Daily Devotions

Acts 13:13-25

2009-07-17T06:32:00.001-04:00

As Paul and Barnabas strike out to proclaim the good new of Jesus, the scriptures say that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. I have to assume, therefore, that their very words were carefully crafted or at the very least, they came from the Holy Spirit. One of the things that strikes me about today's passage is that the very words that Paul spoke must have been iconoclastic to say the least.

The Jews had all heard the stories of their people and their prophets for hundreds of years. But, Paul was telling them to look at that history a different way. In his mind, the whole story had changed because Jesus, the very Messiah that their history had prepared them for, had come. You could no longer just go through the regular steps of life taken every day and look at things the same way. Jesus changed everything.

At the same time, Paul could not throw out the history of the Jewish people. It was his mission to get get them to dedicate their lives to Christ and that would not happen if he could not gain their trust. Besides, the history of the Jewish people was God's history. He knew what he was doing all along and he meant for that history to be used to further His kingdom.

So, here was Paul, newly converted, using a history he knew all so well as a Pharisee to tell a story that would lead folks to Christ. That's a pretty tall order. Unless, of course, you have the Holy Spirit on your side.

That's the point. We all need to rewrite our stories. Once you have Jesus in your life you are meant to start new. But, look at the tools you have - you have the trinity to get you where you are meant to be. And we know where those tools got Paul - yes he sacrificed his life, but he brought thousands to the Lord and built a church before earning the ultimate prize - everlasting life.

Acts 13: 1-12

2009-07-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

In today’s reading, we have Saul (soon to be referred to as “Paul”) and Barnabas being sent out on their first missionary journey to the Gentiles. More than just a local action a long time ago, this action shows us the clear leading of the Holy Spirit. We see that one of the things the Church is called to do is take the Gospel outside of the church we attend to those who have not yet heard it.

This outward drive should come as no surprise to followers of Jesus. Our Lord—the one whose life we seek to emulate—is the one who left the comfort and privilege of heaven to proclaim God’s love to those alienated and cut off from Him.

Can those who commit themselves to being transformed into the image of God in Christ do any less? The little band of Christians found at the beginning of today’s reading, so focused on God through fasting and worship, concludes the answer is no. They too must reach out to the world around them.

They conclude that faithfully following Jesus requires reaching out in love to those who do not yet know him. And that would seem to be as true for us as it was for them.

It puzzles me that so few Christians make this a priority in their lives. How is it that we who see ourselves as deeply committed to Jesus Christ are not actively and intentionally engaged in evangelism?

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone outside a church? With a neighbor? A co worker? A friend? How often, if at all, does that happen?

If our answer to simple questions like these leads to the inescapable conclusion that we are not regularly and routinely commending Jesus to people in the world around us…

well, it seems to me that we who take Scripture seriously would do well to ask ourselves how that can possibly be...

…and what we are going to do about it.

Acts 12:18-25

2009-07-15T05:44:00.001-04:00

I struggled a bit with today's reading. I struggled to find something to write about. What is the message in today's reading? After meditating for a while, I think I found one.

I feel the message in today's reading (at least one message) concerns the sin of pride.

Herod gave a speech to the people of Tyre and Sidon. After that speech, per verses 22 & 23, "They shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man.' Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down ..." In his writing, Luke certainly implies that Herod had the opportunity to deny what the people were shouting. Failing to do so Herod was struck down by God.

Pride is a sin that can cause a person to behave in their own best interest and not in the interest of God. Have you ever done something because you wanted the praise that would come from the act and not because you wanted to advance God's will? I know I have. Sure the act would advance God's will but the motive was wrong. With an incorrect attitude that act may not further God's will as much as it could have. If we divert our attention away from the act, even just a little bit, towards how this act can make me look good, then that loss of attention may result is a less than (perhaps slightly less than) optimum result.

From today's reading pride is obviously a very serious sin. It was so serious in Herod's case that God chose to punish it right then and there. Please, and this is much easier said than done, do not let your pride get in the way of furthering God's will. As the Bible says, if you get an earthly reward for your act, then that is your reward; however, it is much better to receive no earthly reward and thus a heavenly reward.

Wishing you the best in your walk with Christ,
Richard Leach

Acts 10:34-48

2009-07-10T06:26:00.002-04:00

When I read today's passage, I was struck by the inclusivity of of God's love. I'm pretty sure I've not witnessed anything like what happened when Peter spoke to the crowd in this reading, but I did witness something similar at CreationFest at the end of last month.

