Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Discipleship: The Call to Bear the Cross

  Bible portion:  2 Corinthians 6:1-10

As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,“In the time of my favor, I heard you and in the day of salvation, I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation" - 2 Corinthians 6: 1-2

Devotion:

In 2 Corinthians 6: 1-2, Paul talks about the trials and tribulations faced in the service of God. Despite many obstacles - beatings, imprisonments, sleepless nights, hunger, and many more, Paul and his companions demonstrated unfaltering faith, showing us the power of God's grace at work. Their lives transformed suffering into testimony and endurance into victory. Paul's words tell us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be steadfast in our faith, even when faced with severe challenges. God's grace is not a passive gift; it is an active presence that empowers us to endure and shine his light even during the toughest times. Through purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness, Paul and his missionary companions showcased the strength and love of God through their actions and attitudes.

This passage highlights that we should not receive God's grace in vain but let it drive us forward as co-workers in his mission. Embracing God's grace means allowing it to energize our lives, turning challenges into opportunities for his glory. Paul's example teaches us that endurance, faith, and love can conquer any adversity, reflecting the divine power bestowed within us. When we go through hard times, we must remember that God’s grace is enough for us. By trusting and leaning on his strength, we can overcome any challenge. Our perseverance and faith, much like Paul’s, can be a light to others and a testament to God’s enduring power and love.

Prayer:
Holy Father, thank you for your divine grace that strengthens us to face life’s adversities. Help us to understand and grasp the divinity in your grace and not let us take it for granted. Strengthen our faith and resilience, helping to endure through the hardness with love and kindness. Let our lives be a testament to your love and power, shining brightly in a world that needs your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Embrace God's grace without ceasing, letting it transmute your challenges into testimonies of his mighty power and unconditional love.

Kiran Sam Thomas
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more