Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:17; Proverbs 12

And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
And separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.
Don’t touch their filthy things,
And I will welcome you.
And I will be your Father,
And you will be my sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD.

These verses reflect the message Paul gave the Corinthians in his first letter to them. The Spirit of God lives within us and dwells among us. What a blessing to experience the holy presence of God!

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

When we first read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, it can be easy to interpret scripture to say that we should have nothing to do with those who live in sin. After all, how can righteousness team up with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony could Jesus Christ and the devil ever have? How could a believer team up with or partner with an unbeliever? But we have also been commissioned by God to take His message of salvation to the lost. Jesus taught us to love God by loving others. So what is Paul teaching the church and what wisdom can we gain from his letter today?

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. – 2 Corinthians 7:1

Paul is calling the believers to a life of holiness. We are God’s temple; the Spirit of God is living within us. We cannot embrace the righteousness of God while also embracing the sins of this world. We are called by God for a purpose, and we must not let the temporary pleasures of this world distract us from the eternal calling God has placed on our lives.

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are the living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. – 1 Peter 2:4-5

WE ARE THE LIVING STONES OF GOD’S SPIRITUAL TEMPLE. WE ARE HIS HOLY PRIESTS.

We have been called to something much greater than what this world has to offer us. Jesus died to set us free from our sins; we no longer live in bondage to our sinful nature. So why would we seek joy in what the world defines as happiness? If God is dwelling within us, we have access to His righteousness. We do not have to produce Christian perfection of our own strength. God is building us into his spiritual temple, daily making us into who He is calling us to be. So let us cooperate with our builder and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Paul referred again to the harsh letter that he had sent the church between what we know as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. It was a painful letter to receive, and Paul recognized the pain that it had caused. Yet he took time in this last letter to the church in Corinth to explain how the pain caused by confrontation can be productive because it restores us to the place God wants us to be.

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. – 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

I am not the only living stone that God is using to build His spiritual temple. It matters what is happening in the lives of the “stones” around me. At times God calls me into a healing conversation for the sake of helping someone else, and sometimes I am the one who experiences the pain of someone else’s tough love or honest words. I recognize that this godly sorrow is often what begins the healing process in my life; the Holy Spirit either confirms what is true or helps me decipher what is false. Little by little, I am becoming what the Lord created me to be.

Lord, my heart is grateful for the experience of your Spirit living within me, every day guiding me and teaching me. I surrender to the work you are doing in my life. Produce in me a righteousness that reflects who YOU are, and help me to recognize the ways in which you want to use me in someone else’s life today. Give me the courage to step into difficult conversations, both giving and receiving what your Spirit has for me today. I am your temple and you are the One who is daily building me for your glory and for your purposes. What an honor to be a child of God. I love you with all that I am and all that I will be. Amen.

To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.
The Lord approves of those who are good,
but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots. – Proverbs 12:1-3

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Proverbs 31

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

When we come to believe in Christ, when we repent of our sins, God does a work in our lives changing us from who we used to be into a new person. This work changes our understanding of God, as well as the way we see others. He does this not just for our sake but because He has a plan for our lives and He wants to make us into who He needs us to be for His purposes. And what is His purpose for our lives?

GOD MAKES US INTO A NEW CREATION FOR A REASON.

And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 2 Corinthians 5:18b-21

In this letter, Paul begs those who have accepted God’s gift of salvation to be willing to extend this gift to others — to see them from a new point of view. We have been saved to serve! We have been given an incredible gift meant to be passed on to those both near us and around the world. Our lives become an example of God’s ability to take away the old life and make someone into a new person. Others can witness the change in our lives and be drawn to God because of the way we live out our faith.

WE ARE CALLED TO BE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST.

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. – 2 Corinthians 6:1

Take a second to read that verse again. God has given us this amazing gift, but we must cooperate with the gift-giver. We are created to partner with Him in both the receiving and the sharing of this gift. If we do not open up this gift and then use it for its created purpose, we are missing the beauty of the gift and the result could have a negative impact on those around us. This is Paul’s testimony:

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us.