CreationFest is a Christian Woodstock in rural Central Pennsylvania. I explained to one parent whose son went with us that I'm not sure how it all works, but it does. I was referring to the fact that there are about 75,000 people who attend, all camping on a large farm. These people are from every walk of life. They all come to hear to music and the speakers. It's hot and muggy and, for the most part, everyone is unshowered and unkept for 5 days. Yet, like I said, it all works.

Most of the people who attend CreationFest are teenagers. Youth groups from all over the eastern portion of the U.S. and Canada descend on this farm and make it a bustling city for 5 days in June. As you can imagine, there are all kinds of folks there. In the times I have been there, I've never seen a fight. I've never heard profane or ugly talk. I've seen lots of tatoos and body piercings, but no nudity or under-dressed people.

That's astonishing when you think about it. 75,000 people coming together. The only thing in common is a love of the Lord and the music that celebrates that love. I'm reminded of a line from a song that was very popular for weddings in the 80's - "...for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name there is love." Now I'm pretty sure that all of those 75,000 weren't trying extra hard to get along, although that may have been the case for some. I'm thinking that, like the gathering in today's reading, it just happens. God's love is there. It is palpable. You can feel it.

I want to put myself in those situations more often. It's a wonderful atmosphere and feeling knowing that no matter who I am, what my issues are, or whether or not I smell nice. God is there and He loves us all.

Acts 10: 17-33

2009-07-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

You will remember that today’s reading comes after Peter’s vision of unclean food descending from heaven accompanied by the command, “Rise and eat!” In the verses for today, we find Peter trying to figure out what to make of this vision.

We are told that he was “wondering” what it meant; the NRSV says that Peter was “puzzled” by it. Just a couple verses further we see that he was “still thinking about the vision”; turning it over and over in his head.

Two thousand years later, we might well think the message was obvious, and wonder ourselves why he struggled so with its meaning. Yet what God was asking Peter to do was so far out of the box that it never even entered Peter’s mind.

So, while Peter was pondering, God was acting. He brings the answer right to Peter’s door in the form of three men and an invitation. Suddenly Peter gets it; “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.”

I wonder how many times this scenario has been repeated in the lives of God’s people and the church they constitute. How many times are we wondering about a word from God when God is already acting?

Is it really so hard to see what God is doing in the world, and what He expects of you and of me? And yet so often our life as individuals, and the life of the larger church to which we belong, is marked more by inactivity than bold initiatives to proclaim God’s love for all the world to hear. Too often we’re not very good at getting beyond the church walls, or even making God’s love known to everybody within them.

Might I be so audacious as to ask you if you are clear about God’s vision for you? I’m not talking about some general and diffuse understanding that amounts to no more than comfortable life as usual. Do you know what He wants you to be doing right here and right now?

And then perhaps the tougher question still:

Are you doing it?

Acts 10:1-16

2009-07-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

In today's reading, Luke provides us with two stories. The first is the story of Cornelius calling for Peter and the second is Peter's vision. Let's have a quick look at both of these stories and attempt to understand why Luke shared them with us.

A common question regarding salvation is, what will happen to the people who have never heard about Christ? In today's first story, we are told about a man named Cornelius. Cornelius was not a follower of Christ - in fact he may never have heard of Jesus Christ. However, Cornelius was seeking God as we are told in verse 2, "He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly." As a result, God sends Peter to Cornelius to tell him and his household about Christ. Cornelius is an example of someone who found God by sincerely seeking Him. This story illustrates that God will answer the sincere prayers of those who seek Him by sending the right person, or the right information, to the seeker at the right time. This goes for a Roman soldier or for any of us today.

The second story in today's reading has to do with a vision God gave to Peter. During the time when Peter lived, Jewish law contained strict dietary rules. These rules made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement. In fact, along the vein of you are what you eat, Jews often thought of Gentiles as being unclean. But verse 15 clearly countermands this perception, "... Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision showed Peter that he should not look upon Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not save. This vision cleared Peter's conscience and made him realize that he not only could go into a Gentile's home to preach the Gospel, but that he should go in.

So in today's reading we have two stories. The first corroborating the old saying, seek and ye shall find, and the second telling us that God made everything and everyone and thus there is no place we should fear going to spread the Word.

