Tag Archives: Christian devotional

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

Posted on by

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?

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

Posted on by

August 18

2 CORINTHIANS 1

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As Christians, we are to pray for one another

We are connecting with others when we do this

We are manifesting our love when we intercede for others

It pleases God that we take care of our sisters and brothers

As we pray for others, we are giving hope to those afflicted

We will also be comforted by our Lord when we plead for them.

In this letter, Paul explains to the church the importance of intercessory prayers. He openly shared his challenges in Asia as they work for the Lord in that place. He described it in verse 8 that they were at a point of desperation. In verse 9 he depicted it as a sentence of death.

According to the introduction of this book in the English Standard Version, Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia around A.D. 55/56 which was approximately a year after he wrote 1 Corinthians and a year before he wrote his letter to the Romans. The central theme of this letter is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul’s apostolic life, ministry and message. The source further says that Paul’s opponents had questioned his motives and his personal courage. They argued that he had suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. But Paul argues that his suffering is the means that God uses to reveal his glory. Isn’t that true of us too, when we face so much suffering too? We can be more dependent and prayerful when we face many trials in life and this dependence brings God more glory and praise

REFLECTION

  • Share some insights on the power of intercessory prayers you’ve experienced.

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

Posted on by

August 17

2 CORINTHIANS 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ

You are given the Helper so you can be alive

Even if you are afflicted with many adversities and trials

God’s grace will abound and you’ll be able to endure them

The God of all comfort will never forsake you

He is with you always especially in your afflictions.

In this letter, Paul begins greeting the Corinthian church by alleviating their lives full of affliction by reminding them that the Lord is a God of all comfort. According to Baker’s Evangelical dictionary, the basic concept for comfort in both the Old and New Testaments is encouragement, whether by words or the presence of another to help in time of need. Some synonyms would be console, help, give relief, cheer up, exhort, and fear not. In the Old Testament, ‘naham’ is the most often translated “to comfort.”

Paul describes God as the one who comforts us in all our difficulties, challenges, trials and hardships. His use of the word “comfort” connotes encouragement. He is reminding the believers in Corinth that amidst all these afflictions, they can be assured of God’s comfort.

REFLECTION

  • How is the word “comfort” twisted by the world as opposed to its true meaning?

1 CORINTHIANS 16 WHEN ONE HAS NO LOVE FOR GOD

Posted on by

August 16

1 CORINTHIANS 16

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. – 1 Corinthians 16:19-24

1 CORINTHIANS 16 WHEN ONE HAS NO LOVE FOR GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one has no love for God, they will be proud

When there is no acknowledgement of someone higher than you

You will think highly of yourself and be partial to others

You will not be accountable to those who are your neighbors

You will only be concerned with satisfying your cravings

There will be no room for worshiping a higher being.

According to some sources online, in many Middle Eastern cultures, kissing, particularly on the cheek, is a common greeting gesture among family and close friends, signifying affection and respect. The number of kisses and the specific context (e.g., between men, women, or mixed genders) can vary significantly based on region, relationship, and personal preference. In some areas, like the Gulf states, physical contact between unrelated men and women is more restricted. 

In this letter, Paul urges the saints to greet each other with a holy kiss. In those times and probably until now, in the Middle East, they greet one another with a kiss. It is part of their culture. But what is a holy kiss? According to another source: “ In the Bible, a ‘holy kiss’ is a form of greeting and expression of brotherly love and unity among believers, particularly within the early Christian church. It was a common practice in the Middle East during that time and was meant to convey genuine affection, acceptance, and peace. The term “holy” distinguishes it from a romantic or sexual kiss and emphasizes its purpose as a genuine expression of Christian love. So, if anyone has no love for the Lord, how could one possibly engage in this holy kiss? It is not possible, is it?

REFLECTION

  • What are manifestations of a “holy kiss” in our modern-day Christian community?

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ACT LIKE MEN & BE STRONG

Posted on by

August 15

1 CORINTHIANS 16

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his willto come now. He will come when he has opportunity.13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. – 1 Corinthians 16:12-18

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ACT LIKE MEN & BE STRONG

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ

We are urged to be on guard and firm

We need to act like men and be strong

We can do this by walking in love

Do not fear for God is with you always

Have courage and live abounding in His grace.

In this letter, Paul reiterates the promise and command of God to Joshua in chapter 1. He was directed by God to deliver his people to the promised land after Moses died. He is now leading God’s people as they enter the Promised Land. These are the following words of the Lord himself: “5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous.8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is exactly what “act like men” means. To obey and be faithful.

REFLECTION

  • Why are Christians commanded to be strong and act like men in this letter?
  • How can we manifest this in our lives as Christians?

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ON CHURCH COLLECTION

Posted on by

August 14

1 CORINTHIANS 16

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. – 1 Corinthians 16:1-11

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ON CHURCH COLLECTION

Why do we have a collection in the church? When I was a newly born-again Christian, I didn’t understand all these tithes and offerings. That was because I wasn’t encouraged to live the principles taught in the bible.  The church I grew up in did not explain these things to its members. We also weren’t encouraged to read the bible and make it our guidelines for living the Christian life. The bible tells us everything we need to understand regarding generosity and caring for one another. In James 1:27, it shows us that pure religion according to God is helping the orphans, the widows and the vulnerable. In other words, those who are unable to live with dignity under their circumstances. God gave his people the responsibility to exercise love by addressing the needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ. In James 2:14-17 he says that faith with no deeds is useless. His example here presents another believer who comes to you with their need for clothes and daily food. He challenges the believer who can exercise their faith by addressing the physical needs of their brother or sister. Otherwise, if they don’t do anything about it and they have the capacity to do so, their faith is futile. It was important that Paul make the Corinthian believers aware of the needs of the church. Generosity towards the poor and needy is the work of the Spirit in us to manifest love towards others especially the vulnerable & weak.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think some people struggle with giving, especially to the poor?