We are honest, but they call us imposters.
We are ignored, even though we are well known.
We live close to death, but we are still alive.
We have been beaten, but we have not been killed.
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.
We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.
We own nothing, and yet we have everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

This is my prayer. If it is yours, please pray along with me: Heavenly Father, my desire is to live in such a way that others will be drawn to you and that no one will stumble because of me. I want to live above reproach, a life of excellence that no one can find fault in. In everything I do, I want to be a TRUE minister of yours.

When troubles, hardship and calamities of every kind come my way, please give me the strength to patiently endure them. When I face accusations, when I am persecuted, when my heart is so burdened that I have difficulty sleeping at night, may others still find in me purity, understanding, patience, kindness and sincere love — not by my own human effort but as a result of the Holy Spirit living in me.

Lord, may my life be more than just an example for others to see but may I also be bold with my words, faithfully speaking the truth. I accept your task of reconciling others to you. I long to be your ambassador so that you can make your appeal to the lost through me. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me the boldness to speak for you – “Come back to God!”

Oh, awesome and mighty God, work your power in me. Place weapons of righteousness in my right hand to proactively go to battle for you and for your lost children. Place weapons of righteousness in my left hand so that I may defend the truth and stand up those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8). Whether people honor me or despise me, whether they slander me or praise me, even if they falsely accuse or ignore me, I want to live boldly for you today.

Lord, I own nothing; it’s all yours. I trade all that I have for all that you desire to give me. You are my everything and I love you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 5; Psalm 96

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

Paul goes from the analogy of jars of clay in chapter four to earthly tents in chapter five. These analogies help us to understand both our earthly existence and our heavenly reward. When we turn to the Lord, the veil is removed and the Spirit of the Lord begins to transform us into the glorious image of Christ. As we become more and more like Jesus, a light shines in our hearts giving God the glory for the transformation taking place. When life gets hard, we become a living testimony to the difference God can make in our lives. Our story shines a light that draws others towards the Lord.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produced for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Paul is once again redirecting our gaze from our earthly experiences to God’s eternal plan. He describes even our physical bodies as earthly tents that will be taken down and replaced by a house in heaven — an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. When we grow weary of our present situation, God’s Spirit within us reminds us that He is preparing us for our forever home with Him.

We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. – 2 Corinthians 5:2-3

It’s easy for us to get discouraged by our present circumstances and long for our heavenly home. As our bodies age, we begin to look forward to the healing that takes place when we receive our new bodies. But in the meantime, we must make our goal in life to please the Lord in everything we say and do. We must let our light shine and never give up, daily being renewed by the Spirit of the Lord.

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

I have to be careful here to not go back to living a résumé lifestyle where I attempt to earn my new heavenly body through good works. No, I died to my old self — the one that tried to exchange my unrighteousness for a new self-righteousness. It was a worthless pursuit. Christ died so that I could receive a new life in which I stop living for myself and daily let Christ’s love control me.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

What a wonderful gift from God! We are no longer slaves to our sin nature but the Holy Spirit is making us new. And this transformation is not just for my own benefit, although it is a blessing to live in this freedom. No, God has given those of us who have been made new the task of reconciling others to Him. We have a message of reconciliation to share with the world.

So we are God’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NLT)

Let’s put this all together. God has made a new covenant with us. When difficulties come, I can know with confidence that I am never alone. When I chose as a child to believe in Him, I walked away from my old self and allowed a new light to live within me, bringing glory to the Creator Himself. I now live for him. Everything I do and everything I say today is for Him, so that I can reflect His glory for the world to see. Because I understand this fearful responsibility to the Lord (5:11), I will work hard to persuade others. Jesus died so that I may receive this new life, therefore I will no longer live for myself. I will live for Christ — the One who died and was raised for me (5:14-15).

