2 Corinthians 9: 1-9

^{2 Corinthians 9:6-7}  

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

So I guess this means we are not supposed to race around all week, and when we finally slow down and settle into the pew on Sunday, check to see what’s left in our wallet and put that into the collection basket.

Any time activities are well planned and properly orchestrated we are more calm and comfortable. When we are flying by the seat of our pants, we cannot be at peace. It is not wise to take a trip without extensive planning and preparation. It is foolish to simply throw a few things into a suitcase without thinking through what we will truly need for each day of our journey, what it will cost, how we will pay for it, and what our ultimate goal or plan is when we arrive at our destination.

Several years ago my nephew, who was a young Pastor at the time, was traveling with us by car to Ohio. We took turns driving and talking, catching up on each other’s lives and getting to know my nephew again as he had been away for quite some time. I recall some words of wisdom he spoke when reflecting on a mentor of his from seminary; “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry.”

I latched onto that line, and have it posted in various locations at home and work as a constant reminder. This world encourages and supports just the opposite. How are we ever going to Be still and know that He is God, if we are constantly on the go until we plop down on Sunday morning?

Planning and preparation have never been my strength, however as the years race by I am learning the beauty in eliminating hurry, and the time it leaves for planning what I am to do for the Kingdom of God…in my daily life, in my prayer life, and in my giving. I urge you to do the same. 

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 9:1-9

2 Corinthians 4:1, 5-12, 16-18

Living Well in a Broken World

I remember when my parents passed away. They left us only five months apart, and it was a very difficult time. There were many other things going on in life at the same time. We were raising our four children, one having a significant disability. I was working full time and my husband was managing a business which demanded extensive hours away and much computer time when he was home. His parents were aging as well, and our young twins were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Many days were very overwhelming and it seemed as though we were on our own to fight off the storms of life. Had we known then what we know now, it would have made things a bit easier to handle. Perhaps no lighter on the heart, but with biblical perspective we could have seen the purpose of our challenges more clearly. I trust you too have been in situations when looking at things from God’s viewpoint would have, or perhaps did ease the pain.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our trials are nothing compared to what Jesus endured for us.

Though some days seem unbearable, we will be alright.

Yes this world brings heartache and pain, but it will end and be glorious beyond imagine.

What is real and devastating now, will seem trivial when everything is all said and done.

Though this world wears us down, and our bodies weaken, when we lift our eyes to the Lord we are refreshed and strengthened. He is there for us with a promise of eternal peace.

Listen to Tenth Avenue North: “Worn”

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 4: 1
                       2 Corinthians 4: 7-18