Audacious Questioning (2 Corinthians 10: especially vs 8, 12, 18 ESV

 

A person in the position of authority often has his or her authority questioned and/or tested.  The Corinthian believers seemed to have done so to the apostle Paul, of all people!

Paul addressed this a couple of times and it can be seen here in 2 Corinthians 10.  Verses 8, 12 and 18 are good examples of his defence regarding this matter.

His trump card is that the Lord had given him this authority and that for a very good purpose.  Read what he wrote:

"For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for the building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed"                                    ( 2 Corinthians 10:8 ESV). [emphasis mine]

It was for "building them up" and "not destroying them"!

A very special dispensation of grace from the Lord to Paul for their benefit.

So when they tried to push back at him and perhaps 'take control' and be the ones in the position of power, using comparison, they showed up that they had no understanding (see vs12).

Furthermore, Paul didn't take this up of his own accord.  He had not commended himself and set out to be in that position for himself.  No.  He tells them,

"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one who the Lord commends" (2 Corinthians 10:18 ESV).

I believe a brother or sister is often 'in training' long ever before they realize it.  The Lord arranges and orchestrates all their life experiences, knowledge and wisdom; their sincerity and truth proven over the years of their lives to bring them into fulfilment of their purpose and life's work.

This is so plainly seen in Paul's life.  If you read through the book of Acts and even his epistles, you'll see this played out.

When Paul wrote to Timothy, who was leading among the saints in the Ephesians' assembly, along similar lines, he told him a couple of things to be aware of.  First, he told him not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth (see 1 Timothy 4:12).  And in his second letter to Timothy he told him God had not given him

 "a spirit of fear but of power and love and of self-control" (see 2 Timothy 1:7-9 ESV).  

The KJV translates that as "of a sound mind" in stead of 'self-control'.

Together, these ideas give a collaborative picture.  When our minds are sound we will have good self-control and discipline.  This becomes and behooves a brother in the postion of authority.  The power in this is from God Himself who led and guided a brother or sister throughout the years to reach and engage their purpose.

It seems to be important that not only the Lord endorses and commends a brother, but that the respected leaders of a sending church, also sanction the one(s) for a particular ministry.

Paul was given such blessing, along with Barnabas and later with Silas, by prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the laying on of the elders' hands.

This initially happened in Jerusalem under the hands of Peter, James and John. (Incidently, they had been sanctioned by Jesus Christ while He was still walking this earth) [see Galatians 2:7-9; Acts 14:26 and 15:40].  They had been commended "by the elders and brothers to the grace of God."

So for the Corinthians to question Paul's authority, it was something else - a rather audacious questioning.  As if snubbing their noses at him, saying,

"Who died and made you boss!?"

But Paul, ever gracious, gets through it with them and even commends them and shows his love and care, just like a loving father would.  He could take the blows and carry on.

So the next time you feel your authority being questioned, stop and think it through.  Be encouraged as Paul encouraged Timothy. We don't have to lord it over people but we can remember the Holy Spirit's power, love and self-control even when being bombarded by those under your care.  This Holy Spirit is not one of fear.  We can match audacious questioning with humble and audacious and gracious response.  If God Himself has given you the authority and you have been commended by the elders, take hold and be bold in Christ and His mission with meekness.

                                                  ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:8, 12, and 18 ESV.

Sing, Authority, along with Elevation.

Good Intentions Fulfilled (2 Corinthians 9:5 ESV)

 "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction"  (2 Corinthians 9:5 ESV).

The matter appears to have become more urgent.  The Corinthians had promised a gift of money but had yet to fulfil it.  To show it as a willing gift and not a coercion, Paul sent an advance team of brothers to propel and compel these believers into action; to put their money where their mouths were.  What's more, he implores them to get their gift ready, in hand, so neither they nor he would be humilitated and embarassed by a failure to bring their promise to fruition.

Good intentions stop being good when they are neglected.  We often say, "Okay, I'll do this or that later" or "Tomorrow."  Tomorrow never comes and we drift along until we forget our promises and intentions.

