Generous Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-6)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

Can you imagine the impact Christ’s church could have on this world if we who claim to know Him gave generously? Or gave at all?

I remember hearing (or reading) somewhere that if each evangelical Christian gave just one percent of his or her income, clean water and adequate food could be provided for each and every person on earth. Poverty could be eliminated. Education could be more readily available.

The early church was made up of givers, of people who cared for others … and did something about it. From the beginning, “they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need” (Acts 2:45). They cared for the “least of these” as Jesus had taught (see Acts 4:32-37; 6:1-6).

The church at Corinth certainly understood the importance of generous giving, and “they gave of their own accord …” They gave “beyond their ability.” They saw giving as a privilege, not a burden. They experienced the joy that comes from being “cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

So many of us have been blessed abundantly. We have homes and cars and gadgets. We have the latest and greatest technology. We’ve made storage facilities a booming business because we don’t have enough room in our homes to hoard our stuff.

And yet with our abundance, we so often neglect those in need. We don’t give generously. Often, we don’t give anything. Whatever you believe about the theology of giving, could you—should you—be giving more? To anyone?

Back to Basics (1 Corinthians 7:13-16)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

We could learn a lot from the early church and its members. They were unified and supportive, comforting and affectionate.

They didn’t have denominational conflicts—mainly because there were no denominations. They were a group of people dedicated to one thing, and one thing only: proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ.

Today, we’re so focused on our traditions, our rituals, our interpretation of non-essential biblical elements that we’ve forgotten the one thing that matters: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (NKJV, John 3:16). And if we “confess our sin, He is just and faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (NKJV, 1 John 1:9).

Somehow, some of us have come to the mistaken conclusion that only those who attend our church or belong to our denomination are “chosen.” Or if someone believes differently than we do about baptism or communion, they’re wrong and we’re right.

Instead of loving each other as Christ loves us, we hate each other just as the world hates us.

I can picture Paul and Peter or Timothy and Titus observing our modern church members and shaking their heads in despair. We’re so far from where we should be.

And how can we love unbelievers when we can’t love those in our own “family”? How can we bring unity to a fallen world when we’re so divided?

Maybe it’s time to go back to the basics: loving God—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loving others as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). And then drawing unbelievers to the truth of God’s love for them.

Earnest and Zealous (2 Corinthians 7:10-13)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10-13

Many of the words Paul uses in these verses are very convicting: earnestness, godly sorrow, zeal, longing …

Yesterday, I wrote of how godly sorrow over our sin leads to repentance. And that repentance leads to salvation. But salvation shouldn’t be the end for us who follow Christ. We shouldn’t be content with the fact of our own salvation.

No. We should be earnestly serving God and zealously following Him. We should long for Him. We should desire His will above all.

And we should be as earnest and zealous about sharing the truth of the gospel with others. We should be so humbled and grateful for what God has done for us that we want others to experience the same.

Yet, how often are we complacent and content to just enjoy our blessings. We go to church (as we should). We read our Bible and pray (as we should). We have our small groups, our Bible study, our Christian conferences. We surround ourselves with other believers.

There’s nothing wrong with these. However, our zeal for God should automatically flow into a zeal to reach others.

And so I have to ask myself … How zealous am I in sharing the gospel? How earnest am I to make sure I’m available to reach others for God? Certainly, not nearly as much as I should be.

Sorrow Leading to Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-9)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-9

Throughout God’s word, we’re promised joy—not happiness, perhaps, but joy. Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is a state of the heart.

Psalm 16:11 tells us that:

You [God] will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

We can even find joy through adversity (James 1:2). God, our loving Father, wants our joy.

So why does Paul write about not regretting causing sorrow for his fellow believers? One commentary clarifies:

Sorrow according to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. (Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)

We should be sorrowful about our sin, and that sorrow should lead us to repentance.

But once we’ve repented, we can be certain that God has removed that sin “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). And then we can experience that God-given joy.

Comforted with Presence (2 Corinthians 7:5-7)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

Have you ever felt as Paul did? Your flesh has no rest? You’re afflicted on every side? You have conflicts without and fears within? Have you ever felt depressed?

I’ve struggled with depression off and on for decades. At one point, I even had to go on anti-depressants. At that time, I wasn’t walking with the Lord, and because I’d pushed away many friends, I felt very alone. I had no one to offer me comfort.

Once I recommitted my life to the Lord, I finally received the comfort my heart craved. And since then, I’ve established relationships that also give me great comfort.

I have no issues with medical help when one is dealing with depression, and professional counseling can be critical. But I don’t think that’s enough. One of the most important ways to handle difficult times is seeking the comfort that only comes from a relationship with the Lord. And by being surrounded by friends and family who can offer physical, tangible comfort ... just as Paul was comforted by the presence of Titus.

Made for Relationship (2 Corinthians 7:2-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:2-4

God created us for relationship, both with Him and with others. He could have made us solitary, independent beings that relied only on ourselves. But He didn’t do that.

And I, for one, am grateful.

I cannot imagine my life without my husband, my family, my friends. And I strive to be faithful and loving to each of them. I try not to wrong them. I certainly pray I don’t corrupt them. Nor do I want to take advantage of them.

Instead, I want to show confidence in them, and when they do great things, I want to boast in them. I support them in prayer and am always willing to offer a supportive shoulder or a listening ear. I want to comfort them, and when they offer the same shoulder or ear to me, I’m comforted in return.

And when the times of trial or affliction come—and they always do—I find great joy in knowing I have people to whom I can go who will pray for me. I find great joy in knowing I don’t have to carry my burdens alone.

Because God did not make me—and He didn’t make you—to be alone.

"Perfecting Holiness" (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1

“Perfecting holiness” … Sounds like a pretty tall order. And one most of us are far from completing.

How in the world can someone as fleshly as I “cleanse [myself] from all defilement of flesh and spirit”? I mean, seriously … I can barely keep my focus where it belongs.

I don’t often argue with Paul, but I have to say: I don’t think we’re able to cleanse ourselves. Maybe I’m the only one, but I am so very incapable of keeping myself pure. I just can’t do it. If I try, I fall. Every time.

I am cleansed through the blood of Christ, and it is only when I confess my sins that I am washed clean (1 John 1:9).

So again, how can I take part of my cleansing and perfecting? By totally and completely surrendering everything I am to my God. If I seek His will for me, then He will continue to perfect me and I will continue to want what He wants for me (see Psalm 37:3-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 1:6).

I cannot be holy on my own. I cannot work my way to salvation. I cannot find perfection through my own feeble efforts.

It’s only when I seek God, when I trust Him, when I give up my own desires and focus on His, that I begin to achieve holiness.

