Paul

August 16th – 2 Corinthians 6:10

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2 Corinthians 6:10

There is no greater example of finding joy in the midst of suffering than the apostle Paul. He was rejected, beaten, stoned, deserted, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Yet through it all, he rejoiced. For Paul was a servant of God, and he knew that the sufferings of this world are nothing compared to the joy awaiting him. (Romans 8:18) We too are servants of God. And as such, we can have that same deep and lasting joy during our greatest times of sorrow. How? By living our lives from an eternal perspective instead of a worldly one. An eternal perspective frees us from chasing fleeting pursuits of fame, fortune, and power.  Because through Christ, we have already everything we need and more. And an eternal perspective reminds us that we can endure anything because God’s Spirit dwells within us empowering, sustaining, and loving us every step of the way.

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August 14th – 2 Corinthians 12:10

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2 Corinthians 12:10

Human nature tells us that when others hurt, persecute, or insult us, we need to retaliate. To give just as good as we get. But Jesus says that as Christians we don’t follow the fray. And we should rejoice especially when suffering for Him, for it is one of the greatest blessings we can receive. Look at the apostle Paul. He experienced much tribulation for his faith. Yet he was content with the horrible things he suffered. Why? Because Paul knew that it was when he was at his weakest, he could feel the power of God the strongest. That’s the amazing blessing God speaks of. The blessing of peace and even joy when facing suffering. For in our own strength we are easily defeated. But when we rest in God’s, nothing is impossible. We can face whatever the world throws at us in perfect contentment knowing no matter the trial, the grace Jesus gives us is sufficient for everything we face.

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August 5th – Romans 8:37

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Romans 8:37

Paul makes it clear in no uncertain terms that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No trial, sorrow, persecution, circumstance, and not death itself can severe the bond we have with Jesus. Through Him we are the victors. Mighty conquerors who can claim victory over sin and Satan himself through the blood of the Lamb. And even greater still, Paul says we are more than conquerors. To be more than conquerors means that not only do we triumph over the Enemy, the painful tribulations we suffer are used by God for our benefit. Our Father in His love for us, uses all things, especially the hard times, to work together for good. (Rom. 8:28) What Satan plans for our demise, God uses to deepen our dependency on Him and to strengthen our faith, allowing us to win every battle that comes against us, through Christ’s love, making our victory even sweeter.

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The Grace In Which We Stand – Romans 3-5

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Romans 3-5

The book of Romans is one of my favorites. To me it’s the most beautiful letter Paul wrote. And I often find myself turning to its chapters when I’m feeling particularly unlovable and unworthy of God; His love, and His blessings. About the book Martin Luther wrote, “Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.“ …

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July 30th – Romans 8:21

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Romans 8:21

We aren’t the only ones suffering from the bondage of sin. Paul says that all of creation groans in pain under the curses of God. Curses resulting from the fall of man. Because of the sin of Adam, none escaped God’s punishment. Not even His own perfect creation. It too was put under the consequences of sin, resulting in frustration, suffering, and death. And now, like us, the whole creation cries out with a deep longing for the day when Christ returns. The day when our glorious Bridegroom comes for His bride, and all of God’s children are revealed in glory. When all patience and hope will be rewarded, and both man and creation will be set free. Corruption is ended, there will be peace on earth, and God’s creation is restored to its original glory!

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July 29th – 1 Corinthians 9:19

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1 Corinthians 9:19

As soon as we receive Jesus as our Savior, the chains of bondage, sin, and death are broken. We are free, no longer under the power of the Enemy, nor any man. So why would we ever want to return to slavery? Yet that’s exactly what the apostle Paul did. Only instead of being a slave to the world, Paul eagerly became a slave to Jesus. This meant answering the call God put on his life. The same call He gives to each of us. To spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. And in order to do this, Paul became all things to all people. That means he met people wherever they were in life. Paul preached to those from all walks of life and backgrounds, foregoing traditions and comforts to share the gospel. But one thing Paul didn’t do. He didn’t compromise His morals, or the Word of God. He was careful that while going into the world to tell everyone about Jesus, he didn’t become worldly himself. And neither should we.

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July 28th – Ephesians 2:8

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Ephesians 2:8

We’ve all heard the phrase, nothing in life is free. And it’s true. Everything must be paid for. And so it is with salvation. Eternal life is a gift from God, and one He offers freely to all. Yet although this gift costs us nothing, God paid the bill with His own blood. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a Cross of wood to provide to us His gift of love. A gift we ourselves can never  purchase nor earn, and one more precious than silver or gold. And all we have to do to get this gift is simply to believe. For when we truly believe that Jesus is Lord, and receive Him as our Savior, because our faith, through the amazing grace of God, He extends to us His gift of everlasting life. That’s how much God loves us! And because He wants us with Him for eternity, He gave everything to make it happen. So if you haven’t yet, I urge you to open your heart to Him, and receive the greatest gift you will ever be offered!

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July 25th – Romans 13:8

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Romans 13:8

Freedom from debt is an exhilarating feeling. And owing nothing to a creditor or the taxman is a liberation that God wants for each of us. But there is one debt that we owe and can never fully pay off. And that is the debt of loving each other. Every day we wake up owing this debt. And every day is an opportunity to pay on it. God takes this debt so seriously, that in the Bible from start to finish, He gives the commandment to love one another. So if we are followers of Jesus and are truly becoming transformed into His image and likeness, we need to be faithful in paying our debt. That means loving others as God does. For the very foundation of Christianity is love. And in one of the greatest acts of love, God became flesh and allowed Himself to be nailed to a Cross to pay our debt. And out of hearts of obedience and thankfulness, we too need to follow His example of selflessness and let love for others be the guiding light in all that we do.

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July 24th – 1 Corinthians 16:13

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1 Corinthians 16:13

In closing his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives some sage advice to all believers. Be on the alert, stand firm, grow up, and be strong. Why? Because the freedom we enjoy through Jesus can quickly be snatched away if we aren’t on guard. Awareness of what’s going on around us keeps us from slipping back into bondage. And keeping a watchful eye on ourselves, our families, and our world, protects us from the tricks of the Enemy. Next Paul tells us to stand firm in our faith. Spending time with God and in His Word gives us everything we need to arm ourselves against false teachers and false doctrines. It also keeps us growing and maturing in our spiritual walk with the Lord. Finally, Paul says to be strong. And we stand the strongest when we give our weakness to God. Through Him we can overcome any temptation, any attack, and any deception!

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July 19th – 1 Corinthians 3:3

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1 Corinthians 3:3

In his letter to the Corinthians Paul teaches that there are two types of believers. One he calls spiritual Christians, and the other carnal, or fleshly Christians. Both have been given freedom through Jesus Christ. Yet it is only the spiritual Christian who exercises this freedom by walking in obedience to God. The spiritual Christian knows the flesh produces nothing good, and submits to the work of the Holy Spirit in order to spiritually grow. Sadly, the carnal Christian is still stuck in bondage, a slave to the flesh.  A carnal Christian survives on mere “spiritual milk” instead of the soul filling, meaty Word of God. They are anchored to their worldly ways, never maturing in faith. God never wants to see us so easily set aside the freedom that cost Him so much. So out of hearts of thankfulness, may we each strive to grow in both grace and knowledge of the Lord. And may our walk with Him never be at a stand still or a step backward.

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