Tag Archives: the book of 2 Corinthians

July 4
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Independence Day

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV)

Freedom is not for the faint-hearted; nor is freedom for the weak-minded.

It is a double-edged sword: We have freedom from things — such as freedom from tyranny, from fear, and from slavery; and we have freedom to things — such as the freedom to choose, and the freedom to succeed.  This freedom is not known everywhere in our world, which makes our heritage as a country even more special in the family of nations; not only for freedom’s benefits, but for its costs, as well.

Today’s scripture reminds us of a kind of freedom that is not limited by national boundaries or by physical borders. Its declaration is not written on paper or on parchment, but on the human heart.

As we celebrate and ponder today the gift of freedom in all of its manifestations, remember also the freedom purchased for us by the blood of Jesus, validated by His resurrection, and affirmed through the living testimony of faithful men and women.  His Spirit not only reminds us of freedom’s benefits, but gives us the strength to bear its costs!  – Luther

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May 19
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“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)

Each day, we are presented with numerous opportunities to give.

In the context of today’s scripture, Paul is both commending and encouraging the disciples in Corinth (who were a pretty cosmopolitan lot in their day) to not only give of their treasure, but to give it liberally — and with a smile!

As you have opportunity to give today, remember that “God loves a cheerful giver.”  – Luther

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March 20
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“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9, NASB)

We frequently hear the word “passion,” or its derivative, “passionate,” to describe the drive, energy, and the focus that someone brings to an activity. It is meant to be a compliment, but when we are driven for the wrong reasons; or focused on the wrong things, it is anything but complimentary.

As disciples of Jesus, our passion is to be pleasing to God. All other interests are subordinate; and all other invitations for our time, talent, and treasure are subject to — and informed by — this singular, supreme, objective.

To “have as our ambition. . .to be pleasing to Him,” is to succeed at all else, because all else is affected by this one thing!  – Luther

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