Because only then do I desire nothing but Him.

Unequally Yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

God’s word is full of wisdom and truth, and it’s also full of practical application. So often, much of the trouble in which we find ourselves is our own doing. If only we’d read God’s word and would apply it, we would avoid a lot of difficulty.

Today’s verses deal with being in intimate relationships with unbelievers. While we tend to apply this verse to marriage, it also relates to all relationships. While we can be friends with unbelievers, those with whom we are closest should share the most important part of who we are: our faith in Christ.

We are sons and daughters of the God of the universe, the Creator of all things. We reflect the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. And our greatest earthly fellowship comes from those intimate relationships with other believers.

When we’re in what some translations call “unequally yoked” relationships, we’re trying to harmonize disparity. We’re trying to make light and darkness coexist.

And if we’re not careful, the darkness may very well overtake our light.

I’ve been in an unequally yoked marriage for over 21 years, and it’s not easy. Loving someone deeply and sharing a life with him, yet not sharing the most important part of who I am, can be very painful. I confess there have been times when it would have been easy to either let go of my faith or let go of my husband. I feel incredibly blessed that God has kept me close to Him—and close to my husband … but I would give just about anything to be able to have a marriage centered on God.

If you’re reading this and you’re contemplating a relationship—especially a marriage—with someone who doesn’t share your faith, listen to Paul’s words ... and listen to my own. 

Speaking as Children (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:11-13

I recently spent a few days with my family in Oregon, and I especially enjoyed seeing my four great-nephews. They range in age from nine months to nine years. It’s fun to see the baby’s reactions and the energy of the older three.

Sometimes when we read the Bible, and it deals with children, we often interpret it to mean we’re to talk in simpler terms. I think these verses mean something slightly different. I think it means we’re to be open with one another, speaking with affection and transparency, just as we do with children.

When I talk with my great-nephews, it’s true that I don’t use lofty words. I certainly speak in terms they easily understand. Even more, however, I use tones that clearly demonstrate my affection for them. My heart is “opened wide” when I interact with them.

This is how we should be with each other: open and affectionate. We should demonstrate our love through active listening and careful—and caring—words.

As one commentary puts it, “I speak to you with the utmost freedom and fluency because of my affection for you. It is expanded to take you and all your interests in; and to keep you in the most affectionate remembrance” (The Adam Clarke Commentary). 

Taking God's Grace "in Vain" ... (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Paul went through so much more than most of us will ever have to experience: beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment. Yet he was able to rejoice in all things. He never wanted to take God’s grace for granted.

I have to confess: I have been guilty of “receiv[ing] the grace of God in vain.” I am so very blessed in so many ways, and yet I neglect time in God’s word. I casually throw out a prayer here or there. I take my focus off of Him and put it on things that have no eternal value.

And then God blesses me with an answered prayer, or He gives me a splash of joy through an encouraging message from a friend.

My Lord Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice in payment for my sin. God’s grace—His unmerited favor—bridged the gap that separated me from Him. He gave everything for me.

How can I do anything but give everything back to Him? How can I take His amazing grace in vain?

Lord God, I pray for a heart that focuses on You. Help me to be overwhelmingly grateful for what You’ve done for me. Let me not take Your grace for granted. Ever.

Amen.

Such Amazing Grace (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

I am so very frail, fleshly, and flawed. I struggle with sin so much more than I wish I did. And frankly, it breaks my heart that I so resonate with Paul’s words to the Romans, “… what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do …” (7:15-16).

If it weren’t my sin, Christ wouldn’t have had to die. It is only because of the spilling of His blood that I am righteous in the eyes in the Father. He was willing to take on my sin—my ugly, habitual sin—so that I can be cleansed.

We’re offered such amazing grace. Such amazing grace.

And because of the grace we have been granted, we should gladly and gratefully be Christ’s “ambassadors.” We should share God’s grace with everyone we meet, begging them on “behalf of Christ [to] be reconciled to God.”

So that they too can experience God’s amazing grace.

New in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

We are new creatures in Christ. When we accept the gift of salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection, we are completely different from whom we were … or at least we should be.

I wrote yesterday that so many of us are still living our own selfish, fleshly lives even after we claim to commit our lives to Christ.

I’m far from perfect. Believe me. But I really, truly strive to live differently than the world does. I’m careful of the words that come out of my mouth. I try to demonstrate God’s love to others. I stay focused on God and His word. I pray. I meditate on God’s word. I avoid those things that might cause me to stumble.

I try—in my fleshly, frail way—to live as a new creature in Christ.

When I think of all my God did for me, I can’t do otherwise.

Trust me when I say, I have no right—none whatsoever—to judge anyone else. I have a big old plank in my eye, so I cannot point out the sliver in the eye of my brother or sister. However, it breaks my heart when I see others who profess to be Christians speaking and acting and living no differently than those who don’t claim to know Christ.

How will nonbelievers be attracted to Christ if they don’t see something attractive in us? When they see us being hateful or vulgar or uncaring?

When we’re the same old creatures we were before ...

He Died for All (2 Corinthians 5:14-16)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-16

“He died for all …” All means … well, all.

He died for all people, regardless of gender, cultural background, race, socio-economic status.

All.

He was willing to take the sin of each and every one of us on Himself so that we might live. He suffered from betrayal and denial, beatings and ridicule, desertion … for all of us.

And how do we respond to such an amazing, selfless gift?

So many of us respond by saying, “Thanks, Jesus,” and then we go on our merry way, living however we choose. We continue down our selfish paths, doing our own thing. Oh, every once and a while, we pray or we crack open the Bible. But mostly, we’re living for ourselves.

When we accept the gift of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, our lives should change. We should be living for Him at all times. In fact, we should be almost unrecognizable to those around us. We should be so loving and humble and kind and joyful that people look at us and say, “What’s different about them? I’m not sure, but I want what they have.”

Instead, because we’re so focused on condemning others or wanting our own way that they look at us and say, “I don’t want to be anything like them.”

How this must break the heart of our Savior … the one who gave His life for us.

Godly Pride (2 Corinthians 5:11-13)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-13

Pride is a sin. The Bible says so. One of the more familiar passages dealing with pride is Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” And according to the apostle John, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world" (1 John 2:16).

Throughout God’s word, men made disastrous decisions because of pride. Cain killed Abel because he was angry that the Lord honored his brother’s sacrifice over his own. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, the latter’s pride almost annihilated every Jewish man, woman, and child in Persia.

And yet, Paul writes of how he was giving the church in Corinth “an occasion to be proud” of him. Is that arrogance? Is that a sin?

