Tag Archives: Poem devotional

2 CORINTHIANS 12 PAUL’S UNCONDITIONAL SERVICE TO THE CORINTHIANS

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September 18

2 CORINTHIANS 12

11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. – 2 Corinthians 12:11-16

2 CORINTHIANS 12 PAUL’S UNCONDITIONAL SERVICE TO THE CORINTHIANS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

God gave us unconditional love and much generosity

Shouldn’t we return such undeserved favor with loyalty?

A servant of God does what God calls them to do for his kingdom

Their services may not be justly paid now but later they’ll be compensated

Working for the kingdom of God means your rewards are lasting and eternal

They cannot be compensated by mere monetary wages which are limited.

In this letter, Paul promises to return to the Corinthian church soon. Acts 18:11 says that Paul stayed in Corinth after he planted the church in the region and stayed a year and a half there teaching them the word of God. According to sources, his second visit was between his first letter and second one, under painful circumstances since he was confronting them of their sins. So, this letter is preparing them for his third visit to them.

Paul explicitly explained to them that he won’t be expecting contribution from them even though he receives monetary funding from the other surrounding churches. Paul knew that the church wasn’t still mature in their faith and he didn’t want them to be compelled to give him support out of obligation.  He clearly told them that the most important thing is for them to be continually taught the gospel and he can support himself.

REFLECTION

  • What do you think verse 14 in these following verses mean?

2 CORINTHIANS 12 A THORN TO KEEP US HUMBLE

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September 17

2 CORINTHIANS 12

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

                                                                     – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2 CORINTHIANS 12 A THORN TO KEEP US HUMBLE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Because the Lord loves his elect, he keeps them humble

Since pride is the source of all sins, he keeps us away from it

By allowing weaknesses and helplessness to creep in

It is this thorn in the flesh that helps us seek and need him.

In this letter, Paul talks about the thorn in the flesh in verse 7 that is a messenger of Satan out to harass him. As a human being, Paul also asked God to be removed from him, but the Lord assured him that his grace is sufficient for him to overcome this thorn. The reason that the Lord didn’t remove it from him is so that Paul could stay leaning on God’s grace and not on his own efforts. It is easy for us to ask God to remove discomfort and hardships that we face in our lives, but it is a learning curb for us to keep us humble.

REFLECTION

  • Are you able to recognize some thorns in your flesh in your Christian life?

2 CORINTHIANS 11 BOAST OF YOUR WEAKNESSES

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September 16

2 CORINTHIANS 11

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. – 2 Corinthians 11:21-33

2 CORINTHIANS 11 BOAST OF YOUR WEAKNESSES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we grow our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

We make him increase and we must decrease

In our weaknesses, we manifest our God dependence

In our own strength we display our rebellion and independence.

It is very easy for us to promote our own “selves.” That is our nature as humans. We can easily boast of our accolades, possessions, knowledge and many other things. It is the work of the Spirit if we begin to boast of our weaknesses. It is counter-intuitive based on the standards of the world. In this letter, Paul enumerates all the circumstances that he experienced while he serves the Lord as apostle. He knows that when he boasts about the works of God, he is defying “pride” that is our human nature.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it hard for some to boast of their weaknesses?

2 CORINTHIANS 11 BE WARY OF SATAN’S MASQUERADES

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September 15

2 CORINTHIANS 11

12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord wouldbut as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! – 2 Corinthians 11:12-21

2 CORINTHIANS 11 BE WARY OF SATAN’S MASQUERADES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Because we live in a fallen and corrupt world

Let us be wary of Satan’s tricks and masquerades

He disguises himself looking as servants of righteousness

It may appear good but they sow seeds of wickedness

Anyone who does not meditate on the word of God

Will be prey to the devil and be easily deceived.

Paul exposes the tactics of the enemy in this letter by calling out the fleshly boasting of those false apostles who disguises themselves as apostles of Christ. If we are servants of God, we only boast of what Christ did for us and the goodness and mercy of God. We do not promote our works for the Lord. The Lord knows already what we have done for him, so there’s no need for us to flaunt anything. The service we do for the Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit, so why boast? We are only the mouthpiece of the Spirit of the Lord.

Paul warns the Corinthian church of the masquerades that Satan wears to entice us and deceive us. Paul uses the word “angel of light” as one of his masks. It would be wise for all Christians to stay in the word so that we can easily discern these masquerades.

REFLECTION

  • Share some masks or masquerades you’ve encountered that Satan enticed you.

2 CORINTHIANS 11 CAUTION ON DECEPTION

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September 14

2 CORINTHIANS 11

I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! – 2 Corinthians 11:1-11

2 CORINTHIANS 11 CAUTION ON DECEPTION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Be wary of the deception that easily comes

For you have been set apart by God

You were chosen to be Christ’s bride

So, stay pure as a virgin to your husband.

In this letter, Paul warns the believers to stay pure and holy for the Lord. He likens our relationship with Christ as a betrothed woman is to her husband to be. He used the word divine jealousy in verse 2 which probably would allude to his past. Paul used to be an exterminator of Christians and nobody taught him things but God himself made him blind so he could stop killing Christians. Paul was jealous that the believers had the apostles to guide them towards the path to Christ and while he didn’t have that opportunity.

REFLECTION

  • How and why should a Christian watch out for deception?

