Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“Peacemaking in the Face of Turmoil"”

Thoughts for Today:

In 1 Samuel, chapters 18 and 19, we see David is continually harassed, chased, and threatened by Saul. Yet, no matter how many times Saul tried to capture or kill David, David refused to strike back. In our passage today, Paul demonstrates this same type of restraint. Although he has been attacked mercilessly by the Corinthians, Paul still greets them with grace and peace. And when he does so, Paul provides another great example of how God has called us to be peacemakers, even in the midst of turmoil and trouble.

So too, those people who walk closely with the Lord and are used consistently by Him -- even when they might have the right to respond angrily -- don't do so. Personally, I gauge my own spiritual condition by the priority I give to the positions I hold. How aggressive am I tempted to defend myself? How quick am I to respond to those who assault my motives or reputation? If we are truly mature in our faith, and in the anointing that Jesus Christ has upon our lives, then we do not respond in kind. We don't strike back.

That is why, throughout 2 Corinthians, we will see Paul taking great care to explain the Gospel, but not callously counterattacking the Corinthians in the areas they are the most vulnerable. He is firm, yet never loses his heart of love for them.

Questions to Ponder:

Grace and peace didn't come to the Corinthians because Paul wrote the words to them. Nor will it come to us just because someone speaks these same words over us. Grace and peace only come with knowledge of God -- His Word and His Son -- working in us. Incorrect thinking will produce turmoil and trouble. What thoughts do you hold? How do you respond to attacks? How should your thinking change? Are you allowing your thoughts to be conformed to those of our Lord? Have you learned how to become a peacemaker?

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.