Choice to Live For

Choice to Live For

2 Corinthians 5: ¹¹ We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others. God knows us completely, and I hope that in your hearts you know me as well. ¹² We are not trying again to recommend ourselves to you; rather, we are trying to give you a good reason to be proud of us, so that you will be able to answer those who boast about people's appearance and not about their character. ¹³ Are we really insane? It is for God's sake. Or are we sane? Then it is for your sake. ¹⁴ We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death. ¹⁵ He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.

 

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“We may lose the account” were the words that sparked my effort. I stayed at work for 36 hours, trying to finish the proposal for new work. The effort was wasted as the client had already made an agreement with some other firm.

 

• I lived to work and worked to live.
• I used all of my waking hours working or thinking about work.
• I was on a cycle of working to take vacations, buy stuff and live it up, so I needed to work hard.

 

Paul speaks of a choice to live for. In this passage he spoke about people who were wealthy enough to focus on their appearance. But they were not concerned about their character. He tried to persuade everyone to “fear the LORD.” Why? Because HE died and was raised to life.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to live for only JESUS.
• GOD wants me to see everyone around me as HIS possession.
• GOD wants me to seek those who are actively rejecting HIM because JESUS died and was raised from the dead for all who believe.

 

It’s alright to work, buy nice things and go on vacations. But sometimes the “it’s alright” thought pattern leaves no room for GOD. I mean, it was alright to work hard, but never at the detriment of seeing people who need to hear the message of the “love of CHRIST.”

 

“It’s alright” can sometimes blind me to actually living for JESUS. It takes surrender to reduce the “It’s alright” enough to see what GOD wants me to do and say and “be.” Sometimes the battle is against comfort rather than the obvious things humans label as evil. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT is patient with me and guides me little by little to live for HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you recognize in the writers words?
• Have you ever assessed the conflict of living in comfort versus reducing some comforts to help others?
• Is there anything you can surrender that is “alright” to do so you can focus more on living for JESUS?
• What does it look like to live for CHRIST more and more each day?

Must Appear

Must Appear

2 Corinthians 5: ⁶ So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. ⁷ For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. ⁸ We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. ¹⁰ For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

 

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Receiving a summons to appear in court was never fun but it happened. The words “YOU MUST APPEAR” were in big bold red capital letters that seemed intimidating. The letter held instructions about my court date but it also had the traffic violation and the date of my malefaction.

 

• I felt angry, shamed and scared all at once.
• I felt like my perfect driving record was damaged.
• I felt that I had to drive extra perfect to keep from being judged again. This was super false!

 

Paul mentions the true purpose of life. He says “Life is a matter of faith” and then tells everyone that the faith that is worth anything is to please the LORD JESUS who will one day judge everyone according to every deed that is done.

 

My Observations

• Every deed I do is seen by GOD.
• One deed does not undo another deed in GOD’s eyes.
• GOD is the only one who sees the things I do for HIM and judges the things I do for myself.

 

Trying to act righteous can sometimes get me in trouble. I mean, when I think I am pleasing GOD by following the Bible to the letter, I may be hurting others by holding them to a standard I could not keep myself. BUT DOD wants me to act differently.

 

HE wants me to point my sinful life to HIM so others can do the same. Life is not about living in perfection rather accepting perfection which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT will then guide me to the places I need to go and deliver the words I need to say. Life is about surrender so I can be pleasing to GOD. The more I surrender to GOD the more pleasing and amazing deeds HE guides me to do.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about fear and courage in this passage?
• Have you ever placed your courage in something the crowd is saying but felt it could possibly be against what GOD is telling you?
• Can you gain courage to surrender your life to JESUS little by little, giving HIM your deeds as best as you can without worrying about HIS judgement but focusing in on HIS love today?

Living Space

Living Space

2 Corinthians 5: For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever. ² And now we sigh, so great is our desire that our home which comes from heaven should be put on over us; ³ by being clothed with it we shall not be without a body. ⁴ While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. ⁵ God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

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Part of me didn’t want to be me. Part of me, just wanted to be me. The part of me that didn’t want to be me was the part that looked at “everyone else” who seemed happy, when I felt less than or shamed or discouraged. The part of me that just wanted to be me was the part that felt love and compassion and surrender to the only being who loved me dearly.

 

• My life on earth wants peace but many times gets oppression.
• My life on earth desires something better, but sometimes receives pain.
• My life on earth has some good times and bad times, but I know heaven will not have ups and downs.

