Dave Rucquoi - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Trials

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, ESV

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too”

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In the spring of 2003 our family experienced tragedy.  Even then we knew the Lord would not allow His children to experience such pain without purpose.  To us, we were being commissioned to minister in ways we could not have done in the past.  This proved true that November when I was asked (because the scheduled speaker did not show) to speak at a men's breakfast at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, PA.  Due to the spontaneity, I candidly spoke about the lessons my wife and I were learning.  After breakfast a man came up to me in tears.  That week his family had experienced the same tragedy.  The night before, unable to sleep, he went online to find direction, and learned about that men's breakfast.  He did not attend that church, and had never gone to that breakfast before.  It was clear to all involved that the Lord had placed us there to comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves were comforted by God. 

When Psalm 23 teaches us that the good shepherd provides comfort through the valley of the shadow of death, we must understand that He primarily provides comfort through His people.  The singing group Casting Crowns addresses this in a song, where they sing, "If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?  Why aren't his hands healing?  Why aren't His words teaching ... Why is His love not showing them there is a way?" 

The Lord does not delight in pain; but, He does delight in comfort, and drawing people to a relationship with Him.  Could it be that, for every lost person who suffers in this world, God commissions one of His children to experience similar temporal pain to show them the way to Him?

David Rucquoi, Darien, 20 years at Hope, serving as an Elder.

Dan Fox - Romans 8:38-39

Romans 8:38-39
Trials

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we choose to follow Jesus and commit our lives to Him, it does not mean that we are assured a future free from struggle and difficulty, tragedy and pain. Jesus himself was very clear about this. In John, chapter 16, He says to His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." What the Lord does promise, repeatedly, throughout the Bible, is that He will never leave us or forsake us. As Christians, we do not get a free pass to avoid all suffering. But we can cling to the promise that God is with us, in every circumstance, no matter how difficult, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

In the verses preceding this passage in Romans Chapter 8, Paul asks the question, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" He then gives us a short list of some of the worst, the most terrifying things any person can experience (tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword). He concludes by saying that just as Jesus overcame the world, we are "more than conquerors," through Jesus. His victory, over sin and death, is our victory. None of these things can separate us.

In verses 38 and 39 of Romans 8, Paul expands and broadens his list of the things that might pull us away from God and His love. He goes way beyond the trials and challenges of life in a fallen world to the supernatural realm of life and death, angels and demonic forces, and declares that none of these things can do it. And he concludes with the words "... nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

The only thing left off that list is God Himself, the Creator. We are a part of His creation, and Paul assures us here that even we, ourselves, cannot separate ourselves from His love. The love of God, in Christ, is an everlasting love.

Both of my parents died before I turned twenty-five. My younger brother, tragically, took his own life during a lengthy time of illness and suffering.

I have known grief and sorrow, physical pain and financial hardship. Life has not been easy.

When we go through a difficult and painful season in life we have a choice. We can blame God and turn away from Him, or we can allow the suffering and uncertainty and fear to draw us closer to God. If there is going to be a separation, it will not be God that creates the distance. He will not be the one inclined to pull away.

C.S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains." If you are walking through a hard and painful season, pray that God would speak to you and use the difficulty to draw you closer to Him.

Dan Fox, Wilton, he is the Director of Music at Hope.

Dave Santisi - Ephesians 6:1-4

Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV

Family

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 

 

This passage reminds me of God’s love for us and the way we should feel about Him in return. Children should know that their parents love them and their rules are generated out of love for them. These are surely rules that should be obeyed, because they are ultimately designed to benefit and not to anger the child, just as God’s laws are intended to benefit all of us that are His children. Fathers (and Mothers) must love their children by offering them structure and discipline that is pleasing to God.

 

Personally this passage means a lot to me. We have Logan (8 years old), Kyle (6), and Kaitlyn (4). I am often trying to find that difficult balance between loving them with kindness and teaching them the ways of the world which are often less than kind. We are blessed to be able to offer them things beyond their needs. However, I do remind my kids that our rules are out of love for them as well. In fact, they should question my love for them if I don’t have rules or teach discipline because then I would not be mindful of their safety or future happiness. It seems to me that my best parenting comes from being in Christ, because the greatest joy comes from self sacrifice. Parenting has blessed me with this realization. This is the lesson of Jesus’s love for all of us. So my goal is to constantly communicate to my kids that what may not seem like so much fun to them, like following rules and abiding in the Lord, will give them structure and lasting peace as they face life’s challenges.

 

Action step: Communicate to your kids that your rules come from your love for them. 

