|
Women in Discipleship (sm)
Weekly Devotionals 2005
Week 27
Scripture to ponder: 2 Corinthians 7:2-4 (NIV) - "Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds."
This Scripture is a big "Wow!" for me. In the first verses of this chapter, Paul spoke about being purified from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. I like how Paul addressed these believers. They had a hard time keeping their minds and hearts pure. Their lifestyle was much like people in America today. Having so much of the world mixed into a Christian's life makes it hard to keep a good testimony. But Paul had a way of sharing with his brethren words that would encourage them. "I have great confidence in you." Isn't that a great way of cheering on the faithful? "I take great pride in you." This too strengthened the believers in their witness and work.
We need to hear these kind of words from others today. "I am greatly encouraged." Paul was encouraged by them. He told them, "in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." We can learn much from how Paul shared his love and admonishment with the faithful.
I would like to encourage each of you today. God is at work in your life. He has given you His Spirit, and He has placed His seal on you. You are His beloved, and He takes great joy in you. He is saying to each of us:
I have great confidence in you!
I take great pride in you!
I am greatly encouraged!
My joy knows no bounds!
As you go through your week, I pray you will remember that the Lord is with you. He is your number one fan. He paid the ultimate price for you.
How can you share this kind of enthusiasm with your Christian brothers and sisters? Be creative and encourage someone in the body this week.
You encourage me greatly, and for that I am thankful.
Blessings to all of you,
Sandra Davis for the Women In Discipleship team
|
