With a holiday on Monday, it seems the rest of the week is always “off” a little. Today we made some more progress on our basement with some painting. It should progress fairly smooth from this point on. I attended my Rotary meeting and was able to fertilizer the yard and get a few seeds in the ground. (It was good to have family with us yesterday. Here is a picture of our group minus Christian and his family.)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “At that time, Hanani the seer came to King Asa of Judah and said to him, “Because you depended on the king of Aram and have not depended on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.… Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison because of his anger over this. And Asa mistreated some of the people at that time.“ 2 Chronicles 16:7,10 HCSB

As I read of the Kings of Judah, one of my favorite is King Josiah. The Godly king who made one last ditch effort to bring revival to the nation and stay God’s hand of judgment. Another king that always gets my attention is Asa. He started off so good. He did so many great things for God, but he forgot the source of his success and ended up as an angry, evil king.

We read of King Uzziah descendant of Asa. Much like Asa, he had many good qualities and in his early years was faithful to the Lord. But we read, “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.” (2 Chronicles 26:16 NIV)

This last weekend Pastor Jeff Lucas shared how when he entered Bible College to train for ministry that on the first day, the professor announced to the class that within ten years 50 percent of those present would not be serving the Lord. Not just out of ministry, but having turned their back on a life of faith and obedience.

I am not sure all of the factors that enter into the personal history of individuals who, at one time were zealous for the faith and then abandon the faith. However, we see that is not something that is new. At the end of his life Paul writes to Timothy and says, “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica.” (2 Timothy 4:10 NLT)

What we can observe from the account of Asa is that his heart became hard toward the Lord and when rebuked he became “mad” at God. In the past Asa when faced with attacks from enemy nations depended upon the Lord and the Lord delivered. Now when faced with attacks from Israel, instead of turning to the Lord, he turned to Aram and King Ben-hadad for help. He really “paid them off” with a great amount of gold and treasures from the Temple, and hired them to attack Israel.

Hannai, the prophet rebukes the King and tells him he acted foolishly. However, unlike David of old who repented, Asa instead “doubled down.” He threw the prophet in prison and began to mistreat the people of God. In the later years of his reign he came down with a life-ending disease in his feet. Even then he never turned to the Lord for help.

The Lord is not looking for “sinless living”, but is looking for those who will have hearts open to Him and His word of correction. The prophet’s message included these words, “For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.“ (2 Chronicles 16:9 HCSB) That is why even though David had his serious failures, he was still known as a “man after God’s own heart.”

Prayer for today… “Lord, keep my heart open to You. When You speak allow me to respond with an open heart; even when it is words of correction. May my commitment to You allow me to trust You fully and always.”

We enjoyed a good “family” Memorial Day. Christian and Bridget got up early to head to Boulder for the Bolder Boulder 10K race. Later in the day we were joined by Debbie’s sister Sue and husband Sam and my niece Kate and her boyfriend, David, along with his mother Karen and my mother. When grandchildren are around, you  observe the older you get the more contrast you notice to the “energy” of youth.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “He will settle disputes among the nations and provide arbitration for many peoples. They will turn their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will not take up the sword against other nations, and they will never again train for war.”  2:4 HCSB

We can’t escape the fact that part of the curse is that disputes are often settle by violence and war rather than through peaceful means. It began when Cain killed Abel and it continues today. It is observed in conflicts between individual and conflicts between nations.

Except in the most twisted minds, war and aggression is at times a “necessary” evil. Former President General Dwight Eisenhower once said, “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dwight_d_eisenhower.html)

The well know poetry of Ecclesiastes states, “There is…a time for war and a time for peace.“ (Ecclesiastes 3:8 NIV) Wars and battles since the beginning of time have been sought to establish and defend territory, to ward of aggression and to ensure security and peace for people. It is of interest that the greatest period of peace that will ever be known is followed by a “war” and the defeat of the most ruthless force on the earth, “spiritual darkness.”

“Then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and against His army…Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.… I also saw the people who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of God’s word, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with the Messiah for 1,000 years.”  (Revelation 19:19-20; 20:4 HCSB)

True peace in an individual life and among nations comes from the “Prince of Peace.” That is why Isaiah in a time of great conflict, violence and brutality, spoke of a day and a time when instruments of war will be used for instruments of peace. When that which would destroy is used for that which provides life and nourishment. A time when even “training for war” will not be necessary.

