Happy Friday! This week has been a week of new beginnings. Some beginnings began with loss, others began with hope and for some it is expectancy of what is to come. For the Christian the new way of life is found in Christ Jesus. In 2 Corinthians chapter four Paul goes on to explain that God in his mercy has given us a new way, which is through the promise of the New Covenant. Join me as we begin our reading in chapter four.
“Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way,[a] we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.” – 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 NLT
In these verses Paul continued to speak to the Corinthian church and reminded them that because of what Christ Jesus did for all of us on the cross that he will never give up preaching the word of God. If you recall, Paul was an educated Jew and a murderer. Paul killed Christians because of their belief in Christ Jesus, but one day on a Damascus road Paul had an encounter with the living God and his life changed forever. Paul began to preach the word of God with truth – not a watered down version for Jews or underhanded methods for other people to feel comfortable. Paul was genuine and sold out for Christ. Paul accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he never looked back even on those days when he was beaten nearly to death for his faith. Paul’s mission was to lead people to Christ and he did.
Sisters and brothers, we are definitely not a mini Paul, but we are children of the Most High God. God has uniquely designed each of us with spiritual gifts and talents to succeed in this world and share the gospel wherever that success may lead. Maybe success is a career in ministry, a career in the medical field, as a scientist, a public servant, advocate, teacher, prayer warrior, administrator or stay at home parent, whatever it is God can use you where you are. God desires for you to be a light in the darkness and display His character every day. Let’s stop being watered down Christians who are being diluted by the world. Fill up your heart and spirit regularly with the word of God. Then let it pour out of you onto others through projects, etc. to bring glory to the Lord.
How will you fill up this year? (e.g., Bible study, accountability group, attend church regularly) ________.
Let’s live beyond average this year. Let’s readjust our vision so that we can focus on God and what He has called us to do.
Father God, thank you for your patience with us. Thank you for pulling us out of the darkness and into the light. Lord, forgive us for the times when we followed our own way, sometimes because we didn’t know any other way or simply because we refused to do things your way. Lord, today we choose to follow your lead. Lord, equip us with all that you have so that we may be bold, 100% proof all in for you. Lord, we are ready for your direction for our future – no more side stepping, no more running, no more easy is the road to less work. Lord, stretch us and keep us. In Jesus name, amen.
#LivingBeyondAverage #20/20Vision #StayFocused
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com
Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com
Copyright 2020 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.
Mary E. White Ministries 