Shepherd of the Hills - Richfield, Wisconsin
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
2 Corinthians 6:3-13 (NIV)
Paul’s Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
By what standards do you gauge success? How does that compare to verses 4-10?
Success is not always measured by heights attained, but obstacles overcome. Some of those obstacles can be painful, including separation from family or others whom you care about or admire. Obstacles such as not being acknowledged or even being rejected, as you struggle to share Gods love with people, is a painful reality. As long I am sharing with humility and the leading of the Holy Spirit those times of hardship are worth it.
Lord you know my heart and mind and how some times I get discouraged. While I certainly have not been beaten or imprisoned there have been sleepless nights and some difficult days when I have tried to be an instrument of your love. How I pray that I would learn how to be more joyful in those times of sorrow and remember that I have your unfailing love and your arms of comfort around me. Father help me to keep my heart open, my motives pure, showing understanding and patience. You Lord have given me the weapons of righteousness and your honor and glory will be seen and known, I am humbled that you have allowed me to be your servant because each day I do see more and more of your awesomeness and your love for your people. I pray for peoples' hearts to become tender towards you and for your Holy Spirit to work mightily in this world. Amen
Today's prayer submitted by Jo Schneider
Daily Devotions - In God's Hands
Daily Devotions - Renew a right spirit within me
Daily Devotions - Prepare my way
Daily Devotions - God directs those who listen
The sincerity of the magi’s worship of Jesus is contrasted with Herod’s insincere pledge to worship Jesus.
Daily Devotions - Walk in faith in the face of rejection
Daily Devotions - Persevere in Righteous Living
Daily Devotions - Thank-offering
Daily Devotions - You know my Name
Daily Devotions - Keep yourselves in God’s love
Daily Devotions - Witness for the truth
Daily Devotions - Truth and Love
Daily Devotions - Authentic Relationships
Daily Devotions - Fear
Daily Devotions - Loving God
Daily Devotions - Test the Spirits
Daily Devotions - Love God, Love Others
Daily Devotions - Child of God
Daily Devotions - Today is the Day
Daily Devotions - Rebuild the Church
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)