Read John 14:15-27
Context: Jesus and his disciples are at the 'last supper'. He has predicted Peters denial of him and he is talking about the Spirit to come.
Text:
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
22Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you had any really good offers lately? Maybe someone was referred to you as a person who could help, or you got a phone call out of the blue that offered a great opportunity. Perhaps there is the possibility of a promotion at work or you have been asked to lead a committee at church.
It is nice to be recognized for your talents and abilities, and it makes you feel good that someone has noticed your skills. Often these offers may come from many places at once. Each one is a good opportunity to serve God and to make a difference, but you can't possibly find time to do them all and be there for your family. How do you know the right priorities and projects to choose?
Jesus doesn't want our world to be filled with chaos. If we take on too many things, even really good things, we won't be able to devote enough time to any of them and they won't be as successful as they should be.
Jesus was pulled many different directions by his followers. Each one of them wanted him to do something for them...heal them, get rid of demons, come to dinner, bless the children, speak at their temple, and on and on. How did he know which things were most important during his brief three year ministry? He dismissed the crowds or he got up early and he went to a private place to pray. God made it clear to him, and he will make it clear to us.
If you take the time to meditate on God's word and to pray, you will see the right path to take more clearly.You will feel his peace about certain decisions. Sometimes that means you will need to stop doing some things that are worthwhile so you can better focus on other things. Sometimes you will need to drop everything for a time and devote yourself to your family. Other times you will take on projects that are near and dear to your heart and Gods.
If you life is in chaos, it's time to stop and ask for direction. God wants us to have his peace.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
July 30 - Jesus Under Pressure
Read Hebrews 2:8b-18
Context: Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were being pressured to return to Judaism. Paul is explaining the absolute supremacy and complete sufficiency of Jesus.
Text:
8 b In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says,
"I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."[b] 13And again,
"I will put my trust in him."[c] And again he says,
"Here am I, and the children God has given me."[d]
14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for[e]the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 2:8 Psalm 8:4-6 (note...this reference from Heb 2:8a)
Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:22
Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17
Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18
Hebrews 2:17 Or and that he might turn aside God's wrath, taking away
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you ever been in a position to help someone avoid temptation? Maybe as a parent you knew that your child wanted revenge against a friend who hurt him or his stuff, and you were able to intervene and turn his attention to something else. Or, as a friend you have helped another get through a tough situation without taking the easy way out. How were you able to help someone else avoid sin?
In reality, we have probably been tempted in almost every way in this world. Some temptations are so counter to our nature that we aren't even interested. Others seem so desirable that we can hardly ignore the magnetic pull. Having felt that pull and having given in to some temptations that resulted in horrible consequences, we are made wiser so that we can help others find ways to avoid giving in to their temptations.
Jesus has been there, too. He was tempted in every way a man could be tempted in the world at his time. I know that there is no way I could have avoided the sins he was tempted with...I don't have to fast for forty days to hear food calling my name (hmmm...that makes me think of the cookies on the counter...NO COOKIES BEFORE LUNCH). And I would have taken any option to have avoided the pain of the cross.
Since he has faced incredible temptation and has come through unscathed, he is able to provide clear direction and advice to us when we are facing temptation. And knowing that he has beaten these temptations makes his advice more valuable than advice from someone who has never been tempted. God knew that we needed someone who had faced the same trials, so he put his own son in that position so that we could succeed.
When faced with a temptation that seems impossible to ignore, turn to your Bible and read the words of Christ. Drop to your knees and pray to the one who has been there and who has made it through. He will provide a way for you to conquer, too! But he can't help you if you don't ask...
Context: Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were being pressured to return to Judaism. Paul is explaining the absolute supremacy and complete sufficiency of Jesus.
Text:
8 b In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says,
"I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."[b] 13And again,
"I will put my trust in him."[c] And again he says,
"Here am I, and the children God has given me."[d]
14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for[e]the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 2:8 Psalm 8:4-6 (note...this reference from Heb 2:8a)
Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:22
Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17
Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18
Hebrews 2:17 Or and that he might turn aside God's wrath, taking away
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you ever been in a position to help someone avoid temptation? Maybe as a parent you knew that your child wanted revenge against a friend who hurt him or his stuff, and you were able to intervene and turn his attention to something else. Or, as a friend you have helped another get through a tough situation without taking the easy way out. How were you able to help someone else avoid sin?
In reality, we have probably been tempted in almost every way in this world. Some temptations are so counter to our nature that we aren't even interested. Others seem so desirable that we can hardly ignore the magnetic pull. Having felt that pull and having given in to some temptations that resulted in horrible consequences, we are made wiser so that we can help others find ways to avoid giving in to their temptations.
Jesus has been there, too. He was tempted in every way a man could be tempted in the world at his time. I know that there is no way I could have avoided the sins he was tempted with...I don't have to fast for forty days to hear food calling my name (hmmm...that makes me think of the cookies on the counter...NO COOKIES BEFORE LUNCH). And I would have taken any option to have avoided the pain of the cross.