Acts 9:32-43

2009-07-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's always so amazing to me to read these stories of healing and resurrection. I can't even imagine them happening. While so many in our world suffer terribly from disease and poverty and so many lose loved ones to death, it is nice to think that healing can happen instantly and that resurrection does happen - maybe somewhere for someone. While when reading the Bible these things seem almost commonplace, for us, life just doesn't happen like that. Healing doesn't happen like that.

Some believe that healings and being raised from the dead do happen today. I believe they can, but for some reason, they don't. After all God is God and God can do anything. Why he doesn't do more, will always remain a question for the ages. My guess is that God is active in the world and just as active as He always has been, we just don't see it or don't notice it. We might not recognize that God is still healing, still delivering and still raising the dead. Maybe now it isn't always a physical death, maybe it's more spiritual now. Maybe we've been raised and don't even realize we were ever dead in the first place -I wonder if those who physically die are aware of it?

I think the answer must be for us to pay attention in order to realize what's happening and how God is working in the world and in our lives in particular. If we hear God call us by name and tell us to get up and go about our everyday work, do we even realize He's called us? Or do we somehow, all of the sudden lose those things that have been dragging on us, those bad habits, those doubts, those fears, those things which separate us from God and then one day just wake up and realize that those things are gone and we've been resurrected? The answer must be to listen and watch and see how God is in our lives and what God is calling us to leave behind and what He is calling us to get up and do.

Acts of the Apostles 9.19-43

2009-07-06T05:00:00.002-04:00

The first thing that hit me about this reading is how passionate Saul is. He welcomed his heart to the Lord and three days later he was preaching valiantly in the churches around Damascus. It really makes me wonder what we could accomplish is everyone had the same sort of spirit that Saul has. Image what the world would be like if all of us could love the Lord so completely and so unconditionally.
I also find it interesting that the other disciples didn’t trust Saul. After everything they had seen the Jesus do (bring people back from the dead, turn water in to wine, even rise from his own grave) they couldn’t believe that a non-believer would turn to God and so suddenly be next to them preaching like an old friend. However, I think there is a lot to be said for Saul. I’ve been a Christian for quite some time now and I was still terrified to write this devotional today. Talking to other people about my Jesus is something that does not come naturally to me. And maybe it’s because I have had such a “comfortable” relationship with Jesus for such a long time that I can’t image anything else. Whereas Saul, who was brought to the Lord in an act of awesome power, pain, and fear, knows what it’s like to live without Jesus. And now that he has this new chance at life with Jesus, he is psyched about it! In my copy of The Remix Bible, the terminology they use in Acts 9:22 is that he “plows straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that his Jesus was the Messiah.” Plows through the opposition. That’s fire. That’s passion. I think we could all learn a thing or two from this newbie.
Lastly, as doubtful as they were at first, the disciples had Saul’s back when the going got tough. In Acts 9:28-31 they saved him from the death threats in Damascus and got him safely out of the area. The disciples gave up their own questions and their own insecurities about Saul and instead put their whole trust in the Lord. Before, they were not sure if he could be trusted, but the Lord works in wonderful ways and brought Barnabas into the picture. Barnabas told the disciples that Saul was to be trusted, and, although they might have questioned it for themselves, they trusted in what God had to say. What a beautiful thing. I think we could all make our lives a little more like this chapter in Acts by giving thanks to God just one extra time a day, and letting Jesus take the wheel (FIGURATIVELY OF COURSE!!) instead of making all of the decisions for ourselves.

Acts 9:10-19

2009-07-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

Why was Paul struck blind on the road to Damascus? Why was Ananias given a divine appointment to go and meet the man who, three days prior, wanted to kill him? And most of all, why was Paul of all people chosen to bring the name of God "before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel"--a great honor--and yet to suffer so much for the sake of that Name?

A recent book, Crashing Through, describes how stem cell transplants successfully restored sight to a man, Mike May, who had been blinded in a childhood accident. Mike had been thriving as a blind man in a sighted world, but when an astonishing new procedure was unexpectedly offered--through a seemingly chance appointment--he decided to go for it, despite numerous risks that came with that opportunity.Medical science at its leading edge nearly touches what is, in the 1st century and today, miraculous. Though hearing and smell provide us additional cues about our surroundings, it is sight that enables us to navigate through our world.

