Day 53: 2 Corinthians 3 "On Divisions in the Church"

For some reason, this title seems really similar...OHHH "Divisions in the Church" was in chapter 1!!

ONLY GOD WHO MAKES THINGS GROW.  ONLY HE IS OF ANY WORTH TO BELIEVE IN.

extended metaphor within the new testament: God's disciples are his workers, the people we invest in His field, seeds the Word

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Jesus built the foundation others are building on top of it.  Just imagine what happens if we join the project.

God's temple = you.  Do not destroy for it is scared.

You are of Christ and Christ is of God.

Day 52: 1 Corinthians 2 "Wisdom from the Spirit"

So we don't know things, like how things were made and being able to instruct others.  But through God's spirit (just like we have a spirit and it is us, also a way to explain the Trinity), we can know God's mind ("we have the mind of Christ") and instruct others.

So are we not judged the same as others because we have God's mind?  Or are we judged even harsher because we know, and therefore should follow?

The Spirit is extremely important.  It is the searcher, speaker, giver, teacher.  But what does it mean to us???

Day 51: 1 Corinthians 1 "Christ the Wisdom and Power of God"

"Where is the wise man?  Where is the scholar?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

Totally reminds me of the verse that goes the first will be last and the last first.  the proud will be humbled and the humbled exalted.  We really see things the wrong way in our lives.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth." 

The interesting thing that I just noticed typing this part out is that he says NOT MANY.  In other words, there are people called that are wise, influential and of noble birth.  Really makes me see that God is not discriminatory in any way.  But getting to the point, he is stressing that we're not special in the world's eyes but we are in God's eyes.  Not only that, but God equips the called not calls the equipped.  If we rely on God, life will be the way he planned for us, with joy and peace.  He has the keys to my car and is sitting in the driving seat!

Day 50: 1 Corinthians 1 "Divisions in the Church"

I have two points and only two points.

Unity.  Paul wants unity in the church.  It reminds me of star trek voyager and the borg.  The borg got it right to have unity within so many people as the "collective" but they got it wrong when they lost their uniqueness.  Being united does not mean having to be the same as shown by the borg colony on a M class planet disconnected from the collective.  This colony survived because they wanted to be united as one through thought but remain different according to who they were.  In the same way, the church is made up of all different kinds of people.  Some are eyes, some are bodies and so forth, but we all make up one unit: the body.  Wow...sound so nerdy there....but it's so true.  Have you ever seen how God's principles show up again and again in science?  Who says faith and science don't go together?

Humility. Paul knew his place just like John the Baptist did.  It was not a matter of recognition for Paul.  He knew he was sent to preach the gospel.  He was not there to become king; he was not there to become a teacher of the law; he was not there to baptize.  He was there to preach the gospel and that is what he did.  He did what God wanted to do.  It was not an easy path, but he did it anyways.  It was full of thorns, full of difficulties and such, but he did it anyways.

Day 49: 1 Corinthians 1 "Thanksgiving"

To be utterly truthful, I'm thinking my own thoughts while I read this. 

So I'm going to read it again.

thank God for you.  thank Him for all the blessings He has given.  We call on Jesus Christ, the Lord is OURS.  you do not lack any spiritual gift.

He will keep you strong to the end.
He will keep you strong to the end.

He will keep me strong to the end.

Day 48: 2 Corinthians 13 "Final Warnings" "Final Greetings"

Sorry Vivi, I know we had agreed to start at 1 Corinthians again, but it's the last chapter and I really want to finish it.

God please calm my heart before I read this.  The final part.

It's so sad and encouraging at the same time.  The final good-bye

Watch yourselves, examine yourselves so see whether you are in faith.  Look inside of you. 

We are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
I'm so weak and have so many faults.  but by God's power i will live with him, with him holding my hand the entire time to serve others. 

Finally, brothers, good-bye.  Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Day 47: 2 Corinthians 12 "Paul's Concern for the Corinthians"

I thoroughly enjoy the metaphor that children do not save up to spend on their parents because they have to.  The proper way of things is for the parents to save and spend what they have on their children because they love them.  If a child does not spend on their parent, the parent will not stop loving them, if a child DOES spend on their parent, it just makes them love them all the more.

In the same way, Paul gave his all to those who were younger christians than him.

