Tag: grace in vain

The faithful will endure!

Posted in 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Proverbs--BibleTrekToday, Psalms-BibleTrekToday - August 30, 2023 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for August 30th: 2nd Corinthians 6, Psalm 23, Proverbs 18

2nd Corinthians 6:1-7 “Working together with Him, then we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger, by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; . .”

Paul emphasized to the Corinthians that it was Jesus Christ Who brought God’s amazing grace and would enable them to endure. Paul worked with Jesus to appeal to them to stay true to grace. They had been saved but were being tempted to turn away. Now was the favorable time to stay true, and ‘today’ was the day of salvation. Paul used his life and that of his fellow-workers as examples of God’s keeping power, no matter what the trial or obstacle. By following the Holy Spirit and trusting in God’s Word and power, they stood firm and overcame. Walking the path of faith is a ‘today’ activity! Depending on Jesus never fails!

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit Who empowers me day by day. Give me wisdom and encouragement to help those who are faltering in their faith by pointing them to You, our Great Shepherd. Thank You for Your genuine love and mercy, and power to keep me from receiving Your grace in vain.

Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

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Let Me Proclaim the Power of God!

Posted in 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Psalms-BibleTrekToday - August 3, 2018 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for August 3rd:  Psalm 69-71, 2nd Corinthians 6

Key Scriptures: Psalm 71:17-19 “O God, from my youth You have taught me, and I still proclaim Your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.  Your righteousness, O God, reaches the highest heavens.  You who have done great things, O God, who is like You?” 

The psalmist was asking His God to give him His presence and strength even in his advanced years.  He had known God from his youth and been taught of God, observing His wonderful acts.  But now in later years of his life, he asked for the power of God’s presence to proclaim God’s amazing might to the next generation.  This is my prayer this year for my own life and for those who love God.

2nd Corinthians 6:1-2 “Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”  Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your presence and grace with me by the Holy Spirit.  Continue to empower me to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who do not know and the next generation.  Amen.

 

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