Joshua 6 "Fear"

Joshua 6 – Brandon Hatmaker “Fear”
Thursday, July 31st, 2008

“Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.” –Joshua 6:1

They were scared. It’s amazing how our minds can render us useless and/or ineffective when we’re scared. They heard about what God had done, and saw the evidence camped out beyond their walls, and they feared God. They didn’t attack during the season the Israelites were “healing”, instead, they shut up the city. And stayed put.

Fear paralyzes us when we’re on the wrong side of it. It keeps us from moving forward, from fighting, from seeking, from working hard, etc… the right kind of fear (of God) will motivate us to do what His will desires. Here the purpose of the “Fear of God” was to render Jericho “closed up” and it motivated the Israelites to action.

When it is our “will” (desire and passion) to chase after God’s “will”, we have nothing to fear. Or as FDR put it, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

And as Paul put it, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline”

Joshua 5 "Part Two"

Just another quick thought on Joshua 5.

In Joshua 5:13-15 it says, "Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"

What a great reminder. In our competitive world we often ask is God for us or for our enemy. What we must remember is that He is for neither side. Instead, he is for Himself. There is a way that seems right to man that leads only to death (It's in the Bible, look it up). The short of it is this: God is for His own side.. He is for His own will... Jesus prayed for His kingdom come, not ours. We should be doing the same.

God, we make things about us way too much. Teach us to remember your side. Teach us to will for Your will. Amen.

Joshua 5 “Ouch!”

Joshua 5 – Brandon Hatmaker “Ouch!”
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

“At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.” – Joshua 5:3-4

Ouch! Seriously. Ouch!

Although I had read it before, I was surprised to see this scripture today. I guess I never caught the fact that they had neglected such a major and symbolic thing as circumcision. While the older generation who had died off had been circumcised, the new generation of Israelite men had not. They were the ones who were to receive the promise fulfilled and yet they weren’t circumcised. That seems like a huge mistake that would surely remove the hand of God from their journey. But even in their neglect, God had still led them and moved them into the promised land. God was still with them and still leading them.

I think sometimes we think God’s divine plan depends too much on us, and our obedience. That results in a bit of pride when we do see success. The reality is, God will accomplish what He has set out to do, regardless of us. Our honor is to simply be a part of it. He is sovereign. The key is, when we see we’ve been disobedient or even just “missed” something… are we willing to make up for it?

Most of the time I just say move forward and forget about the past (you can’t change it right, just learn from it?), but God is clearly telling them at this time to make things right. This probably has many significant lessons for us today relationally, spiritually, and even physically.

So two key lessons for me today…(1) remember God’s sovereignty and His plan and (2) knowing that I’m a mess, to remember to get as right with God as I can… don’t let a stone remain unturned. No matter how painful. It will not ultimately thwart His purposes, but it might change my role in it.

Joshua 4 “Remember”

Joshua 4 – Brandon Hatmaker “Remember”
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Joshua 4 gives an amazing illustration of God’s direct leading of the nation of Israel, in the Life of Joshua, and in the life of the Priests who were a part of the crossing of the River Jordan. There are several challenges and life lessons found throughout this chapter. The first is obviously about the continued faith that we’ve seen reflected also in each of the first three chapters of Joshua. They continued to follow God. He continuously was found faithful.

The Second is a calling to remember God’s provision. We see this through the stones they were called to take from the river bottom, “Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." – Joshua 4:5-7

They were called to remember. To remember God’s faithfulness. To not allow it to escape their minds. God knew there would be times of trial ahead, times they might begin to question the presence of God, but he told them to remember. We need to do the same. It’s amazing how quickly, in times of trial, we can clear the slate in the area of remembering all that God has done for us. Then doubt creeps in. The greatest way to fight this temptation is to recall His greatness.

But not only did he call them to remember, but to also pass it along from generation to generation. Verse 21 tells us that, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.'”

Verse 24 reminds us that, “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."

Father, you have proven yourself over and over. Give us a faith that recalls your faithfulness. May we be faithful to passing along this faith to our children and our children’s children. And may we have action that accompanies that faith, through Your strength and your perspective. Amen.

