April 12, 2012 (1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 NLT
Observation: From the reports Paul has received he was concerned about what he may find when he returned to visit the Corinthian church. He was also concerned about how they were going to receive the message he had for them. He was letting them know ahead of time that he would not be coming with a message of compromise, but rather a message of holiness. Paul was afraid that when he arrived he would find those in the church fellowship that had not repented and forsaken their old sins. Christians are expected to live in a newness of life. Forsaking all others we must cling to Christ and live according to His holiness. We must be determined not to let culture influence our behavior, and remember to place all of our hope and trust in Jesus Christ.
Application: Where have all the leaders like Paul gone to? Where are the men of God that will stand up and proclaim the message the people need to hear, rather than the message they want to hear? Where are the leaders that are fearless to address the issues of sin in the church? Where are the men of God that are willing to proclaim the truth, whatever the cost? We may feel as if they have all gone away but I say fear not; for God has a remnant that will not bow to the god of culture. God has men that are fearless in the fight against sin, and they will spring forth like the noonday sun at His command. He has reserved, and preserved, them for a time such as this. The Lord’s strength will be proven and His enemies will fall under His feet. His church will arise and be triumphant for He has declared the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your blessings, mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the bold, strong men of faith that You have called to proclaim the true gospel message. Protect us from the tarnish of a corrupt culture. Strengthen us to fight the good fight of faith and remain faithful until the very end, in Jesus name, Amen!