BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

A troubled church doesn’t instantly change. It is a process. The same applies to our individuals lives spiritually. But absolute perfection or maturity doesn’t mitigate living in God’s love and peace. We find that the direction of our lives is more important than the perfection of our lives.

So even though 2 Corinthians ends with an indication of some ongoing issues in the Corinthian church, Paul still says, “rejoice!” We usually relate rejoicing to a victory or the final accomplishment of a state. But Paul turns that on its head by saying rejoice, even while in process.

Paul’s guidelines for being “in process” include, “strive for full restoration.” Don’t settle for a job half-done. Keep forgiving, changing, repenting, restoring. This process requires individual responsibility in the context of community.

His admonition is to “encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” When I read these charges, I am reminded that the time to do what you need to do, what pleases the Lord, is now. You don’t wait for the right feels or some illusive marker in time or progress toward a goal, do it now! Begin now to live the way you would, the way the honors the Lord even while you are in the process of maturity.

When that happens, we can be confident that God’s love and peace will be with us. It is God’s love and peace that in turn enables us to make the spiritual progress that we desire.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your love and peace.  Help us to rejoice as the process of Your work in our lives take place. Strengthen us as we focus on actions that encourage others and promote peace.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:20,21 NIV

I have read and taught on 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 numerous times. There are some key financial stewardship concepts in these chapters and in 1 Corinthians 16 where Paul talks about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul calls for disciplined and systematic giving. (Receiving gifts each week, laying aside [saving] that money.) He talks about giving even in the midst of need. He talks about the importance of “equal sacrifice” or giving according to ones ability. He shares how God is pleased with the cheerful giver. He shares how giving to this need not only meets a material need, but has a spiritual impact on God’s people. He shares the importance of not just having zeal to begin, but the tenacity to finish. He shares how God is faithful to meet the needs of those who give generously.

But what I have overlooked is, in addition to what to do, Paul focuses on how this gift was to be handled. He was doing all that he could do to treat with honor, respect and integrity the sacrificial gift of God’s people.

This gift was being handled by a group of chosen individuals. In speaking of the role of Titus, Paul’s co-worker, he says, “What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.” (2 Corinthians 8:19 NIV)

So it is apparent that a group of men of integrity were chosen to handle these sacred gifts. This included Titus, sent from Jerusalem, along with Paul and those accompanying him from Corinth. Paul said that they were “taking pains to do what is right.” So, often church finances can be handled “loosely” because after all, “we trust” people. But Paul says, there is a way to conduct the handling of finances that is “right” in the eyes of God and the eyes of man.

When I was first elected to the Colorado House; a ballot measure was passed that had very stringent prohibitions for receiving “gifts” from individuals and lobbyists. I recall a fellow newly-elected legislator who was a very successful businessman, repeated on several occasions, “it is imperative that we live above reproach.” He was so concerned that he went above and beyond the strict measures of the legislation.

That is the attitude that God’s people should have when handling God’s finances. There is a scared trust that should require an even greater duty of care, because we want to honor God as well as doing what is right in the eyes of “man.”

God’s people and leaders can be criticized in all kinds of ways. Let’s make sure it is not in our integrity and diligence in handling the sacred trust of money given by people to meet the needs of others and to conduct the work of the gospel. Let’s not follow the standard, let’s raise the standard.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you for instructions on giving and the proper way to handle those gifts. May we always seek to honor You and to live “above reproach” so the cause of the gospel is not hindered in any way.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.” 2 Corinthians 7:8,9 NIV

The Book of 2 Corinthians is not just another letter Paul wrote to this church; it is a follow up directly related to his first letter. His first letter is filled with correction from a heart of concern. We see Paul’s affection for this church when he says, “…I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” (2 Corinthians 7:3 NIV) Here are some things we can observe…

True repentance comes from Love not anger. Paul’s letter of correction was not just berate or condemn. It was done out of his love and commitment. He desired that this church excel and not be hampered in its witness and effectiveness. Correction can come from anger; but it demeans more than motivates. It seems that malice is more the motive than concern. Refusing to correct can also reveal a lack of concern. There is either the unwillingness to address difficult issues or their is a disconnected posture that shows a lack of concern over the consequences of a behavior.

