II Corinthians 4:7-8 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;”

Have you ever struggled with a problem? Have you ever found it difficult to handle the pressures of life that sometimes come at you like an unceasing tidal wave? Good news! You’re not alone.

We learn in verse 7 that God has designed for His power to work within the human limitations we all must confront. Then we are given two examples of how this power works in “real life”.

First, when we experience a difficulty that will not go away (troubled) we are always given the option to do what is right (yet not distressed)

Second, when we come face to face with our limited resources (perplexed) we know that we always have all we need in Christ. For wherever God guides He always provides. (yet not distressed)

We all must live within the proprieties concerning how, when and to whom we share our problems. Let’s not fool ourselves. Don’t try live life like everything is always o.k. or that you never struggle.

Today let each of us live in the “real world” of our individual difficulties and problems with a complete dependence upon the sufficiency of God’s power to provide.

I Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order”

We live in a world of constant motion and continual confusion.

Life often resembles the old Abet and Costello routine “Who’s on First”.

Yet in the midst of the world we live in, the church and Christians should be different.

We should “live on purpose”; doing everything we do in an appropriate manner (decently). 

Each action we take and choice we make must be done in light of what is needed at that moment.

Then we are exhorted to “live with order”.  Our lives should be arranged with a plan to fulfill the revealed will of God. 

Living on “auto pilot” is not God’s will.

Today let us take charge of our life by making the choices which will keep us within boundaries and purpose of God’s will.

I Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

The one question that is at the center of every question is, “Who do I belong to?”

You see the question of ownership ultimately determines purpose and direction. 

Every believer belongs to God completely; both in body and in spirit.

There is no telling what God can do in and through each of us as we live lives of sweet surrender.

Today let us surrender ourselves from the inside out to His purpose and His glory.

II Thessalonians 3:4-5 “We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command.  And the Lord directs your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (Red & yellow notations added)

If you find yourself in a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty then you are in good company.

The Christians in Thessalonica were struggling with both, and finding it difficult to keep their hearts and walk in the right place. 

In the midst of all that was going on Paul challenged them to have confidence in God.  (Yellow)

Our verses today affirm that God is able to make us obedient to His word as we rest in His love, and stay faithful to His calling. (Red)

Today let us call upon Him in prayer and rest in Him with confidence that we can abide in obedience, love and faithfulness.

I Thessalonians 1:2 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers”

What do the people in your life need from you today?

When you first hear that question you might start making a list, maybe a long one, of things that others want you to do for them.

Yet the reality is that often we confuse what people need from us with what they want from us.

In our verse for today we are reminded by Paul’s example of at least two things that those in our life desperately need from us.

That is to be thankful and to pray for those that intersect our lives.

Do those in your life know how thankful you are that God has brought them in your life?

Do they know that, regardless of any challenges you might be having within the relationship, you are thankful for them?

If you are struggling with being thankful for certain people it may be because of the lack of prayer.

Remember: You will always value that which you pray for!

Today, let us commit our heart to praying for others within the sphere of our life, and to communicate to God and them how thankful that they are in our lives.  

Let’s have a thankful and prayerful day, today, and the rest of the week!