 

Paul gives us a glimpse of what to hope for. We want the heavenly body that will never decay or be diseased or be discouraged. He also says that it is not the desire to throw our current life away to get to the eternal one faster, rather hope is our focus of life and we are being transformed by GOD who is preparing us for eternity.

 

My Observations

• It is alright to groan over the oppression that life brings but not too long.
• Hope is where I should place my energy versus focusing in on something that doesn’t include GOD.
• Asking GOD into my heart increases the capacity for others.

 

Once we put ten people in a car meant for six. It felt cramped!. I can only imagine how the HOLY SPIRIT feels when moving into a heart made for only one, namely myself. HE wants to fit into my heart, but has to bring other people into it with HIM.

 

When HE moves in, HE changes the living space and arranges HIS home as HE desires. HE is the one who prepares me for the change HE has in store for me. I am grateful is it GOD who understands when I groan about life’s oppression and stretches my heart to fit others.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the word “tent” as a reference to our body?
• Have you ever desired for things to be permanently better?
• Will you be open to being transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT, who will stretch your heart to bring others in today?

Fixed Attention

Fixed Attention

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. ¹⁷ And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. ¹⁸ For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

 

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Short pants were in and it was hot! Notice I didn’t say shorts. I wore them outside as we played. Unfortunately, my fashion choice gave mosquitos more opportunities for their evening snack.

 

With tens of bites on each leg, I sat inside miserable. The itching was overwhelming. Dinner didn’t seem to taste good because of my distraction. Sitting was uncomfortable and we had another six days to be there. “Don’t think about them” someone said. All I could think about were the bites.

 

• Mosquito bites seem small but somehow draw my attention.
• When I am uncomfortable, I only want to see a path to comfort.
• My focus on scratching the problem made the healing process extended.

 

Because JESUS died and was raised from the dead, we can have eternal life. Paul says “for this reason we never become discouraged.” He was the poster child of going through trouble. His troubles were very large in comparison to mosquito bites, yet he provides some great advice for facing large and small troubles.

 

My Observations

• Faith is something GOD loves for me to focus on.
• Joy is a gift GOD loves to give me daily.
• Eternal rewards are the true prizes GOD wants me to seek.

 

The unseen things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are what GOD wants me to have in abundance. This fruit is the best meal to place my attention on.

 

Whenever life becomes challenging, GOD wants me to seek the fruit of the Spirit, so I can endure and persevere. I am glad GOD loves the unseen fruit to focus my attention on.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt more rested when you were not focused on the problem?
• What does the writer say about never becoming discouraged?
• What things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous or praiseworthy can you focus on today?

Cure for the Holidays

 Cure for the Holidays

2 Corinthians 4: ¹³ The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe. ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence. ¹⁵ All this is for your sake; and as God's grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

 

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Grumpy was the feeling I wanted to feel. I did not want to be cheered up during this particular holiday because I felt frustrated in life. My jalopy of a car was not working, I had a job cleaning after people who really did not care and worst of all, I had to visit people who I was angry with.

 

• The holidays emphasized my hurt.
• The holidays showed me how far I was from having a smiling face.
• The holidays seemed like a period to get beyond.

 

Paul saw through the troubles and trials of life enough to speak about JESUS. He knew there would be circumstances that would make him feel like remaining silent or hiding away in a corner until the perfect conditions appeared. He mentions a scripture that says “I spoke because I believed.” His belief was in “grace” that was necessary to fill empty hearts.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love for me, especially when I don’t feel like it.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS cure for brokenness by offering HIM thanksgiving.
• GOD wants me to look beyond my circumstances to spread the message of life so more and more people will receive grace.

 

Hurt, loneliness and bitterness can blind me to my purpose. I mean, when I am tempted to want to remain grumpy, I allow myself to be open to isolation, which could also enable me to be manipulated by the enemy. He seeks to devour the meal I make each time I voice my frustration or stew in my pain.

 

GOD wants me to be guided out of my pain by others and then HE wants me to guide others out of their pain. The true cure is to be able to “believe” the Gospel is the answer to all ills so I can use thanksgiving as a weapon against any pain that arises. I am thankful and I hope all who read can know they are loved deeply.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt bad about wanting to feel grumpy?
• Will you accept that sometimes you will want to feel that way, but try to limit the time that you allow it?
• Will you look at “thanksgiving” as a weapon versus a feeling and use it to fight against the enemies of isolation, deep hurt and loneliness today?
• Will you be raised up from your feelings today so you can speak life to people in a small way?