What we see in Paul’s attitude and concern can be applied to parenting. Paul sets a good model as a spiritual father for those who are parents. Correction, even when difficult and brings sorrow, is to be done desiring the best for a child and is motivated by love more than frustration of disappointment.

True repentance leads to life. Correction is difficult to receive. There is sorrow and heartache. But the response will make or break an individual or in this situation a church. Paul says, “For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9,10 NIV)

The harm that comes when their is a lack of godly sorrow and repentance is self-inflicted. The Corinthians were focused on making corrections and showing that they were walking in the truth. This is how Paul described their response, “See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done…” (2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV)

True repentance brings joy and confidence. Consider Paul’s affirming words about this church that seemed to have some many failings.

“I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV)

“I had boasted to him [Titus] about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well…..I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 7:14,16)

When we read the context of 2 Corinthians 7, we see that the letter of correction was not easy for Paul. He saw the sorrow it caused; but any regrets were erased when he saw their eager and mature response. As a result the relationship was stronger and the confidence in the church was greater.

Prayer for today…. Lord, may our corrections of others be filled with love and concern and the desire for full potential to be realized. When we receive words of correction, may our response be one of godly sorrow that brings life and peace.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV

The Christian life does not create immunity from the troubles and difficulties of life. The psalmist declares, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19 NIV) Jesus said, “…He [God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45 NIV) Paul simply refers to “all troubles.”

The hope and courage to face the difficulties in life is found in God’s compassion and comfort. When the disciples feared for their lives on the stormy sea, they asked Jesus, “Don’t you care that we perish?” (Mark 4:38) Peter called saints to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV) When difficulties arise it is almost natural to questions God’s care.

The Lord not only has compassion for the challenges of life that we face, but all true compassion can be found in Him. Human compassion, may be out of sympathy or guilt. God’s compassion flows from His nature. It is also found in Jesus Christ who took on human form and suffered in ways that pale to the sufferings of others.

God’s compassion and comfort can be found in all the troubles we face. He understands broken hearts, wounded relationships, the challenges of illness and health and economic woes. We can confident that He understands and that He does deliver.

Then Paul says that God’s compassion and comfort is to flow through our lives to others. Those who have faced difficulties and can testify of the Lord’s faithfulness serve as an encouragement to those who find themselves in various types of troubles. The Lord works in sovereign ways that are beyond our understanding, but He also works through us in the lives of others. A “testimony” comes from those who have emerged from the “test” of life.

This verse was the motivation for my book on my health challenge. As I experienced the Lord’s faithfulness, the answers to prayer and God’s love through others, I wanted my story to be source of encouragement to others facing their own “crisis.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for Your care, compassion and comfort. Allow what we have received from You to be a source of encouragement and strength to others.

I returned home late last night from my week in Dallas. I was greeted by snow in Denver, our first of the season. Today I made a trip to the fitness center before my IV infusion at McKee Medical Center. I am pleased the with my busy schedule, I have not experienced some of the normal fatigue that has been part of my life in recent years.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV

These final words of challenge from Paul to the Corinthians are compelling. Paul had much of his life, tied to this church. We know he spent at least eighteen months ministering in Corinth, and made return trips. This was a church he cared about. He cared enough to confront.

Proverbs tells us, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6 NLT) Paul saw the progress and the potential in this church and he wanted them to address the issues that threatened their effectiveness.

He begins by affirming them and recognizing their spiritual gifts and devotion to the Lord. It is easy to view an individual or a group based on their faults and failures. But Paul from the beginning, before he spoke of word of correction, saw in this church, their future strength and stability As he reminded them of God’s work of grace he said, “He [Jesus] will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV)

Paul saw them as “blameless” in the end, even though they faced critical challenges in the present. They were divided, coddling blatant sin, suing each other before civil courts, messed up about marriage and personal conduct and responsibility; they were giving into temptation and failing to remember the lessons of God’s people in the past. They were not being considerate of the Body of Christ both in their lack of self-discipline and self-sacrifice, as well as in the practice of “The Lord’s Supper.”

It would be easy to view this group as “unredeemable.” But Paul as he comes to the end of the letter calls them to action. Plan, prepare and practice meeting the needs of others. Paul gives instructions about gifts for the poor in Jerusalem, he shares his own plans to visit them again, he prepares them for the arrival of Timothy and the he gives this overall call to action.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” A victorious life in Christ requires persistent diligence. You just can’t coast, in order to make progress. The threats are from without, within and in our own hearts.

