Promises Kept

Promises Kept

2 Corinthians 1: ¹⁵ I was so sure of all this that I made plans at first to visit you, in order that you might be blessed twice. ¹⁶ For I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and again on my way back, in order to get help from you for my trip to Judea. ¹⁷ In planning this, did I appear fickle? When I make my plans, do I make them from selfish motives, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? ¹⁸ As surely as God speaks the truth, my promise to you was not a “Yes” and a “No.” ¹⁹ For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was preached among you by Silas, Timothy, and myself, is not one who is “Yes” and “No.” On the contrary, he is God's “Yes”; ²⁰ for it is he who is the “Yes” to all of God's promises. This is why through Jesus Christ our “Amen” is said to the glory of God.

 

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“I will call you” and “I will pray for you” and “I will be there on time” are words I threw around with well-meaning intent. But sometimes, life got in the way of me keeping those words. My reliability was not quite where it needed to be.

 

• I was saying “Yes” and “No” at the same time.
• I was not dependable with something valuable and important.
• I was fickle.

 

Paul was so sure that the people he wrote to had an amazing relationship with JESUS, that he planned to visit them twice. Once on his way to Macedonia and again on the way back. He then explains the importance of keeping promises. He explains that JESUS “is” the one and only “Yes” to all of GOD’s promises.

 

My Observations

• GOD has already kept HIS promises HE made for me.
• GOD gave me eternal life and has solidified it with a promise through JESUS CHRIST.
• GOD said “Yes” to me by giving me HIS SON as a special gift, just for me.

 

Making plans is only as good as the ability to keep the plan. I mean, I can say “I plan to” all day long, BUY GOD is the only one who can say “I will” and mean it. Nothing can stop GOD’s plan and the promises HE made to all humans has already been kept.

 

HE promised to save humanity and HE already did this. There is nothing left for HIM to do. We can focus our attention on praising HIM, even when we cannot keep our small promises. I am grateful GOD is faithful and has kept ALL of HIS promises for me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appear sensitive about keeping promises?
• How do you feel when someone does not keep their promise to you?
• Can you praise GOD for always keeping HIS promises and for HIS relationship with you that is loving and pursuing towards you today?

Complete Understanding

Complete Understanding

2 Corinthians 1: ¹² We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom. ^13-14 We write to you only what you can read and understand. But even though you now understand us only in part, I hope that you will come to understand us completely, so that in the Day of our Lord Jesus you can be as proud of us as we shall be of you.

 

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When I become a parent, I will correct the list of complaints I had against my parents. But then I became one and got “complete understanding.” When I am the boss I will change how things are done. But I became one and things did not go as I thought. But now I had “complete understanding.” Running a business will be easy is what I said until I ran one and it wasn’t so easy. But now I had complete understanding.

 

Paul send his letter with a caveat. He did not include some of the stuff that would be hard to understand. Luke wrote about Paul being bit by a venomous snake and remaining alive. Paul did not write this about himself and did not include many other miracles he witnessed or performed. He knew his focus was not to point to himself, but JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be ruled by HIS holiness.
• GOD wants me to be as sincere as I can when I speak about HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I will not have “complete understanding” until HE transforms me to HIS true creation.

 

Confusion seems to be the norm during this life. I mean, when one person says “the truth”, another comes along to refute what was said. Human brawls increase rips in families, neighborhoods and communities. Disunity increases. Slander undermines the ability to help.

 

BUT GOD completely understands and has given us only a tiny revelation of HIMSELF. JESUS spent a little time being human and was tempted in every way a human could be tempted. HE died and was raised from the dead. HE has all authority. I am glad HE has complete understanding and wants to share it with me.

 

Challenge

• Has anyone ever questioned how and what you do without having complete understanding?
• Have you ever questioned GOD or complained about HIS plan for your life?
• Will you step back from the current situation and know GOD has complete understanding over your situation and has already added HIS love to it just for you?

Reliance

 

Reliance

2 Corinthians 1: ⁸ We want to remind you, friends, of the trouble we had in the province of Asia. The burdens laid upon us were so great and so heavy that we gave up all hope of staying alive. ⁹ We felt that the death sentence had been passed on us. But this happened so that we should rely, not on ourselves, but only on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again, ¹¹ as you help us by means of your prayers for us. So it will be that the many prayers for us will be answered, and God will bless us; and many will raise their voices to him in thanksgiving for us.

