Category: II Corinthians

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Giving with Joy

What is it that gives you joy? I mean, what do you really like to do?

I love to cook, bake, be in the kitchen and I love to share what I make with others. It’s what I do. So as a byproduct, I love to have people in our home – not really entertaining, but just making people feel welcome and comfortable.

I also love sharing the Word with you. There are a few mornings I would like to sleep in a bit but those are very few and far between.

This morning Paul is talking to the Christians in Corinth about what they love to do. Give.

” Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give. 8 And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“He gives generously to the poor; his goodness will continue forever.”

10 God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness. 11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God…They will praise God because you freely share with them and with all people. 14 And when they pray, they will wish they could be with you. They will feel this way because of the great grace that God gave you. 15 Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful to describe.” II Corinthians 9:7-15 ERV

Giving should be done because we love to do it not because someone has made we feel guilty or coerced us into it. When we give from what we have we bless others and bring glory to God.

Our gift is a seed that brings a harvest and provides more for future giving. Don’t begrudge the size of the gift. To someone who has nothing, a gift of a $1 is great; to someone with little, an extra $10 seems like a fortune.

I remember a time when we had $2.38 in our checking account and the bank we used charged a $2 monthly service fee. After church another couple asked us to go to lunch. We started to hesitate and they quickly said “our treat”. What a blessing! It meant we ate that day.

I remember another time we were given a freezer full of ground beef by a local dairyman. We had more than our freezer could hold so I called a few people to see if they would like some beef. I wanted to share our blessing.

I called one friend and she was nearly in tears. I put some meat in the car and headed to her place. She had been praying for meat for dinner, so we were both blessed by a gift and blessed by giving.

Let the Lord show you what you have to give and then if He prompts you, give it from a cheerful heart.

God has given us SO much it’s a joy to give to others on His behalf!!

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Always and Forever

Yesterday I shared with you a few verses on the Father’s character that NEVER change. Today I want us to look at a few that are ALWAYS the same.

Realizing that God has chosen to hold Himself accountable to His word gives me such tremendous confidence in the Lord. He will ALWAYS keep His word.

Just this morning I was reading in the Psalms and saw this verse:

“The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:17-18 CEV

This ties in with the verses we read yesterday from I Corinthians 13. Love, God, is never jealous or rude. There is also an always verse in I Corinthians 13.

“Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!” I Corinthians 13:7-8 CEV

One of the last things Jesus told his disciples before He ascended back into heaven was this:

” Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 CEV

I will be with you always is a promise without an end date. Always means exactly that – always.

Just a couple more before I end my thoughts on the Father’s unchangeable character.

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Now, that’s a lot to process. ALWAYS kind, always supportive, always with us and always leading us to victory!

“Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:6 CEV

Forever and always our heavenly Father’s love will not fail.

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Prayers of Comfort

Let’s take a moment to pray for those in Texas who were devastated by the flooding river yesterday. The devil seeks to destroy wherever he can.

“Father, we pray for those who lost loved ones in the flood yesterday. We pray for those who are still uncounted for and the those looking for them. Give them strength, give them comfort and give them hope. In the name of Jesus.”

I started with this blog by asking if everyone had a good 4th and then the Lord reminded me that not everyone did. Our hearts join their hearts. Mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who are in need of comfort.

“I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning 19  start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace.” Isaiah 57:18-19 CEV

“The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn, 3  especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts.” Isaiah 61:1-3 CEV

“ Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble. 5 We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. ” II Corinthians 2:3-5 CEV

Be aware of those who need comfort today. Share a hug, a word, a prayer. Share the love of God.

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Kindness & Peace

Today many of us will be with family and friends, celebrating the birth of our nation, the day of Independence.

Independence from what the founding fathers felt was a tyrannical king who inflicted laws and taxation that seemed unfair. Independence to worship as they pleased. Independence to govern their own new country.

I declare to be a personal day of independence. To be free from anger and malice, from bitterness and self-doubt. To be free to show kindness and experience peace. The right to know the love of God and to share it with those who feel downtrodden.

“Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.” Galatians 5:1 CEV

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

Kindness and peace – just the mention of these two words brings comfort! It’s not hard to imagine peace on a quiet morning when the birds are singing.

Kindness. A gentle smile, a helping hand, someone washing the dishes, an encouraging hug or just the simple act of holding a door or help in carrying a package.