Paul consistently related faith to “standing firm.” Paul wrote to the Ephesians and says, “don’t be tossed to and fro by every wind and doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14) The waves of doubt and discouragement and the onslaught of the enemy of our souls can threaten the stability of our spiritual life.

Like the Lord commanded Joshua, Paul encourages the Corinthians, “be strong…be courageous…” Strength and courage are the ingredients to victory in many arenas of life and it is certainly true in our spiritual life. We don’t yield, give in or give up.

But then Paul end with the words, “Do everything in love.” Love for the Lord and for the people of God. Paul modeled this when he affirms their faith before he addresses their failures. But we see in his words, confidence of a bright future.

Prayer for today… Lord, allow us to heed these words. Help us to be on guard, help us to be firm in our faith. Give us the strength and courage to face the challenges of life and faith. Help us to know Your love and to be guided by Your love in all that we do. 

Today we wrapped up the Legacy Summit with messages from Josh McDowell and Tim and Annie Kimmel. The breakout session I attended was with Jay Kessler, the former Director of Youth for Christ. He reflected on his life story, ministry and our present challenges. With the aging of “boomers” we are reminded that we will have one of the largest groups of grandparents in history. Being at this inaugural conference reminds me of the early years of Promise Keepers. Get ready for the “gray wave” making an impact on future generations as they face the challenges of being intentional in the lives of the next generation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 “…I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

There is a line from an old short film that Debbie and I remember from years ago. The film is called, “The Estate Sale.” Two women move through the house of a deceased couple and begin reflecting on the family and what the story told of their lives in the items left behind. One of the girls finds herself in an encounter with the wife and mother from the family, who was the last to die. The woman reflects on her life and her family with the visitor and makes this comment, “We never said, “no” to our children, so they never learned to say, “no” to themselves.

Discipline in life is that which is exerted from an outside force. It may be parents, teachers, a coach, law enforcement or some other authority over our life. However, self-discipline is that which we impose on ourselves. It involves not doing what we should not do, it involves delayed gratification, it involves even not doing what may not be necessarily wrong, for the good others.

It is of interest that Paul confronts those who assert that, “all things are lawful.” In others words, “if I have freedom in Christ, I can do what I want, or what I decide is right, even if some one else views it as wrong or questionable.

Paul provides some practical considerations to give some perspective to this mentality. He reminds them that, “not every is beneficial” not everything is “constructive” or does not build us up. And then he says, “be on guard for that which masters us.” In others words, will it be addictive or destructive in its impact on my life?

In the context Paul addresses that which, “makes us feel good” – food and sex. In chapter 10, he addresses food offered to idols (which isn’t a pervasive issue today) but he lays out a broader concept, No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24) We need to understand and consider how our life impacts others.

Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “For even Christ didn’t live to please Himself…” (Romans 15:2,3 NLT)

So, we can see that self-discipline involves not only decisions I make for my own good, but also for the good of others. This strikes right at the heart of the church being a “community” of believers. We are to live our lives in a way that honors Christ and builds up the body of Christ. In the broadest context we are to consider decisions in areas of “Christian” freedom based on the impact on my life and the life of others.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the example and challenge that we find in scripture. Thank You for the wisdom and direction to guide the decisions of our life. 

The Legacy Summit that I am attending features some well known counselors, teachers and preachers from years past. All those I remember from my youth ministry days are now fellow grandparents. Last night we heard from Chuck Swindoll. Tonight we will hear from Gary Chapman and John Trent. Tomorrow Josh McDowell and Tim Kimmel are on the docket. Yesterday, I sat in on a session taught by Dr. Elmer Towns. He is a well known Christian educator and co-founder of Liberty University. His new wife has some Colorado connections.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.” 1 John 2:12,13 NIV

Although I have taught through 1 John in the past, this morning at the Legacy Summit,  Michelle Anthony from David C Cook Publishers conceptualized John’s charge to children, fathers and young men in a way that was most helpful. I will use her outline with some of my own reflections. These concepts have application to natural families and spiritual families.

