Lesson of Loving Your Neighbor and Forgiveness

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Mark Shields

False teachers had invaded the Corinthian church and tried to turn the people against Paul by saying he was insincere, fickle, and indecisive. They accused Paul of not sticking to his plans to visit them but Paul refrained from going to Corinth in person because the timing was not right. Reading in 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, he decided to try and set things right using correspondence first so that a personal visit would be one of joy with a positive spirit among them.

Paul recommends that the Corinthian church forgive and comfort those who have offended. There will be disagreement at times and it is during these times that leaders of a church should not try to control their people but rather seek to help them grow. To take care of disagreement in neighborly love and forgive the person so in unity they could continue to spread the Gospel.

From this incident, Paul teaches the need to confront wrongdoings with love and concern. He emphasized that 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.

Those of faith accept what Christ did on the Cross. Photo taken 06/04/2018 at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the lesson learned. In making decisions throughout life, we are grateful for the lessons learned from the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and the lessons learned from experiences. Help us today to follow Your way and obey. In Jesus name, amen.

 

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Rejoice for Today

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Mark Shields

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

As pointed out in the post “Big Plans”, every arrangement in life may not have worked out but as in the song Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster, we can rejoice for today and be glad in it. There is no need to worry because we stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart. This resource is only a deposit securing what is to come. 
 

 

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Big Plans

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Mark Shields

The greatest factor for Paul that governed his conduct as explained in 2 Corinthians 1:12-23 was to follow the Lord. He had to change a few plans but human plans in life are just that … a plan. On the other hand, the plans God has for all of us are bigger. They are plans set in stone, solid as a rock, and plans that assure victory.

We may worry about things because as we get older, we take on responsibilities and things we do today may not create known problems until years in the future. But one thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future; by accepting Christ as Savior, things only get better. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day.

Today, we can learn from the past but cast our worries 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 are allowed to stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart.

This day with You Lord, we worship Your holy name. We look up at the sky and see more stars than we can count. You can bless us with more joys than stars. Even in difficulty, we can smile because Your plans for the future are bigger than our difficulty and You will provide what is needed or friends to help. We can only imagine what is in store for the future. Amen.

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Comforted

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Mark Shields

The Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. – Isaiah 49:13 

Even if having a tough day, you can go to the Lord in prayer for comfort. You can start fresh with a new perspective because the love of Jesus restores so you can go from a place of brokenness to a place in life with laughter, joy, and peace as pointed out in the post “Desolation to Restoration”.

In difficulty, you can have confidence in God to lend a hand. As in the song Lift Me Up by The Afters, you may fall down in life but God’s love will lift you up. There may be mistakes made along the journey but God’s love will bring comfort and set you back on the right path for an improved future. 
 

 

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Desolation to Restoration

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, Paul and Timothy are writing to the church at Corinth about God giving comfort during trials of life. Ever since original sin going back to the time of Adam and Eve, the human race has endured difficulty but because of Christ we can go from desolation to restoration.

When faced with difficulty or stress, we can go to the Lord in prayer and ask to be lifted up. God will provide the resources needed to get through anything. One resource given is scripture when poise is needed during stressful situations like talking in front of an audience, taking an exam or going through a medical procedure.

Prayer and memorized scripture give us confidence that God is actively involved in our life and circumstances. We must accept the fact that we live in a broken world and there are just so many circumstances outside our control but our confidence in God will affect our attitude today. He’s big enough to make sure the unpleasant things going on right now in our life will be worked out.

This day with You Lord, we have confidence that You will get us through anything. Just as history teaches about Jerusalem in ruins and in need of restoration, our lives can need restoration. We are thankful that Jesus restores us so we can go from a place of brokenness to a place in life full of laughter, joy, and peace. On top of that Lord, our experiences can help us comfort others who go through similar struggles. We ask for opportunities to comfort others today. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

 

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