Posted in Devotions

2 Corinthians 7–Discipline and Growth

Paul delivered a difficult message. In his first letter to the Corinthians–Paul discussed issues of unity, purity, service, and love. The words were rebuffing and correcting–no child wants that kind of message from a parent. Paul birthed the Corinthian church and for him to mentor them so strongly hurt their feelings and drove them to examine everything they were and everything Paul taught them.  They were heartbroken, and so was Paul.  The rest of the story, however, was that they took Paul’s rebuke to heart and they matured. When his friend and compatriot Titus visited the church–he saw unity, love, discipline, and selflessness. They truly refreshed the weary friend and when he reported that to Paul, it brought him deep and lasting joy and peace.  Nothing is more enriching than to see his church come to life and mature to become a spiritual factor for the region!!!
 
It is so difficult to bring hard messages–but, if God leads–those messages can bring growth and strength and prepare those that receive them for the spiritual warfare that lies ahead.  We can never be truly joyful when we are called out on our stuff, but we can also never ignore the message from our Father and we can only trust him to lead us to the truth.  We always have to look to him for direction and purpose and accept that we are not perfect and subject to correction.  We need to accept it humbly and graciously and trust that God will use the discipline to prepare us for the journey! Help me, Lord to hear your truth and accept your truth with the love that you send it!
 
God Bless You

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 spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me so that my joy was greater than ever.

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point, you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.

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This is an amazing Journey. I hope you will hear from the Lord, as you seek Him with your heart. Matthew 6:33

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