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.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 3. Paul describes the sufficiency, competency, and hope of the new covenant, which is the fulfillment of the old covenant (recorded in the Old Testament). *Our* abilities and skills do not make us competent for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Our confidence and competency *come from Christ*, whose ministry truly gives life by the power of the Spirit. Therefore, we can be even bolder than Moses, the great prophet of the old covenant, as we proclaim Jesus, the one whom Moses yearned to see. • Dear Lord, help us to see clearly the living hope that You have given us through Your cross and resurrection. Give us also boldness to proclaim the cross to all who would listen. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10052). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 2. Paul’s spirit is restless and overwhelmed in the circumstances of his ministry. Nonetheless, he is confident that Christ will accomplish His work for the Corinthians. As Christians, we often feel the very real weight of representing Christ to others. Our worries, sins, and frailties can overwhelm us. We can take heart that Christ Jesus is always sufficient and that His message of forgiveness for us is also a sweet fragrance to all who trust in Him. • Dear Lord, give us sincere hearts to look honestly at ourselves, so we may never take Your grace for granted, and that we might be a sweet aroma of grace to others in Your name. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10048). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we start a new book of the New Testament and begin with Paul’s second letter to the Christian congregation in Corinth. We read 2 Corinthians, Chapter 1. *** Paul’s ministry to the Corinthians has been “painful.” As Christ’s representative, Paul calls them to repentance for their willful disobedience of the Gospel of Jesus (about which he wrote in his first letter to them, 1 Corinthians). Yet, even for this Church there is grace and peace from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” which establishes and sustains them anew as God’s saints. Like the Corinthians, we must also admit and repent of our misuse and neglect of the ministry of the Word. Too often, we trust in our own wisdom and strength to the detriment of our walk with God. Yet, Jesus is continually gracious toward us with a forgiveness that is as real as Jesus Himself. Just as He was gracious to undeserving, even arrogant, people at Corinth and restored them as saints, He can reach each one of us right where we are. • Dear Lord, thank You for continually reaching me and renewing me in and through Your Church. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10040). (Function). Kindle Edition.