In second Corinthians 9, we see some of the best teaching on giving. Not only do we see the verse that talks about God loving a cheerful giver but we also see how the giving process works. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 says, "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."(ESV) God provides and multiplies the seed, which would be our money or other resources we have. That is given so that we can plant that seed or give it so that the harvest can multiply even more. Sometimes we think that when we are given extra money, it is a chance for us to go out and spend it on things we want. However, this passage points out that money is given to us to give away and produce more of a harvest for God And to produce thanksgiving towards him. Let us ask God more for what he wants us to do with the money and resources He gives us. In fact, the next time you get extra money, let the first words out of your mouth be, "What do you want me to do with this God?" instead of, "What do I want to do with this?"
“At just the right time, I heard you.
On the day of salvation, I helped you.”
2 Cor 6:2
When I was still turning a wrench for a living, Matt Davis and I were said to be “partners in crime”. Jokingly people would say, “One would lie about it, and the other would swear to it.” Matt and I are very good friends indeed; buddies, and partners. We would feed off of each other’s knowledge about automobiles, and would counsel with each other when diagnosing vehicles, even with the customer standing there. The customer would see that relationship, and know that there was credibility, and more importantly – integrity.
I now have many partners. Probably the most precious one on this earth that God has bestowed upon me is Terry – my life partner, encourager, counselor and my one true love. She most certainly has a heart of mercy and caring. But God has also brought a number of others that play a significant role into my life – you – my church family. Whether you realize it or not, you bring a great deal of encouragement and hope into our lives. You are very special partners!!!!
Paul also tells us in 2 Cor 6 that as God’s partners, he begs us not to accept this marvelous gift of kindness, and then ignore it. What gift? The gift of salvation, being ambassadors for Christ and understanding that anyone who belongs to Him, has become a new person. The old life is gone, and the new life has begun (2 Cor 5:16-17). Encourage others as Christ has encouraged you.
Hey partner, see you at the next round-up………..Blessings, and have a great weekend…………Larry
When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their
downfall.
Proverbs 29:16
We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Romans 15:2
Today's Scriptures: ROMANS 15:1-16:27, 2CORINTHIANS 1:1-2:4
In our reading today Paul gives instruction to the church in Rome to be sensitive to the beliefs of others. Paul was referring to believers who would not consume foods they believed to be unclean by Jewish law, yet Gentiles found no sin in consuming all types of foods. Today we are surrounded by customs and ideas that are not forbidden in God's word but go outside the box of our comfort zones or paradigm. In these past years my paradigm has shifted, and in doing so God has taken and used me in areas I never would have seen myself go. Paul continued in his writing when he penned;
"We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:1-3)
There are several people that have been placed in my path that God has used to grow me these past years of whom I am thankful. This being Thanksgiving Day, this seems like the best time to publicly thank them.
To Pastor Rick, thank you for your leadership, your teaching, but more than that, your friendship. Thank you for challenging and encouraging me on my journey.
To Tom S., Thank you for being willing to be God's gardener and standing up for me, taking the time to sharpen me. It is my hope that I can do to others what you have done for me. The the rest of the Sawyer family thank you for opening your home to my family and sharing our joys and hurts.
To Josh and Sarah, thank you for setting the example of seeking out and having a heart for the lost. Thank you for your friendship.
To Larry and Ric, few know what goes on behind the scenes of GBF. Thank you for being an example of men of integrity. It has been my honor and privilege in serving with you.
To Tom M, thank you for being able to make me laugh at myself when nothing else is funny. Thanks for your friendship.
This is a miniscule list of those who have influenced me to become what God wants from me and not my own will, however I would be remiss without including my wife, Linda and daughter, April who love me in the midst of my shortcomings and faults.
May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.
May we give thanks that we are forever.....
In His Grip,
Art
In today’s reading Paul’s message to the Gentiles was to not take God for granted. He tells how Israel’s rejection of God opened the door for them (the Gentiles) to become the benefactors of His mercy. How they are grafted into the “God’s special olive tree”. The Israelites learned about God in their homes from youth. So they knew how to worship God and what their relationship to one another should look like. The Gentiles on the other hand had to be instructed about what their relationship to God, one another, and society should look like. So Paul teaches them about presenting themselves as living sacrifices, loving one another, respecting the authority of government, paying taxes, and pride.
He describes himself as an apostle to the Gentiles. Since Gentiles are anyone who is not Jewish, they are us. So as Paul reminds us that “God is both kind and severe”, we shouldn’t take Him for granted because if he didn’t spare the original branches he won’t spare those us grafted into the tree either.
Romans 1:5b-7 says, "Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,"
You can probably tell that this is Paul's passion and notice that he says it should be our passion too. We have been given grace from Christ, not to keep to ourselves, but to share with everyone in the whole world. May we keep on sharing.
Today, this 50th anniversary marking the death of John F. Kennedy, many are reflecting upon where they were that fateful day, or asking others the same question. Personally, I recall my mother making some comments about it, but for some reason I recall his burial more. Sitting in front of the TV watching the horse drawn wagon that carried this countries 35th President is still as clear as writing this blog this morning.
