Paul’s Hardships

Tuesday Devotional: Today’s devotional is from 2 Corinthians 6:1-16. We are going to learn about Paul’s hardships and how it could be relevant for us today. I urge you to read through this in prayer and an open mind, there is sooooo much that can be learned from this chapter, if, you are open and willing to listen to the spirit of God.

LISTEN TO TODAY’S READING

SCRIPTURES FOR TODAY: 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-16

Verse 1-2 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Verses 3-10 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way:

• in great endurance
• in troubles, hardships and distresses
• in beatings, imprisonments and riots
• in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger
• in purity, understanding, patience and kindness
• in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love
• in truthful speech and in the power of God
• with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left
• through glory and dishonor
• bad report and good report
• genuine, yet regarded as impostors
• known, yet regarded as unknown
• dying, and yet we live on
• beaten, and yet not killed
• sorrowful, yet always rejoicing
• poor, yet making many rich
• having nothing, and yet possessing everything

Verses 11-13 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

THOUGHTS & RELEVANCE FOR TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

Verse 1-2 Oh boy, this is a good one even for us today. If we hear the message of God and receive Christ as a savior, yet we are unchanged. Paul is saying we are like someone who has never heard the word, but worse (receiving Gods grace in vain). Basically he is saying now, today is the day we should act on the truth that and grace that has been to us. Today is the day to receive the favor and ACT LIKE we have received the favor.

Verses 3-10 Paul was saying regardless of all the hardships they faced while preaching the gospel they kept going. Through everything they went through and the sacrifices they made, they still believed and continued to share the message. They did this for God’s glory, not their own. That list was pretty detailed and impressive; take a look at it, does any of it remind you of any times you pressed forward and people didn’t like it?

Verses 11-13 Even though the people of Corinth were mad at Paul, he still continued to urge them to open their hearts and believe what he was trying to tell them is truth. He continued even though they wouldn’t listen…

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

DAILY DEVOTIONALS are biblical based mini studies to encourage you, help you grow on your journey, and to inspire you to share with others!

• Sunday: Video teachings with a variety of teachers, bishops, and pastors.
• Monday: Hearing from God Each Morning (365 Daily Devotional) Joyce Meyer
• Tuesday: Study of a book in the bible along with scripture readings (II Corinthians)
• Wednesday: Jesus Calling; Enjoying Peace in His Presence (365 Daily Devotional) Sarah Young
• Thursday: Becoming A Vessel God Can use; Donna Partow
• Friday: Our Daily Bread; that tiny little monthly booklet that reaches people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the bible
• Saturday: Created For Excellence; 12 Keys to Godly Success, Kevin Baerg