2014 Day 76 – 2 Corinthians 11

17 Monday Mar 2014

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In today’s reading Paul spends a considerable amount of time intentionally boasting about all he has been through in serving God. While some people may read this and think of him as an arrogant person, in reality he is boasting about his weakness and lack of control in being able to control his circumstances. 2 Corinthians 11:30 says, If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. Through Paul’s weakness he is obedient and trusts God to lead the way. No matter how strong we think we are, our strength pales in comparison to God’s strength and ability to lead our lives. Until we submit and recognize His power, we will always operate in our imperfect weakness.

2014 Day 75 – Putting on the Full Armor of God

16 Sunday Mar 2014

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These past few weeks I have struggle with feeling peace in my life. I know it seems foolish that someone who spends daily time in God’s word could ever feel the way I have, but I am human and we all struggle. One of my mentors suggested I spend time each morning doing two things: 1) Before I do anything else, pray first thing in the morning when I get out of bed. 2) Immediately after prayer, meditate on Ephesians 6:13-17 where Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God. I have to admit, at first, I did not think either of his suggestions would work. But I cannot tell you the impact they have had on my day. Each day I am reminded God is they only way I can receive true peace in my life. Without God’s armor we are susceptible to the lies that keep us from fully knowing His truths about how much He loves us. These simple changes in my daily routine have made a major impact on my day. It is a daily effort, but there is a noticeable difference. Over time I hope these words will be etched in my heart and mind, but until then, I will continue to read and concentrate on God’s promises for my life.

eph6.13thru17If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.

2014 Day 74 – 2 Corinthians 10

15 Saturday Mar 2014

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Confidence in the truth is a beautiful thing because God has given us the confidence in knowing the truth. However, we should never be boastful. 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” How much better is it to seek praise from God rather than men and women. Ultimately, God deserves all the credit. It is so much sweeter to receive praise from God than from other people. He is the authority and He is the only one we should try to please.

2014 Day 73 – 2 Corinthians 9

14 Friday Mar 2014

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God wants each of us to be sacrificial givers, but He also wants us to be willing givers. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. What and how we give is between us and God. He knows what we are able to give and the status of our heart in giving. God does not need us for anything. However, God does give us the privilege of being a part of His plan and for that reason alone we should be thankful to Him for allowing us the honor of being used by Him for the fulfillment of His will.

2014 Day 72 – 2 Corinthians 8

13 Thursday Mar 2014

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It is easy to get caught up in comparing our blessings with how others are blessed.. It is also easy to compare what we give compared to others. God is not in the comparison game. He is not interested in comparing our gifts to anyone else’s gifts around us. 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. God expects us to be obedient to Him and not to be obedient according to someone else’s status. Ultimately, God gives to us so that we can give to others and we are to bless others in equal proportion to how much God has blessed us.

2014 Day 71 – 2 Corinthians 7

12 Wednesday Mar 2014

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Perfection is something that can only be attained in the eyes of God through our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. The process is twofold; turning away from our sin and turning towards God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect through our own efforts, but He does expect us to look to Him for our righteousness.

2014 Day 70 – 2 Corinthians 6

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

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I see believers working harder each day to show the unbelieving world the love of of God in a more deliberate way. I believe this is crucial to bringing people into a relationship with God. However, there is a danger when we compromise our beliefs and the truth in order to be more readily accepted by the non-believing world. 2 Corinthian 6:14 says, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? We must guard our hearts and minds from the influences of this world no matter how noble our intentions may be. God calls us to be separate in our thinking and acceptance of sin while accepting the person He created and loves as much as He loves us. Our only role is simply to be a reflection of God and allow His love, grace, and mercy to bring them into a relationship with Him.

2014 Day 69 – 2 Corinthians 5

10 Monday Mar 2014

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Salvation is all about exchanging our sin for Christ’s righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. How grateful each of us should be for this immeasurable gift of salvation. God offered a trade of His righteousness for our sin not because He had to, but because He loves us so much. Never take it for granted.

2014 Day 68 – Lecrae’s Story

09 Sunday Mar 2014

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If you have never heard of the Hip-hop artist Lecrae, then you have missed out. In this video he opens up about his past of crime, anger, and trouble, which ultimately led him to experience redemption through a powerful experience with God. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did.

If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.

2014 Day 67 – 2 Corinthians 4

08 Saturday Mar 2014

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I have read 2 Corinthians 4:7 many times, 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. God’s valuable and powerful message of grace and mercy has been entrusted to frail and fallible human beings. As the notes in my Bible put it, “Paul was not focused on the perishable container, but on it’s priceless contents – God’s power dwelling in us.” Though we are weak, God uses us and gives us power to do His work. Knowing where our power really comes from should motivate us to stay away from pride and stay in constant contact with God who is the source of our power.