I think there’s such a thing as godly pride. It’s that pride that shines a light on God instead of man. It’s that pride that says, “It’s all God’s. His gifts. His talents. His provision.”

For example, in 2 Chronicles, we read of how Jehoshaphat’s pride—his pride in God—led to the removal of false idols: “So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. He took great pride in the ways of the LORD and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah” (17:5-6).

I can say to my brother or sister in Christ, “I’m so proud of you,” when they’ve done something that honors God. And when someone commends me for something I’ve done, I can say, “Thank you. God is so good!”

We can be proud of what God does through us always remembering that it’s about Him. Not about us.

At Home or Absent (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

I’m totally with Paul. I definitely “prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be home with the Lord.” I honestly cannot wait until I meet my Savior face-to-face.

But, as I often say, every day that God gets me up out of bed is another day He’s choosing to use me to fulfill His purpose. And so what should I do? I should have the same ambition Paul did: “to be pleasing to Him.”

I need to follow His “greatest commandments”: loving Him—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loving others (Mark 12:30-31).

I need to be loving, joyful, gentle, kind. I need to have self-control, to be patient, to be faithful (Galatians 5:22-23).

I need to seek His will in all things (James 4:15).

Yes, we each have a purpose, and God will continue to use us until He takes us to heaven, either through death or Christ’s return. And even though we may long for the day we stand in His presence, our focus must be on living to please Him.

Heavenly Clothing (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Living with chronic health issues isn’t fun. And those of us who deal with these kinds of issues would prefer not having to do so. Truly. If God were to completely heal me this moment, I’d be perfectly happy!

But—and I’m speaking only for myself—there are a few positives about ill health. Knowing I have little strength of my own, I’m much more dependent on God’s strength. I have the blessing of encouraging others who deal with chronic health issues.

And most of all, I long to be “clothed with [my] dwelling from heaven.” I groan here on earth as my earthly “tent” continues to fall apart. I’m burdened every day by my body’s lack of energy, limited capacity, and relentless pain. I look forward with great anticipation to that day when I can shed this earthly skin, when I will feel pain no longer.

So when I struggle to get out of bed and when I just don’t think I have the strength to go on, I remember the words of a great old hymn:

This world is not my home; I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door. And I can’t feel at home in this world any more. 

Kingdom-Focused (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The older I get, the more I understand Paul’s words “our outer man is decaying …” I certainly feel that way. As my health gradually decreases, I have much less capacity to do what I’d like to do.

But I also better understand “our inner man is being renewed day by day.” I find myself clinging more and more tightly to my Lord. I more eagerly await eternity with Him in heaven. I better understand how today’s “light affliction” is for God’s glory as I’m able to show true compassion to those who are hurting.

And I absolutely understand temporary versus eternal. Life is short. Really short. And the things that seemed so important a mere five or ten or twenty years ago just don’t seem to matter. I’ve been abundantly blessed with material things. We live in an increasingly lovely home (still a work in progress after only two weeks …) in a beautiful new environment. We drive cars (with no debt). We have ample food.

But when it comes down to it, none of this matters any more. The only things that matter—that truly matter—are my God, my family and friends, and how I’m serving them. Is what I’m doing building God’s kingdom? Will it matter for eternity?

In John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life, he writes of a couple who retired early and spent their days traveling on their yacht. They walked along the beach picking up shells. One day, they’ll stand before the Lord’s throne and say, “Look at my shells.” What a waste of this life God has given us. Elsewhere, Piper writes:

God created you—and me—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion—namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying His supreme excellence in all spheres of life … The wasted life is the life without a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.

Yes, we’re all slowly, but surely, falling apart (sorry, but it’s true), but if we focus on the eternal, if we strive to bring glory to God by serving Him and others, our lives will not be wasted.

Our lives will have eternal meaning. And that’s all that really matters. 

Believe ... Therefore, Speak (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

As often happens, today’s verses both convicted and encouraged me.

The conviction comes from verse 13: “… we also believe, therefore we also speak …”

I believe in God—Father, Son, and Spirit—with all my heart. I believe this world was created by Him. I believe sin entered the world when Adam and Eve chose to follow their own way instead of God’s. I believe God always had a plan of salvation that culminated with the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe this with all my heart.

Yet, how often do I speak about what I believe? Not often enough. And I have such easy “openers.” I have a speaking ministry. I teach for a Christian university. There is nothing that should keep me from telling others about my beliefs … nothing except my own feelings of inadequacy or fear, that is.

I’m challenging myself to take every opportunity to just say, “This is what I do,” and see how the lines of communication open.

But I’m also encouraged by these verses when I remember how the story of God’s grace is “spreading to more and more people.” Even if I’m not speaking as often as I could, I’m so grateful for those who have heard God’s call and speak His name with boldness.

As I write these words, one of my nephews and his wife are preparing to move half-way around the world to serve as full-time missionaries. They go with boldness and enthusiasm, eager to share Christ with others.

God’s story will be told, with me or without me. With you or without you.

I think I’d rather it be told with me. What about you?

Purpose for Adversity (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Adversity isn’t a new concept to us Christians. Paul experienced more trial and tribulation than most of us ever will. Beatings. Shipwrecks. Imprisonment. Yet he was able to look at those adversities as part of his refining process.

He wasn’t crushed or despairing or forsaken or destroyed ... How could that be?

I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain I could have as positive an outlook as he did. When I’m feeling particularly unwell, I sometimes despair wondering if I’ve fallen to a new plateau. And to be honest? Every once in a while—not often, but sometimes—I feel forsaken.

But then I have to remember that God has a purpose for adversity. Just as iron sharpens iron and the fire purifies gold, difficult times make us stronger. They make us more reliant on God. They make us seek His truth.

If we keep our eyes on God, if we understand the purpose behind affliction, then we can withstand being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. We can, in fact, trust Him to use the difficult times to refine us and to glorify Himself.

Living in the Light (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Many of us live in darkness. The darkness of physical pain. The darkness of emotional turmoil. The darkness of troubled relationships.

Some of us even live in spiritual darkness.

Only One person can bring us into the light, no matter what darkness we face.

Jesus Christ—Messiah, Savior, Redeemer—is the Light. He shines through the darkness, and He leads us through whatever murky valley we’re traveling.

As the psalmist wrote, “I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me …” (CEV, 23:4).

John also wrote about the Light: “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (NKJV, 1 John 1:5).

When we commit our lives to God, we too walk in the light, and we should reflect that light to others. Just two verses later in 1 John, we read, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1:7). And as Matthew wrote, we are to be light to others: “Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (CEV, 5:16).

