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2 Corinthians 2 - Day 991 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:5-13 Observation: Paul instructs the Corinthian believers to reinstate the man who caused all the trouble. Application: The Lord disciplines those He loves and the purpose of correction is to make us better, not bitter. The end goal is to foster a community based on love, respect, and cooperation. Hence, when we have the opportunity to restore someone back into our community, then we should do so. Prayer: Lord, help me to balance my love and discipline for... 2 Corinthians 1 - Day 990 (link to reading)
Purpose. The message of Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians was to defend his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ, and to remind them that it was he that founded the church in Corinth, and he had every right to instruct them in the ways of the Lord concerning conduct and gathering together as a church of Jesus Christ. When Paul finally arrived in Corinth he spent all winter there (Acts 20:2, 3). While he was in Corinth he wrote his epistle to the church in Rome. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 Application: Sometimes it's just better to let conflicts cool down before engaging again. As their spiritual parent, Paul takes his role seriously and wants the best for the Corinthians believers. However, he understands that "rebellious teenagers" can't be reasoned with so he took some time to regain his composure before correcting them. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your patience... Psalm 129, 130, & 131 - Day 989 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 131 Commentary (enduringword.com): This psalm is another in the series titled A Song of Ascents. Psalm 130 begins with a personal testimony of God’s rescue from the depths of guilt. From there, the author ascends step by step to a place where he can give confidence to others in their trust in God. Because Psalm 130 is marked by an awareness of sin and a powerful assurance of forgiveness, tradition numbers it among the seven penitential psalms (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). “Luther, when he was buffeted by the devil at Coburg, and in great affliction, said to those about him, Come, let us sing that psalm, ‘Out of the depths,’ etc., in derision of the devil…. And surely this psalm is a treasury of great comfort to all in distress.” (John Trapp) “On the afternoon of that same day [which his heart was strangely warmed and he truly trusted in Jesus for salvation] John Wesley attended a vesper service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the course of which Psalm 130 was sung as an anthem. Wesley was greatly moved by the anthem, and it became one of the means God used to open his heart to the gospel of salvation.” (James Montgomery Boice) Application: Sometimes, we need to be reminded of our need for God's grace. Prayer: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner... Psalm 126, 127 & 128 - Day 988 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 128 Commentary (enduringword.com): This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. It is another of the 15 songs sung by travelers on their way to Jerusalem, usually for one of the three yearly feasts (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). Like Psalm 127, it has a focus on God’s work in and through the family. “It is of real significance that these songs of home and of true civic consciousness are found among those which are sung on the way that leads to worship. It is ever good to carry into the place of our communion with God the interests of home and city. It is only by doing so that we can influence these for their lasting good.” (G. Campbell Morgan) Application: Continue to sing the songs that remind you of the goodness of God. Sing them to your children and grandchildren every chance you get and eventually, they'll know the songs by heart too. Prayer: Lord, You alone I long to worship... Malachi 3 & 4 - Day 987 (link to reading)
Scripture: Malachi 3:6-18 Commentary (gotquestions.org): Malachi 3:9-10 is often used to teach the need for Christians to tithe to local churches today... The principle (of tithing) in the New Testament is to give voluntarily to support the needs of others (Acts 2:45; Romans 15:25-27), support Christian workers (1 Corinthians 9:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:18), and expand Christian outreach (Philippians 4:15-16). No specific amount is ever commanded, and no percentage is suggested. While a tithe or tenth of one’s finances may be a good standard to use for Christian giving, it is clear the early church did not focus on a specific amount but rather on meeting needs. This sometimes included giving much more than a tenth, as some believers sold homes or land to meet the needs that existed in the church (Acts 4:34-37). Application: God doesn't need our money, but he does want our hearts. Sadly, our hearts are often connected to our checkbooks. Prayer: Lord, You alone I long to worship... |
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January 2024
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