2 Corinthians

February 15th – 2 Corinthians 3:18

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2 Corinthians 3:18

You may be the only Bible someone reads or the only Jesus they see. That’s why it’s so important to reflect the true nature of God. And we can only do that by being transformed from, “glory to glory.” That means to be constantly maturing and growing in our walk with the Lord. And being continuously molded into in His image and who we were created to be. This isn’t to say that our transformation will come easy. There will be times when that change will be hard, frustrating, and painful. But if we keep seeking God, allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. We are all God’s glorious works in progress, and one day when we dwell with Him forever, we will be perfect reflections of His image and glory. Until then we are to mirror God’s love to the world, becoming living examples of our Lord’s love.

 

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February 11th – 2 Corinthians 8:7

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2 Corinthians 8:7

Love isn’t only something we feel, love is also something we do. It isn’t enough just to have a desire to help others. Out of the abundant grace given to us through Jesus, we need to put that love into action. Not only to glorify God, but also as proof of our sincerity for the Lord. (2 Cor. 8:8) There is no greater example of love in action than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Willingly, out of His great love, He left behind the treasures, power, and majesty of heaven. And because of His sacrifice on the Cross, giving His life for ours, we as Christians are now heirs to His great kingdom. One day very soon our Savior will return to take us to that kingdom where we will dwell and reign with Him forever! Yet right up until the minute we hear Him call us home, we are to put our love in action. Demonstrating to a lost and hurting world the great love shown to us. And abounding in the most excellent grace of giving.

 

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January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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2 Corinthians 12:9

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. For whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear.  Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He will do just that. But what happens when His answer is no?  What if instead He wants us to endure? Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, or frustrated, Paul embraced the thorns in his life. He understood that it was in his weakness where Jesus would be glorified, and where he would most experience God’s grace. It’s often in our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Although we might not understand why God allows suffering into our lives, we can rest in the knowledge that when trouble does knock at our door He will be there.

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January 11th – 2 Corinthians 8:7

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2 Corinthians 8:7

In the days of Paul, the Jewish believers in Jerusalem were hurting. A famine had swept the land. Members of the church were disowned by their families, and taxes were levied against them by both Rome and the Jewish leaders. When the churches at Macedonia heard of their plight, even though they themselves were in deep poverty, they pleaded with Paul to let them help their brothers and sisters in Christ. From hearts filled with love for Jesus, and thankfulness for His saving grace, they were honored to show that same love and grace to others. And Paul calls us to do the same. Love isn’t only something we feel, love is also something we do. It isn’t enough just to have a desire to help others. Instead, we need to put that love into action, not only glorifying Him, but as proof of “the sincerity of your love” for the Lord. (vs. 8)

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December 25th – 2 Corinthians 13:14

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2 Corinthians 13:14

As the year comes to a close and we reflect on birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I can think of no better blessing to pray for you all than Paul’s benediction to the Corinthians. This Christmas, and every day after, may you have grace, love, and fellowship. Unmerited grace is what Jesus gave when He paid our sin debt with His blood. May the same grace flow through you to everyone you meet. Love is why God sent His only begotten Son to be nailed on a Cross. May the same love shine through in all you do. Fellowship is what we can have with the Father and Son through the gift of the Spirit. May you always be led by the guidance of God’s Spirit, and follow His direction. And most of all, on this the most glorious of days, may you have a wonderful holiday overflowing with love and blessings! Merry Christmas!

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November 27th – 2 Corinthians 4:13

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2 Corinthians 4:13

I am thankful for a heart bursting to share the Good News of Jesus Christ 

In Matthew 12:33 Jesus says, “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” No matter how hard we may try to hide, whatever is truly in our hearts is revealed by the words we speak. Paul’s heart was filled with such faith in the Lord he declared, “If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:16) That’s the kind of faith I want to have. The kind that makes me want to burst if I don’t share the Good News of Christ and all of the wonderful things God has done for me. To tell of the endless ways He has healed, comforted, strengthened, and loved a sinner like me. We all have a testimony to give and we should be ready to share our faith and the reason for it. The Bible says one day we will all give an account for the words we speak. (Matt. 12:36) And as for me, the account I want to give is this. “I believed, so I spoke.”

 

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October 21st – 2 Corinthians 9:8

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2 Corinthians 9:8

God’s Promise – “I will meet all your needs so you can overflow with good works.”

There is a Chinese saying that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” In Luke 22:26-27 Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the greatest in God’s sight are those who humbly serve others. And so important is helping one another, that God equips us with everything we need to carry out His work. 1 Peter 4:10 tells us that each of us has received a special gift. And we are to, “employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Jesus performed the ultimate good work with His death on the Cross. And now because of His sacrifice, we receive the grace of God. So out of thankfulness for our Lord, how could we not take every opportunity of every day to share God’s grace through a good work for another!

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October 18th – 2 Corinthians 10:4

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2 Corinthians 10:4

God’s Promise – “I will give you My power to destroy spiritual strongholds.”

The Bible describes a spiritual stronghold as a wrong belief which is strongly defended or upheld. Slowly formed over time by the lies of the Enemy, strongholds are used to keep us in bondage and under Satan’s thumb. “Spiritual strongholds begin with a thought. One thought becomes a consideration. A consideration develops into an attitude, which leads then to action. Action repeated becomes a habit, and a habit establishes a power base for the Enemy….(Elizabeth Elliot) But as children of the Most High, we can break down even the strongest fortress of the Enemy. And no wrong thinking or sinful barrier stands a chance. For we have the full armor of God at our disposal. (Eph. 6:14-17) And when we are covered head to toe in our Christian uniform, there isn’t a stronghold that can withstand the full might and power of Almighty God!

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September 9th – 2 Corinthians 7:1

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2 Corinthians 7:1

I love having a garden. There’s nothing better than being able to pick a fresh tomato or maybe a few beans for dinner. But it’s also a lot of work. It takes constant attention and if I’m not diligent, the weeds will take over and choke out the tender plants. The Christian walk takes work too. If not constantly tended, the weeds of unholiness can take over, choking out the tender fruit of the Spirit. That’s why we need to make a daily commitment to work hand in hand with God. To come before Him each day with the intent of rooting out anything in our lives which displeases Him. God demands holiness. And perfecting holiness is only possible when we are willing to get our hands dirty and put in the work. From overwhelming awe, and great respect for all God is, does, and blesses us with each day, how could want to give Him anything less that an bountiful harvest from the garden of our hearts!

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August 18th – 2 Corinthians 3:18

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2 Corinthians 3:18

Because of His great love, God shows His kindness by refusing to leave us as He found us. Which is why at the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells our hearts. Immediately He gets to work transforming us into the likeness of Christ, from glory to glory. One step at a time. Not an easy transformation. Because the Christian walk isn’t a weekend getaway, it’s a lifelong journey of growth and change. And there will be times when that change is hard, frustrating, and painful. Days when it’s two steps forward and three steps back. But if we keep seeking God, and allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. We are all God’s glorious works in progress. And one day we will be perfect reflections of His image and glory. But until then, keep trusting the Lord and moving forward. And praise God that although we may not be where we want to be, we’re not where we used to be!

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