honor – Be Still…

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 – Glorify the Lord

Paul introduces us in this passage to Titus and has many nice things to say about him. Titus will have some companions, too, but they remain unnamed here. It seems like Paul is going out of his way to show his support and acceptance, presumably to give the Corinthians the same level of trust. After all, Titus and his travel mates will be the ones carrying the donations back to Jerusalem.

Having been a church leader for many years, I know the scrutiny we endure. There is a lot of pressure to be above reproach. Why is that? For some, it is to make sure nobody can accuse you of doing something shady. We’ve all seen the scandals of church leaders who have been caught in their sin, exposed, ridiculed, and thrown out of their roles. Being we’re all sinful, it can be hard to live up to the expectations put on a church leader to somehow be less sinful. How can it be less daunting?

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 – A New Look

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a reflection you are happy with? So many of us find fault with our earthly bodies. Maybe we’re too fat or too thin. We’ve got straight hair when we’d prefer curly. Don’t get me started on being short, wishing I had long, lanky legs. My long-legged friends lament they can never find pants long enough, while mine drag on the ground. We are never content, are we?

As we age, these earthly bodies start to wear out, too. Our text says we will “groan and sigh.” Our earthly bodies have their limitations. We’re surrounded by a lot of retired expats here in our community, and it’s funny how many conversations revert to our aches and pains and how our bodies just can’t keep up with us anymore. This passage today speaks of hope. Our earthly bodies are only for a season; they aren’t meant to last forever. Our heavenly bodies, on the other hand, are designed for eternity.

Proverbs 3:9-20 – Honoring God

Read Proverbs 3:9-20

There are a lot of nuggets in today’s passage. Which one really resonated with you? The one about wealth, the Lord’s discipline, the familiar lyrics of a song? Wisdom has been with God since creation. And blessed are men who find wisdom. The book of Proverbs is already whetting our appetites to know more, to truly seek wisdom, to be blessed.

Yet, how many of us will read this text and then return to business as usual? Do we really let what we read soak in? Are there things we can do differently in our lives because we are on a mission for wisdom?

Ephesians 6:1-9 – Just For Everyone

Read Ephesians 6:1-9

We all have parents. Some of us are still able to honor them. Some of us are parents and know what it feels like to be honored. The reminder here is a good one. This is the first commandment with a promise. It wasn’t just an expectation from God, there was a reward attached. Do this and get that. When we honor our parents, we are promised a long life, and that things will go well for us.

I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, I had a hard time honoring my parents. I was a bit of a rebel child. I could say the same for my own children. Why is it that the ones we love most sometimes take the brunt of our attacks and abuse? If only we could be more mindful of God’s command. He is just waiting to fulfill his promise. Continue reading “Ephesians 6:1-9 – Just For Everyone”

Luke 11:37-54 – What Sorrow Awaits

Read Luke 11:37-54

Oh my! What sorrow awaits is most certainly true! I think it’s an understatement to say that Jesus’ words “hurt” those religious leaders. Those words should have shaken them to the core of their beings. Yet, they did not understand. Woe to them.

Jesus totally called them out. I wonder if any meal was shared? Could it be that Jesus left with an empty stomach? That’s certainly not the issue here. He did give them their fill, however.

Do you have a bit of a Pharisee heart? You may need to read the passage again. Continue reading “Luke 11:37-54 – What Sorrow Awaits”