Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 11:7-15

... And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness...

How do you explain your love to the people you minister to? The Holy Spirit led him to talk to the Corinthian church the way a father would talk to his children, to impart his teachings to the church. First, in verse 7 to 12 he mentioned his generosity and care for them, because a father would not place a burden on his children. Instead, he would sacrifice himself so that his children can be fed. However, the children often do not understand the price that needs to be paid for what they enjoy. When the parents are thinking about whether they have money to buy something, the child next to them is often saying, "Why not use the credit card?" The children do not understand responsibility and price. In the same way, Paul did not want to be a burden to the Corinthian church, so he became a tent maker to make a living for himself. He even accepted offering from other churches in order to minister to the Corinthian church without worry. Nevertheless, the Corinthian church did not appreciate if and accused Paul for being a false apostle. This is so heart-breaking.

May the Lord help us to treat pastors and ministry workers well. I often seen many faithful ministers and evangelists giving of themselves sacrificially. However, the church often does not appreciate their love, and they become discouraged. How sad is that! May God help us to love the pastors in our midst and respect their leading in the Lord. Secondly, Paul pointed out in verse 13-15, he has a protective love over them. He specially pointed out that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, deceiving us. Many new believers probably did not understand the truth when they first heard the gospel. They emphasized on the law rather than on grace. These false prophets and teachers also boast about themselves and undermined Paul's ministry. For the sake of truth and in order to turn the church around, Paul had to call these people out as servants of Satan. Brothers and sisters, may the Lord help us to be careful in following the way of truth and holiness, so that we will not stray away from the right path.

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, I thank you because you have indeed poured out countless blessings. We want to give thanks for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for your past provision, guidance, protection, help and healing. May your faithful hand continue to lead us in the way ahead of us, and we will give all the glory to you. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!

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