August 15

“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NIV)

Among the lessons which we as Christians should learn is how dependent we are upon God. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, tells them that he was learning this lesson. He was a very intelligent and capable man and he had received a good education. But he did not depend on any of his own personal abilities. He recognized that it was God who was producing the results. So it is with us. We may have various personal abilities but they are of real value only if God is working through us. Let us depend not on our abilities, but on God’s presence and His working in and through us

June 24

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4a (NIV)

This is how the apostle Paul began his letter to the Christians at Corinth. He reminds them that God is the true source of comfort. If He is the God of all comfort that means all true and lasting comfort comes from Him. Paul experienced the comfort that God gives. He lived a life which was subject to much suffering, much opposition and many troubles. But he had found much comfort in his God. We have the same God. He is for us, also the God of all comfort. When we need it we turn to Him and He will comfort us and help us.

March 4

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”  2 Corinthians 4:7  (NIV)

I would like to share with you the picture I see in the words “jars of clay”. In the verses just before this the writer, the apostle Paul, had been writing about the LIGHT which God was bringing into the lives of believers. God was shining with a glorious light in their hearts. What I see is a picture of lamps made of clay, filled with oil and with a wick which could be lit to give light. Maybe you have seen such a lamp. Nothing fancy, easily breakable and yet able to give light in a dark room. That’s how we are – nothing fancy, very fragile, yet with God’s Spirit in us we can shine for His glory.

January 28

“But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:19 (NIV)

Paul writes about his experiences with a physical problem about which he prayed to the Lord three times. Look at the verse. Isn’t that the way it works with us too? When we think we’re doing alright on our own, God doesn’t have a chance to show us what He can do for us. We need to get to the point where we realize that we can’t make it on our own. We have to realize our weakness and lack of ability. Then God can show us His ability and His power. Paul wasn’t ashamed to admit his weakness. He goes on to say, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” He believed what God had told him was true.