Writing about life, leadership, faith, and anything else I find interesting.

I am not sure it coincidence that I am in 2 Cor 8, and the financial markets are in turmoil, and the crypto markets have plunged in the last few hours. The global markets are being shaken to the core because of the Coronavirus scare and the unknown oil war between the Russians and Saudi’s. Personally, watching our net worth drop significantly leaves me feeling bleak. I know its temporary, and I know my faith and trust is not in this world, but it still isn’t much fun to watch. 

The place where transformation happens is in Godly sorrow. The pure and repentant heart. This is where the Corinthians found themselves. They were rebuked by Paul, found repentance through Godly sorrow, comforted by Titus, and then Titus brought the news and comfort to Paul. 

A beautiful circle that has a happy ending. But, I want to make sure that if we read this, we do not forget that this didn't happen overnight…

What stumbling block are you carrying that may discredit Christ? I am asking myself that question now. Lord, give us the eyes to see what is possibly getting in the way of your message. Lord give us the strength and wisdom to release our block and deliver your message clearly and without hypocrisy. 

Snapchat, InstaStories, and so much around social media in this day and age are ephemeral. If you are not aware of that term, ephemeral is temporary or lasting just a short time. Snaps disappear, stories are here, then they are gone, and this generation is drawn to this type of media. 

This morning a few things hit me, kind of out of left field. I will start with Paul, and who he was. Today, it hit me that Paul was poor, broken, homeless for the most part, a laborer, and constantly navigating suffering and persecution. As I process this, I honestly ask myself, would I follow this guy? 

This is a horrible way to walk through life. To live behind a veil, a mask, whatever we put up and hide behind because we are full of shame. We all do it because we are humans. However, we must do our best to break these mindsets, to push beyond such a surface life and life full of shame because this is not God’s best, and not what God desires for our lives. 

We must know this simple fact, and true love pushes us into conflict and correction! Unfortunately, too often, we fall to the lie that loving others mean avoiding the pain of the conversation or dancing around the issues because we are conflict avoidance. Recognize, being a conflict-avoidant is selfish and apathetic. 

In this life, we will suffer; we will walk through hardship! Christ will comfort, and use us as comforters as well, but why? Why this side of heaven do we have pain, suffering and challenges...have you ever asked that question or wondered? I have and deal with this a lot. 

Make room for God in your life! Do not allow others who are not willing to be all in for Christ to be a distraction in the church. Come, Lord! This is living expectantly, and being prepared for the Lord to come, making room for Him in our lives, every day. 

Give Generously

Love Intentionally

Live Expectantly

Fifteen chapters into 1 Corinthians, and we continue to Paul being the chief reminding officer. This was utterly necessary then, and I believe it is appropriate for us today. We all need to be reminded of the gospel and how it transformed and changed our lives.