2 Corinthians 8 - 6.19.25

2 Corinthians 8:13-15

S – 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

O -  2 Corinthians was written by Paul and Timothy to the churches in Corinth. They had just shared with them about the generosity and the hearts behind the giving from the churches in Macedonia. The example of the Macedonians is practical proof that true generosity is not the prerogative of those who enjoy an adequacy of means. The most genuine liberality is frequently displayed by those who have least to give. Christian giving is estimated in terms not of quantity but of sacrifice.” (Hughes)

Mark 12: 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

These versus discuss the importance of generosity and equality among Christians. It emphasizes that all Christians depend on each other and should work together to provide for each other’s needs.

Corinthian Christians were not giving so that the Jerusalem Christians would get rich and lazy at their expense. Paul was taking the collection so the Jerusalem Christians could merely survive. The goal was not to burden the Corinthian Christians, nor was it to make it easy for the Jerusalem Christians.

Some like to say, “Give till it hurts. Then keep giving until it feels better again.” But God’s goal for us isn’t to “Give till it hurts.” The goal is not to afflict those who give, it is to display the giving heart and love of Jesus Christ. (Blueletterbible.org)

A - The same generosity and care for one another applies still today in our church families. I know firsthand no one is getting rich behind the scenes at Desert Streams Church, but the generous giving (tithes and offerings) ARE what take care of the needs of the church, the members, the community outreaches, the staff, and missions trips.

No one is saying that you have done nothing unless you strip yourself completely and put everything into a common fund. It is okay to have nice things, to have fun, to take vacations, etc. BUT, are you taking care of the things that matter to God as well? The things that He has asked you to take care of within the “church?”  The church building isn’t free, the AC/Heating isn’t free, the staff gets a salary, things break down, toilet paper and paper towels are expensive, and ministries need supplies. Tithing isn’t something pastors talk about (or should talk about) for personal gain. The ones I know well actually hate to talk about it. The simple truth is, the running of the church and committing to outreaches and helping the community have monetary value.

I challenge each person to ask God where He wants us to be more generous and listen to what He is speaking to you. It may be as simple as giving up Starbucks twice a week so you can give a little more, or it may be that you have never tithed and He is asking you to trust Him and to be obedient in that area. I promise you will see His blessings come back at you10-fold! That’s not why you should do it, but it’s wonderful how that happens : )

P – Lord Jesus, you are the greatest giver there ever was! You have given us our freedom, bought at the biggest price anyone has ever paid or sacrificed! Help us to become more like you in our generosity and open our hearts to give to the things that stir your heart.  I pray against any fear that may hold us back from giving to you what is yours. Whether it’s fear of not having enough, or fear of just trying to survive in a world that keeps taking more and more from us financially. Would you help us to fully trust you in the area of our finances and let you lead the way. And Lord, continue to bless Desert Streams Church in all the areas they need - finances, ministry leaders, staff, and hands to work the fields for harvest! Thank you Lord for your grace and generosity in my own life. I am in awe at the works of Your hands! I love you Lord! Amen

- Crystal Flory

Job 2 - 6.18.25

Scripture

Job 2:11-13

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Observation

Job was being tested. In Chapter 2, he is afflicted with painful sores all over his body. It was so bad, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die. But when his friends heard about the troubles that had come on him, they came to comfort him. They wept, and prayed, and grieved with him, and supported him in his trials.

Application

As I sit and think of the myriad of ways my church family has loved and supported me over the years, I am overwhelmed. I am exceeding thankful for the sisters and brothers in Christ who have supported me, mentored me, and walked alongside me since I was a teen. There are too many to name, but this is a very small example of ways my church family has been a friend to me:

They spoke truth and wisdom into my life as a teen from an unsaved family.

They gave me rides to and from church activities throughout the week, every week for years.

They paid for me to go to camp and other activities.

They taught me how to follow Jesus.

They expected more from me.

They loved and poured into my children.

When Casey was born and had to stay in the NICU, and I couldn’t drive because of a caesarean, they drove me to and from the hospital every day and watched my three little boys to make visits possible.

When my marriage fell apart, they supported me.

When Casey died, they sat with me, and prayed for me.

Whatever need I have, they rally around me.

They encourage me, love me, and inspire me to grow and be more like Jesus.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Prayer

Thank you so much for all the people you have put in my life, people who are filled with Jesus, people who meet needs and embody you. Please help me learn to be a better friend. Help me to listen for your voice and follow through when you speak to me about ways to encourage, pray for, and support others. Help me to love like you do.

- Debbie Dunn

2 Corinthians 6 - 6.17.25

SCRIPTURE:  2 Corinthians 6:14

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

OBSERVATION

Using the term “yoked together” is something some might not understand. A yoke is a device placed around the neck of two oxen that connects them for use in plowing fields or other heavy work. When two oxen are connected together, they both must perform the same task and can’t go opposite ways. The image of a yoke and oxen then explains why the scripture compares righteousness and wickedness, and then light and darkness. It would be impossible for either righteousness and wickedness or light and darkness to be connected together. They are both on opposite ends of the spectrum. There’s no way they can be connected and function properly.

APPLICATION

Some of you might know my story that I’ve shared in the past of a bad business decision I made with an unbelieving relative. I knew this scripture very well but figured I would put in place various safety measures that would protect me. Well, I learned a valuable lesson to NEVER second guess or think you can somehow work your way around any scripture. It won’t work and you’ll regret it.

This one scripture is very emphatic with a firm admonition:  Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. This is not saying we can’t be around unbelievers because then how would we be able to witness to others or live in the world? It’s basically saying don’t be in a close relationship or situation where you’re deeply connected with unbelievers. Your faith and beliefs will be compromised in one way or another.

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

In addition to relationships, this scripture covers “yoking” yourself with worshiping idols, filling your life / mind with ungodly images or content or anything that can lead you down the wrong path. Remember a yoke will force you to follow where the other is leading.

In contrast, Matthew 11:29 – 30 talks about the yoke of Jesus “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Is there anything in your life that you’re yoked with that is compromising or keeping you from following Christ? Take some time, in prayer, and ask the Lord to guide you on the “yokes” in your life. Seek counsel with a trusted believer or with Pastor Levi or Pastor Katie if there’s a yoke that you need guidance or help to work through. Today can also be the day you take steps to take up your yoke with Jesus because His yoke is easy and light.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your Word which provides amazing and important guidance in life. Help me to be watchful of all the yokes in life. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve been yoked with something that is opposite of you. Your yoke is all I need – to guide me, direct me, and give me peace that you’re leading me in the right path. How blessed we are to have your yoke – that is easy and the burden is light. Praise God for all the ways you care for us. In Jesus name, Amen!

- Mary Oberg