Today you should read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Thank you for being a faithful Jumpstart reader and commenter! Your comments are SUCH an encouragement to other readers and to the staff. Sometimes it feels like we’re writing into the dark and those help give us direction. If you’re NEW to Jumpstart – welcome to a journey that will change your life. God’s Word is what changes us!!
This is the second letter to the church at Corinth. The first one called the people there into account for some very wrong actions. Unfortunately, they continued in those sins – so Paul is writing again – this time a little more strongly. Corinth, as you may know, was located in Greece.
This was a church founded by Paul in about 50AD. It’s now a troubled church that Paul is concerned about. His love is expressed in his words.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 is a passage that encourages me so much! Verse 3 reminds me that God loves me and shows me mercy (not giving me what I truly deserve for my sin). He is the source of my comfort whenever I struggle or have a need. Verse 4 tells me why – so I can turn around and encourage others through the comfort I receive from Him. How have you done that recently? Who has God placed in your life that needs comfort?
One of the best ways to do this is through praying for others (v.11). Who has been on your heart? Will you stop and pray for them right now – then send them a text or email and encourage them by telling them that you prayed for them.
Will you take a moment today and post a comment – share a story of how it went when you reached out to someone in need or how it felt when someone else did this for you.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
I have been attending CPC for nearly 8 years now. Over that time I have had many ups and downs as we all do in that span of time. I believe God gave me a “Paul” in Tim Parsons. What an encourager he is to me! When my mother passed away and I was away grieving with my family…he called me, he cried with me, he prayed with me and continued to check in on me. I could list a dozen times Tim has continued to support me both in my needy times as well as in the good times. He encourages me to embrace the Holy Spirit inside of me for direction and reminds me of how loved I am by God. Tim consistently prays for me and reminds me that he does so. I am a stronger person and make more righteous choices because of Tim’s love and encouragement. I thank God for putting Tim in my life!
This passage was the perfect encouragement for one of my best friends, whose dad had a major heart attack yesterday. She is feeling burdened beyond belief – but even that anxiety and fear is not too much for the “God who raises the dead!” Praise God that his word is alive and active, and it speaks to us in our darkest days!
Know that you are not “writing into the dark”. We don’t all comment, but we are blessed, challenged, & encouraged in the Jumpstart studies! Thank you all. I’m sure Paul felt the same at times as churches continued in sin despite his letters from prison. Yet, today we have those teachings to guide us😃. Vs 6b says we “get to” not “have to” patiently endure the same as Paul & Timothy. Wow, what if we really held that as our truth in sufferings or discomfort?!? Jumpstart is a fabulous way to start the day. Those not taking advantage of it are truly missing out.
Thank you Kaylee – we love you so much! You are a blessing to our church. Thanks Anne – You’re right – I’m sure Paul struggled too – good perspective. Thanks Jenny – your words touched me. I love you and your family!
This passage builds up those suffering. It says a lot about the comforts of God. For many years now, my husband and I have been overwhelmed by trials. We attended a church throughout most of this time that was small where the women have known each other for years. They were not able to add in new people. The loneliness has been tangible. But since coming to CPC back in May, I have already had three women who have done little things that have meant so much. Just a text or little invitation to participate in a Facebook challenge may seem insignificant. But it let me know that they consider me a friend. After so many years, it’s a great comfort!
Thanks Kaitlyn – that’s so great!