We are children of the new covenant.
We are fragile clay jars that contain a great treasure.
We have this light shining in our hearts.
We are a new creation.
God’s Spirit is daily transforming us.
We are God’s ambassadors.
He is making His appeal through us.
So we focus on the light when things get difficult.
We are pressed, but not crushed.
We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
We are NEVER abandoned by God.
We may get knocked down by life’s circumstances, but we are not destroyed.
These troubles are temporary.
Therefore, we never give up.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4; Psalm 116

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. – 2 Corinthians 4:1

When we see a “therefore”, it’s good to discover what it is there for. What is this new way Paul is referring to? Looking back at the previous chapter, we are reminded that the veil is removed when we turn to the Lord. We reflect the glory of the Lord as we experience the freedom of the Spirit living within us. We are daily becoming more like him, a transformation that is visible for all to see or a glow that shines a light for all to see.

We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. – 2 Corinthians 4:2b-3

While Satan is working hard to blind all of us from the truth, we are called to reveal the Good News about Jesus by letting our life be a light in the darkness. Where there is confusion, the Spirit can bring clarity; where there is a veil, the Spirit can bring freedom and understanding.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

WE FOCUS ON THIS LIGHT WHEN THINGS GET DIFFICULT.

We are not like Moses who had to put a veil over his face so the people would not see God’s glory. When we believe in Christ, when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted and we can boldly show the light of God for all to see (3:12, 14). When things get difficult, we do not focus on the darkness around us but on the light burning bright within us. His Spirit reminds us of God’s presence and gives us the strength to overcome our troubles — a power not from ourselves but of God (4:7). Since God has given us this new way, we persevere through life’s struggles and Satan’s attacks.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

WE NEVER GIVE UP!

Paul lived out this charge for all to see. He lived under constant danger of death yet celebrated that Jesus was being revealed to others through the persecution he was experiencing. If dying for Christ meant others would experience eternal life, Paul declared it to be worth it.

And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. This is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produced for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE TEMPORARY.

What a great reminder for us this morning. The last thing we want to do is give up when life gets hard. We do not want to allow the enemy to defeat us or discourage us, but to fix our eyes on the eternal as we put our trust in God. Let’s pray Psalm 116 together:

Lord, you hear my voice and respond to my prayer for mercy. For this I love you! You bend down to listen to my prayer, therefore I will pray as long as I have breath! I have experienced trouble and sorrow; death has tried to pull me into the grave. But when I called on your name, you displayed both your kindness and your goodness by saving me. You are a merciful God — the One who protects me and gives rest to my soul. You have been good to me, saving me from death over and over again. You spared my eyes from crying and my feet from stumbling.

What can I offer back to you for all you have done for me? I will walk in your presence, lifting up your cup of salvation and praising your holy name! I will keep my promises to you. I will offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on you, for you have freed me from my chains and taken care of me during my seasons of grief and loss. I am a fragile clay jar containing a treasure, recognizing that your power is at work in my life. Therefore, I will never give up! Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 3; Exodus 24; Psalm 105 & 106

“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.

“But this is a new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” – Jeremiah 31:31-33

That day proclaimed by Jeremiah and anticipated for generations had finally come! The old covenant had been broken by the unfaithfulness of God’s people, but this new covenant would be different. It would be a covenant not of written laws as was etched in stone long ago, but a covenant of the Holy Spirit living within. The old way brought death by defining two choices — obey these laws and live or disobey and die. The new way brings life as the Spirit lives within us and changes us, making us right with God.

Paul described himself as being a minister of this new covenant. Unqualified and undeserving, yet chosen by God for a specific purpose. Can you relate? Has God placed you in a role that feels beyond what you were looking for. Perhaps your qualification for this calling is less about your natural giftings and learned skillset, pulling you out of your comfort zone. This qualification comes from God (3:5).

He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. – 2 Corinthians 3:6-9

WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE NEW COVENANT.

The writer of the book of Exodus teaches us about the original covenant God made with the people of Israel. After rescuing them from Egypt, the Lord called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai for the purpose of laying out the terms of the covenant relationship He was making with them.

The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain. – Exodus 19:20

The Lord gave Moses specific instructions to relay to His people. Moses carefully wrote down all the Lord’s instructions, known as the Book of the Covenant, and the people committed to obeying God’s commands. Then God called Moses back to the top of the mountain, and the glory of the Lord appeared at the summit like a consuming fire. Moses climbed higher and disappeared into a cloud where he remained for forty days and forty nights (Exodus 24).

