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2 Corinthians 13 – Harshness

I wonder what this would look like?

2 Corinthians 13:2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that this next time I will not spare them.

What does "not spare them" mean. Paul said in earlier chapters that he performed miracles among them. Several people died in Peter's presence when they lied to God.

All I know is that I don't wouldn't want to be on Paul's bad side. Either fish, or cut bait and bail out of the Christian community.

Lord, may we not give You reason to give us harshness. It is only You kindness that gives us any hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Live well. Jan
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2 Corinthians 12 – Parents

I think one of the most odious bumper stickers I have seen is the one that states, “We're spending our children's inheritance.” What an amazing unbiblical statement! The goal of a Christian parent should be to create a world for their children that is better than the one that they grew up in.

2 Corinthians 12:14-15 Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have; I want you. And anyway, little children don't pay for their parents' food. It's the other way around; parents supply food for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for your spiritual good, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.

My children have no trouble asking for something that they want. It is natural for a child to expect their parent to provide. I remember being the same way at their age. And like the Apostle Paul, I will gladly spend myself and all that I have on their behalf. I wonder if that is why God was so willing to die for our sins? It is that as our heavenly parent, He gladly spent Himself?

Lord, thank You for giving, and forgiving. I love you Abba.

He's your daddy. Jan
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2 Corinthians 11 - False

Math is the only science where the answer to a question is always consistent. You will never find that, once a problem has been correctly solved, someone will come up with a different answer. This cannot be said of almost any other science. Astronomy is continually coming up with conundrums; such as dark matter. Biological breakthroughs from the genome project are forcing a complete reevaluation of all that is known about evolution. Larger and larger particle accelerators are generating new and hitherto unknown forms of matter. It seems that the more we know, the more we realize that we don't know.

In Christianity truth is unchanging. The message never changes, the methodology of delivering the message does. However, there are those that corrupt the answer. They want to turn an absolute truth into something false.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. In the end they will get every bit of punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

For a time you might convince someone to believe a lie, but eventually the truth has a way of coming out; if not in this life, certainly in the next. I pity the fool that is messing with the gospel. God has an extra warm place reserved in hell for them.

Lord, may we give Your message accurately. Please give us wisdom and discernment to know if we are being led to believe a lie. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Defend the truth. Jan
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2 Corinthians 10 - Weapons

WMD is a term that we've come to recognize in our culture. They are Weapons of Mass Destruction. Most civilized societies eschew them while secretly building them – just in case. Some of these weapons are so powerful that they can annihilate entire populations, yet leave the majority of the buildings intact. I remember a Wizard of Id cartoon that showed the wizard proudly proclaiming that he'd come up with just such a weapon. “It leaves the buildings unharmed.” His assistant asked the wise question, “For whom?” If one side in a conflict invents something, the other is soon to follow...

God too has WMD's. However, His are used to destroy Satanic strongholds and leave the people standing.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient.

We are the WMD's! God is calling us to destroy the strongholds, to “go off” in strategic locations and share the gospel with the lost. Just like radiation, it will spread. The wave of Christ will sweep the land and leave saved people where once Satan reigned.

Lord, may we find our place to go-off. Give us wisdom. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be a salvation bomb. Jan
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2 Corinthians 9 - Harvest

I remember a cartoon that showed a man about to be baptized in a river. The pastor said, “Whatever goes under this water is dedicated to the Lord's work.” In the very next pane of the cartoon you see that the pastor has dunked the man underwater. However, the man has one arm sticking out, holding his wallet above the water.

Why is it that so many Christians seem to bristle at the topic of giving? Everything we have is from the Lord. Don't they understand that?

2 Corinthians 9:6,10 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop... For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

We are the farmer. Are we truly giving of our time, talent, and treasure? David said it well when he insisted on purchasing Araunah's threshing floor.

2 Samuel 2:24 ..."No, I insist on buying it, for I cannot present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing."...

When a child or friend joyfully presents a gift to you that they've invested their time and effort in, that gift has more value than something grabbed on the fly from a convenience store. The reason is because it cost them more than only money, or because they sacrificed to earn the money for a well thought out gift. Is our Heavenly Father any less deserving of gifts that truly cost us?

Are we merely giving to the Lord our of our spare change? If it does not cost us something then are are truly sowing generously into the field? Is it really a true gift? And if not, how can we expect to reap a generous harvest?

Father, may I be willing to do the hard thing, to give when I don't feel like it. May my attitude change to one of a cheerful giver. Please give me wisdom in knowing what and when to give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Give cheerfully. Jan
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2 Corinthians 8 – Servant Heart

Today I attended a leadership meeting at church. It was truly wonderful to have ten men gathered in a room on a Saturday morning. They could have been sleeping or doing anything else. However these men found it important to come together for the purpose of learning how to better serve God and their fellow brothers.