Amazing Interior

Amazing Interior

2 Corinthians 4: ⁷ Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. ⁸ We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; ⁹ there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. ¹⁰ At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies. ¹¹ Throughout our lives we are always in danger of death for Jesus' sake, in order that his life may be seen in this mortal body of ours. ¹² This means that death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

 

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There is a show that displays a normal looking house on the outside, but on the inside, the owner has transformed it into something wildly amazing! This reminded me of people I met along the way who, at first glance, seemed common. They had no distinguishing features nor did they wield a title. It was their inside that amazed me. They could not be shaken no matter the circumstance.

 

• I met people who could face life’s doubts but never losing their stride.
• I met people who have been troubled but kept going.
• I met people who have been fired, hurt by people or hurt physically, yet they kept a song of praise on their lips.

 

Paul describes the body people spend so much time adorning as a common clay pot. Nothing special. The real beauty comes from the inside is what he eluded to. He mentions that we “carry in our mortal bodies the death of JESUS.” This hope is an amazing interior!

 

My Observations

• Hope is a spiritual treasure GOD has gladly given me.
• Perseverance is a spiritual treasure GOD provides me to keep going when I feel like giving up.
• Purpose is a spiritual treasure GOD bestows on me to face life’s difficulties so others can receive JESUS.

 

Troubles, doubts, enemies and pain seem to be more of the norm than I would wish in life. I mean, when I accepted JESUS as my Savior, I really wanted an easier life. Instead, when I chose HIS side, it sometimes felt life got worse. The greedy got greedier and the selfish got more selfish, deliberately causing pain for their own power and pleasure.

 

BUT GOD saw it all and placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to show others HE is in charge. HE does not mind when I doubt, but wants me to get back up. HE knows people will deliberately try to hurt me, but wants me to seek friends for prayer. HE knows I will feel pain, but not the pain JESUS felt while dying for me and me blaming HIM for my sins. I am glad HE lives in me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever beat yourself up because you doubted?
• Are there people you admire who are not celebrities yet carry themselves with great character?
• Will you allow GOD to live in you and be seen through your life so HE can bring everlasting life to all you speak to? 

Light Fixture

Light Fixture

2 Corinthians 4: ³ For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. ⁴ They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. ⁵ For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶ The God who said, “Out of darkness the light shall shine!” is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.

 

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Entering the dark room at night posed more of a challenge than I thought. After the move, nothing was organized. Boxes were everywhere and so was furniture. I had plugged in a light, but it was not connected to a light switch. I tripped on something hard and fell on unpacked stuff. I finally made it to the light. I switched it on and could see the mess.

 

• The light was placed where it was.
• The light was useful when it was shining.
• The light could not warn me of obstacles when it was switched off.

 

Paul speaks about Satan blinding the minds of people. Satan wants to keep people from seeing the true light so he attack’s the mind. GOD, on the other hand, placed the HOLY SPIRIT in the heart of believers. The only job for the believer is to be a light fixture.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to shine the light HE provided in the middle of the darkness.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS light shining in me so those around me will not stumble over obstacles.
• GOD wants me to preach JESUS CHRIST as LORD of my life in a way that people can hear.

 

Sometimes I think I have to do a lot of activity to please GOD. I mean, I think I have to serve on several committees, argue about the Bible, give until it hurts and cry when GOD is not meeting “my” expectations. BUT GOD feels different. HE said “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

 

He simply wants me to praise HIM for what HE did for me in the middle of my problems. HE also wants me to be thankful for “everyone” around me, even those who I have been bitter towards for years. Shining GOD’s light happens on everyone, even myself. I’m talking about forgiveness. I am glad GOD gave the gift of light to anyone who will accept it.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt GOD needs you to work hard?
• What does the writer say about the source of “the light?”
• Will you relax and simply “be”, so that GOD’s light can shine in you and through you today?

Encouragement Assignment

 Encouragement Assignment

2 Corinthians 4: God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged. ² We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God's sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone's good conscience.

 

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Things seemed to be going wrong all over the place. My life had become fodder for a sad song. I looked at the world as if it owed me an answer to the question “Why me?’ I was thinking this as I walked back to the dorm in the wee hours or the morning.

