MidYear Renewal!
Terry R. Baughman

“We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 TPT).

Perspective is viewing a situation from another point of view. It is helpful to at least attempt to see every issue from the opposing viewpoint. If nothing else, it gives us more tolerance for those with whom we disagree. 

When we begin to compare our view of things with another’s opinion, we are sometimes challenged to change our own perspective. This is the value of dialogue, discussion, or even debate. With mutual respect between parties a new point of view may emerge affecting all sides. Often, compromise is viewed with distain. However, in situations where there is no right or wrong viewpoint, compromise can be a positive outcome. 

Paul challenged us to view our struggles in a new light. As bad as our situation may be, when compared to the pain others have endured we may discover that our condition is not so bad. 

Paul shared the persecution and injury he suffered for the cause of Christ. He did not share the information for us to pity him, but to recognize that many others have suffered the same, or more, than we have endured. Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJ).

In comparison with the eternal life that awaits the believer, Paul minimized our trials and dismissed our complaints. He said, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). In the light of eternity, what is a few days of trouble? When compared to, “the glory which shall be revealed in us,” all of our problems are “slight, short-lived troubles.” 

​Our greatest struggles pale in comparison to eternity in God’s presence. Everything we endure is as nothing when you consider the eternal glory promised to the redeemed. A change of perspective is needed. View the unseen. Don’t focus on the temporary present, and the surrounding scenery, but rather, look to the unseen and focus on the future, “in the light of eternity!” 

MidYear Renewal!
Terry R. Baughman

“So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 TPT).

It is the end of a long week and we can easily feel exhausted, depleted of energy and ready for a day off, or at least a short nap. Sometimes, we are overcome with the stress of life, the demands of our job, and the feeling that everyone around us needs something from us. Then, the phone rings, there’s a knock at the door, or an urgent notification pops up on the screen. We mumble, “No rest for the wicked, and the righteous don’t need it.”

This is life. Maybe it’s not always like that, but there are times when it’s easy to feel that way. The life of a Christian is no different. Yes, we do have the privilege of prayer as we navigate the challenges of life, but we are not immune to the pressures of responsibility or the stress of conflict. We actually may experience more than our share of conflict because of our faith and the spiritual battles that ensue. 

Paul wrote about this very thing, “We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out” (2 Corinthians 4:9 TPT). In other letters Paul wrote about potential adversities such as, “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword,” but declared that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. (See Romans 8:35 NKJ.) Paul affirmed, “We have great endurance in hardships and in persecutions. We don’t lose courage in a time of stress and calamity” (2 Corinthians 6:4 TPT).

Jesus gave us a model and an example of prayer. Luke recorded this familiar phrase in petition for daily sustenance, “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3 NKJ). Prayers are continual and petitions go up daily. This demonstrates our constant dependence upon God.  From now until eternity we will find ourselves in need of prayer and continually seeking divine guidance. 

Similar to the daily provision of manna in the wilderness, God’s mercies are new every morning. (See Lamentations 3:22-24.) Each day in the wilderness the people of Israel went out and gathered provisions for the day. Every morning there was fresh provision to meet their needs. On the sixth day there was sufficient manna for two days so that they might rest and observe the Sabbath. This demonstrated God’s care for their needs in advance, and giving them a day for rest, reflection, and worship. We can be assured of God’s constant care and provision as we honor Him daily. There is always enough strength for the day. 

We are challenged to rejoice even in persecution. The apostles found an inner resource of strength when they were beaten for preaching and performing miracles in the name of Jesus. They rejoiced, “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41 NKJ). The beating and the threats were simply fuel to the fire. They continued, “daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42 NKJ).

Paul said, “We may suffer, yet in every season we are always found rejoicing. We may be poor, yet we bestow great riches on many. We seem to have nothing, yet in reality we possess all things” (2 Corinthians 6:10 TPT). We may not see the future, but we have enough grace for this day. We may not think we can accomplish what others have done, yet day by day we are renewed in the Spirit and find enough strength to accomplish every task. 

Again, Paul wrote, “Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. … Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you” (Romans 12:12, 14 TPT). There is no time for giving up; there are countless opportunities ahead. Keep believing. Remember, “Our inner being is renewed every single day.” 

​Theme passage:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJ).

MidYear Renewal!
Terry R. Baughman

“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option” (2 Corinthians 4:8 TPT).