God’s light does and will shine out of darkness. We can cling to His hand, and He will lead and guide us.

And most wonderful of all? One day, we will live with Him in heaven where darkness will be abolished forever:

Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age. (MSG, Revelation 22:5)

I can’t wait!

Life the Veil (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

We are in a battle, as Paul wrote, not “against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). And the enemy of our souls, “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), wants nothing more than to keep people from coming to faith.

He uses the enticements of this world to seduce unbelievers and convinces them that they don’t need a Savior. They’re basically good, they think. Christianity is too restrictive, and Christians are hypocrites, they say.

They view all religious beliefs as the same, and everyone will get to heaven. Or they don’t believe in any religion and figure they might as well live this life to the fullest.

They’re blinded to the truth. To them, the gospel is veiled.

We can help to lift that veil. We need to be the light of Christ, attracting unbelievers to the “gospel of the glory of Christ.” We need to help them see their need for a Savior. We need to illustrate the joy that comes by being in relationship with Christ.

One day, we’ll all stand before the throne of God. Those of us who know God’s truth and who have accepted the gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ will hear, “Well done” (Luke 19:17). And those who have rejected Him will hear, “I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS” (Matthew 7:23).

What will you do to lift the veil?

No Need for Shame (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

How often have you let past sin cause present shame? That momentary indiscretion. That ill-advised choice. That spark of rebellion.

It’s past. It’s done.

You’ve asked for forgiveness, but sometimes, you still feel shame.

You don’t need to feel that way. You can “renounce” those things. Why? Because we serve a merciful God. We don’t have to live in shame any longer because all our past sins have been wiped away by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are, in the Father’s eyes, white as snow.

While grace is getting what we don’t deserve, mercy is not getting what we do deserve. We do deserve condemnation. We do deserve to live in shame. But our merciful God has wiped away our sins, and He remembers them no more (Isaiah 43:25).

And if you think about it, continuing to live in shame is almost saying that Christ’s sacrifice isn’t enough. That God’s promise to forget our sins is a lie.

In the words of Paul, may that never be!

Once we’re saved through the acceptance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we don’t need to feel any shame.

Just tremendous gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.

A Future and a Hope (2 Corinthians 2:12-18)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Sometimes, it seems as though there is little to have hope in. We can’t hope in our politicians or leaders. We can’t hope in our jobs or in the economy. We can’t even hope in some relationships.

It seems … well, hopeless.

In this broken, fallen world, there is only one source of true hope: Almighty God. No matter what is happening, He can be trusted to provide, to guide, and to protect.

Ten years ago, I wrote a book that flowed from a retreat talk I give. The Best Laid Plans is based on three of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11-13. In the section about “a future and a hope,” I wrote:

What would a future be without hope? Why in the world would I, would you, want to look forward to another day on this earth without hope that every new day would bring the peace that God promised? … I often wonder how those who don’t know Jesus have hope. What is it they hope for? Is it wealth? Is it possessions? Is it a relationship? And when money or things or people let them down, then what do they hope for? (© 2005)

I still ask these same questions. Without the confidence I have that a loving God is in control, I would have no hope. None.

But because I do believe in God, because I believe His word to be true, because I believe He has a plan for my life, I have hope.

I have hope in His guidance here on earth, and even more, I have hope that one day I will be with Him for eternity.

That’s where my hope is.

So Inadequate (2 Corinthians 3:4-11)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11

Oh my word … whenever I read today’s verses, I want to shout, “YES!” I am so very, very inadequate in myself. Nothing I am, nothing I do, nothing I say is from me. I am only able to do anything because of Jesus Christ’s work through me.

This is especially clear to me when I speak or perform. My ill health so often drains me of energy, so my resources are low anyway. Then, when I have the privilege to share God’s truth through a speaking engagement or am able to be on stage, I give all I have … which often isn’t much.

Many times, I have stood off stage or have waited for an introduction, and I have prayed, “Lord Jesus, I have nothing. Please speak [or act] through me. I cannot do this without You.”

And every time, He carries me through.

I cannot fully express how I feel when I leave a stage or finish a talk, knowing that my Lord has brought me through. I am humbled and grateful all at once. And I can point to Him as the One who gives me exactly what I need to do and what I need to say.

And I am blessed.

Words of Affirmation (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

This is not a commercial for the book, but I’ve been reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman again. While I’ve read it a few times over the years, now that Russ and I are in a new season of our lives, I thought it would be helpful to be reminded of effective communication based on our primary love languages.

My primary love language is “words of affirmation.” Like many of you, my “tank” is filled when I am affirmed and encouraged. I try to fill the tanks of others by doing the same.

So many today need words of commendation and encouragement. Teachers. Pastors. The girl at the checkout counter. The guy making coffee.

Your friends. Your parents. Your kids …

Your spouse.

Too many go through their days with little encouragement. In fact, they live or work or go to school in places where all they hear are put-downs and belittling words. Their “tanks” are constantly bordering on empty.

Your co-worker. The person sitting across the aisle at school. The person sitting across the dinner table.

What an amazing gift you could give by saying, “I’m proud of you” or “you did a great job” or "thank you for your help" or "I appreciate you."

Simple words, but oh-so-powerful.

Fill someone’s “tank” today.  

A Fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

The title of one of the talks I give through my ministry is “Are You an Annual or a Perennial?” The premise is that some people are day-in, day-out totally committed followers of Christ. They “bloom” year-round. Others are those annual, go to church on Easter “Christians.”

I talk about how those who “bloom where they are planted” are pleasing to the Lord, and I mention verse 15 of today’s scripture. Those who are surrendered to the Lord are the “fragrance of Christ to God …”

When we commit fully to the Lord and live as Christ has called us to live (see Mark 12:30-31), we are fragrant examples of Christ to others. Rather than spending all our time and energy on pointing out what’s wrong with others, we could be loving, kind, gentle, and patient. We could help those in need. We could, as we looked at yesterday, encourage and affirm those around us.

We could attract unbelievers by the sweet fragrance of Christ rather than repel them with foul-smelling words of hate or abuse.

I don’t know about you, but I want God to smile as the fragrance of how I’ve lived for Him wafts heavenward. The alternative just isn’t acceptable …

Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:1-22)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Yesterday, I wrote about how sad—tragic really—it is when people who call themselves Christians, part of the very body of Christ, bicker over irrelevant things. Even more tragic is when a brother or sister in Christ refuses to forgive another.

So much pain and suffering comes as a result of unforgiveness … and not necessarily for the one who needs to be forgiven.

I’m not certain of the source, but I’ve heard a saying that goes something like: “Anger is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” May I say the same thing about unforgiveness?

When a person refuses to forgive another, bitterness leaches into her own heart and soul. In fact, the other person may not even know he has slighted her. He goes on his merry way, and she is left with a bitter, unforgiving heart.

I think the enemy loves it when we refuse to forgive others. He knows that long-held unforgiveness can steal our focus off of serving and loving others. We can’t allow that to happen.

Even more, who are we who have been forgiven everything to harbor any unforgiveness? Jesus forgave the vilest of sinners—including you and me.

Two last thoughts: first, you can forgive someone even if he never asks for it; and second, forgiveness doesn’t mean approval or reconciliation.

Forgiveness is releasing the burden of anger and bitterness from one’s own heart; it is breaking free from the shackles of unforgiveness.

It is being Christ-like. 

Working Together (2 Corinthians 1:23-24)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

It is a true tragedy when really painful things happen because of denominational differences. Just because one person worships differently than someone else or practices another ritual or tradition, that other person is somehow wrong.

Contemporary versus traditional.

High church versus low church.

Praise songs versus hymns.

I’m certain all our bickering and nit-picking breaks the heart of our Savior. If we believe in and follow the God of the Bible, some things are foundational: salvation and eternal life come by grace only through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9); Jesus Himself is the one and only “way, truth, and life” (John 14:6); one day, those who have chosen to follow Christ will spend eternity in heaven (John 14:2-3).

What kinds of songs I sing (as long as they’re glorifying God) don’t matter. Whether I kneel or stand or sit doesn’t matter. If I worship at a Saturday service or wake early on a Sunday … It doesn’t matter.

What matters is that I’ve committed my life to serve the one true God. What matters is that I choose to live like Christ, to serve Him and others. What matters is what I do for eternity.

Let’s be fellow workers for our Lord, standing firm in faith.

Loving and serving each other. Loving and serving God.

God's Promises (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Last Thursday, I wrote of God’s faithfulness. Today continues that theme. God faithfully keeps all His promises. His yes is always yes. And what does He promise us?

He promises to provide for our needs—not our wants, mind you, but our needs (Philippians 4:19).

He promises to love us with an “everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).

He promises to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).

He will provide for us, care for us, heal us (Genesis 22:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 30:2).

He will be our refuge, our strength, our help (Psalm 46:1-2).

He will forgive us, cleanse us, make us righteous in His eyes (1 John 1:9).

When we commit our lives to Him by accepting the gift of salvation and eternal live through the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we become sons and daughters of God the Father. And just like any other loving father, our Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.

Always.

The Journey Continues ...

On April 1, I wrote about a new journey Russ and I have embarked upon. We've been in East Tennessee for almost two months now, and we love it. We love the green trees, the frequent rain, the gracious people. We love the many day trips we've been able to take.

And we love being together! It is such a blessing!

Today, we close escrow on our Tennessee home, and we couldn't be more excited to make it ours.

As this journey continues, I ask again for your prayers for patience, for grace, and for humble hearts as we begin the process of moving in. As many of you know, it can be a bit stressful!

As I ponder on the last two months and anticipate the coming days, a verse that resonates is Philippians 4:19 (by the way, I hope to get to this book, one of my favorites, later in the year, so stay tuned!). I memorized the New King James Version of this verse years ago, but The Living Bible seems to "hit the mark" for me today:

And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.

God will always supply our needs ... and sometimes He just abundantly blesses us by making our dreams come true!

In God We Trust (2 Corinthians 1:15-19)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:15-19

Sometimes I read several verses, and I see all kinds of application. Words that affirm. Phrases that convict. Other times, just one or two words jump out at me, and I spend time meditating on just those few words.

Such is the case today. Paul makes a good point about not vacillating when moving forward with God’s plan, but the words that speak the most to me today?

God is faithful.

It seems like there is so little in this world in which we can put our faith. People let us down. Governments crumble. Things fall apart. Stock markets crash.

Nothing or no one is worthy of our trust, and so we just don’t trust anyone or anything. Then we won’t be hurt.

But that’s no way to live ... and that’s not how we were created to live. God created us for relationship with Him and with others. And yet, if people and things let us down, if they prove to be unfaithful, in whom or in what can we put our trust? Who will be faithful, no matter what?

Our God will be. Always.

He will love us everlastingly. He will never, ever leave us alone. He will be by our sides through the good and will carry us through the bad.

He is faithful, when no one or nothing else is.

In God we really can trust!

Proud Confidence (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

Sometimes it seems that there is nothing in which we can put our confidence—nothing and no one.

An up and down economy. Social unrest. Persecuted believers. Wars—and rumors of wars.

Corrupt politicians. Immoral clergy. Depraved celebrities.

It’s enough to make you want to crawl into a whole and hibernate. A “Calgon moment” for sure. Or perhaps a “Calgon lifetime”?

It seems hopeless. And in many ways, it is indeed hopeless. If we put our confidence in another person or in the things of this world, we are destined for disappointment.

The only thing we can—and should—put our hope in is the grace of God. In His wisdom. In His teachings. In His plan. In His will.

If we put our confidence in Him, we will never truly be disappointed. If we trust that He does work all things out for good as Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, we can have confidence that, even in the most difficult times, God will prevail. His word will stand firm.

And there’s one more thing in which we can have confidence: the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, as this world continues its downward spiral, we can be confident that His return is ever closer.

I’m confident about that!

The Mystery of Prayer (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Prayer is, for me at least, a great mystery. If God is omniscient, knowing all things, than He already knows what I’m going to pray before I even pray it. So why do we pray?

I think it’s because it keeps our focus on God and His will. We pray for healing or provision or strength, and we seek God’s will in each situation. We trust that He’ll do exactly what is right as He sees right. We hope in His sovereignty, knowing that all things will work out for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).

Another reason we should pray is because when we’re praying for others, we think of them rather than ourselves. And it often puts things into perspective. When I pray for a friend with cancer, I realize how blessed I am, even with my daily aches and pains. When I’m reminded of a need for financial provision, I remember that God has given ample funds to take care of my daily needs.

Prayer is still a mystery to me, but I pray. I pray for God’s will in all things. I pray that my friends and family will find peace, will be provided for, and will be protected.

I pray for those who serve God full time. I pray for those who don’t yet know my Lord. I pray for our government, for our nation … for our world.

And I pray for you.

Comfort ... A Reason for Suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

I would give a lot to live without constant pain and fatigue. I would love to wake up one morning and feel well. It would be a pretty amazing thing …

But that doesn’t seem to be God’s plan. Oh, I’ve prayed for healing. Others have as well. And I believe with all my heart that God could take my pain away, but for reasons known only to Himself, He does not.