Joshua 3 "Prepare the Way"

Joshua 3 – Brandon Hatmaker “Prepare the Way”
Monday, July 28th, 2008

Two thoughts stand out to me today in Chapter 3. The first is found in verse 5, “Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

Joshua told the people essentially to prepare themselves to experience a work of God. Throughout scripture this is a pattern… whether we’re talking about John the Baptist’s exhortation to “prepare the way of the Lord” or Paul’s to search our hearts prior to communion… we are often challenged to take a moment to consider the gravity of what is to come. I’m challenged today to press into that more deliberately. To prepare myself more prior to worship, to prepare myself more prior to Bible Study, to prepare myself for my day, to lead, to love, to learn… in all things to be ready for God to move. I think it will increase my personal expectation for God’s movement and open my eyes more. I’ll probably see God moving more often. I doubt that will be because He has increased His activity, but more so that I finally see it.

The second thought comes from verses 15 and 16:

“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Joshua 3:15-16

Twice now God has led the Israelites across a body of water. This water at one point seemed to be a huge obstacle. But God provided. The first time, He parted the Red Sea and showed the people the path prior to them moving. This time, He told them to step before they saw the path. When they did, and their “feet touched the water’s edge”, the water stopped flowing.

This is a reminder that sometimes we don’t see the path prior to stepping out. Sometimes we will. But that does not necessarily translate to the evidence of God’s leading, or lack there of. Sometimes we are called to step out on Faith… sometimes we can step out with all the details in place. God had given them the experiences in their past that strengthened their faith… each step of the way required more faith… and faith was grown.

My nature is to expect God to give me all the details prior to taking a step. But sometimes He just says, “Step and I’ll show you”. He’s up to something. We can be sure of that… our God is at work. He is building our faith. And He will be proven faithful. Like Rahab in the prior chapter, are we willing to be faithful? Even when the end does not appear to be in sight?

If we’ll look back, we’ll see where He has been proven faithful. We’ll see that He has built a strong foundation that can be trusted. Step and we’ll see.

Joshua 2 "Deadly Deeds"

Joshua 2 – Brandon Hatmaker “Deadly Deeds”
Friday, July 25th, 2008

“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, "Look! Some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land." So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land." But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from.” – Joshua 2:1-4

There is a time when our faith must show the fruit of action. Otherwise our faith is proven dead. No doubt Rahab’s occupation had caused her much persecution in life and was probably an outcast, at least at some level. Here was an opportunity for her to redeem herself to the King of Jericho. All it would require is for her to betray these men whom she had never met before. Surely she had no loyalty to them. Seems like the perfect opportunity for her. No doubt she would be redeemed in the eyes of her leader, her countryman, and possibly even be considered a hero. This was her chance… but only in the eyes of men.

But she had a faith in God. And through His divine leading she remained faithful and protected them. Although she had nothing to gain and everything to lose, she chose the pleasure of her God. What an amazing faith. What an amazing dedication. And through her lineage came our Savior. Amazing faith and amazing fruit.

No doubt the story of her faith was passed on from generation to generation. James wrote about her faithfulness in James chapter two, “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

Today, we can learn from a prostitute what it means to respond in faith. It makes me wonder what I am willing to sacrifice to follow my God, especially in the eyes of men. It makes me ponder how much I truly desire the Will of God and His Kingdom come. I hope today, that the fruit of my faith can only begin to reflect that of this prostitute, a faith that even the disciples failed to have at one point or another.

Joshua 1 "Pride"

Joshua 1 – Brandon Hatmaker “Pride”
Thursday, July 24th, 2008

"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:2-3

Pride is a dangerous thing. I’ve always thought that if anyone was set up for prideful thoughts, it would be Joshua. Here’s a guy who was Moses’ aide, and has been commissioned by God to be “The Man”. His was told that he would be the one to lead the people to realize their biggest dreams. And they committed to follow him.

They say that power corrupts. Joshua now had the power.