 

“Would you like to go to church with us?” was the horrifying question asked to me. They did not realize I was just getting in as they were going out! “No thank you” I replied. I  wrestled with that decision the rest of the day.

 

• My life was centered on me.
• Even my service to others was based on me.
• My “me-centered” world had more downs than ups.

 

“GOD in HS mercy has given us this work to do” is something amazing Paul states to everyone. He even says that people can put aside things that would be disgraceful and turn to something with true value.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my shameful sins and chose me to be HIS messenger anyway.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS word true and focused on JESUS.
• GOD wants me to think about others so I can serve in HIS sight well, while also serving people in good conscience.

 

Encouraging people when I am down seems ridiculous. I mean, when I feel like I need to be served, GOD gives me “work to do.” But what if I’m on empty or broke? GOD doesn’t want me to be phony about my pain. But HE does want me to live my life with purpose.

 

HE lets me see other people who are in pain so I can encourage them to see HIM. Encouraging others, encourages me. It give me the ability to lay aside hidden sin and satisfies the urge to have the “Why me?’ question answered. I am glad GOD gives me purpose  and I hope all who read are encouraged!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use “mercy” when describing what GOD did?
• Have you ever been discouraged and someone popped into your life who needed encouragement?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• Will you accept GOD’s assignment and look beyond your current circumstances to encourage someone today?

You ARE Special!

You ARE Special!

2 Corinthians 3: ¹² Because we have this hope, we are very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear. ¹⁴ Their minds, indeed, were closed; and to this very day their minds are covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. The veil is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. ¹⁵ Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers their minds. ¹⁶ But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: “His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord.” ¹⁷ Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. ¹⁸ All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

 

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“What makes her special?” I said with a grouse. I would say the exact words she said in meetings, but they would listen to this “show stealer!” I asked someone that very question. He replied, “I don’t know, there is just something about her.” That answer did not help me!

 

• I wanted to feel special.
• I wanted to be noticed, so I mimicked other people.
• I wanted to be someone else other than myself because I felt like a nobody.

 

Paul explains a structure that was put in place through Moses. The Law of Moses pointed out what everyone was doing wrong and created shackles to its readers who faced death because of it.

 

Those who were put in place as leaders desired to feel “special” just like Moses once did as he donned a veil to pretend his face was still glowing. The leaders tried to make people feel they needed to go through a hierarchy to get to GOD and become “freed from death.”.

 

My Observations

• Belief in JESUS’ death burial and resurrection frees me to speak directly to the FATHER.
• Receiving the HOLY SPIRIT frees me to be led by GOD each day.
• Exposing my sins uncovers my face so GOD’s glory shines all the brighter.

 

Trying to be special is the problem. I mean, when I look at other people with jealous lenses or look at myself as not so good, then I reduce the uniqueness GOD placed in me. GOD made me special and only I can fulfill the purpose HE gave me. The great news is HE did the same for all who believe in JESUS.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT is placed inside anyone who believes in the power of the resurrection. HE then transforms us into HIS likeness day by day to shine GOD’s glory on many others. I am glad GOD sees me as special so I don’t have to try so hard to be special.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever been jealous of someone’s abilities, or status or wealth or activities?
• Do you think you need a hierarchy to get to GOD through humans?
• Will you be freed by the HOLY SPIRIT and allow HIM to transform you into HIS likeness today?

Best Activity

Best Activity

2 Corinthians 3: ⁷ The Law was carved in letters on stone tablets, and God's glory appeared when it was given. Even though the brightness on Moses' face was fading, it was so strong that the people of Israel could not keep their eyes fixed on him. If the Law, which brings death when it is in force, came with such glory, ⁸ how much greater is the glory that belongs to the activity of the Spirit! ⁹ The system which brings condemnation was glorious; how much more glorious is the activity which brings salvation! ¹⁰ We may say that because of the far brighter glory now the glory that was so bright in the past is gone. ¹¹ For if there was glory in that which lasted for a while, how much more glory is there in that which lasts forever!

 

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Recess, music and art were my favorite activities in school at the time. I didn’t have to think, I could just “be.” Each was guarded carefully by a teacher to make sure it was a productive activity. For example, we played organized games during recess to keep from fighting one another. But then it came time for me to “learn.”  