When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God. – Exodus 31:18

But by the time Moses descended the mountain, God’s people had already broken their covenant relationship by making a golden calf to worship. Moses threw down the stone tablets on which God himself had written the terms of the covenant, smashing them to pieces (Exodus 32).

Moses had been called by God to lead a stubborn people with rebellious hearts, which came with its frustrations and grief. The Lord allowed Moses to spend time in His presence, giving him rest and allowing His goodness to pass before him (Exodus 33). When Moses came down the mountain with a new set of stone tablets, his face shone so bright that the people were unable to look at him. So he covered his face with a veil (Exodus 34). Perhaps 2 Corinthians chapter three makes more sense now.

We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day wherever the old covenant is read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 3:13-14

Praise God! The veil that limited the Israelites’ experience of God can be removed when we place our faith in Christ Jesus. We can surrender our lives to the Lord, drawing near to Him as we enter into a covenant relationship with Him. When we come to Jesus in repentance, declaring that we believe he died and rose from the dead, we can experience freedom from the sinful nature that has kept us in bondage. With this new covenant, a light is placed in our heart that shines for all to see the glory of God.

WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE NEW COVENANT.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord — who is the Spirit — makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. – 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Father God, thank you for sending your Son to die on a cross so that I can enter into a new covenant with you. Because Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave, I no longer have to live as a slave to the sin that separates me from your presence. Thank you for this freedom. Thank you for taking away the veil so that I can reflect your glory for others to see. It is a privilege to bear your image and be called a Christ-follower. To you be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.
He always stands by his covenant —
the commitment he made to a thousand generations. – Psalm 105:7-8

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 2; Psalm 45

So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. – 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Paul continues to refer to the letter he sent to the church in Corinth that was not well received. He wants to clear up any misunderstanding so that they can realign their relationship and move forward. He shares his heart with his fellow believers in order to get past any misconceptions — so that they can understand why he said what he said and how deeply he loves them.

Oh how the enemy loves to confuse the Church! If he can cause divisions among the body of believers, the strength of the Church is weakened, making it easier for Satan to distract us from our purpose and block our mission. When we allow bitterness towards one another to grow, it becomes a distraction from all that God is calling us to be and to do. We use all of our energy holding onto grudges and spreading speculation, which causes us to take our eyes off of Jesus.

IT IS TIME TO TRUST ONE ANOTHER — BELIEVING THE BEST ABOUT OUR FELLOW BELIEVERS.

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. – 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

IT IS TIME TO FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER — RECONCILING RELATIONSHIPS AND RESTORING UNITY.

Let’s stand in unity against the one who is daily trying to trip us up and cause us to veer from the path God has called us to walk. More than that, he is seeking to destroy us — seeking to destroy the Church and its congregation. When I recognize that the same enemy who is trying to distract me from my relationship with Christ is also working hard against my fellow believer, it gives me a new perspective. Instead of pushing against my brother or sister in Christ, I can come alongside them and create conversations that will help us both to defeat the voice of suspicion and lies.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. – 1 Peter 5:8

When we recognize that Jesus loves the one we are struggling to love, and when we come face to face with the truth that we are operating from human emotion rather than allowing the Spirit of God to lead us, we not only begin to forgive others but we also recognize our own need for forgiveness. And when we begin to find unity and alignment with our fellow believers around the truth of God’s word, we become a sweet fragrance that helps others find their way into a growing relationship with Christ.

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

IT IS TIME TO PLACE OUR RELATIONSHIPS IN THE HANDS OF JESUS AND ALLOW HIM TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL FRAGRANCE THAT BRINGS GLORY TO GOD.

