Episode 168: 2 Corinthians 1

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 1

Undeserved favor and endless peace are mine from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I offer all my praise to God. He is my merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts me in all my troubles so that I can comfort others in any painful trial. I can bring them the same comfort that God has poured out on me. I know that the more I suffer for Christ, the more God will shower me with his comfort through Christ. 

Even when I am weighed down with troubles, his comfort and salvation are available for me so that I can patiently endure the things that I suffer. I am confident that anyone who suffers can also share in the comfort that God gives.

When I am crushed and overwhelmed beyond my human ability to endure, and when I think I cannot possibly live through it, I have learned to stop relying on myself and to rely only on God, who is able to raise even the dead. The comfort pouring into me empowers me to bring comfort to others. This comfort upholds me so I can endure victoriously. I have placed my confidence in him, and my hope is unshakable. And I am thankful for the help I receive from faithful intercessors who pray for me. What a gracious gift of mercy that surrounds me.

I can say with confidence and a clear conscience that God has empowered me to conduct myself in a holy manner and with no hidden agenda. His marvelous grace enables me to minister to others with pure motives, not in the clever wisdom of the world or in my own human wisdom. I am straightforward, and there is nothing to read between the lines of what I say and nothing that can’t be easily understood. 

I do not make my plans carelessly. I am not like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”. As surely as God is faithful, my word does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” Nor does Jesus Christ, the Son of God, waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. Jesus has always been and always will be a resounding "YES!" For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ. And through Christ, my “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God and brings him glory.

It is God who enables me to stand firm for Christ. He has anointed and commissioned me, constantly strengthening me in union with Christ. He has stamped his seal of love over my heart, and I am his. He has placed the Holy Spirit in my heart as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised me - a down payment of the blessings to come.

I am full of joy, for it is by my strong faith that I stand firm.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

-----

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/to-adore
License code: HDSXXKE34C9CL8WE