Daily Walk Through the New Testament

December 13
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:15

Ten-year-old Anna understands much about giving to God. She was once saving money to buy a camera, but then one day she and her mom came across a request in the mail for money to purchase Bibles. Anna didn’t like the fact that many people did not have a copy of God’s Word. She asked her parents for more odd jobs around the house so she could earn more money. After saving $40, she told her parents she felt that people needed Bibles more than she needed a new digital camera! When her dad asked her if she was sure she wanted to do this, her response was priceless: “Of course, Dad. Isn’t that what it means to be a Christian?”
According to today’s text, Paul would certainly agree that generosity should characterize all of Christ’s followers. We are most like God when we give our money and our time for the blessing and benefit of others. A stingy Christian is an oxymoron! “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7). It’s not hard to find a need or a worthy cause, so give with joyful generosity today!

______________________________________________________________________________

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

December 14
Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-11:4

There were people in Corinth who greatly opposed Paul. They criticized him, calling his physical appearance weak and his speech contemptible (literally, “to despise utterly”). Rest assured that when there are harsh criticisms and verbal attacks within the local church, Satan is behind them.
Paul gave a defense of his ministry to the Corinthian church and then went on to challenge their mind-set and discernment. He was concerned about their shallowness as they focused so much on the outward, about their tendency to be overly critical, and about their susceptibility to false prophets, who came preaching another Jesus and promoting a different spirit and gospel.
If you have a pastor who walks with God, preaches the Scriptures, and loves his family, then do all you can to encourage him — there is no doubt that Satan hates him and has a bullseye on him. The statistics of struggling pastors are alarming: 1500 pastors leave the ministry every month due to moral failure, burnout, or trouble in their churches. 50% of pastors’ marriages do not last, and 80% feel discouraged in their role as pastor.
Refuse to let your pastor become another statistic. Pray for him/her and continually encourage him/her. They need it!