Lord, thank you for this reminder that I have an enemy who is daily casting doubt and whispering lies in order to discourage me and destroy my faith. May your Spirit continue to identify the areas in my life where a spiritual battle is taking place, giving me the armor with which to fight off Satan’s attempts to distract me. Show me what lies I have believed that are destroying my relationships with others as well as my own self-confidence. Give me the courage to walk into conversations with others in order to restore truth and heal wounds, finding unity once again. Jesus, please give me the words to say and the heart to forgive. I pray that the Spirit will lead me and that God will be glorified as steps are taken towards reconciliation and forgiveness. May the result be a beautiful fragrance that brings glory to you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24; Psalm 119:121-144

It is believed that Paul wrote three letters to the Church in Corinth; it is possible that there was a letter between what we know as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. The manuscript of this letter has been lost but it is believed to have been a harsh or severe letter. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was not well received by everyone in the church. Opposition grew against him and he was spoken of negatively while he was away. His authority was challenged and he was forced to defend himself. He left Ephesus in order to talk with the church face to face, but the visit did not go well. Paul refers to this visit in 2 Corinthians 2:1 as a painful visit.

Knowing this helps us to understand the tone of 2 Corinthians 1:12-24. Paul is defending himself in hopes that the Church will have confidence in him and trust his authority. Consider how painful it must have been for Paul to be rejected by a church full of people whom he had led to the Lord. He loved them and considered them his children. It is difficult to suffer because the world does not understand our faith, but even more painful when we feel the need to defend ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Listen to Paul’s defense in the following verses:

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world and especially towards you. Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. – 2 Corinthians 1:12-13

GOD-GIVEN HOLINESS

Oh the peace that comes with confidence and a clear conscience. At the end of the day if my concern is whether or not I have lived a good life or if I represented Christ well, I will fall asleep worrying. But if I look closely at this verse and see that holiness is God-given, I recognize that I do not have to produce holiness and sincerity on my own. I can depend on God and HIS holiness; I can trust in HIS grace to lead me rather than any human wisdom I could possibly come up with on my own.

Humanity. None of us is perfect and neither was Paul, yet he goes on to defend his intentions. He had wanted to come for a second visit but was unable to come when he had originally planned to. So did he lie or deceive the church, giving them a reason to question his word? Should they wonder if his “yes” really means yes or his “no” means no? If they doubt Paul’s word, will they doubt God’s word? This appears to be part of the issue of concern for the church. Thankfully, Paul knew he was called by God and must respond to God in obedience, even if it changed his earthly plans.

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. I call God as my witness — and I stake my life on it — that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:21-24

SPIRIT-FILLED CONFIDENCE

Because of God, I can stand firm in Christ. He has called me and He will equip me. I am HIS child and it is HIS Spirit living within me that leads me and fills me. When I have confidence I have done the right thing, I can ask God to protect me from false guilt or unnecessary anxiety. And I must do the same for others by being slow to believe the worst about another believer. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making false accusations, I need to use the principles of Matthew 18 and go directly to my brother or sister in Christ, allowing them to clear up any misconceptions or lies.

Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live. – Psalm 119:140-144

Thank you, Lord, for whatever lies ahead — joy or suffering, peace or conflict. Fill me with Your Spirit and remind me over and over again of your presence in my life today. When the enemy tries to accuse me and attack me with false guilt, may I stand firm in you! When Satan tries to engage me in conflict with another person, may your Spirit guide me in wisdom and grace. May his schemes be defeated and his lies be deflected. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 20

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the comfort God gives us. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Out of our troubles, we gain the experience of being comforted by our merciful Father. We become an example to others of God’s faithfulness during times of suffering. God redeems our story in ways that help others find their way through the darkness of life’s troubles and pain. Just as we experience God’s comfort, others can look to God for the comfort they need when tomorrow is uncertain.

TOMORROW’S BREAD

Years ago, Dr. Jesse Middendorf shared this illustration from World War II: Hitler had forced many twelve and thirteen year old boys into military service during the war. These boys were treated harshly and made to do some extremely inhumane jobs for their country. When the war was over, these young boys were left homeless and without food. An aid program came to their rescue by setting up tent cities to house the boys. Doctors and psychologists cared enough about these young men to work hard to restore them physically and mentally. They found that many of the boys would wake up in the middle of the night screaming out in terror. So they tried something unusual. Each night they would feed the boys a large meal and then send them to bed with a piece of bread to hold in their hands, instructing them to save it until morning. The boys began to sleep peacefully through the night. Why? Because after years of hunger, these boys held in their hands the assurance that there would be food for them the next day.

