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2 Corinthians 13:1-4 Weakness and God’s Power
13 This will be my third trip to you. And I will make sure that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be confirmed. 2–3 Since you are demanding proof that the Anointed One is speaking through me, I will give you proof by exercising discipline among you. For just as I told you the last time I was there—and now, though absent, I say it again—that when I come I will not go easy on those whom I’ve already warned and those who continue to persist in their sin. Christ is not weak or feeble in his dealings with you but mighty and powerful within you. 4 For although he was crucified as a “weakling,” now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are “weak ones” in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him, which is demonstrated on your behalf.

The word integrity is connected to the Hebrew word, shalom. Integrity is demonstrated when our motives, what we say, and how we behave both privately and publicly are in harmony with God’s righteousness. Here is another way to think about integrity; accepting the responsibility, as a believer and follower of Christ, to live according to the authority of God’s Word. A person can have an admirable nature, but fall short of biblical integrity because true integrity, as I mentioned earlier, has to do with agreement with God. Frankly, we can have a kind personality in the natural and still sin against God. This leads us to remain in our weakness; we reject the power God provided to make us holy. That is why we need the revelation of the Word and the convicting work of the Spirit, because our wrong thinking and living needs to change by the grace and power of God.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Corinth (and us) that the believers lives must align with the Word of God—practice the discipline and sacrifice of our human nature and wills—if we are actually going to profess his Lordship and reveal his integrity manifesting in our lives. Paul basically tells the people of God, “Listen to what I say, but also watch how it matches the way I live.” Christ is only Lord of our lives when we surrender our weakness, our brokenness, and our sinfulness in exchange for his integrity—wholeness. Grace is a wonderful gift and, as believers, this grace covers us everyday. Praise God! But, grace has not been given as an excuse for God’s children to continue to sin against the integrity of the Lord. Grace is given to provide a way for us to rise above sin in order to embrace the wholeness of the Lord and his anointing—his powerful hand resting upon our lives. May we as God’s children make his integrity our goal, today, tomorrow, and forever.

Prayer: Lord, we can have all kinds of excuses as to why we rebel or sin against your Word and your ways, but ultimately we have simply revealed to you and to ourselves our lack of faith in your power to redeem us and make us holy. I want you to continue to develop your integrity in my life, so I invite your discipline and I accept my responsibility to surrender to your righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 11:20-25 TPT Lessons of Faith
20 In the morning, they passed by the fig tree that Jesus spoke to and it was completely withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Teacher, look! That’s the fig tree you cursed. It’s now all shriveled up and dead.”

22 Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, [refuse to be undecided in your heart] ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults.

In our passage today, Jesus is speaking and revealing the reality of a coming time of judgment and our need for faith in the redeeming work of Christ and the righteous fruit-bearing work of the Spirit moving in our lives. As believers, we know it is the Spirit who moves us into Kingdom living. We are humbled that God would forgive us, use us, and empower us for his glory, so we are quick to forgive others. We also understand that in Christ we turn from barrenness to fruitfulness by the grace of God, so we embrace the Spirit of Life and stand on the Word of God believing all things are possible. We see ourselves in the Gospel story and boldly live it out through righteous prayer. This is what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Jesus cursed [judged] the fig tree because it was not bearing fruit. Jesus is perfectly righteous and he would never judge unfairly, so we know the tree had potential but failed to fulfill its destiny when the Master called for fruit. There are so many lessons here, but let’s take a minute to look at the symbolism of Christ cursing the fig tree. Like the tree, our religious rituals, worship, works, and prayers are fruitless without the anointing of Christ and the creative and healing movement of the Spirit. Our prayers must be driven by the purpose of God in the power of the Spirit. Jesus reveals two essentials for prayer: 1) believe you are a carrier of Kingdom potential and the restoration that God wants to reveal on earth and 2) focus every request on your faith in God alone to perform it. Whatever obstacle stands before you [mountain] God is greater! Obstacles are simply opportunities for the authority of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Truth and for the ability to flow in the Spirit for the Kingdom that I carry within me. Make me bold in my asking and holy in my expectations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Romans 14:22-23 (MSG)

22-23 Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.

Many years ago, Saint Ignatius developed a spiritual discipline to evaluate his growth in relationship with God. During my four years in seminary, I read many things about this amazing man of God. At the end of each day, Ignatius shared about meditating (visualizing himself at the scene of the Gospel story) to examine his moments and choices; to look at how he responded to the work of the Spirit that day, how he interacted with and treated people, as well as evaluating how he handled challenging situations in light of Christ’s love. This was not to make him feel prideful nor inadequate, it was to celebrate his small victories, as well as ask God to help bring correction and help as needed. Spiritual maturity was his goal: to have the resurrected Christ freely live, move, and have his being in him. In other words, for Jesus to be Lord of his life.

