2 Corinthians 7:6-7

"Then the God who lifts up the downcast lifted our heads and our hearts with the arrival of Titus. We were glad just to see him, but the true reassurance came in what he told us about you: how much you cared, how much you grieved, how concerned you were for me. I went from worry to tranquility in no time!" 2 Corinthians 7:6-7

Life can be really hard and painful. It can seem that there is no way out of this difficulty. You may feel terribly alone. That is what Paul was feeling. But something incredible encouraged him. God had encouraged him which was great. God always encourages us. But someone else encouraged him. It was that other people were thinking of him too!

It's such a wonderful encouragement when someone is thinking of you and caring for you. It can take us from worry to tranquility in no time. So, how can you encourage someone today? Just take a moment and ask someone around you how they are doing. Let them know that you care about them and see God at work!
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 7)

2 Corinthians 5:9

"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions." 2 Corinthians 5:9

It's easy to please God when we want to. It's in the moments that are difficult, tensions are high, stress is insurmountable, temptations are too powerful that we have a challenge in pleasing God. The Apostle Paul is saying in this passage that it doesn't matter the circumstances, we have determined to live a life that cheerfully pleases God.

Could this be said of you? This hasn't always been said of me but I hope the scales tip a little more on the side of pleasing God instead of pleasing me today!
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Have a great day and say to yourself, "Self, today you will do whatever you can to please God. Whatever it takes!" And then pray for God's help to do it.
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 5)

2 Corinthians 3:18

"And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." 2 corinthians 3:18 msg.

I really enjoy watching the Olympics.  I especially enjoy learning more about the Olympians.  I like to know their story of how they first got started and how they've kept themselves motivated to achieve success and then to watch them perform their best. 

But there is something far better than that.  Watching Jesus, the Master, transform a person's life.  Watching the anger they've held onto slip from their tightly fisted fingers.  Watching forgiveness fall off the hardened lips of bitter souls.  Watching people love others instead of remaining distant and cold. Why? Because they've let Jesus in and while they listen to Him, their lives start to change for the better!

Will you let Jesus into your heart and life?  Won't you let Him break through and make your heart His home?  When you do, your life will be a letter written to the world of God's love and rescuing power.
(Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

2 Corinthians 2:12-13

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 "When I arrived in Troas...I didn't find Titus waiting for me with news of your condition, I couldn't relax. Worried about you, I left...looking for Titus and a reassuring word on you. And I got it, thank God!"

Do you remember when people weren't as easily accessible as they are today? Did you grow up in an era when letter writing was the main venue for communication?  I do.  Waiting for a response from a hand written letter could take more than a week to find out news about a loved one or a friend.  Do I miss those days, no!  I appreciate hand written notes but, I want to know what I need to know, well, now; not a week later.

Not so for the apostle Paul.  He had to wait weeks to hear information about people he cared about.  And we see here in this passage that he got a little anxious when he didn't have that information.  And when he got it, oh such sweet relief.

You and I have no excuse.  We live in an age when we can be in contact with each other instantly.  With whom have you neglected lately?  With whom have you not spoken to lately?  Take a moment and give them a call.  Send them an email.  Use the technology that God has blessed us with and make the connection.
(Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 2)

2 Corinthians 1:9

"Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it (our challenges), we were forced to trust God totally-not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead!" 2 Corinthians 1:9

What a statement.  Paul was going through some intense challenges and what he realized was that these challenges were in fact making him depend upon God.  And why not?  God can do the impossible.

We all go through challenges.  Some of us are trying to find the exit out while others are drop to the ground and weep.  I would suggest you find someone who's been or is going through what you are going through and begin to pray about it.

Pray that you are completely dependant upon Jesus.  Pray for strength and courage. Pray for the help to be a comfort to others going through the same thing.  Because in the end, you will look back and see how God carried you through it.
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 1)

Romans 15:30

"I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me-to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the spirit..." Romans 15:30

What does it mean to pray strenuously for someone?  Does it mean that you are praying more than you have ever prayed for them?  Does it mean that you are praying while doing jumping jacks?

Strenuous is defined as vigorous, active, energetic, and extreme effort.

I think Paul means that I should skip sleep or eating so that I can devote my energy to praying for someone.  I might even possibly skip out on a hobbie or sitting on the lawnmower so that I can pray for them. Devoted attention and energy given to prayer.

So, who are you praying for strenuously?  Pick a day this next week and pray for someone strenuously!
(Suggested Reading: Romans 15:23-33)

Romans 14:1

"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do.  And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.  Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently." Romans 14:1

Isn't it true that you will always find someone you don't agree with?  Of course it is true.  But in all of our debate and arguing over our convictions, we've missed the testimony we display for the rest of the world to see. While we are proving our point, the world sees hostility and disunity.

Paul teaches us in this chapter that God is at work in each believer.  The way in which He works in you may be different than the way He works in me.  Because we both have different backgrounds. There are things in my life that needs some attention while not in yours and vis a versa.  God speaks to both of us and what I do know is that while God will lead us both through different experiences and convictions, He will lead us to the same destination.  Kneeling side by side in worship of the One who rescued us.

Are you kind and gentle with others who don't agree with youo or have the same convictions? Or, do you spend all your energy trying to prove that you are right?
(Suggested Reading: Romans 14)

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

You and I naturally learn how to live life by what we see going on around us.  We automatically pick things up.  If you see someone cheat another in a business deal, you will learn to cheat as well.  It doesn't mean you will, it's just that you've learned that there are times you may need to cheat.  If you see someone gossip about another, you will learn how to gossip as well.  If you see someone pay their taxes, you have learned that you should pay your taxes.  Our minds are formed by the decisions of those around us.  If you don't believe me, watch a father and son spend time together.  You will see that child start to mimic their father without the father being aware of it.

Paul tells us to intentionally protect our minds from the dangerous ideals that we pick up from this world and allow the spirit of God to teach us how to live through what we learn from the Bible.  When we read it and allow it to influence us, we will begin to see God's will for our lives which is good, pleasing and perfect.

So who are you learning from today?  Those around you or God?  Pick up your Bible or get a bible app and start reading today.
(Suggested reading: Romans 12:1-8)