Category: Bible (Page 262 of 425)

Ever been around a refreshing group of people? Folks who lean in and ask questions, who encourage and want your best? Connecting with such people is truly a gift.

Paul sent his emissary Titus to the Corinthians and wrote of the reception, his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. Part of this refreshing came with an easing of mind for Titus. The Corinthian church dealt with lots of junk, Paul laid the wood to them more than once, and Titus served as messenger.

How did these yo-yoing church members become so refreshing? At least one part of their conversion from self-centered to other-focused involved wrestling with their issues. Paul wrote them a difficult letter—which to their great credit they took to heart.

For you became sorrowful as God intended…Godly sorrow bring repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Rather than complaining about Paul’s lack of understanding, the folks in Corinth leaned into his painful letter. With the Lord’s help, they moved from VDP status (Very Draining People) to ones who surprisingly gave lift to a delighted and relieved Titus.

I hope I’m a refreshing person to be around. To do so, I have to wrestle with the junk the Lord points out—my self-centeredness mostly. But if the cantankerous Corinthians can get there, then hope exists for me as well.

2 Corinthians 7 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Gaelle Marcel

God loves everyone, of that there is no doubt. He sent his son as a sacrifice for our sins. God causes it to rain on the just and the unjust. God loves each one of us, even those who don’t love him back.

But God differentiates between love and favor. Here’s how the Lord communicated favor through Isaiah his prophet:

These are the ones I look on with favor; those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

While God loves you no matter what, God shows preference to those who walk humbly with Him, who take his words to heart. To this group God extends kindness in different and deeper ways.

A good prayer? Lord, reveal areas of pride in my life that displease you, and root your words into my life. Then I might experience your favor.

Love and favor—fascinating to ponder the difference as I consider the mysterious ways of the Lord.

Isaiah 66 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Illiya Vjestica

Bindweed roils my peaceful gardening soul. It grows prolifically, snaking along the ground and climbing up the stalks of other flowers. Removing bindweed is a pain due to how tightly it wraps around its host. It’s hard to spot, and so I only notice when it proudly opens its dainty white flowers on top of the plants I prefer.

In Paul’s role as an ambassador for Christ, he pressed everyone to be reconciled to God. Paul spoke with urgency, communicating the need to commit. He knew how a message stagnates when left unattended, and like bindweed, the world ensnarls the gospel imperative. Paul said it this way:

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Don’t let the message of God sit idle. A person can receive God’s grace in vain. We can ignore it, or fail to act upon it, or live our lives as if grace means nothing to us. The longer we lay it aside, the more we bury it under other concerns.

Now is the time. This means something different for each of us, but today the Lord has something for you and for me. Ask the Lord what it might be. Don’t put seeking the Lord off until tomorrow—don’t let bindweed entangle your relationship with Him.

2 Corinthians 6 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Bindweed photo by Leslie Saunders

I followed the news about Russian oligarchs and their super yachts with fascination. So many oligarchs with ginormous yachts. These men made fortunes through corruption and collusion with their government. Their boats floated these unsavory pirates around the world in opulence, while many of their fellow citizens suffered.

It’s hard to watch evil people prosper.

The psalmist found it unbearable. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills…always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

Then more frustration—Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

Good people suffer indignities while evil ones collect yachts.

But then Asaph, the writer, remembered the Lord: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Although corrupt people appear impervious to problems, they actually exist on slippery ground. Like a bad dream, the Lord eventually wipes them away. Their stripped down super yachts go up for auction.

The rest of us can join the psalmist in declaring it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Viktor Ritsvall