As Paul penned 1 Cor 15:1-11, he was clearly relaying the first hand experiences of those who had witnessed Christ’s resurrection. This was a call to all mankind that they should not forget the “Good News” (vs 1) of Christ’s victory over death. That He died for our sins was buried and was raised from the dead on the 3rd day (vs 4).
Paul also uses firsthand accounts of Christ’s resurrection from Peter and the twelve (vs 5), then of the 500+ followers that saw him, and also James (vs 6-7). I wonder what picture was being painted in the minds of the people of Corinth as they listened and read the accounts of Christ and the Apostles.
I have had people ask me where I was when I first heard the “Good News.” Just as someone may ask you where you were when you made that decision to follow Christ, and to trust Him to guide you through life’s journey. I was 12 years old, returning from a basketball game when one of the Kids for Christ counselors brought the “Good News” to me. So if you have questions about our Lord and Savior, open the scriptures and don’t hesitate to contact our church or attend our services every Sunday morning.
Have a wonderful and blessed weekend……………Larry
Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.”
...and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Today's reading: 1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-13:13
We have heard these verses time and time again. 1 Corinthians 13 has been called the "Love Chapter," and rightfully so. We hear it read at weddings and anniversary's and at joyous occasions. I don't think the mood was joyous at the initial reading of Paul's letter. Paul's letter to the church in Corinth started with how much Paul loved them but it was made clear in the letter that the church was not a model of excellence.
By the time we get into today's reading Paul has addressed topics such as division amongst the members of the church, pride, sexual sin, and handling disputes among Christians. Paul knows that the Corinth church is vulnerable and has sent Timothy to remind the church how to follow Christ. (1 Cor 4:17)
Paul then addresses the area of spiritual gifts, an area in the church at Corinth that seems to be dividing the church by rating the spiritual gifts in an effort to find out who is the better Christian. Paul goes on to say we all have different gifts of equal value and gives the illustration of the body, how all parts of the body work together as one. Then as chapter 12 ends, Paul says this, "But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all."
Paul then goes on to decimate the reasoning behind the ranking of spiritual gifts....when I read this part I thought of the old Batman series....bear with me....as we read the next exciting adventure found in 1 Corinthians 13:1-4;
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (BAM!!)
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. (POW!!)
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.(WHAMM!!)
Paul went on to explain a" holy new way of thinking" as he defines love in the following verses.
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Cor. 13:4-7
So often we get intimidated by what goes on around the church. We compare ourselves with one another. As this message is being written, Carolyn and Ellie are on their way across the world to demonstrate the love of Christ to a foreign nation. We have had several people go on short term mission trips, we have had those who have funded those trips, we have people pray for those people on the trip. All are part of spreading the Good News.
But you don't have to fly across the world to share the Good News. Include in that list of missionaries those who take the time to serve at the hospital, the Crossroads Mission, Amberly's Place or simply showing concern or love to a neighbor. You don't have to leave your neighborhood to be on the mission field. God has placed each of us in a specific place and time. We minister to those where we are, but as Paul says, you can be the best at anything, but without love it's really nothing. Love is the greatest thing you can bring when sharing and imitating the love of the one who loved you first and has you....
,
In His Grip,
Art
I like the counsel Paul is gives. Essentially he is saying that we have a responsibility to one another to discipline ourselves for the well-being of others. This is another demonstration of love and sacrificial living. My personal commentary is to avoid letting your sacrifice become prideful. For example “Look at how much I…" You can fill in the blank with serve, sing, give, do, etc. So ask yourself is the sacrifice for Christ? If not then it is for something else.
As for Acts, it's interesting how Paul is very upset about all the idol worship but when he goes to address it, he does so in a very kind way. He even praises them for the fact that they are trying to worship a god. He shows great tenderness. Then in 1 Thessalonians, we see Paul's immense love and care for the Thessalonians. You hear it when he says, (1:2) We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, (2:7-8) But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. (2:11-12) For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (2:17-18) But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you (2:19) For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. We even see that when he couldn't come to them, he sent Timothy to look after them (3:1-2). I hope from today's readings you have been challenged/encouraged to love others like Paul, who followed Christ. Whether they are non-believers and idol worshippers or believers, let us love them unto the Lord.
In our reading today, we see Paul and Silas being hounded by a demon possessed woman who really needed a “time out” (Acts 16:16-18), and Paul obliged her by removing the demon within her. Many of us have had experiences such as this when people ridicule, degrade and attack our belief systems. For many, when they do acts such as this, it is a sign of fear and the unknown. Fear that they are dealing with a belief system that is based upon accountability to a living savior, Jesus Christ, and the unknown that involves consequences for their actions; to which they are extremely frightened and intimidated about.
Many of us have had conversations with individuals such as this, but we need to realize that the Lord is opening the door for us to have a conversation about our beliefs. I have had conversations with these individuals and have found in many circumstances that it is more misconception and lack of understanding that drives their actions, and it just so happens that Proverbs 15:1 tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” So maybe next time when confronted with this type of individual and circumstance, we recognize what the Lord is doing in their life, say a prayer, and offer them a Snickers Bar as a peace offering.
Have a wonderful weekend, and don’t forget to read Proverbs 15 today, blessings……………Larry
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