Each new day is a gift of renewal with amazing power because Christ has paid for all sins. In one cataclysmic moment, all wrong-doing is wiped clean and we have access through prayer to the ONE who has all the answers to our questions.
Over the last few weeks, we have received answers to many questions as we study God’s word. Even if having a tough day, we can go to the Lord in prayer for comfort. We can start fresh with a new perspective because the love of Jesus restores so we can go from a place of brokenness to a place in life with laughter, joy, and peace.
Today, we can learn from the past and cast our worries about the future aside. We can find joy in the present and look forward to a bright future forever free of what holds us back. As we relate to others, we can be optimistic because by the grace of God we possess the Spirit in our heart which is only a deposit securing what is to come.
Saving grace is not something earned but something accepted. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. The lessons learned in God’s word and the experiences of life can be documented. Much like a lake that collects rain water, we can collect a reservoir of thoughts and ideas from our life over time to be used in the decisions we make.
Over the last few weeks, learned is that each changed heart was a letter of recommendation from Christ to qualify Paul as a minister of God’s word. In the same way, the knowledge of God can multiply because of our character. The way we treat others, what we say to others, and how we encourage and affirm others.
So many obstacles may be put in our way along the journey. Impossible deadlines at work, trying to grasp a hard subject in school, bad relationships, uncontrollable anger, or poor health are just a few examples. The Good News is that we have the power that works within. With this power, we can passionately believe in what we are doing and feel confident that nothing can hold us up in our work. We can be optimistic because one day at a time, the impossible will become possible!
The gospel sheds light on the glory of Christ who is the image of God. The light shines out of darkness into our hearts and overflows into the world around us. Like Paul, we may go through discouragement and hardship but because of Jesus in our heart, we have an all-surpassing power to handle the difficulties faced and finish strong.
The reading plan below will be used 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
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2 Corinthians 5:11-19
How does the fact of being known by God substantiate Paul’s boldness? What is the new creation? What are three attitudes or types of activities that reflect what you know of the new creation?
2 Corinthians 5:20 through 6:10
What are Paul’s actions which commend him being an ambassador of God? What are the qualities Paul exhibited during his trials? What trials have you experienced? To what extent have you endured?
2 Corinthians 6:11 through 7:4
What is Paul’s desire for the Corinthian Christians? What does he expect of them? Why is it difficult to please God while united improperly to an unbeliever?
2 Corinthians 7:5-16
What should be your attitude in suffering and grief to experience profitable character building? How has God comforted you through another person? How can you comfort others in your relationships at work, school, or home?
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
What is the motivation for giving? What principles do you use as a guide for godly giving? What principles could improve your approach to giving?
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
What is Paul’s concern in administering such a large fund? What are the qualifications of the three delegates Paul sends to the Corinthians for the task of collection of funds? What standards of honesty do you have for those handling other people’s money?
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.
“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/>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
