Monthly Archives: April 2011
fully loaded
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10. Paul described himself and the other missionaries who worked with him as having a weapon in each hand (6:7). Perhaps he was picturing a Roman soldier with a sword in one hand and a shield in the … Continue reading
Posted in faithfulness, Jesus Christ, ministry, perseverance, suffering, the cross, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 6
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from temporary to permanent
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10. The context of Paul’s earthly tent passage is Paul’s jars of clay passage. He is defending his speaking ministry by saying that he speaks by faith, “knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us … Continue reading
trophies in tow
2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18. The idea of being led by Christ in triumphal procession sounds great — except for the small detail that in victory parades in Paul’s day it was captured enemies that were led in triumphal procession. They were … Continue reading
Posted in ministry, missions, sovereignty of God, submission, suffering, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 2, 2 Corinthians 3
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stumped
Isaiah 6. King Uzziah had lived his final ten years as a leper, with his son Jotham taking his throne instead. In contrast to the earthly king’s shame, Isaiah sees the glory of the heavenly king, who is always on … Continue reading
commitment to integrity
Psalm 101. David’s ten “I will’s” here reflect a commitment to integrity and foreshadow the ministry of Christ. He will sing to the LORD (1) He will ponder the blameless way (2) He will walk with integrity of heart (2) … Continue reading
mercy in ministry
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. Paul had decided to delay his plans to visit Corinth out of mercy. He felt that a visit soon after his painful letter would only accentuate the condemnation the church members were experiencing. He wanted to give … Continue reading
Posted in church, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, ministry
Tagged 2 Corinthians 1, 2 Corinthians 2
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results of rebellion
Isaiah 5. Israel is portrayed as a vineyard, and the prophet decries the fact that the vineyard produced the wrong crop: wild grapes. They rebelled against the master’s intentions. He “looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but … Continue reading
the time LORD
Psalm 100. LORD, you were there at the creation of Adam, lovingly creating humanity and calling us to a relationship with yourself. You are GOD.You will be there to the end because your steadfast love endures forever, your faithfulness will … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, faithfulness, relationship with God, worship
Tagged Psalm 100
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trouble: preparation for ministry
2 Corinthians1:1-11. Paul is going to respond to some of his bitterest critics in this letter. One of the reasons they condemn him is that they are convinced that he is not worthy to be an apostle since he has … Continue reading
Posted in courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, perseverance, suffering
Tagged 2 Corinthians 1
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one source of pride
Isaiah 3:1-4:6. In Isaiah’s day, the city of Jerusalem prided itself over its leaders: “the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, humility, Jesus Christ, judgment, kingdom of God
Tagged Isaiah 3, Isaiah 4
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Devotions 