Christian Tiews

Today we read 2 Corinthians 7. Paul shares the ups and downs of ministry and his great joy in hearing that the Corinthians’ faith in Christ was solid again. We Christians are often guilty of hoarding Christ’s great love, rather than making room in our hearts for others (see verse 2). God has loved us with an everlasting love through Jesus Christ. To open up our hearts to others, to let them know of Christ’s love, is to experience again the joy of that great love of God for all. • Lord, teach us daily how great, how long, how wide, and how deep is Your love for us and for every person in this world. And teach us the joy of seeing others come to faith. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10066). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 6. Our relationship with Jesus is intimate because we, as believers, are “the temple of the living God” (verse 16). Our faith calls us to break from those things that would compromise our life with Jesus. The good news is that God’s promises are sure even when we are unfaithful. God calls us to claim the promises of His gracious presence again and again through repentance and forgiveness. • Lord, give me the confidence to trust in You more boldly and to separate from the things of the world that would jeopardize my faith. May it be even more apparent that I belong to You alone. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10064). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 5. Paul simply instructs the believer to please God. We, even as Christians, often live to please others and to please ourselves, neglecting the one thing that makes life worth living—pleasing Christ. Paul calls us to get our priorities straight. To please Christ is to trust in His word of grace for us. His grace, His forgiveness, His gift of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit assures us that nothing in this world can separate us from God, and that Judgment Day will be a day of celebration for those who put their trust in Him. • Dear Lord, impress upon my heart the greatness of Your grace to me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that I can walk confidently by faith until I see You gloriously face-to-face. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10058). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 4. Living and sharing the life of Christ with others often has a cost. Paul instructs us to look beyond the momentary affliction to the eternal glory of salvation in Jesus. He tells us to look to the treasure, not to the earthen vessel, for our confidence with God. God’s promises of life and salvation are the most real things in our lives. Because that is true, believers can look at afflictions and struggles purposefully as opportunities that make God’s power more evident to those around them. Afflictions are temporary nuisances that will surely give way to the glory of life eternal with our Savior. • Lord, show me Your purpose in the struggles and in the victories of my life. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10056). (Function). Kindle Edition.