Paul glories in...pain?

 The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential voices of the early Church, did not brag about his position. Instead, Paul acknowledged his ongoing prayer for relief and God's refusal to take the impediment from him (2 Co 12). While we don't know what Paul suffered from, we know that this affliction did not undermine his faith or his work. What weaknesses can you be thankful for?

The Ironic Gift

 

When the affluent Christians of Jerusalem found themselves suffering a lack of status and economic opportunity, the less affluent churches of Macedonia gave what they could to assist their fellow Christians
(2 Co 8:7-15). Demonstrations of love like this caused many communities to understand the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace Christianity.

Are you overfull?

 It may be tempting to feel we deserve every material benefit we enjoy and especially those we take for granted. One way to remind ourselves that our gifts come from God and a way to show love to others, is by sharing the wealth God has given. Paul praised the Macedonian churches for giving a liberal offering to help those suffering financial difficulties in another city (2Co 8). Are you able to give those who cannot repay?

God's protector?

 Although the idea is truly absurd, sometimes in our zeal, we begin to act as if we are God's protectors. Paul took a different approach in 2 Co 6:1-10, where he speaks of not giving offense and living out his faith as a clear testimony of the goodness of Christ and the empowerment of Christ's followers. Are you busy trying to protect God from others or do you spend your energy worshipping the almighty and living out your faith?

4th of July 2021

Many Americans are proud of their country and the ideas it was founded on. However, it can become easy for anyone to mistake the gifts God has given for rewards of righteous behavior and begin to blur the line between God's word and national proclamations. No matter which country you call 'home,' as a Christian, you are really part of a much grander nation called the Kingdom of God. Jn 18:36, Phil 3:20

Keeping the heart open

Many of us have learned to close our hearts to new experiences and people. In 2Co 6, we are encouraged to give no offense and to endure what others might think of us. This passage ends by calling us "rich." Have you enriched your life with a variety of people and experiences that remind you of God's great power and love, or in fear of finding sin, have you pulled out of everyday life?

 

Growing the Kingdom

Most of us want to do big, memorable acts that will create a legacy of our good works, but Jesus compared the entire Kingdom of God to a very small mustard seed that grows into a large tree  Mark 4. What small acts of faith, hope, or charity can you perform as part of the expanding work of God?