1 CORINTHIANS 15 ABOUND IN THE WORK OF THE LORD

Posted on by

August 13

1 CORINTHIANS 15

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

1 CORINTHIANS 15 ABOUND IN THE WORK OF THE LORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When Jesus died and resurrected, death was defeated

Victory belongs to the Lord through his resurrected body

All believers must abound in the work of the Lord

Their labor won’t be in vain because it defeats the world.

In this letter, Paul encourages the believers by focusing on the finished work of Christ on the cross. When Jesus died for humanity, death was defeated. Sin is the sting of death. So, when Christ died on the cross, sin had no more power over those who believed in him. Paul talks about the mystery of the natural and the spiritual. In verse 51, he says that we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed. He probably was referring to us no longer dead because of sin. His resurrection changed the state of death to new life. Since we were resurrected from our sins, we ought to work with all our hearts, minds and souls for the work that Christ has begun on the cross. According to a commentary by Clarke “You must not only work, but you must labour – put forth all your strength; and you must work and labour in the Lord – under his direction, and by his influence; for without him you can do nothing.”

REFLECTION

·       What does it mean to abound in the work of the Lord?

1 CORINTHIANS 15 IMAGE BEARERS OF THE TWO ADAMS

Posted on by

August 12

1 CORINTHIANS 15

42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shallalso bear the image of the man of heaven. – 1 Corinthians 15:42-49

1 CORINTHIANS 15 IMAGE BEARERS OF THE TWO ADAMS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God created mankind, he gave us our natural bodies

Because of sin, we are inclined to give in to our cravings

The first Adam destroyed the image that God made him to be

The second Adam restored our original make and brought that back

In Christ, we overcome the sinful nature in us

Because it is the Spirit that brings us new life.

In this letter, Paul reminds all believers to remember that we are image bearers of God. But when the first Adam sinned, that image was tarnished and it didn’t do what it was designed for. It was supposed to bring God the glory but instead, it gave glory to itself. When Christ died for us on the cross, he made it possible for us to revert back to the original purpose of our make: to give God all the praise and live our lives to be in communion with him and fulfilling his plan for mankind.

The first Adam sowed dishonor and sin while the second Adam brought us restoration and life again. The first Adam destroyed that beautiful image that God gave us and distorted our loyalty to God. The second Adam renewed our perspective and corrected that misrepresentation by fulfilling God’s remedy to mankind and saving them from that sin nature. We ought to believe in Jesus for us to receive that promised eternal life.

REFLECTION

  • How has the world twisted the original image that God gave in each of us?

1 CORINTHIANS 15 LIFE COMES WHEN THE FLESH DIES

Posted on by

August 11

1 CORINTHIANS 15

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. – 1 Corinthians 15:35-41

1 CORINTHIANS 15 LIFE COMES WHEN THE FLESH DIES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When I believed in Christ, my flesh has now been crucified

I no longer live for myself but for my Lord Jesus Christ

I am still a sinner but in Christ, I can overcome the world

I do this by walking in love and believing only in God’s word

Because Jesus died and resurrected to transform us

If we believe in him, we will receive eternal life.

In this letter, Paul explains the different kinds of bodies. We have earthly and heavenly bodies. Since we are still alive, we are in our earthly bodies. Because this world is not the realm of God but of Satan’s. Even though he has control over all things, we are still in our worldly bodies. So, if we do not believe in Jesus, there is no way we can control our flesh.

In Galatians 5:24 Paul mentions this again when he said “and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.”

In verse 37, Paul mentions sowing a bare kernel, wheat or some other grain. John 12:24 explains this concept when he said that “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” He refers to dying to the flesh here so that we can be alive in Christ. Sadly, many of us cannot give up our passions and desires and we become slaves of our flesh.

REFLECTION

  • How do we die to our flesh as Christians?

1 CORINTHIANS 15 LET THE RESURRECTION TRANSFORM YOU

Posted on by

August 10

1 CORINTHIANS 15

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. – 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

1 CORINTHIANS 15 LET THE RESURRECTION TRANSFORM YOU

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Jesus Christ died for you so you can be reconciled with God

It was sin that pulled you out of the presence of our Lord

When Jesus became the sacrifice to appease God’s wrath

He allowed us to be renewed and transformed in our hearts

Do not allow the world to overcome you but win over evil

Let the hope of the resurrection make you resist the devil.

In this letter, Paul continues to admonish the Corinthian church. He lays down the foundation for a new life in Christ. Because Christ died for us all sinners, it is only fitting that we embrace that transforming power of the cross.

As Christians, our lives need to be changed and we no longer need to live for ourselves, but for the edification of the church instead. The apostle Paul cautions believers not to be deceived and continue living like they used to before Christ died for them. He advised them to ensure that they are not associating with bad company. The psalmist in Psalm 1 tells us not to walk in their ways in the following words: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the lawof the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.

We Christians ought to keep ourselves pure and holy because Christ paid a high price for us to stay free and in relationship with our Father. We need to live in that new creation.

REFLECTION

  • What can you say about Christians whose lives have not been transformed yet?