Anxiety and mental health challenges are on the increase in our modern culture. In a time when we have the most conveniences, opportunities for recreation, and advanced medical care, we see a rise in anxiety disorders. Some point to the isolation of shutdown during the Covid19 pandemic as the primary cause of the increase, though there are many other factors that contribute to this growing condition.

Stress is common in life. In some ways stress can be helpful. We are challenged to find solutions to situations that produce stress. Problem-solving and negotiation skills are developed during stressful interactions with others. Stress can promote positive coping skills and encourage healthy habits to overcome challenges. However, stress can also lead to anxiety and unhealthy responses. 

Stressful circumstances are normal conditions of life. It is unreasonable to expect a trouble-free existence. From the earliest writing of Scripture we are taught, “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1 NIV). In times of trial we often turn to the Book of Job for consolation. We are not the first, or the last, to experience trauma in life. It is natural to seek for a reason or a purpose for the problems we experience. If some good can come through our situation, we can more easily endure the stress of the moment.

We can find great consolation in our relationship with God. In the final setting before the arrest, the trial, and the crucifixion of Jesus, He comforted His disciples. Understanding the anxiety they would experience in the next few days, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2 NKJ). He encouraged them to focus on the eventual rather than the immediate. The eternal reward is so much greater than our current condition. Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJ). 

Paul had plenty of occasions to give in to the opposition and be overcome with anxiety. Recounting some of his experiences he wrote, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers” (2 Corinthians 11:24-26 NIV). Throughout his writings in the New Testament we are given encouragement to rise above our situation and keep believing. 

When Paul writes to encourage those facing challenges, it might be easy to say, “He just doesn’t understand my situation.” However, if we look at all he endured, we might discover our challenges are not so severe. Paul didn’t minimize our problems, but he said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV).

Remember the words of Jesus, “Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also” (John 14:1 TPT). An ancient adage says, “Where there is life, there is hope!” As long as we live, trust in God and keep believing. “Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option” (2 Corinthians 4:8 TPT). Don’t quit!


Theme passage:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJ).

Believe in our Future!

Terry R. Baughman
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

God’s thoughts are far beyond what we can comprehend. What makes sense to us is not always the direction God will lead. The things that seem logical in our thinking are not the steps that God places in front of us. The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9 NKJ).

Many desire to have scheduled events, well-laid plans, and systematic progression toward a pre-determined goal. As a youth we may have set down and began to plan our idyllic lives with full confidence that we would marry by 28, have our two kids (a boy and a girl) by 36, lead a successful career in a well-paying job for 20 years, and retire independently wealthy by 50. Then, we will travel to exotic places, enjoy our grandkids, and never have a pain or problem for the rest of our lives. It all looks good on paper but those who have lived a few years know this is not our reality. There will be unexpected surprises in life, relationship challenges, infertility, sickness or separation, career changes, and there will be pain and problems. 

Life in Christ allows us to learn to trust in God through the process of life. While we may question God’s leading and the path or the journey that He directs, our trust in Him allows us to develop confidence in His wisdom and faith in His ways. While it may be impossible to understand, we can believe in His Word. Paul revealed that, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJ). As difficult as that may seem sometimes, we know that God does all things well. Only God can see beginning to end, and we can trust His plan. Know that indeed God does have a plan and He sees the entire journey beginning to end. 

The Prophet Jeremiah recorded God’s promise to prosper and not to harm. Often we view the prospering as the blessing of material things. However, that is not necessarily the case. God’s promise of prosperity has more to do with our spiritual condition, our mental wellbeing, and the fulfillment of His purpose. God is more concerned that our souls prosper rather than that we would have natural riches or material success. 

John wrote to a believer, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2 NKJ). He went on to say, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs.4). While God is concerned about our lives in every area, the critical concern is the condition of our souls and our relationship with Him. It is not wrong to pray for natural prosperity, but notice the correlation with our spiritual condition, “as your soul prospers.” The greatest success in life is to know that we are following God’s leading and we are “walking in truth.” 

We can trust God! As our Heavenly Father, we know that He is working all things for our good. Jesus taught us that He regards us as children and asked, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12 NKJ). The obvious answer is no. A father is sensitive to the needs of his children. Likewise, God gives good gifts to those who are trusting in Him. Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NKJ).
​
God promises His Holy Spirit to all who ask Him. This is the beginning of His plan for each life. His desire is that we may walk in His word, and His truth throughout life. When seeking our direction for the future, this is a great place to begin. God has a plan!


Theme passage:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).