refocus and delight

I enjoy learning from others; through books, conversations, messages, and posts. I also value the insights I gain from dynamic discussions and fellowship with my small group members. In our recent study about temptation, we answer the same three questions every week: What did you hear that made an impact on you? What do you think about the truth you just heard? What will you do about the truth you've been given? It is interesting to hear what others learn and are willing to share. I feel that sharing the next steps and the challenge to be doers of the Word in some way create a sense of accountability in our spiritual journey.

The gleaning that I appreciate the most is what they have learned from the Living Word, the Bible. For me, Charles F. Stanley and Rick Warren deliver their biblical messages in a clear and compelling manner. Their teachings make me reassess what I focus on and propels me to improve my habits and behavior.

The discipline of having a daily quiet time is another way I become accountable to read the Word of God. In keeping up with the theme of answering the questions I have mentioned earlier, I started writing the scripture verses that make an impact in that very moment. Today, I read 2 Corinthians 4: 1-18. I thought I'd share some verses in this chapter.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-10

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

What did you hear? What do you think? What will you do?

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

That is why we never give up. Though are bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed everyday. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not seen yet. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

What did you hear? What do you think? What will you do?