Shared Power

Shared Power

2 Corinthians 13: This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. “Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses”—as the scripture says. ² I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment. ³ You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you. ⁴ For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.

 

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“Oooo, I’m telling!” were the words of dread from another kid’s mouth. My teasing had turned into vicious put downs, causing him to go and tell on me. Now I was in trouble!

 

• I dreaded having to face consequence.
• I only wanted to be forgiven without needing to endure any penalties.
• I was mad at being told on.

 

Paul clarifies that he doesn’t want twisted stories. Specific sin needed to have two or more witnesses. The sin needed to be clear and not manufactured by one and planted into others. Paul was given the power to cast out demons and do other miraculous things. He shared in the power of JESUS and wanted to be careful when dealing with blatant sin.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave HIS SON to us so we can share in the power that raised HIM from the dead.
• GOD allowed me to be saved and forgiven of all my sins.
• GOD allows other people to bring consequence on me when I blatantly sin against him or her.

 

Forgiveness is wonderful. I mean, all my sins are forgiven?! Wow! BUT GOD doesn’t like sin, not even the smallest. One bite of a piece of fruit took humanity down. That sin doesn’t compare to all the ones I ever committed.

 

GOD does forgive, and HE protects people. HE sees when I do wrong to others and allows consequence to fall on me. I do not like consequence but I understand when GOD wants me corrected. HE also give me the power to restore those who repent. I am glad HE corrects and restores me.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer’s passion?
• What would you do in his situation?
• Do you feel good when someone gets punished?
• Will you seek restoration instead of punishment and allow GOD to own any vengeance today?

You Are Valued

You Are Valued

2 Corinthians 9: ¹² For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. ¹³ And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. ¹⁴ And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you. ¹⁵ Let us thank God for his priceless gift!

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My wife worked all week and went over our parent’s house to help with our sick sister. My sister, brother, kids, nieces and nephew all chipped in to “meet the need.” Every prayer, action and thought is valued by GOD. My other brother and sister visited my parents every day in another state while my sister and I continued to pray vigilantly.

 

• Your service meets the needs of GOD’s people.
• Your prayers produce an outpouring of gratitude to GOD.
• Many will give glory to GOD for your loyalty to the gospel of CHRIST, which you profess.

 

Paul recognizes people are trying their best. Some are carrying heavy loads, seemingly by themselves. They are not doing the service for human accolades, rather for GOD. The wonderful thing about his message is, GOD sees the service and is pleased!

 

My Observations

• GOD is pleased with you and me for anything we do in JESUS name.
• GOD is excited when we recognize HE gave a priceless gift to us by allowing us to murder HIS one and only SON.
• GOD has forgiven us when we believe in the need for JESUS, who was raised from the dead and has the authority to forgive.

 

Trying to be “heard” by humans is tricky. I mean, hidden motives can get in the way of words spoken. BUT GOD sees our actions when we sincerely try to serve others strictly to “meet the need.”

 

HE sees the heart and is excited when we surrender it to HIM so the HOLY SPIRIT can be fed with our praise. I am grateful for my family and glad GOD sees every action they do for HIM.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt overwhelmed and tired?
• Do you feel like things are not going the way you planned?
• Will you look at the excitement in the writers words and know your service is seen by GOD and HE is pleased with you today?

Eating Together on Purpose

Eating Together on Purpose

1 Corinthians 11: ³³ So then, my friends, when you gather together to eat the Lord's Supper, wait for one another. ³⁴ And if any of you are hungry, you should eat at home, so that you will not come under God's judgment as you meet together. As for the other matters, I will settle them when I come.

 

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Summer marked a time when relatives would come over to eat. We would have a spread that was unmatched. Well, at least as far as I knew. It also marked a time when the annual church picnic would happen. Block clubs would spring up and close the streets to allow tables of food to be set up. Meals were full of fun.

 

• I remember eating with a lot of people.
• I remember having fun while I was eating.
• I remember smiles, sharing and laughter around eating.

 

Paul warns everyone to “wait for one another” when eating the LORD”s supper. He also warns those who have a tendency to eat more than their share, to eat at home This gathering should be looked at as a time of togetherness, showing unity in proclaiming the victory JESUS has over death.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to slow down and eat with people.
• GOD wants me to wait on others to celebrate JESUS when they “get there.”
• GOD wants me to eat only my portion and save some for everyone else.

 

Being with people seems to be important to GOD. But sometimes I look at the LORD’s supper as functional. I mean, I attend church and eat the symbolic meal at the right time, but do I know anyone else? Do people know me and what I am going through?

 

Slowing down to eat a meal brings people together to talk, celebrate and proclaim who JESUS is in our lives. HE wants us to come together on purpose.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the assumption “when you gather together?”
• What fond memories do you have around meals?
• What ways are you “eating too much” and possibly bringing GOD’s judgment on yourself?
• Will you seek celebrating togetherness in CHRIST with others today?