PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
04

Training to die

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:10
Observation
The surpassing power of God will not allow us to be crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. My body, this earth vessel called a jar of clay, APART from the surpassing power of God (v7) will doomed.

The only way I can experience the true life of Jesus through hardships, physical sufferings is to know God and His surpassing power. If I’m to experience being given over to death for Jesus’ sake (v11), I will experience pain and suffering - in some way. And to know God’s surpassing power will be to experience God’s suffering - carrying the body of death, being given over to death (v10-11).
Application
I don’t know if it’s the “wanna be warrior” in me or the voice of the Spirit preparing me for battle - but I’m feeling like I need to train for the battle of death. Death to everything about myself for Jesus’ sake. Taking up my cross, putting to death the ways of my flesh, carrying in my body - the death of Jesus. I have opportunity to out off my selfish desires and ways, here in KC. Taking vacation time may not mean I get to “do my own thing.” I’d like to always do my own thing. But a little death to self means to be careful not to be too self absorbed and selfish.
Prayer
Dear Daddie God! It’s so hard to die to my rights, ways, wants, will. But growing in understanding and knowing You, and what You allowed Your Son to experience for my sake, gives me strength and hope! Jesus - thank again and again for Your obedience to suffering - for my sake. Help me to know, learn and grow in suffering… training to die for You.

Devotions for April 04

Judges 19,20,21
2 Corinthians 4

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