Since he has faced incredible temptation and has come through unscathed, he is able to provide clear direction and advice to us when we are facing temptation. And knowing that he has beaten these temptations makes his advice more valuable than advice from someone who has never been tempted. God knew that we needed someone who had faced the same trials, so he put his own son in that position so that we could succeed.
When faced with a temptation that seems impossible to ignore, turn to your Bible and read the words of Christ. Drop to your knees and pray to the one who has been there and who has made it through. He will provide a way for you to conquer, too! But he can't help you if you don't ask...
Friday, July 27, 2007
July 27 - A Diamond In The Rough
Read Philippians 1:3-11
Context: Philippians was written by Paul to the people of Philippi to thank them for their gift and to provide a missionary report on the work he has done.
Text:
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (NIV)
www.biblegateway.com
Verse six is one of those that gives me great hope on the days when everything seems to go wrong. God has started his work in each one of us who believes, but he's not done yet. Many times I'd like for him to rush the process and finish already, but that's not his way. Just like turning coal into diamonds, it takes a lot of time and pressure to transform this flesh into something wonderful.
No matter how I fail, he will continue to work on me until I have completed the plan he has for my life. But for him to do his work, I have to show up in the workshop. I've noticed that each day I don't stick with my part of the bargain (to pray, read the word, and do my best to live a righteous life), I lose three or four steps in the process.
God has great things in store for us, but we have to be ready to receive them. He will keep the pressure of daily life strong, because that is the only way we will turn to him for help. Each time we call on him, in thanksgiving or need, he polishes our spirit just a little more so we can eventually shine and sparkle the way he intends.
How has he worked in you so far this year?
Context: Philippians was written by Paul to the people of Philippi to thank them for their gift and to provide a missionary report on the work he has done.
Text:
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (NIV)
www.biblegateway.com
Verse six is one of those that gives me great hope on the days when everything seems to go wrong. God has started his work in each one of us who believes, but he's not done yet. Many times I'd like for him to rush the process and finish already, but that's not his way. Just like turning coal into diamonds, it takes a lot of time and pressure to transform this flesh into something wonderful.
No matter how I fail, he will continue to work on me until I have completed the plan he has for my life. But for him to do his work, I have to show up in the workshop. I've noticed that each day I don't stick with my part of the bargain (to pray, read the word, and do my best to live a righteous life), I lose three or four steps in the process.
God has great things in store for us, but we have to be ready to receive them. He will keep the pressure of daily life strong, because that is the only way we will turn to him for help. Each time we call on him, in thanksgiving or need, he polishes our spirit just a little more so we can eventually shine and sparkle the way he intends.
How has he worked in you so far this year?
Thursday, July 26, 2007
July 26 - Gift of Unhappiness
Read Luke 6:12-23
Context: In the first part of this chapter, Jesus has done things considered 'work' on the Sabbath and he's had run-ins with the Pharisees. Our text today is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Text:
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Blessings and Woes
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil[a] spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When you are at work of with a group of friends, do you ever feel like you really don't belong there? Do the things they are concerned with seem meaningless so you just can't relate to their desires and concerns?
God actually desires us to be dissatisfied with the status quo of this world. He wants us to seek for something more...for Him. Several times in the Bible we are told that we are not of this world, that we are aliens. He has given us a longing for Heaven, so we will seek him and think of eternal things, not the temporary things of this world.
Sure, we'll always have worldly desires (nice home, better car, more stuff), but if we remember that this is a temporary home it is easier to focus on the eternal riches we'll receive. Then we will laugh at what we thought were troubles and shake our heads at the things we though were so important. Wouldn't it be easier if we could start doing that now?
Context: In the first part of this chapter, Jesus has done things considered 'work' on the Sabbath and he's had run-ins with the Pharisees. Our text today is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Text:
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Blessings and Woes
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil[a] spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When you are at work of with a group of friends, do you ever feel like you really don't belong there? Do the things they are concerned with seem meaningless so you just can't relate to their desires and concerns?
God actually desires us to be dissatisfied with the status quo of this world. He wants us to seek for something more...for Him. Several times in the Bible we are told that we are not of this world, that we are aliens. He has given us a longing for Heaven, so we will seek him and think of eternal things, not the temporary things of this world.
Sure, we'll always have worldly desires (nice home, better car, more stuff), but if we remember that this is a temporary home it is easier to focus on the eternal riches we'll receive. Then we will laugh at what we thought were troubles and shake our heads at the things we though were so important. Wouldn't it be easier if we could start doing that now?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Servant of God
Read Isaiah 41:8-13
Context: Isaiah is written in two parts, The Book of Judgment and the Book of Comfort. This is from the Book of Comfort, where God tells the Israelites who are exiled to Babylon that things will get better.
Text:
8 "But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 "All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
In the first two verses, God refers to Israel as his 'servant'. Taken out of context it could be read in a way that makes you think God created his chosen people to be his personal servants, to serve his needs.