Paul was holding the Corinthians accountable for what they'd promised.  The brothers and sisters-in-Christ in Jerusalem desparately needed the monetary help.  But the Corinthians were dragging their feet on their promise.

He reminds them again of what God's generosity looks like.  It is active, progressively so.  It gets the job done, no holding  back.  The reaction to our giving (and to theirs) could well be like ...

"For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Corinthians 9:12 ESV).

God gets glorified by this.  Paul continues to remind them of all  He has done for us.  Then we too can have heartfelt thanks that stirs us to be just as giving and generous.

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)!

God gave us the gift of  Jesus.  A gift that leaves us so overwhelmingly thankful, we are speechless.  We lack capability to describe all He has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Stop and thank Him now though, as best you can, then give of your best to Him and His people.

Heavenly Father, You have been so good and giving to us.  You sent Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins.  You desired to give this gift for us and You brought it to full completion too.  Our thanks is to You.  All glory be to You.

Show us opportunities to give our all and to help those in need, according to what we have.  May we be progressively active and fulfill our good intentions so we can please You and be a blessing to others.  

We ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 9: especially vs 5, 12, and 15 ESV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Reawaken.

Lord's Day Devotion - Finish It (2 Corinthians 8 ESV)

 

Here it is again; money talk.  This is literal money, not possessions referred to in this chapter.  It certainly puts one in mind of what Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians though.

He'd asked them to have "a collection for the saints" and to give of their "store" as the Lord had "prepared them" (1 Corinthians 16:1-3 KJV).

He continued to instruct,

"bring your liberality unto Jerusalem."  

It would be termed, "gift".

Lastly, he guided,

"Let all be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV).

Again, Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously.  The church and the poor in Jerusalem still needed help.  They should follow through on what had already been collected.  Furthermore, Titus, now a well-known evangelist and man of integrity, would be entrusted to carry and deliver their monetary offering.

He stirred them up by, ooo, comparison!  Aren't comparisons, taboo?  Paul tells them the Macedonian believers even though poor, gave what they could, plus more they could barely afford.  You guys in Corinth are wealthy.  Give accordingly!

The key to this though was that they

 "gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us"                                 (1 Corinthians 8:5 ESV).

Since the Corinthians felt pretty good that they excelled in several areas, Paul, with tongue-in-cheek, says,

"see that you excel in this act of grace also" (2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV).

It wasn't exactly a command.  Instead, Paul cleverly goaded them,

 "to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine"                                (2 Corinthians 8:8 ESV).

At times we give, perhaps reluctantly, for the furtherance of our Lord and King Jesus' kingdom's matters.  Maybe saying, "They just want more!" or "Again!!?"  Of course we need to have good stewardship of what the Lord gives us but do we have a stingy, reluctant heart?

Paul gives good reasons for giving in this instance.  And his best and biggest 'high stake' reason is Jesus Himself.  Jesus came from Heaven to Earth; from richness in glory to poverty among the poor.  Yet He did this so we could become rich in God and in our spirits.

Our Jesus, our Savior, came to ransom our souls to give us life eternal.  He paid the debt from the sins we commited and for our sins due to The Fall (but this is another story for some other time).

Jesus gave His all.  He gave it for the Corinthians.  Could they not give theirs for Him and His people in need?

And Jesus didn't just begin His work on earth, He brought it to completion.  Paul noted to the Corinthians.

"[You], a whole year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it ..."        (2 Corinthains 8:10 ESV).

We make starts of things maybe out of guilt or an initial enthusiasm but there's a following through to do.  Paul continued to admonish,

"so now finish doing it, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have " ( 2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV).

Yes, sometimes we need time to work through things in our hearts and minds.  It's ironic what this saying by the American businessman Glenn Turner, convey's.  He may have been not above board in some areas but he seems to have gotten this right...

"The last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses."

The Israelites of the Old Testament were told to give of the best of their firstfruits of their grain, livestock and so on.  It was to be a first action, not a last (see Exodus 23:19).

God gave of His best.  He gave His One and Only son that we might be saved and have everlasting life (see John 3:16).