It's also interesting that at the end he talks about how he will be humbled as well as the Corinthians.  He's not saying that he's perfect, rather far from it.  Yet he still loves them so much and wants to teach as much as he can.  We don't need to be perfect to help others.  We need to be humble.  Humble...

Day 46: 2 Corinthians 12 "Paul's Vision and His Thorn"

"To keep me from becoming CONCEITED because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a THORN in my flesh, a messenger of SATAN, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."

These verses run through my head over and over again.  For me, there are many things I succeed at that are easy to see and measure (aka academics).  Then there are the things that bother me over and over again, never ending.  The thorn in my side.  I ask God to take it away from me, again and again, but He says "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  I'm weak so that His glory may be shown.  So I rejoice in my weakness.  As much as it hurts.

Day 45: 2 Corinthians 11 "Paul Boasts About His Sufferings"

Practical.  It seems like such a practical and real passage compared to some of the parts of the Bible about stories in far away lands or prophecies that make little sense.

Paul is boasting about how much he has suffered.  You've been in prison once?  Well he has been more.  You've been spanked once?  Well he has been flogged MANY TIMES.

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

I boast in my failures.  Because in them, God's glory is shown.  In them, it shows that God has kept me going, sane and alive.  In them, I have grown closer and stronger in God.  That is what I boast in.

Day 44: 2 Corinthians 11 "Paul and the false Apostles"

Satan masquerades as an angel of light.  scary.

I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge.  We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

godly boast

Day 43: 2 Corinthians 10 "Paul's defense of his ministry"

My heart is not listening.

I can't hear.

My heart is yearing so much for God.

But it's in chaos.

help.   God please bring me peace!  please!

Day 42: 2 Corinthians 9 "Sowing Generously"

What we sow (give, put our time into, invest in) will be what we get.  If it is a little, we will get a little, if a lot, we will get a lot.

Generously: give with all your heart.  If you cannot do so, DO NOT GIVE.  I guess I would be a really bad person to ask to ask for money/offering/etc...  I will never push for a certain goal of money.  What I will ask for is what people are willing to give.  The thing is, there are so many strategies out there about how to get people to give more generously, like having an open collection basket so people can see how much you put in.  I would never make people do that.  I'm almost tempted to say I would rather make it harder for people to give so that it's those who God has put into their hearts to give will give.

And yet I look at myself and what I have given.  I have not to put it simply.  At least not in the way of finances.  I feel so tightfisted.  Time to change that.  Really.  Starting tomorrow (church), you'll find out tomorrow in my post whether I have followed God's command.

Day 41: 2 Corinthians 8 "Titus sent to Corinth"

I can feel the holy spirit in me, speaking to me.y heart is open to receive his commands and words but I always pray that this opem Jett will only receive the holy spirit, not the devil.

I love how the spirit uses these words to tell me something different but with the same message. the scripture is telling me about how believers went out o various churches to help them grow and grow the minsitry. it ends with a gift and giving generously, but that is not what my heart wants to focus on.

it is the message of going out to share one's zeal and experiences that really stuck out to me. I myself have gotten the call to say I will go (btw, that song is awesome). I will go, lord send me, to the world, to the lost, to the poor and hungry. take everything I am, ... I will go, I will go, send me.
I've always been extremely comfortable in my church, ecbc. I know the people there, I know how the church is run. I grew up there so I've seen it change, grow, go through difficulties and joys. I've always enivisioned staying in this community where I am comfortable but I think and feel I am to do what Titus and all the other zealous believers did: go out and serve others with what God has given me. it'll be uncomfortable and I'll long for my home church, but I feel God is calling me to do so.
I also know somehow that this is not to happen yet. why, I'm not sure, though I could always speculate, but I do know God will prepare me for that time. he equips the called not calls the equipped. therefore input my trust in him. there is so much life to live for him.

I love God with all my heart. I hate not having him with me, I cannot bear the silences when we do not talk, and I read with letters to me with love swelling in my heart. he never fails to provoke a reaction in my heart and I cannot imagine life without him. my first love.

Day 40: "Generosity Encouraged"

there are two points that I really enjoyed here.

the first one is the point that Paul encourages, not commands people to give. it is not something that is required, but rather something done out if love. he encourages people to be willing to give and then actually do it. words don't mean anything.

the second point is how it is all about God. giving is about God. the willingness, all of Paul's encourgaements, it is all about God. we do not give because it looks good, or we want the approval of man. we don't give according to how much man tells us to give, but we give according to what God wants. that may be hard to figure out sometimes, but if you really search for him, you'll find him. that's a promise.

day 39: 2 Corinthians 7 "Paul's joy"

I read to fast and didn't understand it. I feel so bad for beig impatient and not reading God's word carefully but I also want to get it down as soon as possible. lane me. ba me. no reverence to God. and yet I still do it...