Dave Santisi, Wilton, is a member of Hope and works with the youth and is an usher. 

Carolyn Vinton - Ephesians 4:29-32

Family

Ephesians 4:29-32

“29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

 

What would it look like if we only spoke in ways that built others up, helped their current need, and benefited anyone in earshot? How would it be if all our words were kind, compassionate, absent of all anger, bitterness, or the hint of criticizing others? The Holy Spirit within us desires to be expressed through our words in this way. We know from the book of Proverbs that the tongue has the power of life or death (18:11), and the Spirit would have us speak life.

Our flesh can tend to speak selfishly, venting a tone of annoyance or criticism. This is especially easy with those whom we are most familiar such as family members or when talking about those whom are not present at the time. But a follower of Christ can practice pausing and listening to the Spirit within, letting Him guide our response. A helpful word of compassion can change a situation and turn a heart. Hearing words of life isn’t just beneficial to the recipient, but encourages anyone who may happen to overhear.

Once words are spoken, they cannot be recalled. We may ask forgiveness for what we say, but the effects of the words may remain. An object lesson often used by classroom teachers involves a large tube of toothpaste and a paper plate. Each student is invited to squeeze some toothpaste onto the plate. Student by student, with varying squeezes, the tube and plate are passed around until all have had a turn, and the tube is nearly empty. Then comes the second direction. The plate will be passed around again. This time, the students’ job is to put the toothpaste back into the tube. The protests begin, “That’s impossible!” Some try to comply, discovering the futility of the task. The analogy is then explained. Our words, what we say to each other, is like that toothpaste. Once it’s out, it’s out to stay.

So, consider what comes out of your mouth. Pray it be helpful and kind, Spirit led words of life.

With whom or in what circumstance do you most need to draw on the Spirit in order to speak in a way that builds up?

Carolyn Vinton, Wilton, 14 years at Hope

Susan Stratton - Proverbs 17:22

Living Joyfully Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" First, let us look at the meaning of the word "cheerful"... It may be defined as optimistic, encouraging, high-spirited, light-hearted, joyous, and glad.  It may also be defined as sparkling, radiant, and bright. I think it is such a lovely word! Yet I sometimes think a cheerful heart is dismissed as an unrealistic state of mind, perhaps even foolish.  As though looking through the world through "rose-colored glasses".  When really, to maintain a cheerful heart - given the various challenges we encounter in this earthly life - is actually quite remarkable, even courageous and profound.  And always enabled as a gift from God Himself... The saying, "laughter is the best medicine" certainly reflects the truth of this proverb... A crushed spirit is one that is weighed down by a dark, heavy cloak of hopelessness.  Our "bones" are the very frame-work of our being, and nothing will destroy it faster than a spirit of hopelessness.  A cheerful heart is the exact opposite of a heart filled with the corrosive, bitter attitudes of such things as cynicism and sarcasm.  Such attitudes not only hurt us - they also hurt those around us... A cheerful heart is a choice we make daily, sometimes even hourly.  It is not denying the reality of the myriad forms of trial, tribulation, and testing of our faith which we will experience during our earthly sojourn, such as anxiety, loss, rejection, frustration, and disappointment... A cheerful heart is the result of a decision to put our problems into the proper perspective - in light of the knowledge that God loves us, takes care of us, walks with us, and never abandons us... A cheerful heart also serves as a "witness" to those around us...a beacon of light into the darkness of the unsaved yet watching world which does not know Him, yet so desperately needs Him... With every new sunrise, we have the choice to focus upon that light...to walk in that light...to reflect that light into a lost world that is stumbling around in darkness, pain, and confusion... That light is His light - for He IS the Light of the world - the Light of our very souls... The truth of Proverbs 22 is enabled by the truth of John 16:33, where again we see the word "cheer" - as spoken by Jesus - shortly before He was to "overcome the world" for us, completely and eternally... "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble.  But be of good cheer! For I have overcome the world"... In this case, the "world" includes all of our various trials and tribulations which test our faith.  As far as trouble is concerned, Jesus did not say IF we have it; He said WHEN we have it.  We live in a sin-corrupted world, and there is simply no getting around it, except to go THROUGH it.  Yet all those trials and tribulations have been already overcome for us - through Jesus.  From God's eternal perspective, it is already a done deal!  He has promised to dry all our tears...He has promised us beauty for ashes...He has promised that in Eternity, all the hurtful things will be things of the past.  Long-gone and forgotten, in the light of His unhindered presence.  Certainly these realities present compelling reasons for a cheerful heart! Challenge For You... Consider the effect upon yourself and those around you, if you choose to maintain a cheerful heart - demonstrating it with your actions, words, and attitudes - the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation...

