Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on 2Corinthians 11:8-9,24,30 posted September 14, 2020 - Prayer Tents
Link:
Tentmakers too must place higher priority in sharing the Gospel.
Verse 8 is very interesting to me. I thought tentmakers are to make their own funds to support their ministry (and support others as well). It shows that Apostle Paul also received funds from the church.
One of the greatest difficulties of being a tentmaker is their need for divided attention. They cannot be fully occupied with the focus of sharing the Gospel or serving others because they need to run a business or excel in delivering profitability for their employers.
Yet, it seems with all the beatings received and humility (showing weakness, while business people may be proud of their ability to support themselves), the Apostle Paul may not have run his business as seriously as the rest of the world may have felt they had to. Additionally, tentmaking is a trade that can be picked up and let go as the need arises. Perhaps tentmaking also requires us to be light on the work so that we can go all in for the Gospel when called.
Lessons for me...
1. As we see ministers/missionaries at different levels of need, we ought to support them as God directs us.
2. Be ready to drop everything for the cause of the Gospel. This is for all Christians in the marketplace. Our businesses/jobs may be a cultural thing, and our eternal lives do not depend on them. (This is not easy to accept, but let's trust that God has it all figured out for us in the best way. We just need to follow and He will take care of all our needs)
8I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. 9And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be. 24Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 30If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.
Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
Link:
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Business leadership vs God leadership. The failure of Ahab is that he did not ask God to hear Him. Ahab did not fear God, especially in a time when people did not seek the Lord. Ahab is shown as a p... [see more]
Business leadership vs God leadership. The failure of Ahab is that he did not ask God to hear Him. Ahab did not fear God, especially in a time when people did not seek the Lord. Ahab is shown as a p... [see more]
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Contentment and drivenness is always mind boggling. David went after Goliath because Goliath defied God, and David felt driven toward knocking him out and God was with him. The opposite can be said…... [see more]
Contentment and drivenness is always mind boggling. David went after Goliath because Goliath defied God, and David felt driven toward knocking him out and God was with him. The opposite can be said…... [see more]
Monday, April 22, 2024
Heart of a pastor… wants hearts for the Lord. Giving a great message is not the goal Having good relationships is not the goal Having other church stuff is not the goal The driving desire of a pas... [see more]
Heart of a pastor… wants hearts for the Lord. Giving a great message is not the goal Having good relationships is not the goal Having other church stuff is not the goal The driving desire of a pas... [see more]
Friday, April 19, 2024
We are but a flower fading, here today and gone tomorrow… His justice and provisions for this day is all we need.
We are but a flower fading, here today and gone tomorrow… His justice and provisions for this day is all we need.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Things of God are not much, but most powerful. We like to hoard much. Wealth, fame, power… but things of God seems to be simple, and that's always more than enough. Inside this “powerful” ark ... [see more]
Things of God are not much, but most powerful. We like to hoard much. Wealth, fame, power… but things of God seems to be simple, and that's always more than enough. Inside this “powerful” ark ... [see more]
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Promise made to Abraham was already fulfilled here. Yet, more to come! (Descendants of Jesus! That's us!)
Promise made to Abraham was already fulfilled here. Yet, more to come! (Descendants of Jesus! That's us!)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The heart of a father. Even when his children rebel and even want his life to end, he still loves them and want them to be well. God gives us human fathers (though imperfect, and not all may show th... [see more]
The heart of a father. Even when his children rebel and even want his life to end, he still loves them and want them to be well. God gives us human fathers (though imperfect, and not all may show th... [see more]
Friday, April 12, 2024
Critical heart Some people take positions to be heard and drive things the way they see fit. This pride can lead to disappointment when their direction are not followed. Why do we believe we are alw... [see more]
Critical heart Some people take positions to be heard and drive things the way they see fit. This pride can lead to disappointment when their direction are not followed. Why do we believe we are alw... [see more]
Friday, April 12, 2024
Let people curse and criticize. It gives great relief that we don’t have to do anything to those who hurt us. We can simply bow before God and trust He’s involved in everything in our lives, incl... [see more]
Let people curse and criticize. It gives great relief that we don’t have to do anything to those who hurt us. We can simply bow before God and trust He’s involved in everything in our lives, incl... [see more]
Friday, April 12, 2024
True community, led by example David was going through immense pain as he was being attacked by his son. Perhaps he can quell the rebellion, but is that worth hurting his own son? So the king takes ... [see more]
True community, led by example David was going through immense pain as he was being attacked by his son. Perhaps he can quell the rebellion, but is that worth hurting his own son? So the king takes ... [see more]
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Praise God for the times when there seems to be nothing we can do. That is when we can depend on God and see Him produce miracles and amazing outcomes. The opposite is also true. We are most cursed w... [see more]
Praise God for the times when there seems to be nothing we can do. That is when we can depend on God and see Him produce miracles and amazing outcomes. The opposite is also true. We are most cursed w... [see more]
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Word was missing, but the “church” continued. 🤔 For many generations, until King Josiah ordered the repairs in the temple, the temple operations continued for many generations without kno... [see more]
The Word was missing, but the “church” continued. 🤔 For many generations, until King Josiah ordered the repairs in the temple, the temple operations continued for many generations without kno... [see more]
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Importance of asking God, even in the midst of greatest chaos. Don’t let circumstances dictate your priority relationship with God. He guides even in our most unexpected, surprised moments.