In context and in the original language, the word servant here is really a "title for one who occupies a special position in God's royal administration of the kingdom, as in 'my servant, Moses'." (NIV Study Bible)
Either way you look at it, the Israelites, and now the Gentiles, were chosen to help God implement his plan.
Have you ever been chosen by someone to work on a special project? While the position may require a lot of hard work, it is an honor to be selected. The position requires certain talents and capabilities, and the people pulling it together realize that you have the 'right stuff' to do the job. They trust you, and in return you will do whatever it takes to make the project a success.
In the same way, God selects us to do his work. He knows our abilities better than we do ourselves, and he puts special projects in our way because he trusts us to do a good job. In the process he will strengthen us and hold us up...he wants us to be successful.
What job has God given you today?
Context: Isaiah is written in two parts, The Book of Judgment and the Book of Comfort. This is from the Book of Comfort, where God tells the Israelites who are exiled to Babylon that things will get better.
Text:
8 "But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 "All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
In the first two verses, God refers to Israel as his 'servant'. Taken out of context it could be read in a way that makes you think God created his chosen people to be his personal servants, to serve his needs.
In context and in the original language, the word servant here is really a "title for one who occupies a special position in God's royal administration of the kingdom, as in 'my servant, Moses'." (NIV Study Bible)
Either way you look at it, the Israelites, and now the Gentiles, were chosen to help God implement his plan.
Have you ever been chosen by someone to work on a special project? While the position may require a lot of hard work, it is an honor to be selected. The position requires certain talents and capabilities, and the people pulling it together realize that you have the 'right stuff' to do the job. They trust you, and in return you will do whatever it takes to make the project a success.
In the same way, God selects us to do his work. He knows our abilities better than we do ourselves, and he puts special projects in our way because he trusts us to do a good job. In the process he will strengthen us and hold us up...he wants us to be successful.
What job has God given you today?
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
July 24 - God's Provision
Read John 14:15-21
Context: Jesus has gathered his disciples for his final Passover supper. He has washed their feet, predicted Peters' denial, and he's told them that he will be leaving soon. This is part of the final advice he gave them.
Text:
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's difficult sometimes to feel God's presence. Some days I pray and I don't think my prayers get through the ceiling. Other times it seems as if God must have his answering machine on and I can't leave any messages because the tape is already full. After several days it's easy to let up on praying because it doesn't seem to help.
But God himself has promised that we have the Spirit of truth living in us. The prayers don't have to 'get through' because God already knows what we need. The Spirit will ensure that the message gets through regardless of how we 'feel' about it. We just have to believe.
Of all the gifts God gives, I think his constant presence is the best!
Context: Jesus has gathered his disciples for his final Passover supper. He has washed their feet, predicted Peters' denial, and he's told them that he will be leaving soon. This is part of the final advice he gave them.
Text:
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's difficult sometimes to feel God's presence. Some days I pray and I don't think my prayers get through the ceiling. Other times it seems as if God must have his answering machine on and I can't leave any messages because the tape is already full. After several days it's easy to let up on praying because it doesn't seem to help.
But God himself has promised that we have the Spirit of truth living in us. The prayers don't have to 'get through' because God already knows what we need. The Spirit will ensure that the message gets through regardless of how we 'feel' about it. We just have to believe.
Of all the gifts God gives, I think his constant presence is the best!
Monday, July 23, 2007
July 23 - The God You Can Trust
Since Steve is starting a new Bible study based on Max Lucado's book, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, we'll leave Psalm 119 and move on to verses that relate to our upcoming session.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-9
Context:
Text:
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)
Footnotes:
2 Corinthians 4:6 Gen. 1:3
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it amazing how these words, written almost 2000 years ago, are so true today? Look back at verse 4..."the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." If we look around us, even today we see those who are blind to the truth. They seek it, but they allow themselves to be fooled by meaningless things --- money, fame, stuff.
God is relying on us, we who have His light in our hearts, to share His truth like a lantern shines its light. He could just create a worldwide disaster to get everyone's attention, but instead he chooses to use our earthly experiences to connect with others who need this truth.
But like any flame, we must be sure to feed our lights so they don't grow dim. Studying the Word, prayer, and fellowship are key ingredients so we can shine brightly. So, polish your lantern and let all see the light of God that is in your heart!
Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-9
Context:
Text:
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)
Footnotes:
2 Corinthians 4:6 Gen. 1:3
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it amazing how these words, written almost 2000 years ago, are so true today? Look back at verse 4..."the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." If we look around us, even today we see those who are blind to the truth. They seek it, but they allow themselves to be fooled by meaningless things --- money, fame, stuff.
God is relying on us, we who have His light in our hearts, to share His truth like a lantern shines its light. He could just create a worldwide disaster to get everyone's attention, but instead he chooses to use our earthly experiences to connect with others who need this truth.
But like any flame, we must be sure to feed our lights so they don't grow dim. Studying the Word, prayer, and fellowship are key ingredients so we can shine brightly. So, polish your lantern and let all see the light of God that is in your heart!
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