Image from christinesbiblestudy.wordpress.com
We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven - God-made, not handmade. (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 The Message)
Good day dear dear Friend; may all of us who turn to the Lord this day find His grace, comfort, joy, peace, and strength is my prayer. And starting in His word blesses us!
I chose the Message Version of the Bible again today because of the excitement this version seems to have. Not that this same passage doesn't have excitement in and of itself in other versions; the modern day expressions speak to many with a certain joy that, well, in particular, I need today. Paul was not known to keep his mouth closed much, and this passage begins with that declaration. He's quoting David's psalm, but making it his own: "We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life." The joy of believing that Jesus died and was resurrected is great news, and the kind of news we don't keep quiet. And for those who feel down or depressed, this is your message. The One who raised up Christ Jesus, can certainly lift you up into the fullness of life. We keep reading more and more of a suicide epidemic in parts of the country and these are mostly young people who have felt so lost and abandoned they believe there's only way out, and that's death. Friend, we need to tell everyone we know, the way out and up, is faith in God! If a man can die from such a horrible death as crucifixion and then be raised to new life by God, God can take us out and up out of the pit of despair. God can quiet the mouth of bullies and critics and bring words of comfort and joy; and God can even use you and me to share those words.
We're not giving up. How can we? Paul says, "even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace." What we face today is nothing compared to that which is yet to come. Paul then addresses our physical bodies. When the day comes that this earthly tent is taken down and folded up, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in Heaven - God-made, not handmade."
PRAYER: Loving God, You more than us or anyone that knows us, know what we are facing. Come to us and speak these words of life and its fullness, so that we can share them with those in need. Make the challenges and obstacles of today be removed and replaced by the joy and victory that is Yours for us. I pray a special prayer for my wife, Nellie, as she undergoes surgery later today, loving Father. I pray for You Holy Spirit to guide the hands of the surgeon and those who work with him to bring the healing and relief that she needs; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share life with someone today with what you say.
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: Prayers for Bernie Stumfoll, who was placed in hospice care yesterday. He is Cheryl Meadows' uncle. Prayers for Nellie Valverde, who this morning undergoes surgery at 11:30 in San Antonio. We are thankful for the cards, calls, and presence many have already shared with us. We are blessed by the presence of our firstborn with us, who will help Mom this first day after surgery. Pray for one another. Pray for yourselves. Glorify God in your life today!
