Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:17, NLT- “As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
Paul spoke of the generosity of the early church for giving support for the gospel in 2 Corinthians 8-10. In 2 Corinthians 8:9 Paul stated “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” (NLT)
I have found that, in a way, it is our poverty that makes others rich. As we tell our stories of poverty and of how Jesus Christ made us rich, we in-turn are passing along our riches. I am not speaking of financial or material wealth but the riches of the Spirit.
I have no doubt that I would never have written one single devotional if it were not for the riches I have found from my once bankrupt spirit. I am thankful for the alcoholism and poor choices that broke me. In my brokenness I have found the riches of Christ. In my darkest places I have found the light of God.
I only desire to boast about what the LORD has done and not about the letters I write. As Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 10:12, I do not dare to compare myself with anyone else. I simply want to be generous with the indescribable gifts I have received from the LORD.
As 2 Corinthians 10:13 expressed “We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.” (NLT) When we stay in our lanes where God has run with us we are most sincere and effective in sharing the gospel.
My authority is being broken by addiction, dependent on the directions of the world instead of the Word of God and being broken in spirit unable to connect with God. I was indeed lost. My desire is to be bold with the generosity of God to help those in my sphere of influence. I am praying that those who struggle with addiction, find Bible reading difficult, or desire to have a conscious contact with God to cross my lane.
I am sowing the seeds I have been given for the kingdom of God. I am trusting God for where they fall along the paths of lives. My hope is the same as what Paul wrote of in 2 Corinthians 10:15 that “as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well.” As you and I work together we can boast of what the LORD has done so that others may know the riches of Jesus Christ.
Paul understood our tendency as humans to take credit for things. This is why he clearly stated our verse of the day 2 Corinthians 10:17, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (NIV) Let us brag about what the LORD has done. Let us always glorify the LORD over ourselves.
Instead of self-promotion, let us promote the Lord Jesus Christ. When we seek to recommend the LORD, He alone commends us. I can totally relate to Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:1 as I feel this many days, “I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!”
Paul does warn us that we are susceptible as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning in 2 Corinthians 11:3. Let us not be deceived and keep our sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Will you boast of what the LORD has done for you?
Today’s Prayer: LORD God Almighty, let us only boast of what You have done. We are truly thankful for the riches of Jesus Christ bestowed upon us when He chose poverty. Jesus Christ and Your Holy Spirit are truly the indescribable gifts of God. Help us to promote You LORD within our sphere of influence so that our territories may be expanded so that more and more people come to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of Your Word. In the name of Jesus Christ we do pray. Amen.
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