 

• I downplayed the importance of certain activities.
• I looked at some activities as drudgery.
• I wanted to do the activities I felt most comfortable doing, but needed more.

 

Paul explains the glorious encounter Moses had with GOD. Moses received the Law carved in stone by GOD. Just by seeing a glimpse of GOD, his face was temporarily brightened to the point where people could not look at him. He brought the Law which created a lot of “concrete” activity people could follow and measure in others. But the real activity was to come later.

 

My Observations

• JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead so HE could send the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me.
• Belief in JESUS grants me salvation that lasts forever.
• The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me of the Law, which brings death, and interceded on my behalf when I break the Law.

 

JESUS is alive! This is the great news. HE did away with the Law and became salvation for all. But the Law was the highest honor at one point. Should I simply throw it away? No! GOD wants me to seek following HIM and provided a way to continue doing so. I do not have to “earn” my salvation through the Law, I can just be saved. It feels great!

 

But it doesn’t stop there. The HOLY SPIRIT leads me to live for HIM. HE leads me to peace when there is chaos. HE guides me to be still when I want to do activity to control the situation. The activity of the HOLY SPIRIT brings salvation. I am glad I can put my trust in JESUS who blessed me with the COMFORTER to guide me along every step.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the Law versus the SPIRIT?
• Do you think they conflict?
• What activity is your mind focused on?
• Will you be led by the SPIRIT and be focused on GOD’s kingdom versus the negativity of the world today?

Rejoicing Capabilities

Rejoicing Capabilities

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. ⁵ There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; ⁶ it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

 

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Pride had set in as I thought the promotion I received was merited. It turned out that the person on the rise needed someone he knew in the position rather than looking at my glorious accomplishments. In fact, some of the things I accomplished caused problems amongst the higher ups. I was chosen and deemed capable just because I knew the person.

 

• I was taught to be “self-made.”
• I was taught to “pull myself up.”
• I was taught to “self-promote”, “self-teach” and “self-praise” in order to get ahead.

 

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work” are shocking words from Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. In other words, he was the leader of church leaders. He knew his stuff! But he recognized that knowing doesn’t make a person capable of serving the SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that HE did “everything” for me.
• GOD wants me to let go of any pride I may have, thinking I deserve more or I am capable of achievements.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for giving me capabilities that only came from HIM.

 

After assessing my own capabilities, I see nothing worthy of speaking about GOD. I mean, years of sinful decisions does not quite make me the top of the list for a godly person award in my book. Who then is capable? No one.

 

BUT GOD made us capable! HE decided to do something about this huge problem and saw my flaws, and died for me anyway. HE saw that I would never choose HIM and volunteered to die and be raised from the dead. Yes, this is JESUS I am speaking of! HE chose me and gave me capabilities that only came from HIM and through HIM. I am thankful for what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt less than capable?
• Do you assess other people’s capabilities and reject them?
• What do you observe in the writer’s statement about capabilities and where they come from?
• Will you rejoice the capabilities you and other people have by seeing what GOD is doing in everyone’s life today?

Bear Letters

Bear Letters

2 Corinthians 3: Does this sound as if we were again boasting about ourselves? Could it be that, like some other people, we need letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are the letter we have, written on our hearts for everyone to know and read. ³ It is clear that Christ himself wrote this letter and sent it by us. It is written, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, and not on stone tablets but on human hearts.

 

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“Are they still talking?” I said with frustration. My father and a friend’s father seemed to be record holders for talking after church. As we sat in the car, bored, the conversation droned on and on. That “guy” ended up being a mentor to me.

 

• He guided me to GOD outside of what my parents taught.
• He spoke gently about CHRIST so I could understand.
• He let me be my own person so I could carry JESUS in my own way.

 

Paul spoke highly of the people he wrote to. He saw their obvious fruit in how they carried the message of JESUS. Each person had become a living “recommendation letter” written by the SPIRIT of GOD. They were building a collection of letters.

 

My Observations

• My heart has to be open to spreading the word of GOD.
• My actions are not mine but are examples of many people who poured GOD into me.
• My faith has been built by many people who took time to show me how JESUS wants me to act.

 

Bearing letters is the same as bearing fruit but with a slight difference. I mean, fruit may be something I do, never expecting something in return, or not seeing the fruit tree grow in another person. Bearing letters is taking the time to grow people to grow others. In both instances, I am not the benefactor, but CHRIST is.