Day 38: 2 Corinthians 6 "Paul's hardships" "Do not be yoked with unbelievers"

missed a day. I'm slipping. badddddd

"Paul's hardships"

this list is one to keep in your heart. all these sufferings should be taken with gladness not despair because we are servants of God. so many good and bad things. this is what is promised to us as workers of God. I love how it is summed up: having nothing and yet possessing everything. we have nothing of what the world wants but we have everything in God.

it's wonderful isnt it? that their hearts are wide open and are encouraging others to do so as well. it's interesting because at my youth leadership team meeting the other day, the main point that was brought up was to open ourselves, make ourselves vulnerable to make othe welcome and show them our faith. how can we connect with others and expect them to be open when we ourselves are not?
on the same note, I've been able to open my heart so much more to people because of a certain someone. he has continually encouraged me not to hide my heart and as a result, I've been able to be so much more truthful about so many things. it makes me feel so much more free. that and it's been easier to talk to people because I don't have to think about what they want me to say/be like but rather who I really am.

"do not be yoked with unbelievers"
put in straightforward words. do not be yoked with unbelievers. and Paul gves the reason too, basically ending with the fact that God and idolatry can never be together. one will win out. now you can argue what it means to be yoked. some people will asks whether this means you should not associate with unbelievers at all. if you think about it though, if we never associate with unbelievers, how are we to carry out Jesus' commission to make disciples of all nations? so knowing it can't be that, what else can yoked mean?

well the next point is marriage. you will be living with that person for the rest of your life, in the same house, 24/7. I think you'll be influencing each other quite a bit. I'm not married, but i can say from living with my family that you become like each other. therefore, if you want to stay strong in your faith and grow in it, you need someone who can help you with that, not someone who will bring you down.

my last point is about purifying ourselves for God. out of reverence for God. I love and respect him and know I need to clease myself from sin. I have one sin that weighs heavy on my heart. I know I need it to be cleansed. and because of that, I repent and ask for forgiveness and am forgiven. but then I do it again. that's why I feel so dirty at times and the. God cleans me. I don't want to do it again.

Day 37: 2 Corinthians 5 "The Ministry of Reconciliation"

If I think about this passage, it really seems like the total of the gospel message and the commission all together in one.

It tells us that God has paid the price for us of death through Jesus.  One has died, the perfect person for us all. 

And we are to be God's workers sharing this message and telling others that they can receive this wonderful gift as well.

The gospel message right?

Day 36: 2 Corinthians 4-5 "Treasures in Jars of Clay" and "Our Heavenly Dwelling"

Because I was being lazy and did not post yesterday, here is a double reading and reflection:

"Treasures in Jars of Clay"

we have renounced secret and shameful ways.
we tell the truth plainly
the gospel is veiled but only to those of unbelievers
let light shine out of darkness
we have this treasure in jars of clay to SHOW that this all-surpassing power is from GOD and not from us
verses 8 and 9 are full of so much importance but I can't place it down on what........ARGGGG
we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed (does this refer to the metaphor of a jar of clay too? but then the rest don't make sense with it),
perplexed, but not in despair; (confused but not sad? I can tell you for sure i'm confused)
persecuted, but not abandoned (yup, God NEVER leaves us.  YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS!!)
struck down, but not destroyed (we win the war don't we God?)
hmmm...

"Our Heavenly Dwelling"

this reflects my feelings so well.  i hate this body right now, i want to be with God in my heavenly dwelling.  i groan, longing to be clothed with my heavenly dwelling because when i am clothed, i will not be found naked
the Spirit is our deposit.  the assurance of what is to come (like we put in money that we consider important to assure a hotel we are coming, God has put the Holy Spirit who he values so much as assurance that he is going to take care of us)
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Day 35: 2 Corinthians 3 "The Glory of the New Covenant"

glory. they repeat it over and over again glory. the one thing I think of constantly with the word glory is to give glory to God. to give everything to him. everything is done by him and not me. something I struggle with because there are ones I think it is alle. but it is not, it's God.