On August 30, John, Jimmy, Whitney, and I traveled to the Grand Teton range (WY) to take a horse tour of this beautiful mountainous area God created for humanity. The horses where necessary, because ATVs, motor vehicles, etc., could not pass through much of the area and hiking the trail would be too much. Two miles into the ride, we came to an open range and remained mounted while waiting for further instruction. Quite unexpectedly, my horse made a very fast turn to the right and began to gallop into the field; I held on trying to stop the horse, but was thrown off. I hit my lower back and just laid there trying to examine what had happened; I could not move my legs and my vision was filled with flashing lights. Jimmy was first to my side and began to assess my condition, but it was clear I was way too hurt to move or proceed. I laid in the field amidst the sagebrush for three hours before EMTs (called runners) could get to me and medically triage my injuries. Even in pain, I laid there examining my thoughts, physical symptoms, and looking for the loving care of God that I knew was coming. The owner of the horse range—young man in his early thirties—arrive shortly after the accident and stayed with me the whole time. He was so troubled and my heart just connected to him. He kept saying, “I am so sorry, Pastor Mary! Is there anything I can do?” I looked at him and said, “This is not your fault; nor do I hold you responsible. Please know that God has always and will always take care of me and he will use even this accident for my good. Don’t be afraid!” I was also preaching to myself; encouraging my faith. As I laid there, I spent the next two hours trying to share the reality of Christ with him; sharing about God’s love for him and helping him see my heart. I know God was working in his heart, because he had such tenderness and concern for me. He was with me until a rescue team arrive and carried me on a special gurney back two miles to an area where an ambulance could gain access.

No matter what goes on in a day, the attitudes, words, and actions of believers must be consistent with what we say we believe. And, when we are obedient to represent Christ even in our suffering, we have seen glimpses of the work of Grace and the power of God sustaining us and moving through us for his glory. We can take no credit for this miracle; it is the work of the Spirit. Every day I physically improve and the pain lessens. I sit quietly at night and look at how far God has brought me in two weeks and just how amazing his Grace and strength can be in all things. I am more concerned each day that the totality of my life be consistent with what I say I believe. May you be challenged to do the same.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the wonderful wisdom I find in your Word and for how it challenges me to grow up in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Job 38:1-7
1 Out of the raging storm, the Eternal One answered Job.
2
Eternal One: Who is this that darkens counsel,
who covers over sound instruction with empty words void of knowledge?
3
Now, prepare yourself and gather your courage like a warrior.
Prepare yourself for the task at hand.
I’ll be asking the questions, now—
you will supply the answers.
4
Where were you when I dug and laid the foundation of the earth?
Explain it to me, if you are acquainted with understanding.
5
Who decided on the measurements? Surely you know that!
Who stretched out a line to measure the dimensions?
6
Upon what base was the foundation set?
Or who laid the cornerstone
7
On the day when the stars of the morning broke out in song
and God’s heavenly throng, elated, shouted along?

Do you like the biblical lesson of Job? There are many life lessons from Job’s story, but I really like the end of the book and the lesson God teaches not only Job’s “frenemies” who never stop verbally bashing him based on their own inflated arrogance before God, but Job himself has a minimized perspective of God, so he has a lesson in humility to learn, as well. Humility before God; we either learn it the easy way or the hard way. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus (Phi 2:10-11).

Although our situation is different from Job’s, we have faced many challenges in a short period of time haven’t we? The enemy has been busy using fear tactics and seeking to beat down the divine hope, as well as devour God’s love, truth, justice, peace and trust that abides in the Spirit-filled Christ follower. The human race has suffered as a whole. I have watched the young people looting and rioting on television who think they have cunningly gotten away with lawlessness. Jesus teaches in Matthew 13:42 lawlessness will ramp up just before his return and “the angels will come and throw those who have practiced lawlessness into eternal fire.” Jesus also taught, the people who promote young people toward lawlessness will face the wrath of God (Mark 9:42). So, based on the Word of God I pray for the participants to wake up and know the Truth before it is too late.

I have listened to the politicians condemn and verbally destroy one another and think they will never reap the judgment they dish out. But Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:2, “For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you.” So, based on the Word of God I pray for the participants to wake up and know the Truth before it is too late.

And this last part is the most startling; I have watched social media posts and am simply amazed with how many people boast to know the secret motives of groups of people and civil servants including our elected President and therefore publicly call them out and condemn them with righteous indignation. Frankly, apart from the revealing work of the Spirit, we don’t even know the secret motives of our own hearts let alone discern the motives of others. Jesus says in Matthew 7:12, “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you would like to be treated for this is the essence of all teaching of the Law and the prophets.” So, when I read or hear the rants of others who are so sure his or her perspective on another person or people group is the gospel, I pray for them all to wake up and know the Truth from the Creator who truly is Omniscient about the secret motives of the heart. Jesus is the Revealer, so get ready, “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are” (Ro 8:19). I have an inner witness many will be surprised.

So, I love God’s response in our passage from Job to those who cover over sound instruction (Word of God) with empty words void of knowledge. Be careful when you seek to judge another person in the natural, because the real issue is a war between good and evil going on in the spirit realm (Eph 6:12). Our battle is not against flesh and blood, it’s a spiritual battle and we had better get ourselves humble before the One who actually knows the Truth, is coming back to earth as the Judge, and will be asking us to give an account for our love and deeds according to the Word. Today is a new day and God’s mercies are new every morning, so let’s start today by actually modeling the Word of love with our lives and praying for people to humble themselves and turn to God! Remember the fig tree; if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Mat 21:22).

Prayer: Lord, your Word is my compass for living. It is all I can do to keep my heart focused on you, I don’t have time to criticize or judge others. Help me keep my heart humble and compassionate according to your Word. Call me to passionately pray for others to do likewise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

It seems God is always drawing our attention off from ourselves and onto others…others who need to be served: loved, healed, and restored. The maturity of our discipleship can be seen in how we serve others; Christ being strong in us.

Mission is all about partnering with God in service. At C2C Church we believe in “bridging the gap between worship and missions”. As followers of Christ, our members love to worship together. But, we understand the importance of spreading the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and that is done when reaching out into our community, state, and world through missions.

These organizations are just a few of the many mission outreaches in which we invest our time, talents, and treasures.