 

Bearing letters is important to GOD. HE wants the right amount of encouragement, mixed in with patience, mixed in with a tiny dose of correction. The right mix will have someone follow JESUS for themselves and desire to have others do the same. I am glad GOD put many people in my life to guide me to speak about HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the words of excitement from the writer?
• What words of encouragement have you heard that makes you excited about JESUS?
• Do you have any words of encouragement for someone so they can bear their own fruit for GOD today?

Assigning Fragrance

Assigning Fragrance

2 Corinthians 2: ¹⁴ But thanks be to God! For in union with Christ we are always led by God as prisoners in Christ's victory procession. God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. ¹⁵ For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost. ¹⁶ For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task? ¹⁷ We are not like so many others, who handle God's message as if it were cheap merchandise; but because God has sent us, we speak with sincerity in his presence, as servants of Christ.

 

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“This stinks!” was my exclamation as I took out the garbage as a teen. On my trek to the garbage cans, the heavy bag broke, leaving a wake of rotting eggshells, festering meat and putrid vegetables. My exclamation was not a description, rather it was a cry of frustration. It was freezing cold, dark and I wanted to be in bed. Instead, now I had to shovel up filth on a task I didn’t want to do in the first place!

 

• I have said “This stinks” when I felt something was not fair.
• I have said “This stinks” when I did not like what was going on around me.
• I have said “This stinks” when I thought someone was trying to dupe me or make me do something they should be doing!

 

Paul exclaims “Thanks be to GOD!” as he describes his “prisoner” relationship with JESUS. He knew the world would not choose a lifestyle that would follow JESUS, rather it seeks to indulge in its pleasures as a prize. He gives two fragrances; one that is sweet smelling and one that stinks. Both smells are assigned to what JESUS did.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to view what HE did for me as a gift to be thankful for.
• GOD wants me to see opportunity in being in union with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS message as precious versus a set of rules that seem to be a barrier to my “fun.”

 

Assigning a fragrance to JESUS is done daily. I mean, when I choose to blatantly sin, I am saying “YOUR rule stinks” to GOD. Fortunately, GOD overlooks my sins when I recognize I need JESUS in my life to forgive me of all my sins. What JESUS did for me is amazing!

 

This is a “sweet-smelling incense” to me because I am truly forgiven. I place my life as a “prisoner” to JESUS, looking away from a life of indulgence to that of handling GOD’s message as precious. I am grateful it is not “my” message that saves people, rather the message of JESUS being raised from the dead that should be a sweet-smell to people.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever assigned a smell to a task or action of a person?
• What smell did the writer assign to JESUS?
• Do you find yourself in a battle to “live for CHRIST?”
• Will you become a sweet-smelling fragrance to GOD by spreading the life-bringing message of JESUS to anyone who will hear you today?

Friendships

Friendships

2 Corinthians 2: ¹² When I arrived in Troas to preach the Good News about Christ, I found that the Lord had opened the way for the work there. ¹³ But I was deeply worried, because I could not find our brother Titus. So I said good-bye to the people there and went on to Macedonia.

 

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Upon arrival in a certain country, we settled down and went to the same church we had attended years before. A person called out my name, which I though was a miracle. He was someone I had spent time with on the last trip. He was now a preacher.

 

• It was great to see someone familiar in an unfamiliar place.
• It was nice to pick up the discussion where we left off.
• It was a faith builder for me to run into someone who remembered me.

 

Paul wanted to see Titus in Troas but could not find him. He was deeply concerned about Titus and while he could have done a marvelous work for the LORD there, he left and went to Macedonia.

 

My Observations

• Friendships formed because of CHRIST can be special.
• Friendships created out of unity with CHRIST overcome obstacles.
• Friendships started because of living purpose in CHRIST help make sense out of a sometimes senseless world.

 

I hung around people who I called “friends” who had no concern for me or anyone else. I mean, our “friendship” was formed by the current sin we were into. BUT GOD opened my eyes to my sins and wanted me to speak about JESUS.

 

When I went back to my “friends” they asked questions about why I stopped doing what I used to do. I said “It doesn’t make me any better to stop my sins, but I do feel better when I don’t sin and I am forgiven when I sin.” Some listened, some did not. I am learning to be grateful for everyone I meet because the friendship I show may lead to a relationship with JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer left even though the LORD opened up a way for work there?
• Have you ever been in an unfamiliar place but had a friend there to experience it?
• Do you have friends you can speak to about what JESUS is doing in your life?