2 Corinthians 8:5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them.

There was potential there for personal agendas, for axes to grind, for grumblings, disputes, power-grabs, and gossip. Instead the focus was about being servant-leaders. It was about learning how to better lead and we stayed on task. We were all dedicated to the Lord and whatever directions He might give us.

Father, thank You for helping us when we don't even know it. Thank You that You are the author of peace. May we work to promote it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be dedicated. Jan
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2 Corinthians 7 – Confidence

It is frustrating when confidence is misplaced. Having children can really test that aspect of relationships. The goal of most semi-normal parents is to raise children that can be trusted. The particular level of trust changes with the level of potential trouble that can be gotten into. For instance, most parents can trust their children to brush their teeth and do their homework – once the child is accustomed to doing those things. However, leaving them home alone for extended periods of time is something that takes a greater level of confidence.

2 Corinthians 7:16 I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.

Last night we left the boys home alone so that we could go out for an evening with adult friends. It was with a slight bit of trepidation, however, both boys have demonstrated, over time, that they can be trusted to a point.

We were not disappointed. The boys behaved well, and the house was not a disaster area when we returned. As a result, our confidence level in them has gone up some more. I can see that the time is coming, when like Paul, we will be able to have complete confidence in them.

Thank You Father that we have boys that are growing more trustworthy as they grow older. Please give us wisdom in raising them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Let confidence grow. Jan
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2 Corinthians 6 - Salvation

This past Sunday was my day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.

We were visiting relatives in Georgia. They live in a part that has beautiful hills and verdant forests. My children were enjoying riding down the smooth asphalt roads on their skateboards. They looked like they were having a truly good time. In a fit of temporary insanity I decided that it would be a great idea to join them! I grabbed Sam's long-board (it is a skateboard designed to go downhill - fast) and joined them on a hill that went down at about fifteen degrees or so.

It was glorious, the wind in my face, the feeling of flying, watching the mailboxes whiz past me... Umm, wait a minute, I'm going too fast... Before I knew it I was in trouble! The road was about to come to an abrupt stop at a dead-end. I panicked and tried to jump off and run.

As I said a moment ago, it was my day of salvation. Just prior to getting on the long-board, I put on Sam's helmet. Something I often neglect.

When my feet hit the ground, I was traveling at about fifteen to twenty miles per hour. I don't know about you, but I can't run that fast. I fell head first onto the asphalt. Then I proceeded to scrape off several layers of skin from my right shoulder and left knee.

2 Corinthians 6:4 In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

Ok, so this calamity was my fault, but thank God that He was with me, prompting my to put on the helmet of salvation. I now have to endure the hardship of recovery while my body grows new skin on my shoulder, palms of my hands, and left knee. Ouch. However, if I wasn't wearing the helmet of salvation, I would most likely be in heaven now. My head bounced hard off the road.

It brought to mind that the helmet of salvation is not just a one time thing. It is something that is on our heads to save us from the blows of Satan on a daily basis, and from our own stupidity.

Lord, thank you for the lesson. I'll leave the skateboarding to the younger crowd that heals faster. Thank you for keeping me around for my family's sake. You truly are good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He saves! Jan
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2 Corinthians 5 - Pleasing

This evening I had the distinct displeasure of a confrontation with my son. We were shopping, and he wanted to purchase an album by a popular rock band. I honestly wanted to give him permission to do so. However, without knowing what the lyrics were I couldn't agree. So, upon arriving home I looked up the lyrics. I was very disappointed. I've heard this band's music. They truly have talent. Unfortunately their lyrics glorify sex outside of marriage, contain profanities, disrespect parents, and seem to condone excessive alcohol drinking.

I created a document that contained the band's name, album name, and song titles. Below each song title I copied a particularly offensive section of lyrics. I did asterisk out any profanities. I then left the printed page on his bed. Note that I did not anywhere on the page say that he couldn't have the album. Although if he had still wanted it, I would have had to say no.

I let the words speak for themselves. He was confronted with truth - a truth he didn't want to know about. The result, while predictable was disappointing. He became angry and sullen.

However, if I had given in I would have violated God's desire for my life and his.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies.

It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.

As Paul wrote, my desire must be to please God. He will judge my actions or inactions - good or evil. Therefore, with full knowledge of that, I must do what I know is right; even if it results in a sullen and angry child for a while.

Lord, please give my son a desire for what is pure, holy, and good. Give him a love for You that exceeds a love for anything of the world. May that be so in all of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be a God pleaser. Jan
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2 Corinthians 4 - Trouble and Response

Today I visited a friend in the hospital. He doesn't know exactly what is wrong yet. But, he knows that something is wrong – there may be a growth on an organ.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

His attitude embodies the verses above. He knows that the growth could be cancerous, yet he is joyful and is concerned not for himself, rather he is concerned for his family.

Our attitude toward life should be the same, whether we are in a life threatening situation or not. We should always look forward to the prize, toward the great glory that will last forever!

