2 Corinthians 4:1-15...
(1) Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
- I have to give myself this sort of talk. I want so desperately for others to come to Him for healing. When I don't hear of that happening, I do begin to lose heart. But, God is way bigger than what I see with my eyes. His is working here. He is!
(2) But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- At God's feet we find redemption. The world wants to lead us astray, away from His healing and His renewing. Let us renounce the hidden things of shame. All of it.
(3-5) But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.
- Those of the world, and perhaps even you, don't think post-abortive women have anything for which to be sorry for and/or to seek redemption from. But worse than that is thinking that there is no one to offer it to you. Friends, there is Someone. God is not veiled, nor is He hidden, not from a thirsty soul seeking His life-giving water. Indeed He is the Light. And won't you join me in tossing aside shackles so that you can freely take His outstretched hand?
(6) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Yes, God commands light. Hello. Did you get that? Our Father in Heaven commands light. Ask Him to shine His Light into your darkness!
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
- What is your treasure? Is it Jesus? You are the vessel, what are you holding?
(8-10) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
- Like the grapes in the vat, we are smashed into a non-recognizable pulp. But if we let Him prepare us, He will turn us into a juice that quenches the thirst of hell-bound souls. Let Him turn you into a beautiful stream of His love.
(11-12) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.
- Yes, we live. And we die. Are you willing to die while you live? Are you willing to put to death the enemy's stranglehold so that the light of Christ may illuminate the life you live as a renewed woman in Christ?
(13-14) And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
- Friends, I want so much for you to join me in that spirit of faith. Be with me, make me the "us" of that scripture! Let us raise up together before the Lord our God, shouting our hallelujahs of thanksgiving for what He has done for us!
(15) For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
- Oh yes, let grace spread like a wild fire burning the countryside. Let grace ravage you until you truly believe that you are free in Christ. When this happens, your thanksgiving will not cease. You will burn with desire to see others join you in such a glorious place!
Let us humbly pray:
Father God, this day we come before You, seeking You with desperate hearts and hurting minds. We need You to burn in us so that we may shine Your Light of forgiveness and redemption. Lord, grant all reading this today a desire that cannot be dampened by the world or clouded by the darkness. Grant us a desire that burns so hot and bright that it heals and renews and attracts others to its blaze. In Jesus' name, amen.
1 comment:
AMEN!!!! Amazing post my friend!!!! God does command light. When we get out of your own way and let His light shine into our darkest places, miracles happen. Healing happens!! We are proof of that.
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