On this Memorial Day, we can be thankful for the thousands over the years who have answered the call. The call of defend, to be willing to lay down their lives to secure freedom and peace for our nation. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember the lives lost in the defense of freedom and in an effort to secure peace. Their lives were lost in a time of hostility in order that a day when hostilities would cease would soon come.

I am thankful for the service of many friends and family members. Some like my father-in-law serving in a great time of conflict during World War II. I think of my brother and his military career, at the end of the Vietnam War. He was one of those who while serving during a mostly a time of peace, prepared for the battles that are being fought today.

It is with gratitude in our hearts that we value those who serve and have served. To never forget their sacrifice. To always cherish what we have, because of what they have done.

Prayer for Today…. “Lord we look to you as the One who is able to secure true peace and freedom. We see your hand in scripture and in history in times of war and in times of peace. We ask that you would guide us and our leaders into peace, while we honor those whose who have served and are vigilant to defend that peace which has been won at such a high cost. Comfort those who mourn, encourage those who serve and may you hasten the day when ‘they will never again train for war.'”

This morning, I conducted two chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. I then was able to get the lawn mowed before Christian and Bridget and kids arrived. It became a little cloudy this afternoon, but we still made a quick trip to the neighborhood pool. Tomorrow my mother and niece and her boyfriend will come to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In front of the temple he made two pillars, each 27 feet high. The capital on top of each was 7½ feet high…Then he set up the pillars in front of the sanctuary, one on the right and one on the left. He named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz.” 2 Chronicles 3:15,17 HCSB

As Solomon establishes high reign in the place of David, he moves to fulfill his role as the builder of the temple. We  see the instructions for the furnishings of the Temple provided by Moses. However, not every details of the architecture of Temple was dictated by the Lord. As a result, we see the various temples over time having a different  design or look.

Solomon’s Temple was one of grandeur. Supporting the temple were two ornate pillars one to the north, one to the south, which stood over thirty feet high; that’s almost four stories. Not only were these pillars functional and impressive in size and design they were named. One was call “Jachin” and the other “Boaz.”

The meaning of theses names is understood as, “He will establish” and “strength is in Him.” Some have put these two together to summarize the meaning as, “He will establish in strength.” However, I believe there is some value in seeing these as twin concepts separately, just as each of the twin pillars was important and served a functional purpose and were a reminder of an important aspect of God’s work and character.

God from the beginning was one who “established.” We see His handiwork in creation and we see Him establishing a people through calling Abraham and we see Him eventually establishing His church and we anticipate His establishing of a kingdom that will never end.

We also see the work of the Lord referenced in personal and individuals ways. For example, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.“ (Proverbs 16:9 NIV) “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) We read, “He removes kings and establishes kings.” (Daniel 2:21)
In our world today, we can see those gifts leaders who are referred to as “serial entrepreneurs.” This individuals have the ability to start many successful businesses from scratch. We could say the Lord is a “serial establisher.” He has a proven record of creating and establishing that which lasts and fulfills its purpose.

As we observe the Lord initiate and establish, it is equally important to understand that all “strength is in Him.” It is in His strength and through His strength that we partner with the Lord in seeing His work established throughout the earth. It is in His strength and we are able to live life with confidence.

Paul asserted, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.“ (Philippians 4:13 NLT) The Old Testament parallel is found in Psalm 18:2 (NIV) “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”

When God’s people trusted in the strength of the Lord they were successful and victorious. When they trusted in their own strength and resources and the strategies of the day, they were defeated and frustrated. That is an important lesson of us to learn today. David declared, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”  (Psalm 28:7 NIV) When we trust in Him, we will find His help.

Prayer for today… “Lord thank you that you establish and give strength. Just as Your people were reminded of that as they came to the Temple, allow me to remember everyday, my need to trust in You. Lord I pray with the psalmist, “establish the work of [my] hands for [me]– yes, establish the work of [my] hands.” (Psalm 90:17 NIV) I trust you to work in me and through me for your glory.”

Our weather the last two days has been on the cool side. But I was still able to get outside to get the patio in “summer condition.” Tomorrow Christian, Bridget and grandkids come to Fort Collins after their church service. I did make it for a short swim at our neighborhood pool. We are looking forward to the summer season.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night”— even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.” Psalm 139:11,12 HCSB

Paul writes to the Romans and affirms that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:38) I believe Psalm 139 is the Old Testament equivalent as it affirms that God is the “ever-present” God. Wherever we go, what ever we do, He is there. We can’t hide and we can’t be removed from His presence.