Susan has attended Hope church since 1996.  She has always enjoyed writing, and in particular, writing about the things of God has become my passion.  She runs a Facebook group entitled "Love Letter To God", which contains my devotional writings.

Lisa Hassing - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Giving

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.  

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul wrote to the church in Achaia, southern Greece, about the unexpected giving of the believers in Macedonia, northern Greece. The regions of Philippi, Thessalonika and Berea were poor due to the administration and taxation of the Romans, and yet in their joy the churches willingly shared what they had toward the work of God.

Paul is of course saying that the church gave their money, but he calls it God’s grace. When have we ever thought about our money or the things we have as God’s grace? Grace is an unexpected, overwhelming and undeserved gift, and at the heart of the gift is the intention. God gave to us this way. He gave us His “first fruits,” both His precious and perfect son, and He gave us the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:23).  God gave us all He had to give and did not spare anything for our benefit. God’s grace is amazing and He did it willingly not because we deserve it but because He loves us and we desperately needed it.  These churches who gave sacrificially to Paul and his companions for their work had experienced God’s grace and treasured it. It was this very grace that was their joy and they could not help but be grace-givers in response.

They gave their “first fruits” as God gave His. They were not just poor but extremely poor. This would be a perfect excuse to withhold from God for a time, just until things get better and there is some extra lying around. But their poverty and trials were seen through the filter of their abundant joy, and the truth of  God’s work in their lives was far greater than their lack of material possessions. Their decision to give was not an obligation to them but they saw it as an honor to serve God in this way.

We learn about our own faith from this passage. Do we understand the grace that has been given to us; what it cost and what it means? Do we live as grace-givers in response? And we learn about the character of God. The widow who gave her two coins to the temple offering box in Luke 21 gave only a small amount compared to others. Likewise the Macedonian church’s gifts were not huge (they gave according to their means), but like the widow they gave from their heart (beyond their means).  The world will measure a gift by its size but God measures our gifts by the sacrifice they require. He is looking for His grace at work in us.

Lisa Hassing, 18 years at Hope Church and is a women's Bible Study Leader.

Dave Rucquoi - 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Giving

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." 

In writing his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul is strengthening the church, and his relationship with them, during his absence.  He is also preparing them for his second visit, talking about an offering to support the starving churches in Judea.  In Chapter 8 Paul talks about the churches in Northern Greece (Macedonia), and their generous giving.  In chapter 9 he tells the Corinthians that he boasts just as freely to the Northern region about the Southern region (Achaia, which Corinth is part of), noting specifically that the entire region was largely provoked by the Corinthian's zeal.  Sending Titus ahead, Paul let's the Corinthians know that he's on his way, and that Macedonians are with him, as he passes through Corinth to collect their offering for Judea.  In this, he is giving the Corinthian's a "head's up" that they are coming, so there will be no embarrassing, last minute efforts to raise the funds.  It is in this context that he plays with the farming metaphor, exhorting them to remember that their generosity in sowing the seed of giving will produce a harvest of gratitude from Judea, as well as virtue for Corinth.

This reminds me of a farmer who enthusiastically embraced the Mosaic teachings of leaving produce in his fields for the needy to harvest (Lev. 19:9-ff).  His earnest discipline gave him the reputation as a man of competence, faith and character; and, the benefits went beyond a good reputation.  One day a beautiful young woman came to his fields because of her needs, her character, and his reputation.  Her name was Ruth, and as she became his wife, they became the ancestors of Israel's greatest Kings.

What would the Lord do with each of us if we managed our resources with such intentional generosity?  Let's find out!

David Rucquoi, Darien, 20 years at Hope, serving as an Elder.

Walt Golembeski - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV  

“A Cheerful Giver”

“ ⁶The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

It has been said that in this world there are two types of people, givers and takers. “The takers eat better but the givers sleep better!”  We see three key points in these passages on Christ Centered giving.

1^st our giving is to be bountiful/generous; 2^nd it is out of our willing heart; 3^rd it is cheerful.

As Paul’s first point on the principle of generosity in verse 6, if you give just a little here & there, then that is what you get back. True, in all spiritual things, as well as in our material things. But on the other hand, he says, if you give bountifully, you will reap bountifully. It is obvious that Paul is showing us that the Lord is strongly encouraging a generous spirit.

