Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

THURSDAY DECEMBER 10


LIKE SHOOTING A FLY

READ:
2 Corinthians 5:14
___________________________________________________________________________________
Christ's love
compels us,
because we are
convinced that one
died for all, and
therefore all died.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Macarena Valde's skill in mapping underground miners made a real difference in the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners trapped after an explosion in October 2010. Drilling to find the exact place where the men were located was like "trying to shoot a fly from 700 meters away," she said. With her mining experience, Valdes was able to guide the probe to where the miners were entombed, which helped bring about their dramatic rescue.

In efforts to carry out spiritual rescues, it's easy to become discouraged. Although the apostle Paul faced even greater obstacles, he said, "We do not lose heart" (2 COR. 4:1). Even though "the god of this age" had "blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel," he continued to proclaim the gospel of salvation (vv. 4-5). Compelled by God, who lovingly spoke light into his own darkness (v.6), Paul knew that what God had done for him God could do for others.

You and I may have a similar story. Compelled by the love of God, we too have reason not to lose heart. As Macarena led in the rescue of the miners, the Spirit of God can carry the light of our love and words into the hearts of those who need a rescue they may not yet understand. __C.P. Hia

** Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to our rescue when we were lost and
helpless in our sin. Help those of us who have been rescued
to share the lifeline of Your love with those who are still trapped.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
When you've been rescued,you want to rescue others.

**********************************Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Corinthians 4:1-6********************************
1 Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this
ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 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 everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who
are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of
unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel
that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who
said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in
our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God's glory
displayed in the face of Christ.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
In the middle of Paul's discussion with the
Corinthian church about sharing the message of the gospel, he
makes two references to creation. In verse 4 of today's reading.
Paul refers to Christ as the image of God__language that is
similar to the description of the creation of humanity (GEN. 1:26).
Then in verse 6, Paul refers to the creation of light (SEE GEN. 1:3) as
similar to the effect of salvation. In both cases__the creation of
light and our new redeemed life_God created something new
(2 COR. 5:17) and both are "very good" (GEN 1:31). __J.R. Hudberg

[Dora]

I was thinking to how the person that saved them drew a map and how we have a map drawn by our Savior as well. The Bible.

[cimi]

That's right , Pine Merry Christmas to you! hugs

[Dora]

Merry Christmas Cimi!

Hugs!!!