Tag Archives: poetry

2 CORINTHIANS 5 WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

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August 30

2 CORINTHIANS 5

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. – 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

2 CORINTHIANS 5 WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As children of God, we live as people of courage

We do not dwell in fear because we are freed from bondage

Even though we are still living in this corrupt world

We look beyond the conditions we go through

We live knowing that though we don’t see

God is faithful to walk us through all our misery.

Hebrews 11 defines faith as this: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” We believe even though we don’t see. Interesting how the world twisted the meaning of faith. The Oxford dictionary defines faith as trust in someone’s ability or knowledge. That definition is very different from the bible definition of faith. It eliminated the phrase “the conviction of things not seen.” As human beings, we are very limited with our understanding. We can easily think that we can fabricate faith and believe in someone or something on our own strength. The difference of believing in God who is sovereign, omnipotent and omnipresent is huge. To believe in a person or in whatever they promise, they may not be able to pull through with the fulfilment of that promise. But God is a promise-keeper and whatever he says he would do, it will come to pass. Those who do not know God and believe in him will have a hard time truly comprehending the meaning of true faith. Even believers struggle with the human condition of trying to understand things and get a guarantee from who or whatever they are believing in. Sadly, when we believe in earthly things, we will not have that complete assurance because they are temporary. God, on the other hand is eternal.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think some people lack assurance when they claim they believe?

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 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 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 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

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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

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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?