 

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Huge tractor trailer trucks and speeding cars were the norm on this stretch of road. Our car was relatively new and we wanted to take it on a road trip. It was raining so I slowed down to just a little over the speed limit. I hit a large puddle and lost control of the car for a moment. We spun around in an almost complete circle, leaving us in perpendicular, blocking all lanes. No one hit us and we did not hit anything.

 

• This was nothing short of a miracle that we are still alive.
• When the danger hit, it seemed like there was nothing I could do but pray “Help LORD!”
• This deliverance has helped me remember where to put my reliance years after the incident.

 

Paul gives some startling news about the near death situations that happened on their trip. They had given up hope, BUT GOD saved them and showed HIS ability to protect when there seemed to be no way out.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS power, not mine.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS plan not mine.
• GOD wants me to wait on HIS time, HIS way and HIS will.

 

Relying on my skills or someone else’s is futile. I mean, whatever a human can do or say is useless compared to what GOD can and will do. All situations, no matter how bleak, must go before HIM. HE knows when death asks to have me and so far the answer has been “No!”

 

HE gives me another chance to speak about JESUS to at least one more person. HE also provides me with many people, who have face danger, to pray for me and I for them. I am glad HE listens to prayers of thanksgiving.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writers excitement for being alive?
• Who does the writer give credit to?
• Will you reduce your reliance on yourself and others today; and increase your reliance on GOD, who raises the dead?

Share in the Help

Share in the Help

1 Corinthians 17: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! ⁴ He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ Just as we have a share in Christ's many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God's great help. ⁶ If we suffer, it is for your help and salvation; if we are helped, then you too are helped and given the strength to endure with patience the same sufferings that we also endure. ⁷ So our hope in you is never shaken; we know that just as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the help we receive.

 

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Being out of work made me worry about everything. I had never been out of work before and my total dependence was on “my” salary and self-esteem was tied into “my” title. I sat in a group of out of work people at a church.

 

“Help other people” was the message. “Wait! I need help” I thought to myself. I volunteered at a food pantry and helped others get jobs. I found peace that didn’t make sense.

 

• I had lost sight of other people suffering.
• I had fallen into the trap of working so hard that I could not see people who needed help.
• I had forgotten that I had nothing, at one point, and was given much.

 

Paul reminds everyone that GOD the FATHER provides the help. This is a different perspective than GOD the Punisher. Paul then explains that since we get help from the FATHER, we are supposed to help others. But when we suffer, others should help us.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see other people in need, even when I am in need.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE provides all help that I receive and give.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM for any help I have received by helping someone else and being glad about it.

 

GOD sees me in good times and bad. HE knows when my heart is in anguish and when it is elated. HE knows when to send me to someone or when I need help from others.

 

The FATHER rarely gets credit for wanting to help. I mean, sometimes I think that if I broke HIS rules, HE is ready to hit me on the head with a supernatural stick. The FATHER loves. I am grateful to receive HIS help.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about GOD the FATHER?
• Do you sometimes think you are being punished more than you are being loved?
• Can you help someone in the middle of your pain?
• Wil you share where help comes from by receiving help or giving it and praying for those who suffer in the same way you are suffering today?

Well Wishes

Well Wishes

2 Corinthians From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and from our brother Timothy—

To the church of God in Corinth, and to all God's people throughout Achaia:

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Not looking forward to being around this group of people, I thought of previous encounters that were uncomfortable. I remembered the negativity, so I braced myself, preparing for battle. It really ruined my day.

 

• I do not like confrontation.
• I do not like negative atmospheres.
• I do not like preparing for battles that seem endless.

 

Paul sent another letter to the Corinthians. This time he had help from Timothy as GOD spoke through their relationship. Paul mentions that it was GOD’s will that he became an apostle, not his. He was getting ready to provide further correction but starts off with an unusual method. He wishes “grace and peace.”

 

My Observations

• JESUS died for me so when HE was raised, HE could send the HOLY SPIRIT to give me grace and peace.
• The FATHER agreed to lose HIS one and only SON to save me and give me grace and peace.
• The HOLY SPIRIT agreed to live inside me, despising every moment I sin, yet begs for my forgiveness so I can have grace and peace.