Yet I don’t see this danger in Joshua (at least not in the first chapter). Instead, I try to place myself in his shoes. I would be scared to death. I think I would be so overwhelmed by this daunting task that I would be shaking in my boots. Joshua obviously had a very healthy fear of the Lord. God wouldn’t have chosen him for this task if he hadn’t. With that perspective, I bet Joshua felt incredibly humbled by this new assignment. I bet he even felt under-qualified.

But God gives him some strong words of both warning and encouragement. His warning was to stay in God’s Word and to meditate on it day and night. To not let it depart from his mouth. His encouragement was to "Be strong and courageous”. God didn’t have to tell him to be humble… he probably already felt those emotions… instead, three times in four verses God tells him to “Be strong and courageous”. Why, because this thing is so much bigger than him. He was just a part of God’s amazing plan. Joshua understood that.

Once again it goes back to perspective. When we remember who God is and who we are NOT, we realize that apart from Him we truly can do nothing. Then all Glory goes to Him, not to us. Then we are humbled, moldable, teachable, and we take the posture of learners… even as leaders, because we pursue the things of God, not of ourselves.

I gotta be honest with you, in a performance driven world, this really takes the pressure off! Jesus really meant it when He said that if we’ll abide in Him, He’ll abide in us. Remember? Apart from me, Jesus said, you can do nothing.

2 Cor. 13 "Living Proof"

2 Corinthians 13 – Brandon Hatmaker “Living Proof”
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-7

Paul’s final words to the Corinthian church were very direct. He told them to examine themselves, specifically to see if they are “in” faith. The word “in” comes from a Greek word meaning among. This is speaking of a position of being. The word “test” in verse 5 literally translates to mean, “prove”. So Paul is telling them not only to do some introspection (examine), but the way they must do that is to evaluate (examine) whether or not they actual are residing “among” the ways of faith, then to prove it, through their actions. The proof? Their lives. Reminds me of when we played “horse” as a kid. The game never ended until you could “prove” it. That proof was final.

Paul then gives them the ultimate goal, “Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong.”

Anything? Wow, that’s pretty strong, but that’s His prayer. It’s typically not ours. We settle a ton in our faith. We see our weaknesses and say, “Oh, well” at least I didn’t cheat on my taxes, or my wife, or murder anyone recently. Even when we’re doing well, there are typically struggles we don’t even allow our minds to recognize. If we were to examine ourselves, we’d find a ton of stuff we’ve shoved to the back of the closet, most are private issues, many are emotional or mental, the ones that can be covered up or hidden through false fronts or through overcompensating in our faith in other areas.

I’ve been there. I’m there now. But if we are going to truly pursue holiness, how can we be honest with God if we’re not even honest with ourselves? We are not okay… but hear me… that IS okay. God already knows it and wants us to deal with it not hide it.

So let’s examine ourselves. And let’s pray we do nothing wrong. Knowing that we will and God already knows that. Let’s pursue it anyway. Knowing that He forgives us and just wants us to not give up trying. Let’s remember that to “confess” means to “say the same thing”, so in our shortfalls, before God, we call it what it is. Nothing hidden. Everything exposed.

The cool thing is that’s the most liberating place to be… honesty, transparency, genuine, authentic… however you want to word it. It’s truth. And it’s freedom.

Father, help us to not be content with selective confession before you and ourselves. Help us to see our level of “abiding” in you by our actions. Search the secret places of our hearts and minds, show us our insecurities and our fears, our feelings of isolation and of doubt, our false pride and self-deception and help us to lay them before your throne. Especially where they end up impacting our ability to love you or others. Thank you for loving us enough to offer your amazing Grace, for eternity, and for today. Amen.

2 Cor. 12 "Circumstance"

2 Corinthians 12 – Brandon Hatmaker “Circumstance”
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

If we were to listen to our own prayers, I think we’d find that we often ask God to change circumstances that we feel are the root of a problem. They are the circumstances or the conditions that surround something that is bothering us. Paul calls this his thorn. Typically those circumstances are impacting our lives in, one way or another. Maybe they’re impacting our relationships, emotions, security, or even how we view success

While there are hints in his writing to what it could be, I think Paul deliberately does not go into detail about what exactly his “thorn” is. He just says he has one, he begged God to remove it, but He didn’t. And now His journey is to live faith with this thorn. And to lead others and while trusting God no matter the circumstance.

