2 Corinthians - 4.1.22
Scripture - What stood out?
2 Corinthians 6:11-13
11 We have spoken freely to you,Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
Observation - What does it say?
In his letter to the church at Corinth the apostle Paul implores the church to use the model that has been set before them. He explains some of the characteristics of a Christ follower and then follows up by urging believers not to become unequally yoked. Paul was desperate to guide these young believers down a righteous path. The Corinthians felt like their guides were trying to be restrictive.
Understanding - What does it mean?
You are restricted in your own affections.
Growing up wasn’t easy for me when I was a young boy. I remember getting so angry and frustrated with my brother sometimes that I could no longer think straight - my blood would boil, my vision would tunnel, tears of anger and dreaded snot bubbles would form. In those heated moments regardless of who was right or wrong, that type of behavior would lead to a talk from my dad. Inevitably he would tell me to, “open your heart son. Open your heart.”
Growing up isn’t easy as a middle aged man either. While Paul implored the church in Corinth to widen their hearts I can almost hear my father telling me to do the same.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Widen your hearts also.
Lord, forgive me for my sins and help me to sin no more. I am sorry that I have let the world and the enemy frustrate me and my heart so much that I took it out on You. Help me to widen my heart once more. Free my heart from constraints which I very possibly may have placed there myself. Remind me Lord, that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
2 Samuel 6-3.31.22
Scripture:
2 Samuel 6
Observation:
David wanted to bring back the Ark of God to his city. When he first attempts to do this, they try taking a short cut and make a new cart to bring it back. The cart hits a bump and Uzzah reaches out and touches it and he is struck down because of lack of reverence to God. They end up leaving the Ark and later find out it blessed the house they left it at. David decides to try and bring it back again, only this time they carry it and sacrifice every six steps. David dances before the Lord leaping and dancing. This upsets Michal daughter of Saul. She mocks David and says how he acted like a fool and David says he will be even more undignified.
Understanding:
First let’s start off by saying there are no shortcuts!!! David learns the hard way that there are no shortcuts to walking in God’s presence or blessings. We all want God to bring revival, to see our families, friends, and cities transformed. We want our churches to be packed out, but just like David there are no shortcuts. We can’t just look to the new trend or new program. We can’t throw one great event and expect everything to change. David had to put in work. They carried the Ark (God’s presence) and every 6 steps they sacrificed. That’s crazy! Imagine how long it would take. Picture how many sacrifices. Dancing non stop. In other words, it cost David blood, sweat and tears. I feel the Lord asking, what am I willing to lay down or what cost will I pay for a great move of God?
Then, let’s look at how David was willing to be a fool for God. He didn’t care what He looked like. Even when he was told how he looked like a fool, he responds with I’ll be even more undignified. Are we willing to worship God even when others don’t? Are willing to live a lifestyle of worship even if we look foolish?
Life Application:
Let’s lay everything down and go hard after God. Let’s be willing to be fools to bring Gods presence to those around us. May we care more about reverence and worship to God than what others say.
-Justin Eaves
2 Corinthians 4-3.30.22
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ERV
“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.”
Observation-What does it say?
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is no doubt feeling the aches and pains of being physically persecuted. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the physical body is only a temporary abode. Our true heavenly perfected body awaits us in Heaven. Paul reminds them that all of life’s struggles that they may be experiencing are only temporary. Paul encourages them to remain strong in their faith and that there is a purpose behind their struggles; That purpose is to shine the light of Jesus to others even through our struggles; To point those people still in “the dark”, towards the light; To give these people hope. A hope that never fails. A hope in eternal life. A hope in Jesus Christ.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Hope in the unseen.
How did Paul maintain such joy and obedience in the face of so much suffering and the threat of death? The answer should be one of every believer. Paul’s hope was in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. He could care less about his own peace and security. His confidence of an eternity free of sin, death, and sadness sustained him. Paul didn’t let life’s circumstances bring him down. Instead, Paul put his complete trust in the promises of Jesus.
Sure it’s easy to be a Christ Follower when everything is good and going our way. But what if things became extremely difficult and each day was a struggle? How should we respond? I think what Paul is reminding us here is to keep our “eyes on the prize”. Our treasure isn’t here on earth. It awaits us in Heaven. We need to remain faithful and focused on the mission we were given, which is to multiply Christ Followers everywhere. Even in life’s struggles, stand strong knowing even Jesus Christ Himself wasn’t exempt from it, but know that if we submit to God’s will, the way Jesus did, we too will be in paradise alongside Him some day.
Life Application
Praise God through life’s ups and downs.
Father God, I thank You for watching over me throughout life’s ups and downs. Your love is constant and never changing. May You bless me with the strength to make it through this day. May I give You praise not only in the good times, but even through the difficult times. I know You will never leave me and Your strength sustains me. Allow my faith and my life to point others to Your light. May You get all the glory, honor, and praise. In Your Holy name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi