Tag Archives: Christian devotional

2 CORINTHIANS 5 A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS

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August 29

2 CORINTHIANS 5

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it onwe may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

2 CORINTHIANS 5 A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God chose his people, he provided everything for them

As they are still in their earthly bodies, it is their tents

But the Lord God made a house for them not made with hands

Unlike their tents, God’s heavenly home is not temporary but is eternal

While we are in our earthly tents, we will experience challenges in life

As his children, let us long for that eternity that we only receive from God.

Paul likens our human bodies to tents. God’s people lived in tents and are nomadic especially during the time that God was moving them towards the Promised Land. Abraham led God’s people as he was prompted to and left his pagan country Ur to a place where he had no clue of at the time he was called to do so. He lived in tents with his flock and herds and entire household. Imagine the instability of the nomadic life. How inconvenient it was for the Israelites to do. In Genesis 12, we have an account that Abraham was seventy-five years old when God called him and promised him that he will be blessed with a great nation and a great name. Genesis 21:5 indicates that Abraham had his son Isaac at a hundred years old. It took twenty-five years before the fulfillment of the promise came about. The Israelites didn’t enter the promised land while Abraham was still alive. The bible tells us that Moses led them and eventually Joshua moved them into the Promised Land. While we are still living in our tents, which are our bodies, we will experience difficulties and challenges while we wait for the time when Jesus comes again and gives us new heavenly bodies. It will be a new earth where we will worship him only.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important for us to long for God’s promise spoken in Revelations 21?

2 CORINTHIANS 4 TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

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August 27

2 CORINTHIANS 4

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 

                                                                   – 2 Corinthians 4:7-14

2 CORINTHIANS 4 TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were chosen to be God’s child

You are God’s treasure and the apple of his eyes

Even though we are only humans and limited

God uses each of his children to be his word’s vessel

Though we are inadequate, he still uses as his tool

We are the means that he uses to speak out the truth.

Why did Paul use “treasures in jars of clay” as a metaphor? What does it mean? Like jars, we are fragile and easily broken. Jars are containers of many things. In the days of Jesus, they used jars for storing food, water and oil. Without jars, they won’t have somewhere to place these essentials that they need to survive. They didn’t have the luxury of cars and groceries where they can just buy food, oil or water. Sometimes they walk miles just to draw water from wells in the heat of the sun. We could see how important jars are in their culture.

What does it mean to be a jar of clay for Jesus?  As disciples of Christ, we are ambassadors of the word of God. We need to declare the treasure that is contained inside our hearts to the world, so that God may be glorified.

REFLECTION

  • How are these following verses hopeful and encouraging for Christians?

2 CORINTHIANS 4 UNBELIEVERS ARE KEPT FROM SEEING THE LIGHT

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August 26

2 CORINTHIANS 4

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 4 UNBELIEVERS ARE KEPT FROM SEEING THE LIGHT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

The Spirit of God lives in them, and they are given the light

Those who do not believe in Christ, will be blinded by the world

They live in the darkness full of lies and cannot fathom God’s word.

In this letter, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to press on and not be discouraged when the world persecutes or attacks their faith. He admonishes them to keep on doing what is right and proclaiming the gospel without compromise. He wants the believers to continue to press on despite the inability of unbelievers to understand the gospel. The work of the hand of God in a believer’s life is anchored on God’s grace and not on the gifts that were given them.The parable of the sower in Matthew 13, reiterates this letter of Paul. Verse 3 reminds believers of their purpose which is to sow seeds of truth in the world. Verse 4 explains that we have no control over how the soil would bear fruits from those seeds we planted. Only those who were chosen will bear fruit as they belong to him, while the unbelievers remain to live in darkness and without fruit.

This goes to say that we can only sow and plant God’s word, but it is the Spirit’s work to bear the fruit in the lives of those who believe in the Lord.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it that some Christians think that declaring the gospel means that the hearer will receive it right away? What is not right with this thinking?

2 CORINTHIANS 3 FREEDOM IN GOD’S SPIRIT ALONE

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August 25

2 CORINTHIANS 3

7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

2 CORINTHIANS 3 FREEDOM IN GOD’S SPIRIT ALONE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Whenever we listen to lies and satisfy our own flesh

We will be fearful of things we don’t have control over with

Since God is love, only in Christ will we have true peace and freedom

But if we rely on following rules without love, we will be imprisoned.

