HAPN DAY 3 of 21 A Time to Turn Around
 | Day 3 of 21 Days of Seasonal Devotions: A Time to "Turn Around!" |
Monday, December 8, 2014
Dear Turn-ing Ones:
Brian Kooiman brought a scripture to me on Friday from 2 Corinthians, and I believe this is something that God is saying to all of us. I couldn’t write a devotion on Saturday since I was babysitting! I shared some about this “assignment” during yesterday’s service. If you were not able to join us, be sure to watch the webcast replay when I ministered on “Time to Receive a Mantle!”
A Time to “Turn Around!” by Brian Kooiman
In my daily Bible reading, I have been reading through Corinthians. This year I have been reading The Message version of the Bible. With its use of every day speech, many passages read differently than traditional versions. As I read from 2 Corinthians 7, the words “turn around” quickened to me. Much of this stemmed from the time you (Chuck) had just spent with Cindy and Mike Jacobs, and your plans to host a “Time to Turn Around Service” on Wednesday, December 31 in conjunction with our International Night of Worship. All of you felt strongly that in a whirlwind year, we needed to allow Holy Spirit to turn us around in any way necessary so that we would not enter 2015 with any type of oppression, depression or distress. This passage speaks directly into the freedom that is available to us.
In my daily Bible reading, I have been reading through Corinthians. This year I have been reading The Message version of the Bible. With its use of every day speech, many passages read differently than traditional versions. As I read from 2 Corinthians 7, the words “turn around” quickened to me. Much of this stemmed from the time you (Chuck) had just spent with Cindy and Mike Jacobs, and your plans to host a “Time to Turn Around Service” on Wednesday, December 31 in conjunction with our International Night of Worship. All of you felt strongly that in a whirlwind year, we needed to allow Holy Spirit to turn us around in any way necessary so that we would not enter 2015 with any type of oppression, depression or distress. This passage speaks directly into the freedom that is available to us.
The Apostle Paul had already written a letter to the church in Corinth, to confront a harmful situation. Now, in a second letter to the church in Corinth he follows up to commend the fruit of their response:
“Although I felt awful at the time, I don't feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I'm glad - not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets. And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-12a)
“Although I felt awful at the time, I don't feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I'm glad - not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets. And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-12a)
Too often we consider distress as something to be avoided, or whose only purpose is to rob joy and life. However, our God is able to work all things together for good. Therefore, as Paul shares with the church in Corinth, distress can be used to bring us to God and develop purity of heart. Distress can be the very thing that God uses to turn us around and turn back into the fullness of His plans and purposes.
I am not advocating that we seek out distressing situations. But I do have confidence that in this month in which God is re-centering us in His peace, and calling forth a new identity to arise within us, that He can turn any distressing situation into an opportunity for praise and dancing. He is well able to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Is. 61:3 NKJV) Although I may not understand the process, I choose to trust the Lord with the turning!
I am not advocating that we seek out distressing situations. But I do have confidence that in this month in which God is re-centering us in His peace, and calling forth a new identity to arise within us, that He can turn any distressing situation into an opportunity for praise and dancing. He is well able to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Is. 61:3 NKJV) Although I may not understand the process, I choose to trust the Lord with the turning!
I hope many of you will be able to join on Wednesday, December 31 for our International Night of Worship and special “Time to Turn Around Service!” When Cindy and Mike Jacobs show up at the Global Spheres Center, you can expect things to turn upside down and inside out! I am also hoping many of you can also join for Starting the Year Off Right! This is another gathering you do not want to miss! There is NO COST to attend, but we do ask everyone to register for Starting the Year Off Right, so we can best prepare. Go to www.gloryofzion.orgor call 1-888-965-1099 or 1-940-382-7231 to sign up today. Webcasters will register when signing on to the live webcast.
Blessings,
Chuck D. Pierce
Chuck D. Pierce
If you would like to give to the ongoing work of this ministry you can donate online, by calling our office at 1-888-965-1099 or 1-940-382-7231, or by postal mailing your donation to Glory of Zion, PO Box 1601, Denton TX 76202.
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