“Make room for us in your hearts…” (2 Corinthians 7:2a)

Hearts are like stomachs; they grow or shrink based upon use.  Showing love, mercy, compassion, and kindness is like food for the heart.  When we make room in our hearts for others, we never run out; we just stretch and grow until there is room for more.

Those with children understand this – a second child does not diminish your love for the first.  Your love is not divided; your heart just makes room.

We would do well to apply this principal beyond our immediate families, too.  Making room in our hearts for our neighbors, the man on the street, even our enemies, does not diminish our souls; it expands them.

The Lord is not merely interested in redecorating the interior of your heart.  He doesn’t wish to just slap a new coat of paint on the walls, rearrange the furniture, and call it “new”.  He wants to tear down some walls, fling out new wings and dormers, add balconies and parapets to your heart, and fill all sorts of new rooms with guests.

Believe me when I say the Architect has plans to “make room” in that heart of yours.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:5

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

            If Satan can get you to place your confidence in what you did for Christ in the past or cling to the guilt of past sins – he will have won.

            If Satan can turn your gaze toward the future with the belief that someday you will begin to serve, love, follow, and obey Jesus as you ought – he will have won.

            The only acceptable day for faith is today.  It is the soul you are today who matters – neither the one you once were or the one you envision you might be matters.  It is now that you are living.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ; be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

            An ambassador stands as a representative for a higher power, such as a king or prime minister.  Good ambassadors change the world; bad ambassadors make the news.  So, if we are to be considered ambassadors for Christ here on earth… what makes a good ambassador?

            Ambassadors must be knowledgeable, show wise discretion, and have impeccable character.  A Christian who knows their Bible, knows how to speak (and when!), and shows themselves to be a trustworthy individual day in and day out is properly representing Jesus.  Inversely, if we don’t know our Bibles, don’t speak with wisdom and grace, and don’t act with integrity – the cause of Christ suffers.

            Many a person has begun their journey to Christ because they met a good ambassador for Jesus.  For many, your life may be the only Bible they will ever read.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For indeed, in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven.” (2 Corinthians 5:2)

            Ever been caught in a rainstorm without a jacket?  It won’t kill you, but it will definitely leave you cold and miserable.  The wrong attire leaves you feeling exposed and longing for a fireplace and some dry clothes.

Life here on earth is a bit like that for our souls.  Our earthly bodies are inferior dwelling places for souls meant for eternity.  Our bodies bleed, they ache, and, at times, they even sabotage our heavenly objectives with their fleshly desires.  If you don’t feel at home in your own skin, it is because you aren’t home yet.  God promises His children a better life and a better body created for a heavenly eternity.  The groaning as we wait for that new body and hope is just us waiting in the rain for the warmth of a better day.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore we also speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

            Jesus said that our words originate in our hearts (see Luke 6:45).  Our words are windows into our souls.  We say things based upon our convictions and values.  Paul preached Jesus because he had conviction that Jesus was and is the Son of God.  When we believe something like that, we can’t help but say something about it.

            A spirit of faith in Jesus involves a voice that speaks of Jesus.  What we believe is heard in what we say, and often, how we say it.  The content and the tone are dictated by the measure of our faith.  May we all be known as those who speak our faith in Him at all times and in front of all audiences.  May our words be as unwavering as our conviction.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame…” (2 Corinthians 4:2)

            The word ‘renounce’ is more than just a refusal of sin; it is a declaration of rejected allegiance.  To follow Christ is more than simply attempting to commit less sins; it is a public declaration that your loyalties have changed, and you are no longer in support of a lifestyle that feeds the desires of the flesh.  You are now in the employ of the King.

            When we renounce sin, we gain both a freedom from its dark hold because we parade it out into the light for the perversion it is, and we also become unshackled from the shame… the shame of doing what we know in our heart of hearts is wrong and the guilt of slinking through life pretending we are something we aren’t.  Confession of our sins brings them into the light and lets us honestly own our Lord.  I once was bound and burdened, but now the temptation is out in the open, and I can be freed from it.

            When we renounce our allegiance to the things of shame, we announce that finally we are free.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)

Our souls are excellent mimics.  Like clay, they become molded by whomever we choose as the potter.  If money is your god – eventually, you will find yourself as cold and calculating as money.  All of your relationships will become transactions without love and empathy.  If lust is your god – eventually, you will become as instinct-driven as an animal, and all of your life will be viewed through the lens of that sexual appetite.

We become what we worship.  So choose your god carefully.  There is only One who is deserving to be the Potter of your heart.  The job of a Christian is to behold the Lord and be transformed by His image. Degree by degree, we are to be molded by Him whom we behold.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:11-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…but our adequacy is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5b)

            The God who gives you the task will equip you for that task.  If it is commanded, He will make a path.  The same God who is the Architect of the Universe and Planner of the Thousand-Year epic history that led to Jesus at Calvary can fit the pieces of your life together, too.

            It is okay to feel inadequate… you aren’t adequate.  He is, though.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

            Evangelism isn’t sales.  We aren’t peddling our wares.  Becoming a Christian isn’t like joining a gym or getting a monthly shave club membership.  We don’t need to convince people or beg them to obey God.  Our job is to just be sincere, speak Christ plainly and simply, and then let the Word of God be the seed that it is (see Luke 8:11).

            Not all soil is good for growing.  Give everyone a chance, but it isn’t your job to make the sale; it is your job to speak Christ.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again.” (2 Corinthians 2:1)

            When the church at Corinth began to fracture, it fractured Paul’s heart, too.  Paul spent years with those Christians, and then while he was away, he found out that they were fighting with each other, encouraging sin, and not even remembering Jesus’ resurrection anymore!  It broke his heart to be hundreds of miles away and to hear of their collapsing faith.

            Paul had deeply-strong emotions when it came to the saints, especially churches he personally had been involved in establishing… but here is the key: Paul didn’t let those emotions control him.  He subjected his emotions to the wisdom of God.  Paul knew weeping and crying in front of all the people in Corinth wouldn’t do any good, so he made a decision not to come to them in sorrow.  He decided they needed time and space to repent before he visited them, and that way it could be a journey of rejoicing and not grief.  Timing is everything.

            If your emotions are overrunning you, wait.  Wait until you have a handle on them and then face the day, or have the discussion, or make the decision.  They are subject to you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision