Tag: 2 Corinthians

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Eternal Swag

I am getting this out late today because I had to take the kitty to the vet this morning – and then attempt to catch up at work. So just a short thought today.

This past weekend I was teaching some junior high boys about Ananias and Paul and how that Ananias guy was impressive risk taker. As we transitioned from a history lesson to life in the middle schools of America, they suggested the followers of the Christ had “no swag”.

The sad part is I understand what they are talking about somewhat,  because as they put it sometime those that follow the Way, can be “lame”.   However, there’s not much lame, in my opinion about getting out and treating others the way they should be treating.  It may not be as flashy or as exciting as some other things in life, but it probably makes a much larger impact. 

Personally, I think the lameness of followers of the Christ come when they stop following the man who died on a cross for an act he didn’t commit and start after the judgements and short-term visions in their own hearts.  And actually I think that is what they were talking about as well.

I dunno, this one is a real brain stumper to me, and the reason I even write about it is not as much for encouragement to you, as it is to challenge you today – in two ways.

First, why do those that follow the Christ come off as lame?

and Second, are you focused on having ‘swag’ here and now, or as I told the boys, are you thinking about have “eternal swag”.   ( I am not even sure what that really is, but I know that is how the followers of Christ really live.)

 

  16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

And I guess, the tertiary challenge is to think about how this next generation is thinking.  I know it has stayed in my head all week so far.

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It’s A New Day

For the last few weeks as I have rolled down Rossville Boulevard on the way to my place of employment I have seen this sign at this church.

I don’t know much about this particular establishment besides its location, however, I just love the verbage on this sign.  Today I finally had the time and the foreknowledge to pull into their parking lot and snap this photo to share with you!

Remember, It’s a New Day!  Make the most of it!

 

 

 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.  2 Corinthians 4:16  New Living Translation (NLT)
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The Joy of Freedom

Last night  I brought my oldest home from school and he realized that between now and next Wednesday night, the only thing he had to do was to take one test and go to church on Sunday morning.

What freedom!  I anticipate the that the joy he will feel as he finishes his last exam today and understand that he is free (for a while) from the confines of school and homework.  Oh, the joy of being able to do whatever he wants with no projects or major commitments hanging over his head.

There is so much joy in freedom.  I treasure the days when I am not handcuffed with a day full of schedule meetings.  We yearn for the simple days of vacations when we have no one telling us where to be and what to do. ( let me pause and reflect… oh only 18 more work days!!)  And our spirits compel us to look for something that set us free from the curse of the daily toils, and when we find it- oh what joy.

 16-18Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18, The Message)

As we enter the Memorial day weekend, be so thankful for those who have come before us to fight for the freedom that we enjoy in this country.  And with that also remember how that freedom facilitates access to the the spiritual freedom that comes from the Christ.

Share it!  You are free to!  Woot Woot!!

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Darkness

Last night I was driving back to our powerless dark home last night, I pulled off the interstate onto the road leading to our home, and wow, what an erie feeling.  Alll the street lights were out, several of the business’s lights were off, the traffic lights were off, and the road was in complete darkness minus the headlamps of the vehicles.  You expect that on a country lane, but it was very suprising on a city street.  It was so dark that is was extremely difficult to see the traffic lights where four way stops are now the order of the day.

And then we go home, opened up the garage door by hand and moved into the house in the dark, feeling our way to the flashlights and firing up the candles to see what we could see.

It’s pretty amazing how much different life is without light!

So, you can guess where this is going.  Living light in the darkness is not good.  There is so much power in the light. Make sure you are being light in all the darkness that is around you!

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6, New International Version, ©2011)

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I Would Like to Congratulate…

… the other person.

How often has that happened to you.  You work, you give your effort, you make something successful and the accolades go to another maybe less deserving person.  It’s frustrating, anger provoking and demoralizing.  However, maybe, just maybe we can examine this in a different light and actually take joy when that happens.

For instance, remember Gideon.  When he was asked by God to save Israel, he responded like this

15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15

but the Creator of the Universe said in reply to him

“I will be with you.”

It seems God likes to use us when we think we are weak for his glory.  Notice 2 Corinthians:

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

In our weakness, we are strong.

So, how does this relate to other’s getting the accolades.  I think it’s like this – God uses us in our weakness to show his glory versus the alternative which is that we forsake God and claim that it was all us.

When others are given the praise, remember what you are working for.  Is it bring glory upon your head, or to bring glory to the Lord?  I think I will set out to bring glory to the Lord, becoming nothing in the eyes of men – just a servant of the Creator of the World.

So today, as you enter the battlefield of life, recall Gideon, least in the weakest clan, but made a great warrior when he let God lead him.