It is easy to slip into a self-centered lifestyle without even noticing it. After all, the world will not usually question a person living life for selfish reasons. It is not at all strange to live selfishly. However, our God is worthy of more. Paul reminds us that we should live our lives with others’ spiritual journeys in mind. We must examine our actions and make sure that our lives bring people toward the Kingdom of God instead of pushing them away. This will mean that we must make sacrifices. However, God will fill us with joy when we live according to his Spirit. Open your hearts wide to those around you! There is much more to Jesus’ death than individual salvation. There are millions of people who are living in eternity’s lobby. Let us live in a way that encourages them to move toward God!
Monday, February 16, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.1–2
1 As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
In chapter 5, Paul wrote that God has made us His friends. What a wacky and unbelievable revelation! Imagine the Holy, Holy, Holy God of the Jews, desiring friendship with all the people of the world, with me and you? Wow. There is no comparison between us and God’s majesty. As the song says, “Amazing love, how can it be that you my King should die for me?” It is in light of this overwhelming compassion that Paul urges the Corinthians to not receive God’s grace in vain. “Listen! I saved you!” God might say, “I gladly give you my greatest treasures, even my Son! Take, and live a NEW life.” As a lifetime church attendee, I understand that oftentimes grace seems like a worn-out cliché, but it is when we come to the cross, when we contemplate the glory of God that we remember once again how great is His love!
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
In chapter 5, Paul wrote that God has made us His friends. What a wacky and unbelievable revelation! Imagine the Holy, Holy, Holy God of the Jews, desiring friendship with all the people of the world, with me and you? Wow. There is no comparison between us and God’s majesty. As the song says, “Amazing love, how can it be that you my King should die for me?” It is in light of this overwhelming compassion that Paul urges the Corinthians to not receive God’s grace in vain. “Listen! I saved you!” God might say, “I gladly give you my greatest treasures, even my Son! Take, and live a NEW life.” As a lifetime church attendee, I understand that oftentimes grace seems like a worn-out cliché, but it is when we come to the cross, when we contemplate the glory of God that we remember once again how great is His love!
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