Our heavenly Father brings peace and kindness into our lives. That’s who He is and what He does. I started reading in II Corinthians this morning and Paul makes it plain from the start that this is what God brings to our lives.

“I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.” II Corinthains 1:2-3 CEV

Today, I desire to see through the Father’s eyes and bring comfort, spread peace and show kindness. I desire to see others declare their independence and freedom in Christ.

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Lessons from the Sea

For those of us who love the sea, the Lord has a lesson for you on His faithfulness.

When we went to Greece we would spend each evening sitting on the balcony listening to the waves as we watched the sunset. Then each morning we would walk the seashore as the sun rose in the sky.

It was a beautiful way to start and end each day. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The sunrise and sunset, the ebb and flow of the tide. It’s been happening like that since the beginning of time.

God is faithful.

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place,
 and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal. 3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic, but you are even more majestic, and you rule over all.
5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93 CEV

The Lord has proven His faithfulness through His creation. His word is filled with His unchangeable promises.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“Christ says “Yes” to all God’s promises. This is why we have Christ to say “Amen” for us to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEV

“The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4  and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.” Psalm 103:3-4 CEV

“I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. 8 You, Lord, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don’t give up on us now!” Psalm 138:7-8 CEV

Each time you are at the sea or are picturing it in your mind remember God’s faithfulness. Let every sunrise and sunset be a reminder that God always treats you with kindness and His love never fails.

Nature is here as a testimony of God’s goodness and grace!

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Mighty Warrior

Those words are meant to describe each one of us. Retired or student, homemaker or executive, tall or short, degree or GED – our personal accomplishments or lack thereof are not what qualify us as mighty warriors.

Gideon was a man of no acclaim. Society didn’t recognize him as someone who was most likely to succeed or lead in local government. In fact, his family was the least important in his village and he was the last son of the last son on his family tree.

The Israelites had been under attack from the Midianites. At harvest, the Midianites would sweep in and steal their wheat crop, leaving them to starve. But God…

Gideon was threshing wheat in a pit when the Lord came to him. He was trying to conceal his actions from the Midianites. He was hiding. Not quite the actions you would expect to be taken by a mighty man of valor.

“The Midianites took almost everything that belonged to the Israelites, and the Israelites begged the Lord for help…One day an angel from the Lord went to the town of Ophrah and sat down under the big tree that belonged to Joash, a member of the Abiezer clan. Joash’s son Gideon was nearby, threshing grain in a shallow pit, where he could not be seen by the Midianites. 12 The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, ‘The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.’” Judges 6:6-12 CEV

The Father sees all of us where we are, looks at our hearts and calls us to be courageous. It’s not by our own efforts or talents but by His ability. He simply wants us to be available to do what He asks.

“ Gideon answered, ‘Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.’

14 Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.'” Judges 6:13-14 CEV

Please note, the Lord didn’t chastise Gideon for asking questions. Instead, He reaffirmed His plan.

The Lord says the same thing to us.

“ Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“Nothing is impossible for God!” Luke 1:37 CEV

“ God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

Whether you are putting on your work boots and jeans, or flip flops and shorts you are a mighty warrior. Our heavenly Father has called each of us to a specific purpose, He will not abandon or desert us.

Get going mighty warrior, face the day and let God provide you with power!

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Under Construction

I don’t know about you, but I really like those shows on TV that renovate, remodel and repurpose old things. It could be the home improvement shows, antique restoration or the shows that reclaim the discarded and broken down.

Yep, that’s me!

As I watch those shows I can see what Christ has done in me and for me. I was used up, almost destroyed, broken down and then Jesus reclaimed my life, cleaned me up and gave me purpose!

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” II Corinthians 5:17 CEV

Old things, the past, were gone and life became new! I was a “fixer-upper”, but I’ve been renovated and made completely new.

“I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so that you can do what he wants. God is the one who raised from death our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of his sheep. He raised him because Jesus sacrificed his blood to begin the new agreement that never ends. I pray that God will work through Jesus Christ to do the things in us that please him. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 ERV

Lord let me look at others the way You see me. I don’t want to see their broken windows, the holes in their floors, the walls that are battered but instead I want to see who they are and what they will become once You’ve finished the remodel. In Jesus name.

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Time to Bloom

This weekend I had two plants that needed my attention. One was a poinsettia from Christmas and the other a hyacinth from about 6 weeks ago. Both need a time to go dormant before they will bloom again.