Why?

Circumstances will always exist and be ever changing. If our faith is dependent or highly impacted by them, we will always have issues. We will always have struggles. We will never find peace.

God is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is beyond circumstance. If we depend on God, we will find consistency and peace no matter the circumstance. If we depend on circumstance, and they are removed, do we still depend on God? Do we still look to him for rescue? Most of the time we don’t. Paul knew his thorn kept Him humble and dependent. God’s promise is to provide strength to stand up during the storm, not to remove the storm. Jesus reminds us clearly that “in this world you will have trouble”, but to take heart for He has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). He told us that the goal of this reminder was so that we would find peace… in HIM, not in circumstance.

I think 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us some insight to His ways, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

While modern translations and transliterations may (at first glance) lead us to believe God will provide an escape, we see by the end of the verse that the way God provides this way “out” is to provide strength to “stand up” under the temptation or trial, not necessarily to remove it.

So the battle is not to live a life without issue or struggle. The battle is to find peace, joy, love, happiness, contentment (and so on) in each of the days we have as we abide in Christ on this journey of life. It’s a battle to not allow those struggles to keep us from doing what we are called to do. Not allowing our personal issues to keep us from living a life of love that we are commanded to live. And this is not of our own strength, but of His.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Psalms 3:5-6

Father, I’ve prayed about circumstances the majority of my life. Today I ask for your hand to simply provide strength and protection. I pray for your favor and for your continued revelation. Help us as your children to rest in Your truth and in Your ways. Amen.

2 Cor. 11 "Perspective"

2 Corinthians 11 – Brandon Hatmaker “Perspective”
Monday, July 21st, 2008

“Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 11:23-30

In most of Paul's writings, we see a posture of humility. With that in mind, this must have been a painfully tough thing for him to write in order to make a point. I'm glad he did it.

I am extremely humbled by this scripture. We think we’ve gone through so much adversity and sacrifice, yet in perspective to what others are facing around the globe, we have suffered so little for the cause of Christ. It seems as much. We claim much credit. But our sufferings are so very small.

I find myself a little at a loss for words today. Maybe that’s okay. I’m just thankful for the Grace of God.

2 Cor. 10 "Take Captive"

I guess I got a little behind last Friday and thought I had written on chapter 10 already. I guess it was because I actually referenced chapter 10 while writing about chapter 9. For a refresher, here it was:

"Time after time I’ve heard others say that Christians just don’t seem happy. What a sad reality. And if that’s their perception, it’s their reality. We should take the advice of Paul from the next chapter, “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Not just to capture every thought for obedience to avoid sin, but we should apply this to our mindset as well… each moment we have a choice, do we see the glass half full or half empty. We have so much to gain from this effort. Hopefully it’s more than just a forced discipline."

2 Cor. 9 "Chins Up"

2 Corinthians 9 – Brandon Hatmaker “Chins Up”
Thursday, July 17th, 2008

"There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.” – 2 Corinthians 9:1-2

Leadership goes beyond our words. It goes to our actions. As believers, as leaders, as leaders who are believers, we need to remember that our attitude will be contagious. No matter if it’s upbeat and positive or downtrodden and negative… others will see it, feel it, and emulate it.

Time after time I’ve heard others say that Christians just don’t seem happy. What a sad reality. And if that’s their perception, it’s their reality. We should take the advice of Paul from the next chapter, “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Not just to capture every thought for obedience to avoid sin, but we should apply this to our mindset as well… each moment we have a choice, do we see the glass half full or half empty. We have so much to gain from this effort. Hopefully it’s more than just a forced discipline.

But the root of enthusiasm and joy comes from a perspective of how we truly believe God sees us and how we see Him. Is their peace or contention in our spiritual stance? Is their condemnation (self inflicted or by others) that drag us down. I’m thankful today for the true knowledge that there is nothing to fear, that God has called us sons and daughters, and for that, we can find joy and enthusiasm in our journey.

