Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 1
Scripture Focus: And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1.21-22)
Devotional Thought: The Apostle Paul was a great preacher, evangelist, theologian, and pastor. He served some wonderful people and churches. But, those people and churches were not perfect. As I understand the New Testament, I feel that one of the most "imperfect churches" was in Corinth. They had trouble with morality, prejudice, pride, and division. At one point, they nearly rejected Paul and his leadership. Why in the world, then, could he write "Our hope for you is unshaken" (2 Corinthians 1.7a)?
Paul's hope was not in the Corinthians, it was for the Corinthians. His hope was in God! Why? For it is God who...
Established them in Christ. We are not established in our own resources and power, nor in our own works and merit. We are established in Christ. It is Jesus who died for our sins. It is Jesus who conquered death. It is Jesus who ever lives and intercedes for us. Amen!
Anointed them. Anointed signifies ownership by and use for God. When we are anointed, we are 'set apart' for sacred service. We are set aside not for temporal pursuits, but for eternal purposes. When we are God's treasure to do his pleasure, then we have confidence he will keep us!
Sealed them. The seal indicates that we convey an authentic and genuine message from the Sender. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation and our message is genuine. You and I are sealed with the love of Christ!
Filled them with his Spirit. Christ lives through us by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Let us 'step aside' and 'step up' to abundant and powerful living!
Is your hope unshaken?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for establishing me in Christ, for anointing me for your service, for sealing me with the good news, and for filling me with your Spirit. I receive all this and more from your generous and strong hands. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. 7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. 9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. 10 The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish! (Psalms 112:6-10)
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