I love verse 18. we are being transformed to become like him. we will never be like him, but we are continually changing for the better. I can't believe God puts so much work into us. no one is beyond hope. no one should be left alone.

Day 34: 2 Corinthians 2 "Ministers of the New Covenant"

I read it too fast...
I feel really bad about it...
But I'm tired.

I'm giving me leftovers. 
BAD...

So what am I doing about it...?
sleeping?  ARGGGG

(basically, I have no idea what I just read)
(I need to fix myself...no wait...God, please mold me into your follower.  I'm not doing it right now.  I'm going after my selfish desires.  And totally not relying on you)
(and please please protect me from the tempter) - the Screwtape Letters

Day 33: 2 Corinthians 2 "Forgiveness for the Sinner"

It says to forgive others because the pain inflicted by the majority is punishment enough.

Now I've been struggling with a sin that I repeat again and again and again.  I know I need to stop.  I want to stop.  I have prayed to God to stop me, to help me stop, to end my willfullness.  And yet I still do it.
Am I still forgiven?  Should others forgive me?  I knew at the beginning that if I confessed my sins, He is faithful and just forgives us our sins.  However, if you continue doing it, how does that show true repentance?

On top of that, He says that "No temptation has ever seized you except for what is common to man.  And God is faithful.  He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  and when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)  I take it as I have this temptation yes but there is no such thing as not being able to defeat it.  I just have to give up my will.

So why am I not?

Day 32: 2 Corinthians 1 "Paul's Change of Plans"

I thought we were not supposed to boast.  The only way I can understand what Paul is trying to say in verse 14 is that we boast of each other...ohhhh you boast of each other and not yourself.

taking things lightly: don't say yes or no lightly.  whatever you say, mean it.  otherwise your words become so meaningless and there is no point in saying it in the first place.  I wondered a bit about this a little while ago.  Should I say the answer that my parents want to hear or the answer that is the truth.  If I say what my parents want to say, strife will come to an end but I feel like I'm not being true to what I believe in.  However, if I continue and say what I want, strife will increase a lot more (especially since I'm usually angry at these times and say angry words...) I have come to the conclusion to keep my mouth shut.  Don't lie but don't speak harsh words either (A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs).  really hard to do though.  please pray.

another thing I'm really taking to heart:
Love is patient.  Love is kind.  It does not envy.  It does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude.  It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Day 31: 2 Corinthians 1 "Paul's Change of Plans"

there is so much in this passage.  so much for me to reflect on.  and i'm extremely tired (I missed yesterday's as i was on the plane.  still could have done it but i decided not to.  bad)

therefore, i'm going to write down words here that really jump out to me in my tired state and reflect on the same passage tomorrow.  I really do not want to give my leftovers to God.  I want to give Him my very best.

love
boast
seal
lightly
promises
yes
amen
spirit
deposit
painful visit
joy
anguish
tears

day 30: 2 Corinthians 1 "intro and the God of all comfort"

comfort. we suffer so we can comfort others. we suffer as Christ's sufferings overflow. there's always a reason and a good side to things. you just need to find it.

He will comfort you. He is always with you. He is your comfort and shelter. rely on Him.

day 29: 1 Corinthians 16 "final greetings"

last part of 1 Corinthians!! can't belie we're already there!

final greetings. it's the end. yet somehow it doesn't because they are greetings, usually the first thing you do when you talk to someone. oxymoron right? or was it juxtaposition? either or, it's amazing how they work out. it's the final things that Paul says to them but it sending the people a goodbye with a hello with blessings. kinda like Hawaiian. you see, aloha means hello, goodbye and I love you. a hello, a goodbye and a blessing.

marana tha (come, o lord!)- I love other languages. so much.

the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
my love to all to all of you in Christ Jesus.

day 28: 1 Corinthians 16 "personal requests"

these are the things that someone asks for themselves because they know they need them. these are things that are affecting one's life right here and now. these are personal requests.

you read it and realize everything goes back to God. all the glory goes to God, all the work is for God, everything is in God, for God and by God. this reminders comes at a time when I'm starting to forget about God.

lately my focus has been on mark and the things I can do for him. I forget that I first need to I've my all to God, my first lover. evreything i am, all my time, all my thoughts. it's hard though when you don't know what t talk about since he's not physically there.

"be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. be men of courage. be strong. do everything in love."