That fact can bring a sense of conviction at times and comfort in other circumstances. For example, if we try to “hide in the dark” so our actions are not obvious, we only fool ourselves. However, we need to remember that the “darkness of our soul” or our situation that would attempt to block God’s light is of no avail. We may be lead to believe that is the case, but our deeds and our needs are both known to God.

The psalmist declares, “…You are aware of all my ways.” (Psalm 139:3 HCSB) When the circumstances of life, the trails and tests come our way, we can feel abandon and alone. We ask, “God, are you there! Do you care!” The resounds answer from the hallowed halls of heaven is, “Yes!” As much as He is with us in the “bright of the day” He is with us in the “darkest hour” that we face.

That challenge for us is to not live by human emotions as real and as strong as they are. In the midst of those times we need to remind ourselves of the Lord’s love and being our “ever present help in time of need.” (Psalm 46:1)

“Dark times” come from a variety of sources and for a variety of reasons. For me it was a major health crisis. But that was not my first and only time of sensing “dark clouds” hanging over my head. Like many those times came due to my own failings, or the challenges of life and leadership. Regardless of the situation and circumstance, I need to remind myself of God’s love and present work available to me.

When the psalmist declares, “The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You” – I am reminded of John’s declaration, “God is light and in Him dwells no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

In the “dark times” of your life, realize that the Lord is just as close as the light. He is there, working and available as we trust in Him and cry out to Him in our need.

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank you for the comfort that comes from knowing You are always there. The darkness of the circumstances or challenges of life does not hide Your love or Your intervention. Help me to remember that when my feelings contradict my faith. I choose to live by Your light and rest in your love.”

This morning I connect with Pastor John Engle. He retired as the Visitation Pastor at Timberline Church, but was a consistent support during my health crisis. I enjoyed connecting once again, giving him a copy of my book and learning more about his background and life. Our neighborhood pool opened today for the season, but the mid 60 degree temps didn’t make it too inviting.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12,13 HCSB

We see the record of scripture, we see the story of individuals and of God’s people. When we read scripture and look at life itself, it seems that there is more failure than victory in the midst of temptation. Paul in preparing the Corinthian believers to be “faithful followers” of Christ, does a quick review of Israel’s history.

God’s people were given the Law. They had seen the deliverance the Lord brought to them in Egypt. They were instructed about the ways of the Lord, but when they faced the temptations that come by virtue of life, or lack of focus or just being “caught off guard” they had consistent failures.

Paul addresses the issues that confronted the Israelites, “Now these things became examples for us, so that we will not desire evil things as they did…Don’t become idolaters as some of them were…Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did…Let us not test Christ as some of them did…” (1 Corinthians 10:6-9 HCSB)

Here are some observations from Paul’s observations and warnings….

1 – Spiritual experience does not shield from temptation. Paul begins by observing how all of these people saw the might hand of God. They were recipients of miracles, they saw God in His glory, they partook of his miraculous provision, they saw the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. But in the end they displeased God so much they lost their opportunity to inherit the promised land.

2 – Temptations are varied. We often think of the “big” sins and failures. But Paul points out a temptation to, “desire evil things” and “test Christ” along with idolatry and sexual immorality. Timing and vulnerability are keys to temptation. We read of Jesus’ temptation. The Bible says he had fasted and was hungry and the first temptation was, “turn stones into bread.” The account of Jesus temptation ends with, “the devil left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:1,13)

3 – Yielding to temptation brings sin and consequences. When Paul recounts the failures of Israel’s sin in the wilderness, he mentions a consequence related to their failure. For example, “…in a single day 23,000 people fell dead...some of them…were destroyed by snakes…” (1 Corinthians 10:9 HCSB)

4 – Over confidence is dangerous. Paul cautions, “…whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” James gave these instructions about restoring a “fallen brother.” “…you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (James 6:1 ESV) The original language of this verse indicates, being tempted in the same way, with the same sin. So often someone in confidence will say or think, “that could never happen to me!” Those are dangerous words.