Do you ever go to bed with a heavy heart or with anxiety about a specific situation? Do you ever struggle to get a good night’s sleep the day before a big event in your life due to a combination of excitement and nerves? Does anxiety stand between you and the peace you desire? Tomorrow’s unknowns can overwhelm us at times.

TOMORROW’S UNKNOWNS

When I have a big decision to make and I go to bed knowing that God has provided an answer for me, I sleep more peacefully. When I know how the bills are going to be paid or that a conflict has been resolved, I can get the rest I need. But what about those times when tomorrow is uncertain, when I do NOT hold in my hand the “bread” for tomorrow? Paul has a great answer to this question as we read on in his second letter to the Church of Corinth.

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And HE DID rescue us from mortal danger, and HE WILL rescue us AGAIN. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The most difficult moments in my life teach me to fully rely on God. And it is in those moments when I do not have tomorrow’s bread to hold on to, that my hands are free to hold on to the God of my tomorrows. I stop listening to my fears. I learn how to trust God, which strengthens my faith. I stop depending on my own wisdom, I stop relying on my own resources, and I start fully trusting God to provide.

TOMORROW’S HOPE, JOY & PEACE

Please allow me to again quote Pastor Ed Heck. His words of faith as he faced his fight against cancer continue to inspire me: “…every single day when I open my eyes and every single night when I close my eyes I’m doing so with this thought and prayer, ‘God, search my heart; keep it clear and clean. Wash me; cleanse me, keep me at the point of brokenness where You are the source of my only hope — today, tomorrow, for as long as you give me life.’ I know I’ve said this before, but I want to make sure I say it often because it really is true: This — everything happening to and around me — is not about me! It’s really not. It’s about God and what He will choose to do in me, through me and around me.” – Pastor Ed Heck, https://shardsofgraceblog.wordpress.com

Because God was the source of his comfort during the largest medical battle he had ever faced, Pastor Ed’s words continue to be a source of comfort to others today. He was able to experience joy in the midst of the struggle and peace in the midst of the unknowns because he was experiencing the hope he had found in Christ.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. – Philippians 4:4-5

I cannot be full of joy if I am worrying about tomorrow. The NIV version says “let your gentleness be evident to all.” If I am worried, grumbling, complaining, or pretty much freaking out over what is ahead of me, I am not full of the joy of the Lord for others to see and gentleness is not evident in my life.

Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Father God, may I rely fully on you for today’s answers and for tomorrow’s provision. May I rest in knowing that you are all I need. Take away my worrying and grumbling, and fill my heart with the peace of knowing I can rely on you. I can give you the pain of yesterday, the trouble of today, and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Oh God of all comfort, may your Spirit produce the fruit of joy and gentleness in my life today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14-15; Psalm 26

Paul had a lot to say to the believers in Corinth. Between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote 29 chapters to “those who had been called by God to be His own holy people” (1:2). In this first letter, there is an overarching theme of love that weaves beautifully from the first chapter to the last.

• It’s not about a set of rules but a call to holy living born out of our love relationship with Christ.
• “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (2:9)
• Leadership should not look like pride and arrogance, but love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.” (13:4)
• Rather than embracing the sin of those who are lost in order to show them the love of Christ, God is calling us to humbly and gently help them find their way back to God. This includes sexual sin, both within and outside of the marriage relationship.
• If we define love for each other the way God defines it, we will build each other up and make each other better servants of Christ. We will have a missional love for others — a love that is willing to give something up if it causes someone else to stumble.
• Because love and concern for others strengthens the church, we will seek unity and harmony among believers. We will pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to forgive and forget so that only love lasts forever.
• I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. My love for God leads to obedience, and His Spirit produces the love I need to be Jesus to those whom God has called me to serve.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. – 1 Corinthians 14:1

USE YOUR WORDS TO STRENGTHEN OTHERS

Paul takes time in Chapter 14 to address the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying, knowing this would be an opportunity for conflict and disagreement in the church. Paul’s explanation is based on the idea of making love our highest goal (14:1) — that everything done in the church be done to strengthen each and every person (14:26).