This Lord's day, remember God's freewill offering and 'burnt offering' - His giving of His all for us, coupled with Jesus' desire to complete what He had started, and then doing so.  Partake of the broken bread and the cup of wine, symbols of His death and paying for our pardon, do so with thanksgiving.

Do so, with generosity of our firstfruits, money, possessions, time, and energy.  What He asks, let's serve Him and give Him our all.  Let's desire to do it, complete it out of what we have, just like Jesus did (see John 19:30; 17:4; 4:34; and Hebrews 10:12).

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026   ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 8 ESV.

Sing, Jesus Paid It All, along with Kim Walker-Smith.

See related article:  Pockets and Purses.

Pastor E's Motorbike

 Pastor E's bio looks something like this ...

NAME:  Pastor E.

AGE:  old enough to drive but younger than Jesus was when he began active ministry

GENDER:  Male

ADDRESS:  remote rural village

TITLE:  Besides 'pastor,' there's Servant of Jesus Christ

CORE SKILL:  Caring.  Able to communicate God's Word; reaching out to youth in surrounding region; lead a congregation

KEY ACHIEVEMENT:  Gather youth to be present at an unscheduled mid-week meeting; completed one year of active ministry

TARGET VALUE:  To love, honor, worship and serve Jesus Christ with integrity and store up treasure in heaven; being part of the maintaining unity of the Sprit in the bond of peace; sustained daily humble walk with the Lord

CHARACTER:  Humble, loving care, joyful.

As you can see, Pastor E. is quite a young and energetic and caring man of God.  His hopes and ambitions focus on God and His kingdom through Jesus Christ.  Besides these qualitites, the observer can take note of how joyful his countenance is.  He radiates the joy of the Lord, who is his strength.

His desire to reach out to not only his own assigned congregation, but especially the youth even in other neighboring villages.  To be more effective and efficient, Pastor E. desired and prayed for a motorbike.  He prayed and prayed and one day as he was going about the Lord's business, another brother approached him.

The brother said, "Here's $10,000 for your use."

Pastor E was amazed.  He'd only asked the Lord for a motorbike.  But, well, here was a brother donating enough funds for the desire of his heart to aid his ministry!  It was a bountiful gift.  Isn't this wonderfully amazing!

Of course, Pastor E. realized that not everything he asks God for, he'll get.  He knows that not everything is good or needed.  But he does recognize God is good and will supply his need.

Scripture tell us,

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 ESV).

Now Pastor E. goes on his way rejoicing in the Lord, bouncing all over those unpaved, potholey  roads, village to village, giving all praise and honor to God His Father.  All glory be to God.

Lord, thank You for this young Pastor E.  Watch over him and may he praise You day and night.  Raise up many more such sincere young brothers for similar tasks.  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with Pasor E.'s spirit and those others too, when You raise them up.  I ask in Your most precious name.  Amen.

                                             ~ ERC  June  2026  ~

Based on a true story/testimony.

Sing, My God Shall Supply All Your Need, along with Songs From Scripture (Abe & Liza).

The Second Letter (2 Conithians 7 ESV)

The practice of writing snail mail letters is more or less obsolete.  Most of today's generation have no idea of the joyous feel of receiving and reading a missive from a friend or relative.  Something that you can feel the texture of, maybe even the smell of some lingering fragrance, and hear the crinkle of  paper unfolding and smoothed out, the turning of a page ...

It makes one feel nostalgic.

It used to be so thrilling to even get a birthday card via snail mail.  Just like clockwork my grandfather would send a card.  What's more, we'd open that card very carefully so the money gift would not fall out.  It was a highlight of the occasion.

The art of sitting down, thinking out, writing out, taking time and more thought, paper and ink, to write and to connect with others on a more intrinsic level brought substance to our lives.  The unseen sentiment and loving care of a relative or friend 'stitched' into the letter writing is irreplaceable.

Can you get the feel of all that?

What must it have been like to get a letter from the apostle Paul!  Well, sometimes he admonished to set things straight.  Sometimes he taught and explained.  Sometimes he commended and greeted.

