A Devotion May Be Someone's Only Bible

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Bragging Rights

DEVOTION BY POSTED 7/1/2016 12:00:01 AM ON 2 Corinthians 5:12 NLT POSTED TO THE Peace & Presence Devotion

Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.  2 Corinthians 5:12 NLT

Photo courtesy of pixabay.Giving people the right reason to be proud of us is important.

A weight lifter friend of mine used to say, “Short term pain leads to long term gain.”  The Bible speaks about the fruits of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Paul was answering those who were bragging about external appearances rather than a changed heart.

Gifts are bestowed but fruits are grown. The fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, and peace, are often cultivated in the soil of trials and tribulations. The gifts of God can come quickly, but the fruits of His Spirit are developed over time. The Corinthians Paul confronted were guilty of dwelling on the spectacular aspects of ministry and missing the godly character traits exhibited by Paul and his followers. The things we sometimes prize are nothing more than wood, hay, and stubble that are easily consumed when the fiery trials appear.

Jesus said, But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven (Luke 10:20 NLT). We should be excited that we are a child of the King and are being conformed to His image.

Don’t brag about what you can do for Christ but rather on who you are in Him.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)

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Ken Barnes

Ken Barnes has had a twenty-five year career in educational pursuits. He has taught in various public and private schools in Pennsylvania, Hawaii, and Virginia. He also worked for seventeen years with Youth With A Mission as a school leader, recruiter, and director. Ken holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is the author of The Chicken Farm and Other Sacred Places. He currently is a speaker, blogger, and freelance writer. Ken lives with his wife Sharon in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Visit Ken at https://sites.google.com/site/kenbarnesbooksite/ 

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  1. Reply
    BJ
    From Little Town On 7/1/2016 12:38:21 PM

    Thought-provoking! Just what I needed to read today.