The second point to our giving, in the beginning of verse 7, is that we should possess a willing heart to give. Giving is always a matter of the heart. It is not the amount that God is concerned about. It is whether you have a generous attitude/heart and are you anxious to meet the needs of your church body, it’s ministries, and others, out of whatever you to have. Know that throughout scripture a minimum of a tenth of first fruits is emphasized, but this is not legalism. Giving without the right heart no matter what you give is not pleasing to God, we do at time worry but our hearts trust God’s True Word. Trust in the heart and being doers of His Word is what shows willingness.

The third point to our giving, in the end of verse 7, is that, it be done, “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our giving should not only be generous and willing but also with Joy & Cheerfulness! God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving is a matter of trust. When we give, can we trust God to meet our own needs and strengthen our faith? I have learned so many times how we can truly trust the Lord. When I first heard from His Word that we needed to tithe, we were living paycheck to paycheck. Vicki & I agreed, we just needed to trust God. We were nervous but we knew it was the truth and that quiet voice was from the Holy Spirit.  So we started to give and I can’t tell you how much we have learned over the years, how faithful God’s promises are, which continues to flow into all areas of our life. So, we choose to give, generously, willingly and cheerfully, being doers of His Truth (our resources, time, heart & all). We all can reap the beautiful promises & blessings God has for us as we choose to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully. Our blessing are not defined by worldly things, His blessings are way above that, they never parish!  “We can never outgive God!” (2 Corinthians 9:8; Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; Luke 13:21; Malachi 3:6-13)

How have you been Trusting God? Reflect on seeking His Love & Will for you in this today?

Walt Golembeski, Westport, CT, 4 years at Hope, serving as an Elder & Men’s Ministry

Bob Lippincott - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Resisting Temptation

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

This passage tells us that the Kingdom of God is not for sinners and then gives a list of examples of sins which I am fairly certain is not all inclusive but three types of sexual impurity is mentioned making sexual purity something that should be taken seriously. Paul then goes on to mention that some of them were practicing these sins. I believe if Paul continued to list more sins the ‘some’ would go to ‘most’ then to ‘all’. Paul then continues and reminds us that He has washed us, sanctified us, and justified us by His Spirit.

I have the desire to be in the Kingdom of God but the tension comes when I know I am tempted. I knew a good young man, Ben, about to graduate high school was going to the same church we were attending faithfully along with his whole family including his father and grandfather. Ben had a good relationship with his grandfather and confided in him that he struggled with impure thoughts and asked his grandfather if he struggled with any impure thoughts to which he replied, “I am not dead yet.” Ben related this story to our Men’s accountability group I was in with Ben’s father.

What should we do? Remember the Gospel. Repent and receive God’s Grace for we never walk so perfectly that we do not need God’s grace and we never fall too far to where we cannot be reached by God’s grace. Be confident that as we walk and are filled with His Spirit God will sanctify us. Sin is a lifelong struggle and we should be willing to take measures to remain pure. Find someone you have found you can trust and hold each other accountably.

Bob Lippincott, 5 years At Hope Church, currently serving Hope church as one of the elders.

Dave Rucquoi - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Resisting Temptation

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Is it appropriate to have a discussion on sex, while in church?  Perhaps a better question would be, should the Church be silent on this topic?  Apparently, the Apostle Paul did not think so. 

Notice, Paul didn't say, "Flee from sex...".  As author Ed Wheat, M.D, points out in his book Intended for Pleasure, "Knowing and understanding what God says about any phase of life leads to wholeness in that area; nowhere is this more necessary than in the sexual realm..."  He goes on to say, "As a Christian physician, it is my privilege to communicate an important message ... You have God's permission to enjoy sex within your marriage."  The fact is, God made sexuality.  It's our wedding gift from Him.  What we should "flee" is treating that gift outside His intended purpose.

When confronted by lawyers, Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God, and the second was to love our neighbor (Matt. 22:34-ff). In explaining this, in 1 Corinthians 13:5, Paul said it "is not arrogant or rude" (ESV).  Paul is not referring to refined manners; for, every other use of this word in scripture refers to shameful and/or sensual, inappropriate show or use of the body.  Addressing the proverbial "elephant in the middle of the living room," Paul is saying agapé never employs sensual impropriety in what we wear, how we act, or what we look at.  With the temple for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, in the center of Corinth (filled with temple prostitutes), he was addressing a culture that confused spirituality with sensuality, robbing people of true fulfillment in either arena, while God offers true fulfillment in both. 

Finally, when Paul addresses us as "bought with a price," one should focus on value.  God gave His own life for you.  What does that make you worth?  And, if you truly embrace the value He places on you (and others), should that not impact how we treat each other in every realm, including our bodies?

David Rucquoi, Darien, 20 years at Hope, serving as an Elder.