Our world system has distorted the meaning of “freedom.” Freedom in the perspective of this world means independence from anyone or anything that would hamper their cravings to be satisfied. The world’s concept of “freedom” is a “no-consequence” concept. This only leads to chaos and turmoil. Paul explains to the church in this letter what true freedom is. It is to rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for everything in our lives. It is a “God-dependence”: the exact opposite of independence which Satan propagates in the world.

REFLECTION

  • How is “freedom” thwarted in our world today?

2 CORINTHIANS 3 SUFFICIENCY FROM GOD

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August 24

2 CORINTHIANS 3

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. – 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 3 SUFFICIENCY FROM GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we believe in Jesus Christ, we do not depend on ourselves

We draw strength and power only from our heavenly Father

The world gets their power from being independent from God

They do not recognize that without God, they are nothing

Sufficiency from God enables all his children to build up each other

Dependence on the “self” makes one inept to have true power.

In this letter, Paul addresses the aftermath of living a life independent from God. He reminds them that God has written in our hearts God’s letter of recommendation. In other words, the Lord has equipped us to declare and speak the truth to others as well as to those who have not heard of the gospel. Paul says that we do not need any other recommendation from any human being because God has granted it to all those who belong to him. Paul also reminds them that not any of them should take credit for anything since God made all things and even our abilities to say “yes” to him also originate from him. So, there is no reason to boast of anything.

In the world, self-sufficiency is the norm. Humans are taught to be independent and rely on themselves heavily or they will be judged. Since they do not acknowledge a higher power, they can not fathom what it means to depend on God.

REFLECTION

  • What are some automated ways we rely on ourselves instead of on God?

2 CORINTHIANS 2 THE AROMA OF CHRIST IN US

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August 23

2 CORINTHIANS 2

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

2 CORINTHIANS 2 THE AROMA OF CHRIST IN US

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God chose you to be one of his children

He made you a sibling of Jesus Christ

Like your brother Jesus, you are also God’s heir

You are an aroma of Christ to your Father

To those who are being saved, you are pleasing

To the unbelieving, you are perishing.

Paul relates to the Corinthian believers in this letter his concern that he didn’t see his brother Titus when he preached in Troas. Although he appreciated the blessing of a door opening for him to preach the gospel there, he was a bit perturbed that he didn’t find his brother there. So, he proceeded to Macedonia and there he found another opportunity to declare the gospel. What a blessing it was that he was directed to leave Troas when he was worried about Titus and was led to find new opportunities to preach the Good News. The Spirit of the Lord shifted his mindset from worry to joy. Joy that he was given all these occasions to declare the word of God and be like the fragrance that is pleasing to God.

Even the strongest apostle of Christ experienced worry over a brother he was hoping to see. Isn’t this very true of us too in our lives? When we love someone whom we have the same beliefs and calling, we long to be with them especially when we face challenges in our work for God. God blessed him with a change in scene so he can change his mind.

REFLECTION

·       Share some struggles you encounter as you bring the gospel to the world.

2 CORINTHIANS 2 WATCH OUT FOR SATAN’S TACTICS

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August 22

2 CORINTHIANS 2

5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

                                                         – 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

2 CORINTHIANS 2 WATCH OUT FOR SATAN’S TACTICS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As Christians, we are soldiers for Christ equipped with God’s word

It is Scriptures that bring the truth and exposes lies from the world

When we do not know the truth, we are prey for being devoured

Let us watch out for Satan’s tactics so we can win and overcome

Satan uses subtle ways to entice humans to seek pleasures

Be wary of the wiles of the devil so you will not give in to cravings.

In this letter, Paul cautions the Corinthian believers to watch out for Satan’s clever and subtle ways of tempting them. He mentions someone in the church that sinned and was punished for it. His name wasn’t identified but some scholars think that it was the same man that was in the church who was having an incestuous relationship. Paul was probably glad that the sin was presented in the congregation to be addressed. But knowing how these Christians were, he also wanted them to forgive that man who has already repented and grant him grace. By doing so, they avoid being preyed on by Satan.  It may feel like a condemnation if one doesn’t exercise grace after rebuking another Christian brother or sister.