So, since He hasn’t healed my earthly pain, I’ve had to make a choice: wallow in the pain or see a greater purpose in it. And I choose the latter.

That’s why I love verses like today’s. There is a purpose in pain. For me, one purpose is that it keeps me focused on God. I know I can’t handle it on my own. Those mornings when I wake up and it’s all I can do to even get out of bed? I immediately ask the Lord for strength, just to get through that day. And He does.

The other purpose is that I’m able to comfort others who deal with health issues. I can offer a shoulder or a hug. I can give advice based on my own experience. I can pray with them and for them.

There’s nothing quite like having someone who’s experienced something similar to what you’re going through. While my wonderful husband loves me and wants to help me, he really doesn’t “get it.” And I’m glad he doesn’t because I wouldn’t want him to live with the pain I do.

So when I need a bit of comfort myself, I tend to gravitate to others who can empathize. To those who say—and mean it—“I know what you’re going through.” Not a pity party, mind you … just a feeling that I’m not on this journey alone.

Yes, I’d love to be pain-free. But since I’m not, I can feel blessed because I know God is using my pain.

It’s not just about physical pain. Whatever you’ve experienced—abuse, infertility, divorce, addiction—God can use that experience to help and comfort others. You can directly impact the lives of those who are on similar paths to your own.

And that’s one of the greatest blessings.

God's Promises (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Last Thursday, I wrote of God’s faithfulness. Today continues that theme. God faithfully keeps all His promises. His yes is always yes. And what does He promise us?

He promises to provide for our needs—not our wants, mind you, but our needs (Philippians 4:19).

He promises to love us with an “everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).

He promises to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).

He will provide for us, care for us, heal us (Genesis 22:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 30:2).

He will be our refuge, our strength, our help (Psalm 46:1-2).

He will forgive us, cleanse us, make us righteous in His eyes (1 John 1:9).

When we commit our lives to Him by accepting the gift of salvation and eternal live through the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we become sons and daughters of God the Father. And just like any other loving father, our Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.

Always.

Grace to You ... (2 Corinthians 1:1-2)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-2

Thank you for keeping up with our journey through 1 Corinthians. Without losing any momentum, today begins a several-weeks journey through Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth.

As always, he starts by greeting his brothers and sisters.

I’m sure I’ve written this before, but letter-writing—true pen to paper letter-writing—is a lost art. I’m as guilty as the next person … I rarely sit down and actually hand write a letter to friends and family.

Certainly, I text and message and email, but taking out a piece of lovely stationery and pen? Not so much. It’s kind of sad. I still have many of the handwritten notes my husband wrote when we were dating. He’d often leave one on my car or slip one in a silly card. Those notes document a part of our history together.  Now he’ll text a silly comment or two, but I don’t keep those.

Yep. Kind of sad.

But I guess, even if we don’t handwrite any more, one of the most important things is keeping in touch. And even more important? Praying that our friends and family experience the grace and peace that comes only through relationship with Jesus.

And so, as we head down this path through 2 Corinthians, I pray the same for you: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

You Have Blessed Me (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:19-24

I just love how God made us for relationship. With Him. With others.

Paul certainly understood the importance of relationships. In all his letters, he began by greeting his brothers and sisters in Christ with joy and love. He so desired they grow in faith, and it’s clear he dearly loved them. He mentioned friends by name, like Aquila and Prisca, and he continually prayed for them.

I too dearly love the people with whom God has blessed me. I have a wonderful family, and I know they’re just a phone call away (and now, some of them are within a reasonable distance for a visit!). I have faithful friends who pray for me and support me. I’ve mentioned before that, although God chose not to give my husband and me children, He’s blessed me abundantly with “children of my heart.” I have “daughters” who actually call me “mama.”

Then there’s my wonderful husband. We are in a new chapter of our lives, and for the first time, we actually have abundant time together. I am continually blessed by his presence.

If you’re reading this devotional, it’s because you are part of my life in some way. And so, I pray along with Paul: “Maranatha [Come, O Lord!]. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Supply What Is Lacking (1 Corinthians 16:14-18)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:14-18

It bears repeating: We Christians are all part of one Body, and we’ve been created to serve our God in whatever capacity He’s designed. We all have gifts that “supply what is lacking” in others.

I cannot do what you can do in the exact way you do it. You cannot do what I can do in the exact way I do it. Together, however, we all do exactly what God calls us to do.

That’s one of the greatest things about being a child of God: We’re not on this journey alone. Not only do we have our never-leaving, never-forsaking God (Hebrews 13:5), not only does He love us everlastingly (Jeremiah 31:3), but we also have our brothers and sisters to walk alongside us. Paul certainly did.

So we need to support one another. Acknowledge each other.

Celebrate each other.

Show gratitude to each other. Submit to each other.

Love each other.

Words to Live By (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13

Paul is winding down his lengthy letter to the Corinthian. He has a few last greetings, which we’ll see in the next couple of days, but today, we’ll look at his last admonitions. Before we do so, I want to take a quick look at a couple of versions of this verse.

The New American Standard Bible, the version I’ve been using throughout this study on 1 Corinthians, says, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

The Message paraphrases, “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.”

And the Contemporary English Version interprets, “Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.”

So let’s look at these last instructions from this letter:

Be on the alert. In another letter, Paul wrote, “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” We are in a battle every day, and we need to stay awake, stay alert, be aware of the wiles and lies of the enemy.

Stand firm in faith. I did a quick search of the New American Standard Bible, and Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” 13 times. I particularly like how The Message puts it: we need to “… hold tight to [our] convictions.” We need to understand and stand on our faith in Jesus Christ.

Act like men, be strong. This doesn’t mean we should all be men. It means we need be strong and brave to withstand the attack of the enemy.

Let all that you do be done in love. This is the bottom line … we need to love each other. We need to go back to chapter 13 frequently. We need to be patient, kind, non-judgmental. We need to love as Christ loves. Unconditionally. Without fail.

No one ever said it was easy to be a Christian. But if we meditate on God’s word, and if we strive to live according to God’s commandments and admonitions in it, then we’ll become more and more the people God created us to be.

Do the Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:10-12

Doing the Lord’s work …

We have been created for a purpose: to love our Lord—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love others (see Mark 12:30-31). How we demonstrate that love may be different as we use our God-given gifts to serve Him and others.

Some of us may preach or teach. Some of us may open our homes to encourage others. Some of us may offer mercy to the hurting. Some of us may pray without ceasing, interceding for those in need.

I’ve probably written this before, but I find it absolutely amazing—and overwhelmingly humbling—that God chooses us to do His work. We, who are weak, fleshly, flawed, are a critical part of His kingdom-building.

