Today I had a nonstop 9-hour meeting with the GOV that started at 9am and ended right at 6:00pm. I am whooped…but not too whooped to hear what the Lord has for me today. My Life Group guys and I decided to push a change in our daily execution to always get in a few moments with the Lord. Most of us feel that taking notes and in my case posting a blog entry, need to be a part of that quiet time…meaning, if we don’t feel we have enough time to take notes or blog then it won’t be a worthwhile QT. That is bunk! So, we have made a commitment to each other to have a time of deliberate reading in God’s Word every day and directed; in other words, we won’t do the ‘close eyes and open to a place in the bible to read’. We will continue to read in our books we are focusing on -> 2 Corinthians for me.
8 Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest. 9 [We are treated] as unknown and ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known and recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed; 10 As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 [AMP]
On the surface, when reading this, it can come across as depressing; but after careful consideration I find this very encouraging. Paul is outlining 9 antithesis statements representing the view of his ministry from a worldly point of view and then from a spiritual point of view. From the view of critics within the church and from those who are walking in obedience to the Lord.
The reason this is encouraging is because it clearly shows me where my ear should be tuned. It should not be bent toward the world or an unrepentant believer living in a veiled existence thinking they and their personal views are right. No, my ear should be angled toward the Lord and what He has to say; what He has to say through my trusted followers of Jesus Christ. I should not expect a different response from anyone who has not aligned themselves squarely on the teachings of my personal Lord and Savior.