2 CORINTHIANS 10 BOAST ONLY IN THE LORD

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September 13

2 CORINTHIANS 10

13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. – 2 Corinthians 10:13-18

2 CORINTHIANS 10 BOAST ONLY IN THE LORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a follower of Jesus, there is no room for arrogance

God opposes the proud but the meek, he delights in

Because everything we have comes from the Lord

Why boast of anything that belongs to this world?

As believers, we are only to boast God’s work in us

We can not take credit for anything else God has done.

In this letter, Paul focuses on the act of boasting. He tells the believers not to engage in this act except if it was to boast about the influence of God in their lives. As Christians, we cannot be like the proud and arrogant unbeliever who relies only on himself and on his own understanding. Paul reiterates this letter in Ephesians 2:8-9 when he said “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Because of sinful nature, we love to focus on ourselves and promote ourselves. The act of boasting is not a trait that any believer must engage in except if it is to give God the glory. In John 3:30, John declares “He must increase and I must decrease.” John was referring to give all the glory and the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ and pave the way to the fulfillment of his coming to save us. We only boast of what will praise and bring glory to God.

REFLECTION

  • What are some things that a believer can boast about to unbelievers?

2 CORINTHIANS 10 BOAST ONLY IN THE LORD

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September 13

2 CORINTHIANS 10

13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. – 2 Corinthians 10:13-18

2 CORINTHIANS 10 BOAST ONLY IN THE LORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a follower of Jesus, there is no room for arrogance

God opposes the proud but the meek, he delights in

Because everything we have comes from the Lord

Why boast of anything that belongs to this world?

As believers, we are only to boast God’s work in us

We can not take credit for anything else God has done.

In this letter, Paul focuses on the act of boasting. He tells the believers not to engage in this act except if it was to boast about the influence of God in their lives. As Christians, we cannot be like the proud and arrogant unbeliever who relies only on himself and on his own understanding. Paul reiterates this letter in Ephesians 2:8-9 when he said “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Because of sinful nature, we love to focus on ourselves and promote ourselves. The act of boasting is not a trait that any believer must engage in except if it is to give God the glory. In John 3:30, John declares “He must increase and I must decrease.” John was referring to give all the glory and the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ and pave the way to the fulfillment of his coming to save us. We only boast of what will praise and bring glory to God.

REFLECTION

  • What are some things that a believer can boast about to unbelievers?

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

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September 11

2 CORINTHIANS 10

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve the Lord Jesus Christ, we are fortified

He gave us weapons of warfare so we can overcome

The whole armor of God is able to destroy strongholds

It exposes every argument and opinions from this world

These weapons of our warfare expose the tactics of the devil

Let us use them constantly so we can extinguish all forms of evil.

In this letter, Paul exposes the inner war we face regularly in our lives. Because the battles we face daily are not physical, but spiritual, we ought to be aware that it exists even if we don’t actually see it. In Ephesians 6, we are given the armor of God so we can face and win the battles we encounter regularly. In his letter to the Ephesian church, he mentions very clearly what we are to use as weapons against the flesh. The armor of God is as follows: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, peace as our shoes, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We are also to pray constantly at every occasion. When we wear the entire armor of God as often as we can, we are defeating the world and its system.

Paul urges the Corinthian church to have a mindset that is like the mind of a soldier. They train and are always ready. They are alert and they always wear their weapons of warfare. They do not become slack in their walk, but they are constantly watchful of the enemy.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think some Christians live fruitless and defeated lives?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 ZEAL TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

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September 9

2 CORINTHIANS 8

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the giftyou have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

2 CORINTHIANS 8 ZEAL TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a believer, we are stirred by the Spirit to give generously

We cannot claim we are believers if we are selfish and stingy

The proof of caring for the needs of our brothers and sisters

Lies in our loving generosity and compassion for each other.

In this letter, Paul reiterates the ministry of grace to the Corinthian believers. He challenges them to follow up on their work to build up the church through the financial giving. He reminds them of the generosity of the Macedonians and how he has boasted about the Corinthian church to them that they already have become generous in their giving as well. It may sound like he was challenging them to compete with the Macedonian churches but it was to urge them to continue their zeal to support the church. It was to stir their hearts to continue to be loving and working their faith to grow. By doing so, they also cultivate their generosity and their love for the Lord grows.

The Old Testament scripture in Deuteronomy 16:17 says “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” It seems like Paul was adapting this same command of God to his people to the Corinthian church. Philippians 4:18 also says that giving is an act of worship. When you give to others especially to the church, you are expressing gratitude and praise to the Lord who is the source of all things.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think some Christians hesitate to give generously?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 GIVE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE

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September 8

2 CORINTHIANS 8

16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sendingthe brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengersof the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

2 CORINTHIANS 8 GIVE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve and hold our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

We continue to walk in the grace and love he showed us

Let us outdo one another in proving our love for the Lord

It is how we spread the truth that comes from his word

Let us aim to do only what glorifies God and what’s honorable

We press on to be the light that bears the likeness of our Creator.

In this letter, Paul commends Titus to the Corinthian church. He mentioned to them how Titus, not only accepted his appeal, but earnestly did it. Paul wants them to see the living proof of the work of Christ in Titus’ faithful and generous service for the gospel. He reminds them to remain honorable in their giving and to be messengers of the Lord. This way, the Lord Almighty is glorified. John 14:21 reiterates Paul’s letter since it says that the proof of our love for the Lord is to obey his commands and keep them. John 13:34 also says that whoever loves God must love his brothers as well.

REFLECTION

  • How can you prove that you love God? How should it manifest in your life?