They are now tucked away in a dry and dark place, resting, waiting for their time to grow and bloom again.

Last night we had a good soaking rain. I love the smell of rain in the desert! It smells like life. The desert, like my poinsettia and hyacinth, has a season when it looks like everything is dead or dying but when the rains come, it blooms.

Life can be like that.

Dry, dormant, seemingly lifeless. Void of color and fragrance. But don’t lose hope, don’t give up.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace. When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing. All the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where there were thornbushes. Myrtle trees will grow where there were weeds. All this will happen to make the Lord known, to be a permanent reminder of his goodness and power.” Isaish 55:10-13 ERV

God’s word brings life – joy and peace. Its seed filled with promise and God’s promises are eternal.

“God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness. 11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God.” II Corinthians 9:10-11 ERV

It may seem like you’ve been going through a dry spell; it may have been dark and unprotective, but I encourage you to let God’s word reign in your heart.

When God blesses us with a harvest, we can share with others and because of our generosity people will give thanks to God.

Get ready for a harvest. It’s time to bloom!

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Mighty to Change

Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.

That’s the start of a children’s action song that we sang when I was a little girl in Sunday School. It started a train of thoughts this morning about God’s ability to bring about mighty changes in our lives.

“The Changed Life of Zaccheus

19 Jesus went on to the city of Jericho and was passing through it. 2 There was a rich man named Zaccheus. He was a leader of those who gathered taxes. 3 Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus but he could not because so many people were there and he was a short man. 4 He ran ahead and got up into a sycamore tree to see Him. Jesus was going by that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw Zaccheus. He said, “Zaccheus, come down at once. I must stay in your house today.” 6 At once he came down and was glad to have Jesus come to his house. 7 When the people saw it, they began to complain among themselves. They said, “He is going to stay with a man who is known to be a sinner.”

8 Zaccheus stood up and said to the Lord, “Lord, see! Half of what I own I will give to poor people. And if I have taken money from anyone in a wrong way, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today, a person has been saved in this house. This man is a Jew also. 10 For the Son of Man came to look for and to save from the punishment of sin those who are lost.” Luke 19:1-9 NLV

Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus – everyone had but he hadn’t seen Him. He was curious, he wanted to see what this teacher and miracle worker looked like. I don’t think he went thinking that Jesus would change his life. The woman with the issue of blood did that; she knew she needed to touch Jesus to receive her healing. The man with the daughter on the verge of death knew he needed to get Jesus to come to his house and touch his daughter or she would die. But Zacchaeus just wanted to see Jesus, who was this man?

However, being face-to-face with Jesus, eating with Him, talking with Him effected a marvelous change. A once greedy and dishonest man went through a complete metamorphosis in one afternoon.

Jesus didn’t demand that Zaccheus give back money he had taken wrongfully. We don’t have any evidence that Jesus even mentioned his shady business dealings. Yet, it happened.

“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun.” II Corinthians 5:17 NLV

Belonging to Christ brings change. Change in our attitudes, change in our perspective, change in our character and in our lifestyle. Greed is replaced by gratitude, fear gives place to faith. Kindness occupies the space that cruelty had dominated. Love lives where self-centeredness stayed.

Like a caterpillar our lives are transformed by the power of God’s love!

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Living Water

Years ago, we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry. The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle.

One afternoon the dogs put us on alert and when we looked out our windows, this is what we saw. A cow moose and her twins had wandered into our yard in search of water. Our sprinklers were running, and they provided the much-needed water. After they drank their fill, they rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first, she was very cautious, looking about after every sip and then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.

Are you thirsty for God? Thirsty enough to “search” outside your comfort zone? To be willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and to find the answers you need in God’s word?

God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. Ruth left all and followed after Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child that put her in the line of descendants of Christ. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to seek Jesus and His word.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2

When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He gives us so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

Jesus ministered to a multitude at the temple during the Festival of Tents. The religious leaders were so bothered by His teaching that they sent the temple police to arrest Him.

” On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38  Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

God has been misrepresented for years. Everything from “God’s going to get you for that” or that He will send lightning bolts from heaven, you better watch out.

God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him we will find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19.

Someone needs to know today that God isn’t mad at you!

He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide. Seek for Him like that momma moose sought out the life-giving water – you will find all you need in Him.

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