Amazing.

Yet, so often, we take this sacred responsibility for granted. We serve Him when it’s convenient for us. We help others when we have nothing better to do.

If it doesn’t interfere with our social lives, our television watching, our sports … well, then we can serve God, then we can do the work He’s called us to do.

The greatest commandment, according to Jesus Himself, is to love God. And the second is to love others. To show our love for Him, we must do what He calls us to do. We must do His work.

No hesitation. No “I will when I have time.” No “I will if there’s nothing better to do.”

If we all did what God’s called us to do, if we truly loved Him, if we strove to serve others with love … how different might this world be?

Let’s do the Lord’s work. Joyfully. Diligently. Humbly. And maybe we’ll change the world.

Seasons With Friends (1 Corinthians 16:5-9)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9

Sometimes we forget that Paul’s letters are exactly that: letters. And I love how he includes personal notes that remind us of his human need for relationship.

Here, he writes how he hopes to stay with the Corinthian Christians not “just in passing.” Rather he wants to spend the winter with them. An entire season. “For some time.”

We too are made for relationship. We need people around us to support us, to encourage us, and to love us. Even the most introverted among us need a friend or two. We need interaction with others, conversations, touch, hugs.

We’re made that way. Think of it this way: We’re created in the image of God, right? And our God is a God of relationships. In His trinity, He is in relationship—Father, Son, and Spirit. He created man to be in relationship with Himself.

And so we’re to be in relationship with others.

Find friends with whom you want to spend time … not just in passing, but for seasons upon seasons.

Put Aside ... and Give (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Just think if those of us who profess faith in Christ would automatically “put aside and save” a portion of our income and gave it to furthering the gospel? Supporting missionaries. Providing for the needs of pastors and other ministry workers.

I’ve read statistics that if all believers gave just a tiny percentage of their income—significantly less than ten percent—worldwide hunger could be alleviated and every person could have clean, healthy drinking water.

And yet, missionaries often struggle to raise support. Ministers have to get second—or third—jobs in order to pay their bills.

Children starve. People die of dehydration.

Are you giving back to God from what He’s given you? Are you doing your part to help support those who have been called to serve Him?

Why not “put aside and save” a portion of God’s blessings to help build His kingdom.

Your Toil Is Not in Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58

There is only one real purpose for those who follow Christ: serving Him and doing the will of the Father. Because one day, when we stand before His throne, the only thing that will matter will be what we did for Him.

Everything else will pass away: “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).

We must, therefore, be steadfast in our faith. We need to keep our minds and hearts focused on God and His word, studying it. Meditating on it. Memorizing it.

We need to be immovable in what we believe, not “carried away by the error of unprincipled men” (2 Peter 3:17).

Nothing else truly matters. Not riches. Not fame. Not material goods. Nothing.

Only what we do for our Lord is of worth. And nothing we do for Him is in vain.

Victory Over Death (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

What’s that old saying? “Nothing is sure but death and taxes.”

And yes, death is inevitable … Unless Christ returns, we’ll all die one day. And for some people, death is frightening.

But for those of us who know the Lord, death is merely a graduation. It has no power. It has no victory.

Certainly, when those of us who have accepted the gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection die, we will cease to inhabit our temporary, earthly bodies. But we will not cease exist. Death will not swallow our souls—the essence of who we are.

We will live in heaven with our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. We will serve Him and praise Him throughout eternity.

No. Death is no victor. We serve the One who is stronger than anything—including death.

Praise Him!

Gloriously Changed (1 Corinthians 15:42-49)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:42-49

I wrote on Friday that I look forward to having a glorified body, one without pain or fatigue. And I seriously can’t wait.

The concept of earthly versus heavenly, natural versus spiritual, continues in today’s verses:

Such is the established order of Providence. We must have weak, frail, mortal bodies by descent from the first Adam, before we can have lively, spiritual, and immortal ones by the quickening power of the second. We must die before we can live to die no more. Yet if we are Christ's, true believers in him (for this whole discourse relates to the resurrection of the saints), it is as certain that we shall have spiritual bodies as it is now that we have natural or animal ones. By these we are as the first Adam, earthy, we bear his image; by those we shall be as the second Adam, have bodies like his own, heavenly, and so bear him image. And we are as certainly intended to bear the one as we have borne the other. As surely therefore as we have had natural bodies, we shall have spiritual ones. The dead in Christ shall not only rise, but shall rise thus gloriously changed. (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible)

Gloriously changed. Bearing the image of Christ.

One day. One day soon, I pray.

A Glorified Body ... (1 Corinthians 15:35-41)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-41

I may be going way off-track of what Paul might have meant by heavenly and earthly bodies, but these verses remind me that this earthly body I inhabit now is temporary. One day, I’ll have a glorified body in which I’ll spend eternity.

This earthly body is frail. Weak. Flawed. It is in constant pain. It is chronically fatigued. It lacks energy. Yes, God gives it enough strength to do what He calls it to do, but I tire of it. Often.

So many days, I want to shed this earthly skin and take on a new body that is strong and pain-free. Days like today. My joints are stiff. My hips and knees throb. My muscles spasm.

It makes me long all the more for the day when I feel no pain and have energy in abundance to praise and serve God. One day, in the mansion He’s designed just for me, I’ll live—I’ll thrive—in that glorified body. That heavenly body.

And that day can’t come soon enough!

A Greater Purpose (1 Corinthians 15:29-34)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

If Jesus Christ didn’t rise from the grave, then everything is futile. There is no purpose, no meaning. If, as some people say, when we die, we die and become worm food, then why bother?

If I didn’t believe there was a purpose to my life, a God-designed purpose, I wouldn’t want to live. Seriously. I watch this world get more and more corrupt. I see the selfishness in its people. I hear the hate and anger. It’s so often not a very pleasant place to be.

And when I wake up in the morning, and the pain is overwhelming, if I didn’t know God would give me the strength to make it through each moment and if I didn’t know He’d use the pain for His glory … well, again, I wouldn’t want to live.

But I do believe Christ rose from the dead. I do believe He lives today. I do believe God has a great purpose for all things.

So I do get up every morning. I do trust in His strength. I do believe in His purpose and plan.

And I look forward to the day of Christ’s return.

The War Is Won! (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Adam’s choice in the Garden of Eden brought sin into the world—the sin of pride, of wanting to not just be like God, but to be God.

And Adam’s sin infiltrated the hearts and souls of all of his descendents. We are all sinful. Or as Paul wrote in another of his epistles: “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23).

We can in no way solve the problem of sin—on our own, that is. But there is One far greater than any sin we could possibly commit. There is One through whom we can “all be made alive.”