2 Cor. 8 "Kingdom Come"

2 Corinthians 8 – Brandon Hatmaker “Kingdom Come”
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

“And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

So this is church planting, huh? Whether you’re at a new church or just a believer pushing through the journey of life, this is a reminder to all of us of our nature to start strong and finish… well, to limp to the finish. Here, Paul, reminding them that they are in the early years of their young church and yet they had already relented in their efforts.

What does he ask? To maintain the heart and desire to give of ourselves, to show an eager willingness to finish strong, to endure in giving according to what we have been given… that’s a reminder to carefully steward our gifts, our abilities, our passions, our time, and our love. Why? To see the Kingdom of God, His rule in our hearts, be realized on earth as it is in Heaven.

“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.”

2 Cor. 7 – “Promises”

2 Corinthians 7 – Brandon Hatmaker “Promises”
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

I hate to keep beating the same drum... but for some reason, I keep hearing the same theme in Paul's heart for the Corinthian Church. I think it was a foreshadow of a common struggle that was to come in the modern church... they simply were missing the heart of the matter. Of all the churches mentioned in the OT, they seemed to have the most "issues"... I don't think it's a coincidence that they also seemed to struggle most with matters of the heart.

Enter Chapter Seven.

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

Through the closing words found in Chapter 6, Paul referenced Jeremiah and 2 Samuel to remind us of the promises of God: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” He goes on to say, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, say the Lord Almighty.”

These are amazing promises made from a Holy God to a simple and sinful people. Yet we’ve seen the glory of God through the person of Jesus. We’ve been given the gift of the Spirit. He has called us sons and daughters. And the Spirit of the Lord continues to live among us. In light of these promises, Paul calls us to Holiness. Not just out of thanksgiving, but out of reverence for God. Then, in light of the current issues facing the Corinthian church, Paul puts skin on his thoughts… the same thought Christ gave us as a “New Command”… to simply love.

In verse 2, he leads with this plea: “Make room for us in your hearts.”

2 Cor. 6 "In Vain"

2 Corinthians 6 – Brandon Hatmaker “In Vain”
Monday, July 14th, 2008

“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.” 2 Corinithians 6:1-2

The word “kenos” used in verse one is most often translated to be the word “vain”. It simply means “empty”. We could take it further in this context to mean without purpose or without meaning.

When Paul is urging us not to receive God’s “grace” in vain, he is first calling us to look at what the purposes of God’s grace are. Paul teaches us throughout his ministry that these purposes are fulfilled in reconciliation, redemption, and transformation. These are not only spiritual matters, but also heart matters, and are the focus of his instruction.

Prior to introducing this “urge” in verse one, Paul had recently dealt with issues of the heart: Not loosing heart, living by faith, and our ministry of reconciliation. In the following verses he will talk about maintaining the right heart during hardships and staying pure before the Lord. He gives us instruction in vs.6-10 that can only be accomplished through a humble attitude of the heart: “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way… 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.

Paul was calling out the Corinthians directly in verses 11-13, “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.”

He was telling them that the action they needed to take, started with a heart attitude. So he exhorted them, ”open wide your hearts”.

The ministry that Paul spoke of was at the gut level. All the right actions in the world without the right heart attitude before God, are in vain. They are empty, and thus make the grace we receive in vain. This is a hard truth. In the same way Paul had written in 1 Corinthians 13, even “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” Seems like we should gain something from this, but we don’t. Not according to God’s measuring stick.

We can fool ourselves if we’re not careful. Many times we see “fruit” as evidence of a pure heart. Jeremiah reminds us that our actions and even our fruitful lives or ministry are not necessarily proof of a right heart. In chapter 12, verse 2 he says, “You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. 
You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.”

Later in Chapter 17, Jeremiah reminds us of why we must capture this when he shares God’s standard, "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." God is telling us that the value of our deeds, is revealed through the examination of our heart and mind. Wow. What a standard.