And maybe at times, they didn't really understand or appreciate what he was getting at, but it was real, pro-active caring communication.  He couldn't be there in person but he could still connect in a personal way.

Even in this seventh chapter of 2 Corinthians you can feel his love and care for these believers.

"I am overflowing with joy" (vs 9).

Despite his hardships and affliction and their lack of room in their hearts for him (see vs 2), he was still proud of them, like a father to his children.  He ...

 "rejoiced ... because [they] were grieved (by his 1st letter), into repenting" (vs 9).

They'd taken his rebuke and corrective measures and responded positively.  Oh how we'd like our own children to do so too!

And Paul said,

"Therefore we are comforted ... we rejoiced ... [they had] refreshed" Titus (vs 13 ESV).

He continued,

"I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you" (vs 16 ESV).

We may not always fully trust our own children but when we can, we certainly do rejoice.

This letter has been divided into chapters, but it would have been running commentary on individual sheets of papyrus back in Paul's day.  In our own known experience it may have been equal in length to a 10-15 or so, page letter.

So chapter 7 and verse 1 actually seems like it belongs to chapter 6.  This is where Paul talks about,

 "coming out from among them, and be ye separate" (KJV vs 17).

Coming out from among the unclean society.  They had no choice but to be in that place but they did not have to be of it.  He wanted the Corinthian believers to be holy as God is holy.

This speaks to us nowadays too.  The promises that our Lord Almighty would welcome them as sons and daughters when they were 'clean,' was imperative.

It was an ongoing process of progressive sanctification.  Paul penned,

"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God"                                 (2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV).

In this day and age, we can work on aiming towards this goal.  God keeps His promises.  May all of us followers of Jesus Christ work towards this holiness too.

We can also treasure this letter, after all it's actually a letter from God Himself.  

How special is that!

                                             ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 7 ESV.

Sing, Again I Say Rejoice, along with Divine Hymns.

Link: Open-Armed Welcome.

POEM - Jungle Joy

          The children

          ran

freely.

The village

their playground.

But they didn't 

go far.

They stayed close to the

community hub ...

The pastor's parsonage,

where

interesting activity 

had arrived.

The guests could see

the jungle joy

and freedom.

NO handphones!

Children 

climbing

fruit-laden jambu trees,

plucking and 

eating

their fill.

Down they came,

raced about,

testing each others strength.

Then,

to see

 and welcome

the new arrivals.

They approached.

Shy faces,

Curious faces,

Friendly faces,

grinning

up

at us.

There's 

a welcome 

here.

"Hello."

Cautious smile. 

"Hello."

Gentle handshake.

Smile.

Two-way street -

Acknowledgement.

Acceptance.

Joy,

ran freely. 

~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Book Review - AKA Montana -The Rise and Fall of an Italian Drug Lord - By Fabio Amato - Publication Date: 24 June 2026

 I wouldn't usually choose such a book as this, but curiosity got the best of me, so I requested to read this biography.  It was indeed an eye-opener into the depths of despair and the deparavity into which a person can fall when living life surrounded by drugs.  Donato, the Drug Lord, also known as AKA Montana, spent the good part of his prime youth and subsequent years immersed in this type of scene.

I like it that this book can be used as a revelation, discovery, and bombshell against any would-be youth tempted into this deplorable lifestyle.  In my opinion, it could also encourage those who feel they are prisoners to the drugs, and the environment attached to it, that there can be a way to determinedly crawl and climb out of it.  This is a very hopeful message, I feel.

For a biography, I felt that although some of the read was a bit sluggish and in other sections difficult to read and learn about, it mostly ran along very intrigingly.  It's not every day one reads a real life, non-fiction account of this in-depth look at a life spent in this trade and fully committed to the lucretive culture of illicit substances.

                                              ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  

                                                               June 2026

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Open-Armed Welcome (1 Corinthians 6: especially vs 17 & 18 ESV)

 It sounds arrogant to say, come away from those people, be separate from them, they are 'unclean.'  Then and only then, you are welcome into our elite 'clean' group.  

We all know what it was liked to live so exceedlingly separated during the Covid years.  Do we go back to that scenaro?