5 – No temptation is unique to you. The details may be somewhat unique but Paul says emphatically, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity…” (1 Corinthians 10:13 HCSB) One of the lies of Satan is that “you are special and unique and your circumstances didn’t give you a choice.” The Bible declares the Jesus was “tempted in all points like we are, yet He did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

6 – There is strength and victory available. “…He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)   We would like to think “I can’t” but the Lord’s faithful says, “I can.” He is with us and will give us an “exit strategy.” It is not easy. Jesus “suffered” when tempted and so do we. But that is what makes Him as Savior that relates to fallen humanity. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.“ (Hebrews 2:18 NIV)

It is a fact that we won’t always be successful. But that is not Christ’s failure. He shows the way we must follow. We can be thankful for Christ’s grace and the promise of 1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s strive for Gods’ “Plan A.” It is a far better choice.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.” I understand that plea is more than just words, but relates to my life, everyday. Allow me to always look to you and your strength. I give you thanks for the promise of help and victory as temptations come my way. I praise You for Your forgiveness and keeping me in your grace.”

Today felt like a genuine “busy” day. I left the house at 8:30 a.m. had a conference call at 9 a.m. a coffee meeting at 10 am. a lunch at 11:30 a.m. a live webinar where I was a guest at 1:00 p.m. at workout at 2:30 p.m. and a Chiropractor appointment at 4:30 p.m. Considering how I’ve felt the last two days, I was glad that I did as good as I did. I think it helped to keep moving. I’m glad I have only a breakfast meeting scheduled for tomorrow. In the midst of it all, I walked half the length of a basketball court, without crutches, during my fitness workout!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 HCSB

Athletic competition has been something for people to related to for thousands of years. Regardless of the sport there is training and preparation and the competition and the crowning of the winner. It may be for a game or a tournament or an “end of season” or state championship. But there is only one winner, whether that be an individual or a team.

I remember the baseball coach I assisted at Colby Community College, like the say, “preparation, execution, celebration.” This summarized his coaching philosophy. If the training and preparation is adequate and the execution proper it will lead to celebrating a victory.

When I was hospitalized almost three years ago, my senior softball team was playing its final game of the season and preparing for the tournament. We actually were league champs that year. When I got out of the hospital, some of my teammates came to visit me an presented me with the token of our accomplishment….a “t-shirt!”

Paul connects with the Corinthians who were familiar with the games that were the precursor  to the modern day Olympics. He pointed out, “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize?”  (1 Corinthians 9:24 HCSB) Accomplishment is not automatic, it is earned through discipline, sacrifice and hard work. In making a spiritual application Paul says, “play to win!”

In order to win, discipline is needed in all areas of life. An athlete will train physically, prepare mentally, will watch their diet, monitor their schedule. Attention will be given to anything that will serve as a distraction to winning the prize. Anyone remember the, “no-girl-friend” policy during a high school sports season?

The bottom line is, if an athlete goes through all of that self-control to win a prize that is soon forgotten or perishes, how much more should the follower of Christ exercise the discipline that is needed to win the “prize of heaven?”

This is not an issue of salvation, and I’m glad that there is not just “one winner.” Paul uses this to point to the importance of faithfulness to Christ and not bringing reproach on the gospel. We see this in Paul’s words, “I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:26,27 HCSB)

The greatest prize for any believer are the words of Jesus, “well done good and faithful servant.” The life we live is important; the goal before us is of great value and eternal.

Prayer for today… “Lord help me to maintain my focus, self-control and discipline as I “run the race” to gain the prize that is set before me. Help me, like Paul to seek that “crown of righteousness” from you when you return or when I come to the end of this life’s journey.”

Most of my day was spent in traveling to Denver and attending a meeting related to my energy work. There are several potential ballot issues aimed to curtail the energy industry in Colorado. I was pleased the the Loveland Reporter-Herald printed an editorial of mine, related to ballot initiatives in general:  http://www.reporterherald.com/opinion/guest-columns/ci_29926129/citizens-guide-ballot-initiatives

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and living like unbelievers?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 HCSB

The late Richard Halverson, Chaplain of the US Senate, talked about “practical atheism.” He explained it as believing there is a God, but acting as though He doesn’t exist. I believe that was much of Paul’s frustration with the believers in ancient Corinth and it is the often the frustration of spiritual leaders today.

There is nothing that promotes God’s blessing like unity and there is nothing the hinders God’s blessing and the work of the gospel like strife and division. Paul has just finished telling the Corinthians, “…the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit…The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone….But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16 HCSB)

But it was obvious to Paul that these believers were acting more like “childish” unbelievers than spiritual “adults.” What lead to that conclusion? “Envy and strife.” There actions and attitudes were stagnating their spiritual development.