Paul was rendered helpless by his blindness, and reduced to praying for a healing appointment. Ananias was given something beyond "mere" sense--a vision from God that sealed that appointment.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the vision that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see! Paul is restored to sight, but he is starting to get a view of the world that will rock and topple his whole foundation. Scales fall from his eyes, but what drops from his heart is far more freeing. His restored sight allows him to freely move about, but his freedom will come under a new drive, to go to many and tell an astonishing story of how that new sight can be brought to the world.

Eleven score and thirteen years ago, 56 men trusted in their Creator and divine Providence and signed a treasonous document. They could not yet see the nation that would result from that tumultuous birth. Their children's children's children kept the vision alive through an even bloodier war. Today we too are still living into the dream that they had, battling dark forces around the world and in our own streets. May we too pledge our lives to the proposition that all are created equal and free.

Amen.

Acts 9:1-9

2009-07-03T08:22:00.002-04:00

The conversion of Saul is such an inspiring and awesome story. In the "World According to Vicki" story, which is constantly written and rewritten, and is my own account of just about everything, I believe God chose Saul deliberately. What a perfect example of hate turned to love and of what God can do in a person's life. It was also one of the first very public displays of God's miraculous love after the death of Jesus.

But, I also believe that God chooses each and every one of us deliberately as well. God doesn't say "I love you because I am God and I have to love everyone." We aren't a nameless, faceless person in His family. Scriptures say that He knows each of us by name. He knew us when we were still in the womb.

I can only imagine that Paul's conversion was all the more impressive to Paul in that God would have chosen him, given his life's work thus far was to persecute new Christians. For some of us, our conversion stories barely feel like a real conversion. In my case, for example, I feel as if I was always a Christian and was never really converted. God has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

In some ways, this makes it harder for me to feel part of God's chosen. I have felt incredibly blessed in my life and I know He is with me all the time, forever. But did He choose me or did I choose Him? Since it all sort of just happened over time, this relationship with God that is, there was no one event that I can point to and say "Ah hah! See, God chose me and I am His."

I submit to you that it works both ways. God knew me in the womb. Therefore, He knows me better than I know myself. But, it takes two to make a relationship. God knows that better than anyone. He is patiently waiting for each of us to reach out to Him. He doesn't need to reach out - He's right next to you and me. Always. We don't need a conversion moment to grasp His hand, to talk with Him and listen to his comforting words. He was walking next to Paul for a long time before light from heaven flashed around him and Jesus spoke to him. But, Paul had built such a wall between himself and God that there was no other way for God to get through but to punch a large hole and yell "Saul, you dummy, I've been here all along?"

Maybe that's where we are with God right now. You don't need a conversion moment. But you may need to start tearing down any wall you've built. Remember, God is right there, waiting.

Acts 8:14-25

2009-07-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

Acts is such a wonderful book. It gives us so many examples of how a church should run and how we should live. Today's reading is no exception.

Have you heard of the word simony? Do you know its definition? Well today's reading is from where this word comes. Merriam-Webster defines simony as, "the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment." In today's reading a man named Simon tries to buy the ability to launch the Holy Spirit in people - "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." (verse 19).

Of course Peter rebukes Simon and tells him, "You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness..." (verses 21, 22). Peter makes two major points in his comments to Simon. First a person's heart has to be right with God. In other words, as we live our lives, our motives need to be pure and of the utmost honor. God calls us to do things for the good of others, to serve others, and not to do things in hopes of an earthly reward. If our motive is to get praise or some other reward for our self, then our heart may not be right with God.

Second, we must repent of our sins. Remember to repent is not just to say we are sorry, but we must truly live a changed life. It is easy to say we are sorry and not do anything to change our life. But if we are truly sorry, so sorry we do not want to do it again, we will change our life so we do not repeat the sin. Again, this is what God calls us to do.

Remember that no amount of money can buy salvation, forgiveness, or God's power. However, we all can gain them by having a servant's heart, repenting of our sins, and belief in Christ as our Savior.

Acts 6:15-7:16

2009-06-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

In today’s reading, we see that love and truth go hand in hand, and that either one without the other is not a truly Christian witness.

The reading begins with Stephen’s arrest for his open association with Jesus Christ. In the eyes of many of his contemporaries, this made him seem like an enemy of the temple, the tradition of Moses, and indeed of God himself. Just like Jesus before him, he too is being tried for blasphemy.

