Do you ever see clear patterns? I have noticed a clear pattern recently from what “pops” into my head in prayer and what is being “spoken” to me again when I go to the Word. So, do I go looking for these things or is the Spirit of God preparing the way?
I have a tendency to follow the model prayer that Jesus gave most mornings. It seems each day the Spirit of God just raises a question or a thought in my mind as I seek Him. Today it seems that as I went through the “hallowed be thy name” part I was thinking I BELIEVE You are the God who created all things. You spoke things into being and they were. I believe You said “let there be light” and there was. I don’t understand it, but I believe it.
I went back to my list of verses that I have been following and saw 2 Corinthians 4. Of course, the first word in 2 Corinthians 4 said “therefore”. So, I felt I had to go and read chapter 3 to see what that word was there for.
The first impression I received from 2 Corinthians 3 was that you and I are a letter that can be read by all. Yes, I do write these things publicly as I have ventured into blog land but here Paul says we are all letters that everyone can read. Everyone? What are people reading in us? I remembered one time being told to be nice to everyone because we may be the only bible they will ever read. What will people read in us today as they come across our paths? Paul says this letter is not written in ink but by the Spirit of the living God.
Today’s affirmation came from 2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (NKJ) “The Spirit gives life.” That just feels like a great affirmation to remind ourselves of. We are told that the Law caused a glow on Moses’ face that was fading before the people of Israel. So that the people wouldn’t notice it was fading he put on a veil. Ouch, we have done that too haven’t we? Sometimes that veil is bullying people or deceiving people with God talk. Guess what, the true letter will be read by all. Does that scare you as much as it does me? My letter has some really disappointing parts in it. I only say that for full disclosure. Although the Spirit gives me life I still have to deal with this flesh, this jar of clay mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:7. Because I am easily broken as a clay pot, it is just proof that what works in me is the all surpassing power of God. Ok, I am getting ahead of the “therefore”.
2 Corinthians 3:16 tells us unlike Moses, if we will turn to the Lord instead of the Law then this light will never fade. In 3:17 we are reminded that the LORD is Spirit and if we look to Him we find freedom. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV) Free from covering things up; free to seek the Spirit, free. Transformed even it says. We are being changed the more we look to the Spirit of the Lord.
Well look here, in 2 Corinthians 4:2 we are told: Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (NIV) All of our “letters” have bad stuff. Let’s not distort that or the word of God to make it look like we have not. Find freedom. But really this wasn’t the point today.
Then here is where I get the connection that “popped” into my head this morning, the punch line so to speak. In 2 Corinthians 4:6 it states For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (NKJ) Ok God, I get it. This morning when it stood out to me that You were the God who spoke light into existence You now remind me that You are the SAME God who will shine Your light on our hearts. Your Spirit is giving us the “life in us” referred to in verse 12. There is a glow on the face of Jesus Christ that will never fade. Paul says that “I believed and therefore I spoke,” (NKJ) So He was challenging me this morning in my quiet time wasn’t he? I said I “believe” this morning and now you want me to share my letter. “I believe therefore I speak”. I have now spoken for the day, what is the Spirit writing in your letter?
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
I have heard it said that sometimes we are the only Bibles some folks will ever read. I like that. It puts a sense of sobriety and purpose onto our lives that goes beyond just being Christians. It puts it out there for all to see.
1 Peter 2:12 springs to mind.
Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Good stuff, as always, Tom.
Thanks Donald! As always! I do appreciate your insight and your visits!