Importance of asking God, even in the midst of greatest chaos. Don’t let circumstances dictate your priority relationship with God. He guides even in our most unexpected, surprised moments.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
How God sets up alliances and deep relationships. At no fault of their own, both David and Abiathar has become fugitives together, and it began a journey of friendship and a way for David to seek God... [see more]
How God sets up alliances and deep relationships. At no fault of their own, both David and Abiathar has become fugitives together, and it began a journey of friendship and a way for David to seek God... [see more]
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
All part of God’s wonderful plan for us. Humanly, we would think following Gad’s advice was a terrible blunder. Why go back to Judah where Saul and kill David? In fact, verse 6 says Saul found ou... [see more]
All part of God’s wonderful plan for us. Humanly, we would think following Gad’s advice was a terrible blunder. Why go back to Judah where Saul and kill David? In fact, verse 6 says Saul found ou... [see more]
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
My customers are “all people” It is not for earthly pay, but because of the grace God has shown me. Let my life bring many to Christ.
My customers are “all people” It is not for earthly pay, but because of the grace God has shown me. Let my life bring many to Christ.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Liking our culture, and failing in the same way. It’s often hard to go against the culture. By the time the trend has set in, the minds of people are often already fixed and accept the status quo a... [see more]
Liking our culture, and failing in the same way. It’s often hard to go against the culture. By the time the trend has set in, the minds of people are often already fixed and accept the status quo a... [see more]
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Protection because of one man who feared and listened to God. Prior to the time of Samuel, Israel had many defeats. The character and life of one person protected the entire nation. Perhaps we need ... [see more]
Protection because of one man who feared and listened to God. Prior to the time of Samuel, Israel had many defeats. The character and life of one person protected the entire nation. Perhaps we need ... [see more]
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
These disrespect for the Lord is expected, as 1Samuel continues with the mockery of Judges. God was done with men who could not hear from God who setup religions that fit their desires. God called Sam... [see more]
These disrespect for the Lord is expected, as 1Samuel continues with the mockery of Judges. God was done with men who could not hear from God who setup religions that fit their desires. God called Sam... [see more]
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
How to have prayer requests answered. The short answer is, set your heart to the things of God. (God’s kingdom, ref Matthew 6:33) Hannah wanted a child. She plead to God for the child. If the prov... [see more]
How to have prayer requests answered. The short answer is, set your heart to the things of God. (God’s kingdom, ref Matthew 6:33) Hannah wanted a child. She plead to God for the child. If the prov... [see more]
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
To change generations, we must endure pain and cry out to God. The book of Judges was a mockery of people who had no faith in God. Book of Ruth plays a transitional role of a non-Israelite woman who ... [see more]
To change generations, we must endure pain and cry out to God. The book of Judges was a mockery of people who had no faith in God. Book of Ruth plays a transitional role of a non-Israelite woman who ... [see more]
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
To change generations, we must endure pain and cry out to God. The book of Judges was a mockery of people who had no faith in God. Book of Ruth plays a transitional role of a non-Israelite woman who ... [see more]
To change generations, we must endure pain and cry out to God. The book of Judges was a mockery of people who had no faith in God. Book of Ruth plays a transitional role of a non-Israelite woman who ... [see more]
Friday, March 22, 2024
Why it is difficult for a believing person to marry a person who does not yet believe. Samson was a playful guy. Just as men who love their wives joke with their women, Samson made up stories to laug... [see more]
Why it is difficult for a believing person to marry a person who does not yet believe. Samson was a playful guy. Just as men who love their wives joke with their women, Samson made up stories to laug... [see more]
Friday, March 22, 2024
Don’t you realize??? These are the words the serpent used to deceive Adam and Eve. The world may present certain claims, but those who know God will always stand by the truth that God truly reign... [see more]
Don’t you realize??? These are the words the serpent used to deceive Adam and Eve. The world may present certain claims, but those who know God will always stand by the truth that God truly reign... [see more]
Friday, March 22, 2024
Samson betrayed by his first wife. Samson was a judge whom God caused to ruin the Philistines. However, Samson was not a God-fearing person. We see no account of His desire to honor God, and we see r... [see more]
Samson betrayed by his first wife. Samson was a judge whom God caused to ruin the Philistines. However, Samson was not a God-fearing person. We see no account of His desire to honor God, and we see r... [see more]
Friday, March 22, 2024
When we are given such a high calling. When you encountered Jesus, he changed your life. It was an experience that caused us to bow before Him and give it all. It is an miraculous and direction-chang... [see more]
When we are given such a high calling. When you encountered Jesus, he changed your life. It was an experience that caused us to bow before Him and give it all. It is an miraculous and direction-chang... [see more]
Friday, March 22, 2024
Revival. The book of Judges is a mockery about people who no longer had faith in God. Covenant-keeping God saves the people of Israel in their most dire situations by sending a “judge” to overpow... [see more]
Revival. The book of Judges is a mockery about people who no longer had faith in God. Covenant-keeping God saves the people of Israel in their most dire situations by sending a “judge” to overpow... [see more]
Feature coming soon
Feature coming soon