2 Corinthians 10 - 11.18.24

Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Observation

In this section of his letter, the Apostle Paul is humbly defending his ministry to the Corinthian church.

Paul did not seek glory for himself. He was trying to prove to the church that what he writes in his letters would translate the same if he was in person with them. I love the statement he gave at the end of this chapter. God is the one who approves us, not men or people.

Application

The good works we do should boast of the Lord’s goodness, not our own. It gives us an “in” to share the Gospel message and even our own testimony, with others.

We do our Good Works not so that we can get a pat on the back or praise from people, but so that God would be glorified through them. 

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” -Colossians 3:23 NLT

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 NKJV

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” -2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

What kind and/or good deed have you done in the past couple of weeks, that may lead people to want to glorify God? Please share in the comment section so that we can give each other ideas of ways to continue to be on mission for Jesus Christ, in our daily lives. I’ll start. I made time to put together a gift and deliver it to a complete stranger (Starbucks worker) who took care of my daughter when she took the wrong bus. I also gifted one of my piano students some Christmas music that she was really excited about. One of the books also had some Christmas hymns in there, which talk about Jesus. 

There are a lot of acts of kindness that we can do in our daily lives, especially during this holiday season. It can point others to the goodness of God and possibly give us an opportunity to share Christ with them and/or invite them to church.

Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Please open up opportunities for all of us to share Your kindness and goodness with others, especially during this holiday season. May we do it not to get approval, recognition or an award from people, but because we desire Your approval alone. Give us your boldness and courage to get out of our comfort zones and be interrupted in our schedules if needed. May our good works boast about You and lead others to glorify You. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

2 Corinthians 7 - 11.15.24

Scripture: ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“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. For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 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.”

Observation:

Paul had written a previous letter to the Corinthians sharing his concern for ways they were straying from following God. Some were sinning and in total disobedience.  They did repent in verses 12-13 Paul share they were devoted to God and he was encouraged. 

Then in Macedonia they were harassed. 

Verse 4 stood out to me “in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

Titus came and was exactly what Paul needed to be encouraged. 

Application:

God comforts us when we are hurting. 

That comfort can come in the form of people sharing good news or concern for us.  We need to be a guide to those God puts in our care. Sometimes there will be trouble and we will have to reprimand. 

I want to be sure I don’t push thoughts aside when the Holy Spirit nudges me to speak up. 

I can have joy in troubles. 

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for your love and comfort. You care so much for me.  Help me speak words of encouragement to others and guide those  who need a nudge in the right direction.  Thank you that my joy can abound in troubles. I have seen you do this. May I continue to be a light to others as you guide my steps.  Amen

- Cindy Howard

2 Corinthians - 11.14.24

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 6:16 NLT

“For we are the temple of the living God.

As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them.

I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

OBSERVATION:

This letter to the Corinthian Church written by Paul shares such a story of a Pastor’s heart for this congregation to walk in ALL that Jesus paid the Price for.

Paul founded this church in the midst of city that was known for its wealth, commercial success and every single moral depravity known to man. Paul came to Corinth on his second missionary trip and remained for about a year and a half—one of his longest stays in any one city.

What strikes me is in this second letter is how much Paul reveals about his constant hardships, sufferings, beatings, angry mobs, imprisonments, sleepless nights, and lack of food—and yet..also--his extraordinary honor “to be the pleasing aroma of Christ that brings life” (2 Cor 2:15).

“We have nothing…and yet..we have EVERYTHING” (2 Cor 6:10)

When I think about how much Paul endured to bring Christ’s Good News to others..it makes me a little ashamed of myself that I am not more impassioned to be SO on fire-- that no one I know will not have heard the Truth that Jesus Saves out of my mouth.

APPLICATION:

God Lives IN me…And..Walks among me.

How does that TRUTH Change my Life and Actions Today.

As the scripture says, Elijah was a man—Just-like-us (James 5:17).

What was different—he prayed earnestly AND consistently.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:16-18 ESV)

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 ESV)

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2 ESV)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus,

Thank YOU for your living and active WORD that convicts my heart and draws me near and guides me on YOUR Path of righteousness. Purify me and strengthen me in this season of my life, Lord. Help me to be mindful of this one race we have to run. Let me run to win the prize. Keep me from distractions that so quickly seek to entangle me. Fill me with Your Oil and give me a clear understanding of where You are leading. I want to be where YOU are. Give me courage to do things even when I am afraid. Let me keep stepping out. You are boundless. Here I am Lord…nothing but flesh and bones alone—but WITH YOU—Everything…and...willing with all my heart..send me, and help me to make a difference for your glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka