I CAN SEE IT NOW:

EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

September 24, 2019

Don’t let the container fool you; it contains something of immense value. It’s like an exquisite, expensive diamond ring wrapped in an old, tattered newspaper. 

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” 2 Corinthians 4.7

Whenever I look in the mirror, I’m reminded of the status of my “earthen vessel.” Sparse survivors of my once abundant mane, dark circles under my eyes, and increased furrows on my brow, all remind me of the effects of aging on “the outer man.” But … 

“we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” 2 Corinthians 4.16-17.

Time and adversity exact a price on of physical bodies, but the internal treasure increases daily. That which seems to wear us down externally is, in reality, stockpiling spiritual wealth within. Things are not as they appear!

A key phrase to seize, believe, and live by is “we do not lose heart.” Sure, we become discouraged from time to time. As Paul says, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4.8-9. Sometimes we’re barely hanging on, but we ARE hanging on! We may be down, but we’re far from out. Thus, “we do not lose heart.”

Our Father has chosen to let the rich treasure of “the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4.4) shine brightly in our humble earthen vessels. It’s all for His glory, and not ours. 

Take inventory of the true reality today. Outward appearances can leave us discouraged and even disillusioned. But, never lose sight of the true hidden reality. “we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4.18 

May the unseen, eternal be a source of strength and encouragement to you today - and always.

Steve

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