It is perhaps worth noting right off the bat how Stephen addresses his accusers. “Brothers and fathers,” he says. In other words, he is not defiant or disrespectful, and I don’t think this is merely a matter political maneuvering. To the contrary, Stephen is saying that he understands his connection to them even if they do not recognize their connection to him. Believing the best in love, “Brothers and fathers” is genuinely how Stephen chooses to see his opponents.

We often see Stephen as a bold witness for Jesus, and he was. In the challenging words that follow, he doesn’t hold back or “dumb down” the truth. But I think it is important that we also see him as a loving witness as well. His love was expressed both in his attitude and in his willingness to tell the truth, each complementing the other.

Even when we disagree—particularly when we disagree!—may we treat one another with love, as sisters and mothers, brothers and fathers. And then, graciously and respectfully as we would with our mother or father, sister or brother, may we not shrink back from speaking the truth—even when the truth may be hard to hear and when doing so may come at great personal cost.

For Jesus, truth and love walked hand in hand. Following Jesus, it is the same for Stephen. May it be the same for you and me as well.

Acts 5:27-42

2009-06-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

What do you believe? Why do you believe it? Sometimes we don't really have answers to specifics of what we believe until it is challenged. Do we believe something enough to stand up for it? Or would we let others tell us how/what/ or why we should believe? Or even who to believe in?

In today's readings the apostles are brought before the Sanhedren and told what they could and could not say - or, in other words - what they could and could not believe. They had a choice, spare themselves or really stand up and be strong in their faith and take whatever comes their way. They knew that death was a possible outcome to their statements of faith - they saw the crucifixion of Jesus. And yet, they stood strong in their faith.

In a world where everything seems grey sometimes, no real right or wrong, sometimes we need to remember that yes, indeed, there is a right and wrong. It is wrong to be selfish with the gospel. It is wrong to treat others with disdain or contempt, no matter how much their personalities clash with ours. It is wrong to not give to those in need. It is very right to love God and to extend God's love to everyone we meet.

Sometimes we will be criticized. Sometimes even ostracized. But as Gamaliel said, if we are doing the work of God, we will prosper no matter what the challenge ahead.

Acts 4:32-5:11. A Blessing-- and a Curse

2009-06-20T04:54:00.000-04:00

In considering this passage, it would be easy to go directly to the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira, at the end of which "great fear seized the whole church." Yes, we too are intended to feel the shock of what happened to the couple. But let us first find the blessing.

The church in Jerusalem shared one heart and one soul. The needs of all were being met through the combined wealth of all. From a purely legal perspective, individuals still had their own property rights, but they did not view them in that way. It must have brought an incredible freedom both to those who had much, and to those who had less. And there were repeated examples of incredible generosity, of which one specific example, Barnabas, whose name means and shouts encouragement across the millennia, is cited. And the example resonates for us as well.

However, here, as everywhere since the Fall, Satan was busy, and two people (as at Eden) accepted the lie that it would be even better to "have your cake and eat it too"--i.e., they could represent themselves as having given all, with corresponding honors, and get a few benefits on the side and on the sly. (Satan's even bigger lie, and one that is a snare for many of us today, was that they couldn't both give freely and fully and meet their own needs.) And they died--I think--of their own mortification, when the lie that they told was exposed.

In our own community of faith, when we are presented continually with examples of how unfettered sharing leads to a multiplication of blessings as we partner with God to do his work--let us not hold back. O Lord, guard us from the temptation to seek praise and honor for less than the fullest and complete outflow of our hearts. And may our heart and soul truly be One. Amen.

Acts 2:37-47

2009-06-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today’s reading has two very moving images. This passage comes at the end of Peter’s well known sermon after Pentecost (he begins that sermon by explaining that those who spoke in tongues were moved by the Holy Spirit and not by alcohol). First, after that sermon, God moved in the listeners and 3000 people came to know the Lord, and these people are our spiritual ancestors.

Secondly, one of the ways that God grew that early church was powerful community. Basically, the people were so filled with God that they needed little else, it seems. Not needing material goods, they sold their possessions (verse 45) and gave the proceeds to anyone in need. They fed on God’s word, met together, and seemed to need little else. Giving thanks to God, they “ate their food with glad and generous hearts.” How can I show my gladness today, by giving to others?

