Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

2 Corinthians 4:1-12 (NRSV)

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

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Reflect

We are living in a time where Christians are openly mocked. Paul lived in such a time as well. He wrote about the difficulties he had experienced, yet he did not give up hope or give into despair because he was proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was light shining in the darkness for Paul, and for us.

It is not always easy to be a Christian. Paul wrote that they had renounced shameful things and refused to falsify God’s words. People often try to justify sins and convince us that we are being narrow-minded when we say that porn is sinful, when we refuse to watch certain movies or television shows, and when we admit we have not read a current best seller because of the content. We cannot follow the way of Christ and consciously sin. We cannot afford to be blinded by the ways of sin. We are to be shining lights in the midst of darkness.

The way of Christ is the way to live the best life possible. People are sometimes trapped by the sins they embrace. Before people are aware of it, they can create a lot of unhappiness in their lives by consciously sinning. The consequences of our sins can create suffering for those who love us.

Do you want to have peace of mind? Do you want to have restful sleep? Do you want to have less anxiety? Then embrace the light of Christ and live within the light.

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Pray

Dear God, please help me to overcome the temptations I face on a daily basis. Please help me to stay within the light of Christ’s love. I know that there are things in my life that I need to overcome. I trust that you will guide me in that effort. Amen.

Go with God.