Daily Dose 8-29-16

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (MSG) Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

The older translations of this scripture are beautiful, but something about The Message version makes it real and exciting. When Moses used to go to the mountain to visit God, he had to veil his face upon his return for two reasons: one, the people were blinded by the glory of God, and, two, they lost interest as they saw the glory from his face begin to fade. Because of the freedom Christ gives us, we can go to the mountain with God as often as we like. We don’t have to wait for an appointed time like Moses did. Our lives should be reflecting His glory on all those we deal with each day. It should become progressively brighter as we grow in Christ and deeper in our relationship with God. Strip your veil away! If there is anything that hinders you from getting that radiant glow from God’s glory, get rid of it! If your glow has begun to fade, recharge it! Fall before the LORD with a repentant heart and ask Him to show you His glory anew!

Father, Too often, I veil Your glory with my own thoughts, desires and sins. Help me to strip all that away so that others see You in me! I love You! Amen

Daily Dose 8-27-16

2 Corinthians 2:9-11 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience, plain and simple. It is not something we do for the one we are forgiving. It’s not even something we do for us. It is something we do because the sacrifice of Christ requires it. Anytime we obey, there are blessings to follow. This scripture points out a hazard of not forgiving that is not often discussed. Satan uses unforgiveness – especially among Christians – as an open door to havoc. He convinces us that we are justified in our withholding of forgiveness. It is that point where we welcome in his plan to our lives. Satan is strategic, calculating and patient. He des not always expect immediate results with his snares. Often, we don’t realize he has caught us until years, or even decades later. Forgiveness is not always easy. However, each time we struggle to forgive, we must visualize Christ on the cross begging forgiveness for his accusers – and us who would follow. No matter how grievously someone has wronged us, it cannot compare to how Christ suffered – unjustified, so that we may stand before God, justified and pure. Beware of satan’s trap of unforgiveness – don’t allow him victory to surpass the victory Christ offers to you!

Father, Thank You for helping me to overcome unforgiveness. It is a continual process and I pray You will make it easier for me each time I am required to forgive. I can’t imagine my life without the forgiveness afforded to me by Jesus. I remember His sacrifice and sacrifice my own justification to those who have hurt me. I love You! Amen