I am reminded of Psalm 73:25,
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

May we look around at our wonderful earth and what it contains, and realize that what we really have to be thankful for is inside us.

Acts 2:22-36

2009-06-18T05:00:00.002-04:00

How much freedom does an individual have to change something of which they choose to be a part?

If, for instance, I am a Marine, how much freedom do I have to change Marine Corps’s beliefs and practices? If I said to the Corps “you’re way too violent, you need to plant roses instead of training with guns”, would they listen to me? Probably not. I am completely free to hold that belief with all my heart, but if I insist upon it so that I don’t train with soldiers but go off in my little garden and spend my days planting roses, I cannot with integrity consider myself a Marine.

We might also ask, should the Marine Corps listen to me? Should they stop training with guns and start planting roses instead? Some might think so. But if they did, they would no longer be the Marine Corps. They would cease to serve the purpose for which the Corps was created, having become a horticultural society instead of an elite military unit.

Or take another example. Say I belong to a catch and release (letting the fish go instead of eating it) fly fishing club. Do I have the freedom to be a member of that club even I choose only to fish only with worms and kill everything I catch?It would not seem so. If I insist on using worms and killing everything I catch, there is no meaningful sense in which I could consider myself a fly fisherman who practices catch and release.

Should the club change to meet my personal beliefs and practices? Again, it would hardly seem so. If it did, it would cease to be what it was created to be, a community in which people rejoice in their shared love of fishing with flies and letting the beautiful fish they catch go to live another day.

A final example. How much freedom does an individual have to change the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I’d suggest the answer is directly analogous to the above examples. We do not change it; we submit to it. If we don’t submit to it, we may be many things, some of which are fine and good, but we are not Christians.

That’s what Peter is saying in today’s Gospel. Jesus is Lord and Messiah, raised from the dead by the supernatural power of God. For those who would faithfully follow him, only one response is possible: “Yeah and amen.” To say that any other answer is possible is to preach a false gospel, one that is not worthy of the name of Jesus or those who profess to follow him.

Acts 2:1-21

2009-06-17T05:35:00.000-04:00

Our Bible reading for today has two main parts. Part one is a description of the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples at Pentecost and part two is Peter beginning his speech to the crowd in Jerusalem. Both of these parts have a special meaning for me. They both provide me a message.

Have you ever wanted God to make His presence known to you in as spectacular a way as He did on the day of Pentecost for the disciples? After all, wouldn't it be nice for God to let us know He has something to tell us, to get our attention, by sending violent wind, fire, and the Holy Spirit to announce His message? Most of the time God does not use this technique to get our attention. God often speaks in a gentle whisper. It is true that God sometimes uses dramatic methods in our lives to get our attention, but more often He does not. Thus, we must always listen for God's word. This first part continues to remind me that in our busy lives we must find the time to clear our minds and listen for God's whisper.

The second part of today's reading is about one of my Bible heroes, Peter. Have you ever felt as if you have made such bad mistakes that God could never forgive you? I know I have. This is why Peter is one of my heroes. While following Jesus, Peter had a short temper, was an unstable leader, and denied Christ three times on the night before His execution. It would seem to me that these characteristics would disqualify Peter from being useful to fulfill Christ's work on earth. But Christ forgave Peter and restored him. No matter what sins you or I have committed, God promises to forgive us if we truly repent. Once we have repented God can then use us to further His kingdom. Peter allowed God to forgive him and then to use him. If God can use someone like Peter, with all of his human faults, then He can certainly use us to advance His kingdom. The story of Peter provides me with inspiration as we, and especially me, all have our human faults.

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

2009-06-12T08:07:00.003-04:00

I must admit that I do not know very much about 2 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians is such a happier letter. So, I did some research and I learned quite a bit about Paul. He is perhaps at his most human in these particular passages. Frankly, he is upset at the Corinthians and the gossip he has heard of what they have said about him. So, he writes an angry letter. In this case, it works. If you read the rest of 2 Corinthians, Paul ends the letter (which, it is believed, is actually 2 or more letters) with a message of reconciliation.