It is not easy to correct someone in the body of Christ because all of us still live in our sinful bodies and we will face conflict of personalities, viewpoints, differing maturity levels of faith, etc. Without grace, correction may appear like condemnation

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important for us to decode Satan’s tactics?

2 CORINTHIANS 2 ON FACING PAIN

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August 21

2 CORINTHIANS 2

For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. – 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

2 CORINTHIANS 2 ON FACING PAIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Pain is inescapable in this fallen and corrupt world

The more we avoid it, the more it brings us down

If we face and process the pain, we may understand it

Then we can learn to endure it and let the healing begin.

It seems that there was a change of plan discussed in this letter. Paul was supposed to make another visit to Corinth, but he changed his mind. 2 Corinthians 1:23 mentioned the reason for his aborted visit. He was sparing them of the pain. His last visit there wasn’t pleasant at all but full of conflict and sorrows. So, instead of a visit, he wrote them this letter. From the tone of this letter, it sounded like the Corinthian believers were offended that Paul didn’t come as he planned. Paul had his reasons for not coming. He wrote them a letter to spare them of the rebukes and corrections that he would not be able to stop himself from doing. Like a good father, he will not allow his children to continue their sinful and wayward choices. Clarke comments “Because of the scandals that were among them he could not see them comfortably; and therefore, he determined not to see them at all till he had reason to believe that those evils were put away.”

Correcting or rebuking a brother or sister in Christ could be a source of conflict for some members of the church. According to Wikipedia, ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. You can imagine that Paul planted a church in a Greek city full of many different idols and cultural traditions that do not acknowledge God. It was a hedonistic city, full of materialism.

REFLECTION

  • Why do human beings avoid pain instead of facing them?
  • Was Paul avoiding pain for himself or for the sake of the church?

2 CORINTHIANS 1 GOD’S SEAL IN US

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August 20

2 CORINTHIANS 1

19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

                                                             – 2 Corinthians 1:19-24

2 CORINTHIANS 1 GOD’S SEAL IN US

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we believe and serve our Lord Jesus Christ

He gave us the Holy Spirit as the mark that we are His

It is through Him that we can live the life to serve Jesus Christ

It is also through Him that we can receive all of God’s promises.

How do we know if someone belongs to God? The spirit realm is unseen so how do we see the mark of a believer? In John 15, Jesus speaks to his disciples and said “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

Paul reiterates the verses in John 15 and clarifies the truth that we can never say Yes to God if it didn’t come from him first. He chose us first, so even our abilities to accept him also come from him alone. It is interesting how false religions teach that we are the ones who choose to believe in Jesus when It is the other way around, isn’t it?

The seal or sign that we belong to him is clearly explained in Galatians 5. Those who belong to God, walk in the Spirit. They do not engage in anything that displeases God. God loathes sin so, anyone who belongs to him will not make a habit of sin. Even though we are all sinners, God’s people will have the desire to please God and not themselves. They will obey the laws of God and will take delight in his word. They will bear fruits of faith.

REFLECTION

  • What could be some reasons why some Christians struggle to bear fruits?

2 CORINTHIANS 1 NOT BY EARTHLY WISDOM BUT BY GOD’S GRACE

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August 19

2 CORINTHIANS 1

12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicityand godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13 For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand— 14 just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. – 2 Corinthians 1:12-18

2 CORINTHIANS 1 NOT BY EARTHLY WISDOM BUT BY GOD’S GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As children of God, everything we do is by God’s grace

Without God, we are nothing so we cannot brag

Boasting is not a behavior that God’s people engage in

We rely on God’s grace for our talents and abilities

When we acknowledge God, we will manifest humility

There is no room for boasting to all those who love Him.

Have you ever encountered a boastful person who thinks highly of himself and has no room for listening or acknowledging others? Don’t you want to run away from them? Arrogance is a worldly trait that focuses on bragging about their own abilities and showing them off to appear like they are more superior than others. I think that the root of arrogance is “insecurity.” If you are secure about who you are and what you can do, there is no reason to boast or prove that you are good at what you do is the better option.

In this letter, Paul addresses the importance of recognizing that everything we have or any abilities we possess come from God alone. It is God’s prerogative to give it to us by his grace alone. We cannot take credit for anything because God made all things and he alone is in control and has the option to take it away from us. We’re under his grace.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think boasting and Christianity do not go together?