Offense Defense

Offense Defense

2 Corinthians 2: ⁵ Now, if anyone has made somebody sad, he has not done it to me but to all of you—in part, at least. (I say this because I do not want to be too hard on him.) ⁶ It is enough that this person has been punished in this way by most of you. ⁷ Now, however, you should forgive him and encourage him, in order to keep him from becoming so sad as to give up completely. ⁸ And so I beg you to let him know that you really do love him. ⁹ I wrote you that letter because I wanted to find out how well you had stood the test and whether you are always ready to obey my instructions. ¹⁰ When you forgive people for what they have done, I forgive them too. For when I forgive—if, indeed, I need to forgive anything—I do it in Christ's presence because of you, ¹¹ in order to keep Satan from getting the upper hand over us; for we know what his plans are.

 

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Seeing the car dart in front of me gave me offense. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I carried that offense down the road. I missed the light I usually made and when I got to the parking lot I could see a car slip into my usual spot. I was offended. In many meetings, people kept saying offensive things like asking for the day off when we had a lot of work to do. Everyone was pretty offensive that day.

 

• I had a day that I wanted to be angry.
• I had a day that I carried one offense to the next.
• I had a day that I was looking for fights and I easily found them.

 

Paul writes about a specific person who offended many. He did not justify the offenders actions, nor did he say the punishment given was too harsh. He did however limit the offense time for a greater purpose. He wants people to forgive to keep the offender from giving up completely after receiving reasonable punishment. Causing people to give up is a plan of Satan.

 

My Observations

• When I get offended, GOD wants me to take a moment to give it to HIM.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to see if it is a tactic of Satan to throw me off my praise.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to understand that forgiveness is the only way from the bondage of hate to the freedom of love.

 

Love sets me free. I mean, when I set my prayers on the offender, I must realize that I am going to the thrown of GOD. I have two choices; “Hurt my offender” OR “Forgive my offender.” The latter of the two is the choice GOD wants me to make all the time, because HE did the same for me.

 

But this is not easy. It sometimes takes a little time and maturity to forgive. Quite honestly, sometimes it doesn’t happen. BUT GOD understands that too. The more I can forgive, the freer I can be. I am glad GOD can make my days stress free when I let go of offenses. HE also enables me to sleep by not being offended.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the offender in this passage?
• Have you ever messed up so bad that you needed to be forgiven?
• Does your offended state offend others?
• What offenses can you let go of so you can be free as CHRIST has set you free?

Criticism Reduction

Criticism Reduction

2 Corinthians 2: So I made up my mind not to come to you again to make you sad. ² For if I were to make you sad, who would be left to cheer me up? Only the very persons I had made sad. ³ That is why I wrote that letter to you—I did not want to come to you and be made sad by the very people who should make me glad. For I am convinced that when I am happy, then all of you are happy too. ⁴ I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart and with many tears; my purpose was not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all.

 

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“Who did this?” I asked my family in my usual investigative tone. I wanted a confession, thinking this will “grow the culprit up.” Little did I know, I was creating an atmosphere of secrets.

 

• I was being too critical.
• I had not created an atmosphere where improvement is different for each person.
• I was caught up in the fast pace of the world and lost patience.

 

Paul chose to back off from being critical. He knew that something was not quite right with how the people of Corinth were following JESUS. But he had been corrected by GOD himself and did not want others to suffer as he did. Instead, he expressed his love for them.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see HIS grace for my sins.
• GOD wants me to turn my hurt into grace for others.
• GOD wants me to seek grace as a gift that is freely given.

 

Being critical hurts. I mean, when I see something “wrong” I may want it “fixed.” But should “I” be the one fixing it? Not all the time. There are times when it is best for me to back off the situation and ask GOD to intervene.

 

The goal is to keep peace and harmony. This does not mean I should never speak up, but the ratio of speaking up versus letting it go needs to lean towards “letting it go.” If there is a common understanding, then certain words can be misused without me putting a boxing glove in another person’s face. We need each other. I am glad GOD is not critical of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What is the ultimate purpose of the writer?
• Do you see GOD’s grace in the writer’s words?
• How can you reduce your criticism of others in your daily walk?
• What benefits will you receive by creating an atmosphere where people can cheer you along with CHRIST as their motive?

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

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Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today?