But, how did he know that it would work? When I feel hurt, I don't always think straight. In fact, the natural response is to lash out - to hurt the person who is hurting you. I have never put my hurt feelings in a letter to the person. That would seem to immortalize the hurt and would just give the person something to use against me. What was Paul thinking? Did he think that the Corinthians would read his letter, sarcastic tone and all, and think that he had a good point? From what I understand, it took some time for Paul's relationship with the Corinthians to heal. This letter was, in fact, hurtful to them and they were not necessarily willing to bury the hatchet right away.

One thing is certain - Paul was driven in his service to God. As we read in yesterday's passage, Paul was also humbled in his service to God. I believe this served him well as he wrote this difficult part of the letter. Although he was personally hurt, he knew that the ultimate goal was to get the Corinthians to straighten up and fly right in their growth with the Lord. Since the goal was entirely unselfish, the letter worked. It took time, but eventually the Corinthians turned away from the evil they were doing that caused Paul the hurt to begin with.

Once again, we can learn from Paul. By remembering his place in God's plan, he was able to use his hurt feelings to fulfill unselfish goals. May we also come to understand our humble place and how best to respond to hurtful situations with the same outcome as Paul.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2009-06-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

In today’s passage, Paul expresses his deep, deep desire to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ. Interestingly, Paul has found that this witness is so much more powerful in weakness than in strength; in insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities rather than success. For whenever I am weak, Paul writes, then Christ is strong.

That runs so counter to our culture, even in the church, of celebrity and spin. It runs so counter to the way I often try to present myself, as bigger or better than I really am. It runs counter to the privileges to which I sometimes feel I am entitled. It runs counter to the things I seek in life which are more likely to be about me than about Jesus.

What would it look like for Christians to get off this bigger is better kick, this glitz and glamour kick, and this power kick where culture is shaped not through love or sharing Christ but in attempting to force others to see things our way?

So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, Paul writes, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. That, friends, is a message the church needs to hear today. It’s a message I need to hear. Could it be that you do too?

(BTW, if you memorize Bible verses--and I very much hope you do--may I suggest that 2 Corinthians 12:9 is a great verse for memorization?)

2 Corinthians 11:21-33

2009-06-10T05:34:00.001-04:00

If I truly believe in heaven, a place where I will live for all eternity, a place where there is a peace and a joy beyond my limited human capacity to comprehend, what wouldn't I do to get there? Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the way to get to heaven. A demonstration of this acceptance is to surrender our own will and to live in the will of God; to live per God's calling and guidance. If I am living in accordance with God's calling for me, is there a trial or suffering that is too great for me to bear in this life?

When I read this section of this letter to the Corinthians, it is amazing to me to reflect on Paul's account of the dangers, hardships, and sufferings he endured and at the same time to see his patience, perseverance, diligence, and cheerfulness in the midst of these trials. Paul says he has been imprisoned, received 39 lashes five different times, been beaten with rods three different times, been stoned, been shipwrecked three times, often gone without sleep, known hunger and thirst, and been cold and naked. When I compare my trials and sufferings in my service for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they seem unworthy of notice when compared to his. Sometimes the comparative puny trials I am called to face can almost break my spirit to continue. It is extremely humbling to realize what Paul suffered in his walk with God. When I feel like giving up the things I hear God calling me to do, I like to reread this passage. It puts it all back in perspective for me.

Dear friends, please remember that our faith grows, is strengthened, in times of trials and suffering. It is easy to praise God when things are going well. Our faith will grow when we praise God during a time of suffering. The trials we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

2009-06-05T06:13:00.000-04:00

As you sow...so will you also reap.

Whatever seed I put in the ground...that is a forerunner of what will germinate and grow and blossom and be harvested.

If I invest little care in what I plant...I can't expect prize-winning fruit.

If I give from the fringes of my heart...I'm not going to find the love of my life.

But...when I find what is lovely and good and true...how can I not invest heart and mind and soul?

God makes a promise: he will bless our sowing, as we sow in good faith.

Paul had seen it in the churches he had planted. Do we not also ourselves look back and see the evidence of how God has blessed us through good times and hard times, to be sure later sometimes than we might have hoped, but consistently and faithfully?

I thank God for providing a church community that sometimes struggles but faithfully seeks to live into the myriad gifts that God has bestowed on us. The mission is larger than we are, and will remain so. That's why we are here, and why we need to lean on a greater power as we go forward. But if we're going to realize God's dream for us, we will need to be greatly invested, in money and time and in indescribable gifts that become dividend shares for the Lord's work.