Lord, please help my friend. Please comfort his family and give them all courage and strength. Please heal him. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Joy will last forever! Jan
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2 Corinthians 3 – Better

New and Improved! Now with Moxie! New Formula! Better Than Ever! Latest Model!

Do any of these titles look familiar to you? Being a computer geek I look with particular wry humor at some of the Microsoft advertisements that hawk the latest version of Windows. They tout it as being more stable, easier to use, and more secure than its predecessor... So what they're telling me, without really saying it, is that their previous product was inferior and problem riddled.

I see Paul writing similarly about the Old Testament Laws. However, he doesn't hide the fact that he considers the Old Testament dead.

2 Corinthians 3:6 He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life.

He says that we have a new covenant, or a new testament. These are the words used to describe the laws of Moses. He further says that the result of the Old Testament laws was death.

2 Corinthians 3:11 So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory.

Referring to the Old Testament laws, Paul says that they have been set aside.

2 Corinthians 3:13-14 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away. But the people's minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

The glory of the old testament is said to have faded away. People can't see it because there is a veil in the way. Only when they believe in Christ can the veil be lifted and they can see that the old testament is gone. It has been replaced with a living dynamic relationship with the creator. Not a series of dos and don'ts.

The Message version of the Bible puts this very well.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

Lord, may we reflect Your glory more and more each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be a mirror. Jan
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2 Corinthians 2 – Triumphal Procession

In this chapter Paul used some imagery that was very familiar to any that lived in the Roman Empire. It is the Triumphal Entry or Triumphal Procession.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

What follows is an excerpt from a sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore by Pastor Dr Paul Choo on October 1st, 1995.

Roman Triumphal Procession: Roman generals who won complete victories on foreign soil, captured over five thousand enemy soldiers, and obtained additional territory for the Roman Empire were entitled to a triumphal procession through the streets of Rome. The Emperor and thousands of grateful Romans cheered as the procession passed. At the head of the procession came the magistrates and senators (representing the ruler). Behind these the booty (eg. gold, jewelry) was carried. Behind them came the prisoners. The conquering general rode on a gold-gilded chariot drawn by four horses. His face was painted red and he was clothed like a king. In his hands he carried a sceptre and an olive branch. His sons followed behind his chariot. Behind them were his soldiers wearing laurel wreaths and shouting "Behold the triumph." Roman pagan priests carried incense burners which filled Rome with a sweet fragrance. This fragrance symbolized the sweetness of the victory. The procession made its way to the Circus Maximus, where the chief prisoner was executed and the other soldiers thrown into an arena of hungry wild beasts. The Romans cheered as the beasts ate up the "fools" who dared to resist the Roman Emperor. Though the sweet fragrance of incense was a sign of victory to the Romans, it was also a sign of doom to the enemy soldiers.
http://www.glcc-online.com/sermons/sglcc951001.htm

Triumphal Processions were a way of Roman life for nearly the entire existence of the Roman Empire, starting with its beginnings until AD403. Records show that over 320 such processions were held. Naturally the tone and methodology of each was slightly different due to the battles that were fought, prisoners captured, and enemy that was faced. One feature that Dr. Choo did not mention, that I find of interest, was that a slave was stationed on the chariot with the winning general or commander. His job was to hold a golden crown over the general's head and whisper into his ear, “All glory is fleeting.”

This last point would be a good thing for all of us to remember.
Details from - http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~mvbelous/triumph.html

Lord, may we willingly offer ourselves to You as a sweet smelling aroma. Lord, may we be adequate to the task. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We are His procession. Jan
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2 Corinthians 1 – Comfort

In my life I have experience the heartache of divorce. It is amazing the emotions that ravaged through my soul while in the midst of it. It is akin to being tossed about by storm driven waves. Sometimes you make progress toward the shore, during a lull in the tempest. Other times, you just struggle to keep your head above water, praying for any glimmer of hope. Alas, the marriage was not saved and died. However, God does not waste any events or circumstances that occur in our lives.

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

It is now eight years since my first wife left me, God has truly restored the years that the locusts had eaten! Nearly three years ago, I married a wonderful woman that enables and encourages me to be the man that God designed me to be. I am step-father to a plethora of children, and finding that although it is quite challenging, I love being a dad.

I never dreamed that I'd ever experience anything like this. While in the midst of the storm all is inky black, cold and dreary, and life seems not worth living. Praise be to God, He came to give life – life to the full.

Now, my wife and I help other step-families on their journey and I'm involved in leadership our church's men's group. The net result of having gone through the trial has been a removal from my life of those things that were holding me down, a greater desire to be holy, and a new reason, since I now have children watching me. But more importantly, I can comfort others with the comfort that I've been comforted with. My God truly redeemed me, and I know that He will do the same for others.

Lord, thank You for Your grace. May I show it and give it to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be a blessing, Jan
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