Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through 2 Corinthians 5-8. Paul explained there is reconciliation to God through Christ and because of this, we are a new creation. This new creation gives us big dreams to do amazing things like dream about amazing discoveries, find cures for diseases, and come up with new ideas for inviting people into God’s family. Nothing can compare to what this new creation can do if we listen, apply, and follow.
Paul face persecution, hardship, and rejection yet remained steadfast toward the purpose of establishing churches. Along the way, we may also face trials. The thing about life is the stress of being able to balance everything we would like to do and still fulfilling the mission God has for us. Therefore, there is a great need to study our priorities; go after first what is most important and then like the domino effect, our items on the task list start to fall one after another until the mission is accomplished.
Paul faced many challenges in establishing the Corinthian church. There was conflict, fear, and depression because he faced opposition and persecution. We face the same challenges today and when faced with a challenge, we need to focus on God. He’s not distant but near and the Holy Spirit links all believers together to meet every challenge.
Church building was a difficult task but Paul received encouragement from his helper Titus and this cheered him up. In the same way, we can offer some encouragement to each other. There is comfort found in the kindness of another person and inspiration from our Creator anytime there is a glorious sunrise, sunset or rainbow.
This day with God, share in the service of the Lord’s people. Giving should be out of the love of the Lord that overflows so that others are blessed. Excel with a desire to share with others. Generously feed souls and ask God to open doors so your treasure accrues in the hearts of many and fulfills a purpose that only God could imagine.
Paul was concerned about how the Corinthian church handled the collection of funds so he established standards of honesty to give a complete account of the use of the money received. He chose people of integrity to administer the church fund and also set up a system of accountability. The song If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli inspires the need for us all to lay our secrets down at the cross and be honest. Mercy is waiting on the other side if we are honest. Integrity sets us free, changes our lives, and is what God wants from you and me.
The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with God amazing!
Questions for Reflection
2 Corinthians 9
What are the principles of giving in this section? In what ways are these principles a reality in your daily experience? What initiates thanksgiving to God?
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
What are the opinion of the people Paul now addresses? What is the war Paul fights and what are the weapons he uses? What or who is the enemy? How can you take every negative thought captive to obey Christ?
2 Corinthians 10:7-18
How does Paul defend himself in response to the men who oppose him at Corinth? Are your words and actions related? In what ways have you built others up recently?
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Who are the enemies of Paul at Corinth? What is Paul’s concern for the Corinthians? What can you do to guard against being deceived by Satan?
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
What kind of people have been boasting to the Corinthians? What have they been boasting about? What are Paul’s qualifications and experiences that allow him to boast about being a courageous servant for Christ? What can you claim to qualify you as a courageous servant of Christ?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 