Sow_what?

II Corinthians 8:16-24

2009-06-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

What really encourages you? I have been encouraged by the caring friendship of others, as when a friends shows concern about my children. On a deeper level, I am encouraged when I attend a church event and see the faithfulness of others gathered there, whether it be for worship or for service.

In today’s reading, Paul first comments on the heart of Titus. Paul as a “shepherd” cares about the church at Corinth. He is glad to see that Titus also cares about this church, having an “eagerness” for them. I can picture Titus waiting eagerly to see the Corinthians, as you and I wait eagerly to see dear friends. Paul realizes that it is God who gives this gift of faithfulness; he thanks God in verse 16 that God, being the source of all, put this caring in Titus’ heart. As I pray this reminds me to remember that God is the source of all.

In this reading Paul mentions Titus and others who are faithful to meet the needs of the church. I thank God for so many who set an example to me in their hard work and perseverance. Like Paul says, they have been “tested and found eager.” May I be faithful as well.

2 Corinthians 8:1-16

2009-06-04T05:00:00.000-04:00

Many people live beyond their means. But today’s Gospel talks of a group of people who gave beyond their means!

What might that look like, giving beyond our means? For this group of people, the Macedonians, it meant they gave even when they really couldn’t afford to give anything at all. Though they were very poor—completely destitute captures the sense of their “extreme poverty”—they were willing to part with what little they had to help someone who had even less. It meant they were willing to go without.

What would giving beyond our means look like for us? It’s worth thinking about, especially in these economic hard times. It’s also worth thinking about in a culture where we are encouraged to live a lifestyle that doesn’t always leave us much to give away.

Certainly it means giving at cost to oneself. Might it also mean giving to the point that our own lifestyle suffers? That our own “buying power” is diminished? That we too go without?

I love how Paul puts it in verse 7: Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. The Corinthians were a people who were all about excellence. Does that remind you of another culture at another place in time? Paul says, “That’s great. I applaud your deep commitment to excellence in all things. Now how about giving? How about being excellent in your giving as well?”

Hmmm. It seems to me it could be really exciting to be so fully devoted to Jesus that we are a people who excel in generosity and willingness to give beyond our means. I think there could be a ton of joy in that.

I guess there’s only one way to find out!

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

2009-06-03T05:17:00.001-04:00

Today's reading comes from Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth. In the first chapters of this letter, Paul has been dealing with negative problems in that church. However, in today's reading Paul begins to express confidence and joy in the Corinthians and encourages them to seek God's help in order to continue their faithful service.

The verse from today's reading that speaks loudly to me is verse 10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Paul contrasts two types of sorrow. The first is "Godly sorrow" and the second is "worldly sorrow". I feel in this context Paul is using sorrow to mean regret and emotional pain. Repentance means a change in one's ways, a change in behavior, and change in mindset. Paul is telling us that when a person realizes that he or she has done wrong, that person should not only regret the error but also turn back to God. For it is with God's help that people can change their ways and free themselves from sin.

Let's take an example. Let's look at Peter and Judas during the events surrounding Jesus' death. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss and thus hands him over to suffering and death. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times out of fear for his own safety. Both are overcome with grief due to their actions. Peter had the humility and courage to admit his failure and to seek God's help to change. And we know that God did help him change and used him to build his church. Judas, on the other hand, was too proud, too stubborn, to admit his fault and ask for God's help. Judas let his remorse eat at his soul. And as we know, overcome with guilt, Judas committed suicide.

The sorrow Peter felt caused him to seek God's help and he was transformed into a church leader. Judas did not seek God's help with his sorrow and it eventually lead to his death. One had "Godly sorrow" and the other had "worldly sorrow". When we realize we have done wrong and have regret, do we turn to God for help? Paul clearly indicates that we should!!!

2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1

2009-06-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

"We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

These verses from today's passage of 2 Corinthians is one of my favorites. Paul is really making a huge statement - that though ALL things - good or bad - we have everything because we have Christ in our hearts and in our lives... in all things. Statements really put life in perspective - that whatever we might be enduring, we have all we need to get through it. We have Jesus and He is everything. We do not have promises of an easy life. In fact we are told that life is, in fact, difficult. What we do have is promise of a Comforter, one who will care for us and be with us regardless of what we endure and He is EVERYTHING we need.