Thursday, July 28, 2011

Benediction

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16

Observation:  This verse struck me: 16:13-14, "Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong. Show love in everything you do."

What a beautiful benediction.  What a beautiful ending.  Let us never forget this.

Application
What do you say to people when you leave them?  What do you remind them of?  I normally just say "Good bye, I love you." But maybe we should remind them that they are brave and strong. That they can show love in what they do.  That they need to stay alert!

Let us all try to leave people better than we found them.  Let us all try to love more than we have to.  Let us all try to stay alert!  To be strong and brave.

Know today that you are loved and prayed for.  That you are special and strong.  That no matter what the world says about you, that you are special.  That God loves you.  I pray that when you leave this blog today, you'll be ready to face the world.

Prayer:  God, thank you for loving me.  Even when I'm unlovable.  Even when I don't deserve it.  Even when I'm not good enough.  Thank you for loving me.  May a little of that love rub off to the world.  In the name of your precious son! Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

July 29-- 2 Corinthians 1-2 Corinthians 3
July 30-- 2 Corinthians 4-2 Corinthians 6
July 31-- 2 Corinthians 7-2 Corinthians 9
August 1--2 Corinthians 10 -2 Corinthians 12
August 2--2 Corinthians 13
August 3--Galatians 1-Galatians 3

4 comments:

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Thank you for your reminder that most of us take saying, "Good-bye", for granted. Most days, Danny gets up so early to go to work that I don't get to tell him good-bye. That's when I'll call or e-mail to see how his day is going and to let him know I'm thinking of him.

I'm going to focus on how I say good-bye to every person from now on. :)

Jennifer Smith said...

I really needed this scripture today as I've been feeling overtired, overwhelmed and just not felt well. God always provides the right words at the right time. I have really enjoyed this summer scripture reading even though I have not commented on all the days I'm keeping up! I love having a Bible study can do each day at whatever time of day works for me that day.

Mary said...

Me too. I like to read a little everyday and at the time that I choose.
I wonder if these words of benediction would help any in Washington. They could use some strength and courage. I think I will pray that for them as well as family and friends.

Carol Flores said...

I am a few days behind but I just looked back at my notes and realized I also picked out 16:13-14. It felt so encouraging to me! This whole study has been a form of encouragement. And in 16:18 Paul talks again as he has so often before about how visits from other Christian "brethren" refresh His Spirit. That's what I think this study is doing for all of us Emily! It's like daily "virtual visits" from fellow Christians hungry to grow in God's word. My Spirit is lifted by all of your words. Thanks be to God!