The Open Word (Audio)

Listen as Pastor David walks us through the incredible blessings of grace, mercy, and peace available through Jesus Christ. Trust can be placed in something you believe in. If something won’t fail, trust is easy. If you have not trusted your life to God, maybe you have not fully understood what God has available for you. Now, God does not promise to take away difficult times, but God does promise to infuse us with his grace and peace which sustains us through it all!

The heartbeat of the gospel is the grace of God. For all believers no matter their age, ability, or role, grace draws them to God and sustain their lives. Pastor David encourages you to focus on the grace of God in your life because this is something for which you must be extremely grateful. You are not accepted because you are good enough or have sufficient strength; rather, God gives people more than they deserve, a free gift of grace, because He loves us!

Pastor David introduces us to the book of 2nd Corinthians today. If there is one theme found in this book, it would be comfort. Paul uses the word comfort consistently throughout 2nd Corinthians as he addresses issues between the church and himself. This is a good reminder because in the midst of the trials of ministry and life, the comfort of God is needed. Experiencing this comfort and fulfilling the purpose of your life comes through trusting solely on God!

The calling of God upon your life can provide the guidance and motivation for times when you must endure questions or doubt regarding God’s will. Today Pastor David teaches about the difficulty of ministry Paul had experienced yet he held onto his calling. Paul had a unique relationship with the Corinthian church, and our New Testament books give us a glimpse into their interaction. While witnessing Paul’s struggles we glean timeless wisdom for lives today.

The church in Corinth existed amidst a city that was known for it’s pagan worship and immorality which caused issues in the church. Paul commends the believers to be strong in the Lord and live in His love. Today Pastor David also encourages you stand strong in the Lord and His strength rather than your own. The heroes of the Bible depended upon the Lord for strength and direction, and as you seek to serve the Lord, you also will be enabled to do great things for God!

Everybody wants to be strong and have all their needs met, yet Pastor David reminds us that it is the trials which can bring the greatest chance for growth! We are not promised a life of ease as a Christian. In fact, as a follower of Christ, the enemy will be set on stopping you from being victorious as a Christian. So, as we pray that God will show us our direction, we must place our trust in whatever the future may hold. A Christian’s goal isn’t to avoid challenges but to remain faithful in the midst of them.

Pastor David encourages you today to find the Lord’s direction for your life. There is no substitute for following God’s leadership so that you are in His will. Too often, we act first and then ask God to bless what we have already done. Rather than starting off in our own direction, God must be sought first in prayer so that He is leading. This will not eliminate difficulty or testing of faith, yet it is better to walk with the Lord through pain than be separated from Him.

How could it be that God would ask for us to give of our finances or resources? Pastor David shows that God has given us all that we have, and our giving back to God is a way of trusting in God to take care of us and His work on this earth. If you are struggling to give back to God, that may be evidence of a need for spiritual growth. To trust God with what He has given to you is to be a good steward, and God promises that if we sow generously we will also reap generously.

How you and I use our money speaks volumes about the priorities of our lives. God has been generous to you and allows you to join in His work by investing with your time and resources. Pastor David wants you to consider what you invest in the kingdom of God and the attitude of your heart when giving. God requires giving from a cheerful heart that trusts fully in God to supply for our needs. Since generosity is a gift, pray that God will give you a big heart to support His kingdom.

The first Christians received in an incredible gift of faith and peace through Christ. However, in social circles, those who became Christians could be ostracized by friends and family which could cause suffering in many ways. Paul was using his connection with various churches as an opportunity to collect money for those in need, and Pastor David explains how even in our time today we must be aware of the needs of others and seek how God wants us to help.