God, change our hearts. Help us to not mask our true feelings and lack of compassion with the discipline of action and dutiful benevolence. When we cannot find compassion, help us to find your compassion. When we cannot find grace, remind us of yours. In Jesus name, Amen.

2 Cor. 5 "Amazing"

2 Corinthians 5 - Brandon Hatmaker "Simply Amazing"
Friday, July 11th, 2008

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

What an amazing thing to remember: God did not look at us from a worldy point of view, but instead, from a perspective of grace and love. The He reconciled us to himself. Considering our condition, what a daunting task. Yet He did it, and it cost His only son. And now his request from us is to no longer regard others from a worldly point of view either. To simply offer grace to others as He offered it to us.

How can we say no?

2 Cor. 4 "Good Idea"

2 Corinthians 4 – Brandon Hatmaker “Good Idea”
Thursday, July 10th, 2008

“Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Whether you’re getting in trouble with your friends as a child or starting a company with what seems to be a revolutionary new concept, when the fruit comes (whether good or bad) the question is always asked, “Who’s idea was this anyway?”

The reason for this question is to find out who gets the reward or who gets the blame. To find the root of the problem or to give credit where credit is due. So who’s idea was it?

Paul reminded the Corinthian Church that this ministry was God’s idea, and in his mercy, they actually got to be a part of it. His encouragement then, was to not lose heart, and remind others to do the same. Instead he gave us the greatest instruction we can have: Trust the truth. Both before man and before God as we handle His Word.

I’m thankful to be in the company of friends in ministry who, by their own acknowledgement, would not have chosen themselves for it. I’m thankful for the Grace of God. I’m thankful for His calling. And I’m thankful that it was His idea.

2 Cor. 3 "Not with Ink"

2 Corinthians 3 - Brandon Hatmaker "Not with Ink"
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

Just a quick encouraging word today from chapter 3. Although often we feel the temptation to do so, we need not commend ourselves. And that confidence and competence comes only from God through the Spirit that offers life. I think I'll let Paul's words do the talking:

"Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." - 2 Corinthians 3:1-2

"Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

2 Cor. 2 "Stop the Carnage"

2 Corinthians 2 – Brandon Hatmaker “Stop the Carnage”
Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

“Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Although the leaders of the Corinthian church were slow to “discipline” those who needed it, when they finally did, they went too far and became emotionally and spiritually destructive to another believer. This was obviously a very painful situation. So Paul gave them three levels of advice to redeem the situation:

The first level was to recognize that the punishment they had inflicted was enough, and that the man had shown that the punishment had its intended effect; the person had repented of his action.

Second, Paul told them to forgive and comfort the man rather than continue the discipline. He recognized that the punishment of withholding restoration was in itself a continued form of punishment. Instead of aphiemi, a common word used in the NT for forgiveness, Paul uses charizomai, which means to "give freely" and therefore instructing them to forgive based on an attitude of graciousness. Obviously, this is in view of God’s gracious attitude toward us as well as the example of Jesus, and should surely be remembered. Through his words, “or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow”, it is probable that the man was in a constant state of discouragement from their overreaction. Paul is telling them that they need to stop the punishment and replace it with encouragement.

The final level of instruction Paul gives, and is a reminder to us all, is for them to literally and intentionally reaffirm their love for the man. (“So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him” vs. 8) The word "to reaffirm" means "to confirm" or "ratify." This was a common term used in legal documents of the day. Whatever their method, some believe publicly (since the discipline was public), Paul is instructing them to reassure him of their love and show that Christian discipline is always for redemptive purposes and never just for punishment.

I read recently in a commentary about this chapter that, “The Corinthians had to be reminded of this. But it is not much different today. Many church leaders have equal difficulty knowing when to discipline and when to forgive.”

Father, remind us to always pursue and have a posture of encouragement, mercy, and compassion in the offering of restoration. Help us to see when we are neglecting these mandates. In light of your mercy, I pray that we would offer mercy. In light of your healing, I pray for healing for the broken. Amen.

