Faithfully Yours Forever

2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (NIV 1984)
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.

Last week, we read in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 that God is the God of all comfort and that He comforts us so we can comfort others.  In today’s Scripture, Paul reminds us that God does comfort us, but He also comforts us through others.  People can be a real encouragement to us simply by there presence.  They also testify to us, as living examples, of Your goodness and care.  May we be comforted by You today.  May we also be a source of comfort to others. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 2:5-7 (NIV 1984)
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

It is often difficult to forgive those who have offended, hurt, or persecuted us in some way.  However, unforgiveness often leads to bitterness and a hardened heart.  Forgiveness does not mean we forget what has been done to us or that we continue to subject ourselves to the same type of poor treatment.  May the Spirit of Christ help us to forgive those who have wronged us.  May He help us to rise above the desire to repay others in kind.  Protect us from further abuse at the hands of others and enable us to stand in obedience to You.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Romans 15:5-6 (NIV 1984)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh, how the Body of Christ needs to be of one heart and one mouth, through Jesus Christ! Just imagine what the world would be like… how we could glorify God… if we were unified. God has shown mercy upon us; He has strengthened and encouraged us as we seek to follow Christ. May we see and focus upon what we have in common, in Christ! May those things that work against the spirit of unity among us be bound up and thrown into the pit. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Hebrews 12:3 (NIV 1984)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

It seems we hope, or expect, our lives will be easier because of our faith in Jesus Christ.  However, in Him we see one who endured great pain at the hands of others.  As a disciple of His, should we really expect our lives to be different?  May we call upon Him to strengthen, encourage, and sustain us.  May He train us up in the way we should go to finish the race… and to finish it well. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Psalm 102:28 (NIV 1984)
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you.

We should not underestimate the influence we can have upon others. It is a blessing when the Lord allows us to see how we have positively touched the lives of those around us. As Christlike disciples, may the love of the Lord shine through us to those in need. May we be humbled in knowing that the Lord has chosen to use us to reach the lost souls of this world… right here, right now! (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Psalm 116:10 (NIV 1984)
I believed; therefore I said,
    “I am greatly afflicted.”

Life circumstances can be complex, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming.  There are times when we may wonder if things will ever let up or if we will ever find peace.  In Jesus, we have someone we can go to when we are burden by what this broken world dishes out.  By believing in Him we can find relief.  May we turn to Him when we feel afflicted.  May we lay our burdens down.  May we rest in Him, trust in His promises, and give thanks. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV 1984)
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord
    in the land of the living.

What peace can come from knowing that the Lord has saved us.  In addition, He comforts us.  He is the one who can wipe aware our tears and set our feet on solid ground.  He desires for us to live life… and to live it abundantly in relationship with Him.  May we be grateful for His mercy, grace, and love.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV 1984)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Is it possible to be anything but thankful when we realize that, by the power of God, “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed [2 Corinthians 4:8-9]?  I do not think so.  May we praise God and express our thanks to Him for He is able to carry us through the difficulties we face each and every day.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV 1984)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, may the blindfolds of those who cannot see the light of the gospel message be removed.  May God use us, imperfect as these earthly vessels may be, to reach those who desire to come out of the darkness of despair into a new light filled with a mercy and hope only found when in Christ.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

2 Corinthians 1:12 (NIV 1984)
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace.

Praise God that we, because of God’s grace, are able to conduct ourselves in ways that are pleasing to Him.  May we always seek to please Him… and not boast or claim any credit for what He has made possible for us to do and be.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)