PrayerBits for Saturday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Saturday

Scripture lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 True humility

Time to reflect: The “third heaven” is from an ancient Jewish cosmology. There were various ideas, with the most common being 7 heavens (one of which was “hell”). Paul actually may have been making fun of the idea with a little sarcasm. The broader point he was making is that there are always those who are “more spiritual,” “more blessed by God,” than he (us). But such things are nothing to boast of. Humbly relying on God, regardless of our “gifts” is to be preferred.

Moving through the day: Pray about things that you feel are impediments to your life and humbly accept these as opportunities for humility and pray about things you are proud of that you use them for God's glory, not for boasting.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 6

 As God's fellow 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.

Paul's Hardships

 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.