2 Cor. 1 "So That"

2 Corinthians 1 - Brandon Hatmaker - "So That"
Monday, July 7th

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

There is a huge "So that" found in this passage. We are shown compassion and are comforted so that others may find comfort. In that comfort is found salvation, endurance, and hope. Even our comfort is not about us. Maybe this is why Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be "grasped" but instead left His comfort, exchanged it for skin, and offered His comfort to us.

Here's how Paul put it in his letter to the Philippians :

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:5-8

Our comfort should be found in the fact that our salvation was never about something we can do, earn, attain, or deserve on our own. It is a gift of life from God and through Jesus. It was His sacrifice of comfort with us in mind. It almost seems counterintuitive that it would do so, but this should bring us the greatest comfort imaginable. It takes the pressure off. This truth alone allows us to live in peace before God and in the freedom of the Cross. Once again, thank you, Jesus.

1 Cor. 16 "Amazing Life"

1 Corinthians 16 – Brandon Hatmaker “Amazing Life”
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

“You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.” – 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

From the very beginning (even through great persecution) the Church survived and even flourished as a community of faith through their commitment to one another. Paul reminds the Church at Corinth that this would not be without intentionality. That it not only takes commitment, but a laboring effort and sacrifice. He reminds them through the commitments of the very first converts, that they should continue to be devoted to the service of one another.

The word that is translated “devoted”, in this form, is only used twice in scripture. It is used to not only illustrate being committed to something, but primarily to something “arranged” as a priority, something “ordained” as critical, and probably the most descriptive, to “addict” oneself to. It comes with a sense of longevity. It was not only a way of life, it represented THE way of life for the ancient church.

And Paul urges us to submit to “such as these”. And not just to them, but also to everyone who “joins in the work”, and who “labors” serving each other. I’m sure this took the rearranging of some personal schedules. I’m sure this took doing things for others at times that they could have been doing things for themselves. I’m sure this meant using their personal resources for the benefit of others. I’m sure this meant opening their homes to others in need. I’m sure this meant making personal sacrifices for the good of the community. I’m also sure they experienced “church” in the purest form.

“All the believers were together and had everything in common… they gave to anyone as he had need… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-48

What an amazing way of life!

1 Cor. 15 "Without Cause"

1 Corinthians 15 – Brandon Hatmaker “Without Cause”
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

“…hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

This is truly a gut-level scripture. Paul gives validation to our faith only through it’s application and it’s reality in our lives. He’s reminding us that the gospel comes with purpose and a goal. It is not to remain idle.

The word “vain” means “without cause”. I wonder today in what area’s I have believed without cause. I would imagine it would be the areas of life in which I have allowed my faith to remain neutral, passive, or even ignorant. I would imagine it’s in areas of struggle that might seem too “common to man” to overcome. I’m afraid that it’s mostly in areas of not allowing the Spirit to break through my pride and my selfishness. I’m reminded of these things through the humility shown in Paul’s words in verses 9-10.

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.”

It was not without effect. In other words, it was not in vain. It accomplished it’s goal, and Paul was a new man.

Father. It’s a dangerous prayer, but I ask that you continue to take away my pride and selfishness. I thank you for blessing and favor in the journey. Today, I thank you for the shaping of our hearts and minds through your Spirit and Divine will.

1 Cor. 14 "Other People"

1 Corinthians 14 – Brandon Hatmaker “Other People”
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

With Chapter 14 you have two choices, either jump in with both feet and write a thesis, or pick a thought and keep it simple. Today, I choose a simple reminder that saturates every level of our faith.

“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort…So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:3,12

If we were honest with ourselves, most of us would have to admit that we not only exercise mostly but also desire gifts that show evidence of our faith. We want people to see and know that we are growing in faith. That’s natural. But it doesn’t make it right for that to be our priority. Even in the exercising of our gifts, we can become selfish. We have to keep our focus on others. Paul is reminding us to be aware of this temptation while clearly redirecting the Corinthian church’s selfish pursuits.

How should we excel?
In gifts that build up the body.

How should we use our gifts?
To strengthen, encourage, and comfort.

How should we endure?
Through the encouragement of the scriptures.

And in the same way… Towards what should we spur one another on?
Towards love and good deeds.

Lather, rinse, and repeat.