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. – 1 Corinthians 14:18-19

Father God, I would never want my words to cause confusion or distract others from the worship taking place in the sanctuary. Lord, let the words of my mouth come only from YOU, building others up and encouraging them as they walk with you. May everything I do be done to strengthen others (14:26). If I receive words of prophecy from you, give me the courage to speak those words of truth over the one for whom your words are intended. Amen.

STAND STRONG AGAINST TEMPTATION

Throughout his letter, Paul warned the church to stand strong against temptation. He urged them to think carefully about what was right and to stop doing what was wrong (15:34) Paul used the example of the people of Israel to encourage the church to not be tempted by sexual immorality (10:8) or be tempted to grumble (10:10). No matter what comes our way, we can stand strong — not of our own strength but on the solid rock of Christ (10:4). YES! I want to drink from the spiritual rock who is Jesus!

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul’s words of advice for the church in Corinth have continued to make an impact on churches around the world for over two thousand years, and we would be wise to take these letters to heart. Here is some more advice from Paul as he closes his first letter to the church in Corinth:

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. – 1 Corinthians 16:2a

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Greet each other with Christian love. – 1 Corinthians 16:20b

May my life be an example of the love Christ has for all of us. May I be strong and immovable in my faith, courageous and prepared for the temptations of the enemy. For my God is faithful and I am blessed to be a recipient of His agape love!

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 9 & 16; Psalm 77

We are always looking to see how we can do things better at the Pregnancy Resource Center. Over and over again, we ask the question, “Are we accomplishing our mission?” We intentionally invest in organizational health and recognize the importance of having cohesive teams. We value our human resources and work hard to bless them for their hard work and diligence.

Paul spent some time doing the same thing for the church in Corinth. He gave them lots of great advice on how to have a healthy church and how to be the body of Christ. As we start wrapping up our study of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, let’s consider Paul’s advice for the Church:

You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. – 1 Corinthians 16:18b

APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERS

The Church should take care of the financial needs of those called into full-time ministry; Paul makes that clear. But on the other hand, those called should not serve for any kind of earthly reward or favor, but should do it for God and for the eternal prize. When you are called into ministry, you step forward in obedience regardless of the paycheck, because it is something you are compelled by God to do.

The Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it…Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. – 1 Corinthians 9:14-18a

The opportunity to walk alongside someone else on their journey of grace is priceless; the privilege of sharing the message of salvation with another person is a gift with immeasurable value. Whatever the Lord has asked us to, we do for the joy of knowing God is pleased with our obedience. At times that God-assignment lands us on a church board or finance committee, strategically positioning us to make sure that the pastoral team is being well taken care of.

What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? – 1 Corinthians 9:7

So Paul gives two charges in his letter to the Corinthians: For the church to take care of their pastors and for the pastors to take care of the church. Both should do this with joyful and willing hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to make their relationship a reflection of love and genuine compassion (1 Corinthians 13).

We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. – 1 Corinthians 9:12b

It’s easy for us as leaders to let our focus land on the criticism received on our way out the door or the crankiness of the lay person who did not get what they wanted when they wanted it, but this will only lead to discouragement and frustration. So let’s keep our eyes on the mission of sharing the Good News about Jesus; let’s focus on the One who has called us and serve with purpose.

SERVE WITH PURPOSE

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Am I doing everything I can? Am I sold out to bringing others into a deeper relationship with Christ? Is my focus on the One who called me so that I can daily experience the satisfaction of obedience and the joy of seeing others give the Lord their “Yes!” Have I lost sight of the prize I originally set out to win?

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So RUN TO WIN! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How easy it is for me to take my eyes off of the One who has called me. Too often I find myself focused on what I need or on the wounds of doing ministry. What a great reminder for me this morning — I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. If God has called me, He will equip me. If God is in it, He will bless it.

Lord, forgive me when I start simply going through the motions and ministry becomes routine. I want to run to win, run with purpose, run with my eyes focused on you! Thank you for compelling me towards a mission that I can easily give my life to, as my heart daily reflects yours. I am willing to be used by you for such a time as this. Amen.