That is the first thing Paul addresses. “I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:1 HCSB) The writer of Hebrews explains, “…solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.“  (Hebrews 5:14 NIV) Christ’s desire is for His Church to “grow up” and be strong. It takes place through embracing and being confronted with the truth, “speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV)

Beginning in this chapter and the following ones, Paul confronts these believers with the “truth” of their condition. They were divided over various leaders, they were turning to the courts to solve church disputes, there were those who were claiming spiritual superiority due to “gifts,” there was the toleration of blatant immorality, there was confusion over the “Lord’s Supper” and misunderstanding about the resurrection, just to name a few issues. The key area keeping the Church in spiritual toddler-hood was their division over teachers and leaders.

Paul begins by explaining that there is no competition among various spiritual leaders because each has a part to play. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.“ (1 Corinthians 3:6,7 HCSB) Paul emphasized that all of those who had ministered among them were all equally servants of Christ, fulfilling a different function. Each ministry gift should be aimed at the same goal, strengthening believers in the faith. Each person should be “building on” and “adding to the contribution” of another, not tearing down and starting over.

With that being the case, it is interesting to observe even in the “church” today how, people will gather around and support various leaders within a church to the detriment of church unity. This “my-guy-is-better-than-your guy” attitude is as it was in Paul’s day, “childish!”

In the final analysis God will judge each person’s work and the impact on the church. “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16,17 HCSB)

God desires to dwell among His people. God’s church (people) is His sanctuary, the place where He dwells. Those who act in a way that “destroys” the unity and the growth of God’s people, whether teacher, preacher or believer, are risking being “destroyed” by God. That’s how serious God views the growth and unity of His people. The Church is the “Bride of Christ” and He is jealous over it.

Prayer for today…. “Lord thank you for the “people of God” your Church. May your Church be all that You desire it to be. Allow us to function in unity and maturity as Your people, that the world may know of your love. Thank you for all those who build on the foundation of Christ. Keep us from strife and division and enable us to grow in Christ who is the head of the Church.”

We have been working for close to a year to finish off our basement. It was great to reconnect with our friend Brian Maesberg who is coming to help finish out our project. The Maseberg family attended our church in Littleton and we have known them for over 20 years. Brian helped us with some work in our home in Lakewood and was helpful when we first purchased our home in Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 1:1-4 HCSB

There is a quote that I was sure I heard years ago from my friend Dick Foth. However, I did find it attributed to the late Howard Hendricks, famed professor from Dallas Seminary. It goes like this, “You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close.”

I believe Paul understood this dynamic. Paul was a man who knew how to communicate with words. He could debate with the Greeks in Athens on the Areopagus. He could stand his ground in defense of his life and the gospel before religious and political leaders. Paul knew how to communicate in written words as well. Even then he had his critics as any well known person does. Even some among the Corinthians said, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” (2  Corinthians 10:10 NIV)

Perhaps some of that criticism was out of jealousy, perhaps it was due to the fact that in Corinth, Paul decided not to “bowl people over” with his power words and sharp intellect. If he had, his spoken words would have better matched his written words. However, the result would have been people more impressed with Paul than God.

Paul knew the tendency even in ancient days for people to be followers of personalities. He addresses this in his letter when he points out, “Each of you says, “I’m with Paul,” or “I’m with Apollos,” or “I’m with Cephas,” or “I’m with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:12 HCSB) In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul finds the need to defend himself in relationship to some “super apostles” who were having influence over the Corinthians. (2 Corinthians 11:5)

Paul lived among the Corinthians for 18 months. This was probably the longest time he spent in any one city outside of his own town or area. Paul took a different approach in this city. He was not just trying to make an “impression” he was trying to make an “impact.” As a result, his life style and approach was just to, “know Christ and Him crucified.” He kept his message simple.

The lifestyle he lived was “in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” His reliance was not on words but, “with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit.” Paul’s desire was not for the people to be “impressed” with him, but to be “impacted” by Christ and the gospel and the power of the Spirit. Paul’s familiar statement certainly applies to those in Corinth, “You know how we lived among you for your sake.“ (1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV; Acts 20:18)

The question that faces us all is “Are drawing people closer to Christ through the way we speak and live?” That was Paul’s desire and it is a good example to follow.

Prayer for today… “Lord don’t let me settle for making an “impression” on others. Help me today to live in a way that impacts people so they see a “great God” who loves them and wants to change their life. Help me to connect in a meaningful way with people, but may they always see “Christ in me.”