|
Women in Discipleship (sm)
Weekly Devotionals 2005
Week 39
Have you ever wondered why so many people misunderstand you? I have a hard time trying to explain to some people who I really am. The ministry God has called me to is simple. He tells me that I first and foremost worship and commune with my First Love, Jesus Christ. (Revelation 2: 4)
After that He has given to me a heart to disciple women, to share my story with them and to be accountable to my Elders in the faith. With that I move forward in faith trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead me in the way of truth and righteousness. It has been a struggle to keep contending for the faith. Today there are many who will take great pains to please people and not call to accountability the actions that are not in keeping with the Word of God. Unfortunately, I am seeing it more and more in the church community. My heart is grieving over the watered down Gospel and the lack of true and genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul also saw things that were unhealthy in the church of his day. This leads to the verse for this week.
Scripture to ponder: 2 Corinthians 7:1-4 "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. I do not speak to condemn you; for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. Great is my confidence in you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with comfort. I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction." (NAS)
As Christians we are called to the responsibility of accurate and genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Corinth was no exception to the inroads of sin entering the church. Paul wrote them to address their sin and to bring a genuine repentance. Our God is holy. He is to be feared and that means that we need cleansing from within. We can't do this of ourselves. We are filthy before Holy God. (Isaiah 64:6) Only Jesus can cleanse that sin! He did on the cross. Through His drawing us to Himself and our acknowledgement of sinfulness we are cleansed. BUT we are now called to a higher calling. Keeping from being defiled in flesh and spirit. We need to be honest with ourselves. Sin can ruin our witness. We need to keep short accounts of sin in our lives. Paul knew this. We also need to be reminded of this daily. It's not a "feel good" faith but a "convicting faith" that leads to holy living. Paul had confidence that the Corinthians would repent and return to holy living. This is my hope for the family of God today as well.
May each of us be faithful to the Word of God and may our flesh and spirit be perfecting holiness in the fear of God every day of our lives. Joy comes in being faithful and repentant before a Holy God. May our joy be genuine in Him always!
With love and affection,
Sandra Davis, Women in Discipleship
|