Children are receivers – “Your sins have been forgiven….” That speaks of salvation and receiving God’s gift of life and relationship. We see this in the next set of verses when John says, “I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.” (1 John 2:14 NIV)

Children receive care, attention and perhaps all too often can get used to that role. But loving parents do what they can to provide for their children what they need. The children don’t have to earn it, they don’t have to reciprocate, they are benefactors of love and relationship.

Young men are doers – John says, “you have overcome the evil one.”  John repeats their victory in the fight when he says, “…I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:14 NIV) Young men (fathers) are “fighting the fight and winning the battles.” Their focus is on providing for the family, teaching children, warding off that which would come against the family they have established. There comes a time, and it should be a progression, when children learn to move from being just “receivers” to being, “doers.”

Fathers (older men) are “knowers” – Twice John says to fathers, “you have known him is from the beginning.”  This “knowing” speaks of experience, some history is reflected in these words. Those who know are to share with those who are “doing.” They are to encourage and provide strength and encouragement. They are to impact to the “receivers” to build faith, so that the “receivers” are prepared to be triumph “doers.”

A well rounded family and a well rounded church will have all of these stages of life and spiritual development, active and engaged. It becomes obvious the impact if just one group is present and dominating. As I get older, I realize the ease in which many “knowers” prematurely become in receivers. When that happens a vital resource is lost and potential is not realized.

These stages happen as part of spiritual maturity as well as the natural process of age. I am reminded of Paul’s words, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” (Galatians 2:20) Those who just “hear” are focused on receiving. But just a food is given to provide energy for living, God’s Word is to give spiritual vitality for “doing” the work of the Christian life. For fighting the fights and winning the battles we encounter.

When God’s plan for His people is “worked” there is health and vitality in both our natural and spiritual families. Wherever you are in life or your walk with the Lord there is a role and responsibility that applies to you.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for family. For our natural families and for your spiritual family. Allow children to receive what they need to be those who know Your forgiveness and relationship. Help young men (fathers), to be victorious as they commit themselves to their tasks and responsibilities. Empower “Fathers” (grandfathers) to share wisdom and experiences that will benefit the generations coming behind.

This is day one of our Legacy Grandparenting Conference. The first general session begins this afternoon and concludes on Thursday afternoon. I’m not sure why they didn’t build in “nap time” into the schedule!?

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 3:16,17 NIV

Where does God dwell? We know that He is not confined to space and time. But we see that Paul says, the “our bodes are the temples of the Holy Spirit.” As such we should honor and glorify God with our bodies. He presents this concept as he warns against immorality and using our bodies to sin.

But Paul also uses the metaphor of God’s temple in reference to the Church. The “you” are God’s temple is in the plural form. So we see the translation of “you yourselves.” As such this places God’s people joined as “The Church” apart from other organizations. There are human organizations and there are divine organizations. God established the family and the church. `

Paul calls this to the attention of the Corinthian believers, because of the division among them. This was especially seen in those who took pride in identifying with various leader. Specifically there were those who had been influence by Paul, Apollos, and Peter. Then not be to out done by human personality, the “super spiritual” among them said, “we only follow Christ.” It is interesting how people will construct divisions when either none exist other than in the minds of those people.

The bottom line is that this attitude was causing division among the church. There was an attitude of if you don’t revere the spiritual leader that I do, you are less than a true believer. Sound familiar to what I have observed over the years in those who would claim that a particular teacher has, “the truth” or a unique insight into the Bible possessed by none other.

There are two points that Paul makes. One is that every servant of the Lord, is a fellow worker in “God’s vineyard” building up “God’s Building” upon the foundation of Christ. Each has a different role and function; but they all contribute to a unified effort.  ^“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:5,6 NIV)

The second point is if you are causing division in the church, you are putting yourself at risk. “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person…”  That is a warning that should be headed by every person who has felt the need to sow seeds of discontent and harm the unity of the Church, whether by action or attitude. Much harm has been done to churches and individuals by those who were not aware of or ignored this admonition from scripture.

We see Paul’s focus on unity in the church when he addresses spiritual gifts and says, “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV)

Christ has established His church to be an agent of hope, healing and health in this world. That is a huge task, that requires consistent focus on not just human plans and goals, but on what the Lord says our mission is to be and how it is to be carried out. However, it takes place, it is to be in unity.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your Church. Enable You people who are joined together in common obedience and faith, reflect the unity that You desire and that is found in and possible only through You.