 

A LOT has been given to me already. I mean GOD gave me HIS all. Yet sometimes, that is not enough. I say “Thanks for salvation, but where are my riches and fame?’ I may not say them in those words, but my actions could speak volumes each time I complain  about famous people or worry about finances.

 

GOD is GOD. HE alone is the provider of grace and peace. HE gave a specific way for me to have both, namely to accept HIS gift and believe in JESUS as the Savior. It doesn’t stop there. I also need to surrender the things I “think” I need and be thankful for what GOD provides. I am grateful GOD chose me when I would never choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer?
• Do you think he cared for the people he wrote to?
• When you are ready to combat someone, do you “care” for that person?
• Will you change your mind about “those” people and stop making it easy to dislike someone who GOD wants you to love?

Welcomed and Recognized

Welcomed and Recognized

1 Corinthians 16: ¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you their greetings; Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their house send warm Christian greetings. ²⁰ All the believers here send greetings.

Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

²¹ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul.

²² Whoever does not love the Lord—a curse on him!

Marana tha—Our Lord, come!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

 

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“Come in! Grab a plate and sit anywhere!” were words that made me feel welcome. I wasn’t sure about this group. I had played some words of doubt in my mind. “What if I don’t know anyone there?” And “What will I say?” And “What if I am alone, will I stand out as an embarrassment?” I went to the gathering despite my shy thoughts.

 

• I had been laughed at in the past.
• I had been places where I wasn’t welcome and was made to feel less than the other guests.
• I had gone places alone and was left alone by other people.

 

Paul completes his letter with a warm greeting. He sent a greeting from many people and reminded everyone to do the same. Greeting means welcomed and recognized. One important recognition he sent in his greeting was that of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be intentional with making people feel welcome.
• GOD wants me to send words of peace to those I meet.
• GOD wants me to recognize when another human is in proximity to me, even if it is with a smile.

 

Feeling welcome and recognized makes me relax for a moment. I mean the world has me ready for a fight and I gather information for combat. BUT GOD wants peace. HE wants me to receive peace and give it whenever I can.

 

Greeting doesn’t need to be robotic like a large grocery store chain. It can be heartfelt and loving, especially when the purpose is to provide the love of JESUS. I greet all who read this and send my love to you in CHRIST JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel when reading the words of greeting from the writer?
• How do you make people feel welcome and recognized?
• Will you be genuine with your desire to greet people for the purpose of spreading the love of JESUS today?

Courage to Use Cheer

 Courage to Use Cheer

1 Corinthians 16: ¹³ Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. ¹⁴ Do all your work in love.

 

¹⁵ You know about Stephanas and his family; they are the first Christian converts in Achaia and have given themselves to the service of God's people. I beg you, my friends, ¹⁶ to follow the leadership of such people as these, and of anyone else who works and serves with them.

 

¹⁷ I am happy about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; they have made up for your absence ¹⁸ and have cheered me up, just as they cheered you up. Such men as these deserve notice.

 

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“Knock, knock” was the surprising opening greeting upon meeting this person. I indulged with “Who’s there?” He replied “Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?” I did smile. He was genuine and could see the stoic look on my face needed some cheer from my distractions in life.

 

• I needed a break from thinking of problems.
• I needed a break from trying to have my problems fixed.
• I needed a break from trying to figure out if GOD is punishing or pursuing.

 

Paul gives some great advice. “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave be strong.” Then he gives three examples who dedicated their lives to the service of our LORD, JESUS. They had a gift of spreading cheer to those who were sad, depressed, worried and scared. They were brave enough to smile.

 

My Observations

• Life needs some cheer and laughter that comes from GOD.
• Sometimes GOD wants me to laugh with people instead of always crying with them or fixing them.
• Cheer seems to be missing from life and GOD wants me to add more of it to help people see HIM.

 

“Laughter is the best medicine” is an old adage many people follow. I do believe a smile can heal wounds that I am not aware of. Bringing cheer instead of bad news is sometimes necessary because of its rarity. I am glad GOD provides people who have the gift of cheer.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the writer gives some great advice and then gives examples of those who follow this well?
• What does using cheer have to do with being alert, standing firm, being brave, being strong or working in love?
• Will you add a little cheer to someone who needs it today?