Sometimes it seems like the enemy is winning. Sin is rampant. Corruption prevails. Perversion triumphs. Satan is licking his chops in glee as he sees the downward spiral of this earth.

Ah, but we know the end of the story. We know that Jesus “has put all His enemies under His feet … He has put all things in subjection under His feet.”

Yes, through one man sin entered the world. But through the Son of Man, the “last enemy that will be abolished is death.”  Right will overcome wrong. Life will vanquish death.

And those of us who have chosen to follow Christ will spend eternity with our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Everything else will fall away.

So I say, “Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

If Not ... Then ... (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

The gospel—the good news of salvation—hinges on the resurrection. If Christ had merely died and buried, then there would be no good news. We would still be lost.

One of my favorite commentaries investigates these verses:

Having shown that Christ was risen, the apostle answers those who said there would be no resurrection. There had been no justification, or salvation, if Christ had not risen. And must not faith in Christ be vain, and of no use, if he is still among the dead? The proof of the resurrection of the body is the resurrection of our Lord. Even those who died in the faith, had perished in their sins, if Christ had not risen. All who believe in Christ, have hope in him, as a Redeemer; hope for redemption and salvation by him; but if there is no resurrection, or future recompence, their hope in him can only be as to this life. And they must be in a worse condition than the rest of mankind, especially at the time, and under the circumstances, in which the apostles wrote; for then Christians were hated and persecuted by all men. But it is not so; they, of all men, enjoy solid comforts amidst all their difficulties and trials, even in the times of the sharpest persecution. (Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible)

We would have no real hope if Jesus had remained in the grave.

But He didn’t. Eyewitness report proves that He rose from the grave. He lives. And so shall we who follow Him.

Grace for the Least (1 Corinthians 15:9-11)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11

We are all the “least of the apostles.” None of us deserves God’s grace. None of us.

Yet that’s exactly what God offers to us. Grace. Unmerited favor. Getting what we don’t deserve.

Most of us didn’t persecute the church of God, but we sinned. Each and every one of us. Some of us “worse” than others, certainly. But each of us has sinned. Each of has broken the heart of our Lord and Savior. Each of us deserves eternal separation from Him.

Yet, if we receive the gift of salvation by receiving Christ as our Savior, we are covered by God’s grace. We receive eternity with our Lord and Savior.

We receive so much of what we don’t deserve. Even those of us who have been the worst of sinners.

Grace is ours … We just have to ask.

99 Words (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Yesterday, Paul wrote of how the gospel needs to be received and then stood by and held fast. Today’s verses are the gospel in a “nutshell.”

You may have heard of the “elevator speech”? It’s when you’re able to describe or illustrate something in the time it takes to ride an elevator up a high-rise building. In just 99 words, Paul defines “gospel,” which could definitely be said in less than a minute. We Christians should memorize these verses so that we’re prepared to quickly and succinctly share the truth.

So many of us are intimated when we think of sharing the gospel. We’re content to let preachers and teacher do the work for us. Yet we’re all called to share God’s truth. In fact, we’re commanded to do so. Jesus’ final words to His disciples apply to us as well: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Yet it’s not easy. We’re not quite sure what to say, and we’re afraid we might be asked something we can’t answer. Perhaps having just 99 words that completely encapsulate the truth would help: Jesus died for our sins and was buried and was resurrected according to the scripture. And we know this to be true because He appeared to many—many—before He ascended to heaven.

Share the truth. Share the gospel. Share the 99 words.

Hold Fast to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

As most of us know, “gospel” means good news. Specifically, it means the good news of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said that He—and only He—is the “way and the truth and the life.” He also said that “no one comes to the Father but through [Him]” (John 14:6).

This is the gospel Paul preached with passion and diligence … and for which he was willing to give his own life. And he definitely practiced what he preached.

He received the gospel when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Yes, he had a supernatural encounter that few of us have, but when he was faced with the truth of the risen Savior, He accepted that truth.

He stood by and held fast the gospel, devoting his life to sharing the truth throughout his known world. And He suffered for that gospel: In addition to being imprisoned countless times, he wrote, “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren …” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25).

When we look at “receiving,” most Christians would say that, of course, they received the gospel. That’s why they’re Christians.

But what about standing by and holding fast? Have I devoted my life to sharing the gospel with my known world? Am I willing to suffer for it? Is God—Father, Son, and Spirit—the number-one priority in my life? Do I live to glorify Him by my speech, thoughts, and actions?

What about you?

The Greatest Is Love (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Love is the only thing that will endure. Love for God. Love for others. Anything else we do on earth will “be done away” and “cease.” All spiritual gifts that God has given us to build His kingdom will also cease. Because when we stand face-to-face with our Father, we will have fulfilled His purpose on earth, and prayerfully, we’ll hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

And while we may understand some of God’s purpose and will while we’re here, one day, we will “know fully just as [we] have been fully known.” The mirror into which we now see dimly will be clear.

So while we’re on earth, we need to love as Jesus loves. With patience, kindness, mercy, and grace. We need to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to love unbelievers and show them the love of Christ. And we need to love our God—Father, Son, and Spirit—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

For, indeed, the greatest of all things is love.

Love Endures All Things (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love endures all things.

For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.

Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.

Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. It's being there for your mate. It's loving him or her with patience, kindness, without arrogance ... All those things we've been talking about.

Yes, Russ and I have been married 27 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.

Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, and whom I know will be there for me no matter what.

Our love has endured. If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just Astroturf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you aren't married yet, but hope to be some day, remember these words. Remember to focus on the marathon, not the sprint

Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.

Run the race. Finish the marathon.

Endure.

Love Hopes All Things (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love hopes all things.

Hope is one of my favorite words. Hope. Anticipation.

I especially like Webster’s definition: to “cherish a desire with anticipation” or to “expect with confidence.”

When we love with hope, we anticipate good things from and with the ones we love. We have confidence in their love for us. We hope for a bright future.

Russ and I have been together for over 30 years, and just celebrated our 27^th wedding anniversary last week. I still anticipate what’s ahead. I still “expect with confidence” that we have amazing times in store for us. And my hope is that we’ll love each other even more through the coming years!

We Christians live with an even greater hope: eternity in heaven with our Lord God. Talk about “cherish[ing] a desire with anticipation”! I desire nothing more than shedding this earthly skin and being in the very presence of my Lord and Savior. I live in hope for that day.

Where is your hope? Can you really “expect with confidence” the things of this world? Certainly, you can place your hope in trusted people on earth, but your hope—your only real hope—should be in the One who will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). The One who loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

Place your hope in Him.