Faithfully Yours Forever

2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV 1984)
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

You may have heard the expression; the Lord loves a cheerful giver.  Well, today’s Scripture verse supports this claim.  The surrounding passage indicates that the goal is equitable distribution of resources to all who may have needs.  In working to manage our home or family budgets, we often make the distinction between wants and needs.  May we recognize the difference between what we need and what we want.  May we willingly give, from what we have been given, to those who are in need.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 8:5b (NIV 1984)
They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Some people willingly give of their time, talent, treasure, and ties [relationships] to various Christian ministries and church related activities.  As the Scripture verse indicates, we should give first to the Lord, but then we should give to those individuals and organizations that are doing what the Lord has commanded… sharing the gospel, making disciples, baptizing, and feeding and caring for His sheep.  May we not hold on to our time, talent, treasure, and ties so tightly that we forget to whom they actually belong.  May we praise God for His provisions.  May we share of our abundance with others in need.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

John 15:18, 21 (NIV 1984)
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

We want to be liked by others.  However, it can be tough when we are reminded that not everyone is going to like us.  Additionally, it can be difficult when we realize that their dislike of us may simply be because we love and try to follow Jesus and His example for holy living.  As a disciple, this should not surprise us.  Jesus tells us, through the Scriptures, that just as they hate Him, they will hate us.  May we stand firm when we are experiencing the hatred that unbelievers have of us.  May we turn to the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom at those times.  Through our witness, may those who persecute us see the error of their ways.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

John 15:16 (NIV 1984)
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

How special is it to know that Jesus chose us first – before we chose Him?  He values us.  He is confident we will bear fruit, eternal fruit, for His kingdom.  Genuine belief in Jesus stems from a love for Him and what He did for us.  May we be blessed in a very special way as we love and follow Him.  May we be seen as worthy, in the eyes of the Father, as we show others why and how to have a meaningful relationship with the Lord.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Hebrews 9:14 (NIV 1984)
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

The Old Testament speaks often of a sacrificial system and the atonement of sins.  Today’s verse, from the New Testament, reminds us how much more effective Christ’s sacrifice is in preparing us to serve God.  To serve God effectively, we need to be able to reflect His holiness.  May we be able to show the world around us that there is a new and better way to live our lives.  This better way of living is within reach, for us and for others, simply by believing in the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus upon the cross.  May we be open to His cleansing power.  May we see how Jesus has changed us to better reflect His image of holiness through our words, actions, and deeds.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV 1984)
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I love this passage of Scripture!  As Christians, we are to stand out from the crowd… and stand up for Christ!  May we be the light of Christ in those darkened places in the world around us.  May the message of the gospel shine brightly through our words, deeds, and attitudes. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV 1984)
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can count on the promise written of in the Scriptures.  However, it is up to us to strive to live a holy life.  When we do not quite measure up, may we remember that God is merciful.  He has provided a way for us, through Christ, to be holy in His eyes.  May we believe in the redemptive work accomplished by Christ upon the cross.  May we choose to follow the way of Jesus and guide others into a relationship with the one who gave His life for us. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Ephesians 6:13 (NIV 1984)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The Scripture surrounding this verse reminds us that the full armor of God is about truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.  These things, combined with prayer and the power of the Lord, are what make it possible for us to stand – we can stand firm against the evil forces of this world.  There are days when I dare not venture out without claiming the protection that is afforded me, as a believer, by the full armor of God.  At those times when we suspect we may be under spiritual attack, may we remember to “suit up” and pray!  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV 1984)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

God has chosen to honor us.  We are an important part of His plan.  He seeks to use us to achieve His purposes and to build His Kingdom.  It is an huge responsibility!  Our ability to fulfill this responsibility is empowered by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit guides us as we focus on strengthening our relationship with God.  In growing our relationship, we become effective ambassadors for Christ.  May others see how serving in this capacity, as Christ’s ambassadors, has enriched our lives. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Psalm 30:11 (NIV 1984)
You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Oh, what a blessing!  However, all too often, God is the last one we turn to in times of sorrow, fear, or despair.  So many times, we forget to turn to the Scriptures to find the needed comfort that only God can provide.  The Psalms can be a source of joy, encouragement, and peace.  We learn, particularly in the Psalms, that God hears and responds to our cries for mercy.  As we seek God, may we learn to turn to the Scriptures.  May we remember to not only ask Him to guide us, in the name of Jesus, but may we also remember to give praise to Him for His mercy, faithfulness, and answers to our prayers.  May we give thanks for all He does to care for, and provide for, us each day. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)