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13 But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—"I believed, and so I spoke"—we also believe, and so we speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 NRSV)
A very blessed Tuesday be yours, dear Reader. May the ConCafe Family shine brightly in all areas of your life so that Christ may be seen in you and especailly in the dark areas of life. Bless the Lord by touching base with Him in a real way by praying for the needs of your life; in the life of your loved ones; in the lives of those who may oppose you, but especially in the lives of those who are hurting and in need of healing. Stay connected with God throughout this day.
Ultimately, we either trust in humans, or God. Paul begins this passage by quoting another man of faith, who saw more than his share of troubles and challenges. The quoted verse in verse 13, "I believed, and so I spoke" comes from David as he wrote in Psalm 116:10. Whether he was up or down, David trusted almost always in God, and when he didn't, he found out that putting any trust in humans never paid off. Yes, you might get the applause, or the pat on the back, or the "well done." But, when you please God, your reward is eternal. And when you act out of your faith in Him, we cannot begin to imagine the rewards coming to us. The more we seek to know God, the more we get to know His might and ability. And that makes our faith grow and makes it stronger. Paul's faith always took him back to the Resurrection. It was what made his life different and made him reach heights of accomplishments that blessed the entire world. Not for one moment did Paul doubt God's power to bring life to the dead; and to use that same power to bless the living facing death or challenges that seemed death-bound. And Paul faced his life's challenges, even the knowledge of his own coming death with the surety that God would raise him too from the dead. And to be in the presence of Jesus was the greatest reward Paul could hope for. As it should be for us as well! God spread His grace on all believers so that new believers might come to faith; prasie and gratitude towards God would increase, and God would be glorified. And that served to keep him above discouragement and depression. As it might us whenever we need it. And he compares that even to the inevitable; we age and mature and our bodies also age and creak, and groan; but Paul says, nonetheless, "our inner nature is being renewed day by day." And he further says this is but a "momentary affliction," when compared to the coming glory that cannot be measured. Faith, after all, the Bible says, is believing in something that cannot be seen, because what can be seen is temporary, and the unseen is eternal. And the crowning verse of this passage, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
The question then, do we trust in God? And if we do, is it enough to help us with what we face each day, or in the time of the unexpected visit of something harsh and difficult. The title may say it all; in God we trust, all others will rust.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may our faitih be in You; for we totally trust You. We seek to be those who bless You and who are blessed by You because You lead and guide us to stronger faith and greater strength. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show someone how your inner nature is stronger than ever, because of your faith in Christ Jesus!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