Take a look at the context of the text though.  Even parents warn their children, especially their teens who crave independance, that they need to be wary of certain groups of people.  Watch out for the drug scene, gangs and those who'd lead you astray into bad company.  This is wise instruction.

However, if we walk among certain groups of people, we will be affected by their beliefs and actions.  It could be a slow drift into them and eventually we become an 'in' member.  We have come into agreement with their core values and standards some of which could be an illicit culture.

It's a choice then, we need to personally make, just as it was for the Corinthians Paul was writing this second letter to.  Corinth was a promicuous society.

Sexual immorality abounded, apparently.  There was  immense wealth and much materialism and ethnic diversity.  It was a Roman colony.  This was 'Sin City' (AI Overview).

The higher up Roman elites let it be known they were 'elite'.  They condescended upon those they considered beneath them.  This early Corinthian church had representatives from across this stratification.

Due to his tent making, often considered, awnings, made for, for example, hawker stalls  at the Roman games, Paul got to rub shoulders with a cross-section of the diverse crowds.  He knew the temptations that could come ones way.  He knew the city vibes.

He knew he should not linger, loiter or mingle.  He should be in the world but not of it.  He knew what he was talking about and therefore taught these believers to

 "be separate".

Separate from the uncleaness and lures of their society from which they had been rescued by Jesus.  Old habits needed to die, old influences relinquished and the new creation in Christ had to grow.

The way to do so was to ...

"Therefore go out from their midst," 

Paul wrote, 

"and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you ..." (2 Corinthians 6:17 ESV).

That society had been their confidence, their benefactor of sorts.  But now, if they'd be separate from all that, the Lord Almighty promised to be a father to them.  He'd be their protector.  And he'd welcome them.

It's so nice to be welcomed by someone.  An open-armed welcome is so sweet.  May each of us too, have this experience as we keep ourselves separate from unclean things - the things that would taint our Christian behavior, walk and talk.

Then we can go out and sincerely preach the gospel with pure hearts and minds, remembering we are Almighty God's sons and daughters.  Let's be holy as He is holy (see 1 Peter 1:15).

                                                ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 6: especially vs 17 & 18 ESV.

Sing, Holy, Holy , Holy, Lord God Almighty, along with Chet Valley Hymns and Songs.

Photo Credits:  Jane Koh.

Earnest Longing (2 Corinthians 5:1`-5 ESV/KJV)

 May our "inner selves" be renewed day by day allowing spiritual growth to abound and our relationship with Jesus to become stronger every day (see 2 Corithians 4:16 ESV).

And as the tabernacle we live in dissolves, we can earnestly long for our heavenly dwelling more and more.  That has been the case with several believers in Jesus Christ I have known.

My Dad was one of them.  He'd be heard to say that "Perhaps Today" it would happen.  This is NOT to say he was suicidal.  No way!

Rather, he expectantly awaited the rapure of all the saints of God to go up to be with Jesus, en masse.  Then we would be together forever, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Getting to see Jesus was more his focus though.  In the end, some of Dad's children longed for him to go, even solo, because of his being 'trapped' in his earthly body and the declined mental capacity that Alzheimer's Disease ravished.

It was so devasting to witness.  And so we 'groaned' about his earthly body, when he no longer could even think of "perhaps today".

One day, we, God's children, will have our mortal flesh "swallowed up" by everlasing life, and changed bodies.  Until then, our guarantor, the Holy Spirit, indwells us teaching us patience.

So we can, praise the Lord, singing, "Hallelujah!" every day as we ...

 " ... long to put on our heavenly dwelling" (vs 2).

We earnestly long for and patiently wait ... perhaps today!

                                              ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV/KJV.

Sing, When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound, along with Grace Bible Church.

                

Father's Day 2026 - A Surprize

 

My Mom was a nurse.  Dad was not, but one day he surprized me with nurse-like ministration.  I can still recall it almost as if it had been yesterday.

I had had a cold and my sinuses were so blocked I definitely could not breathe through my nose.  What's worse, eating was virtually impossible.

In misery I quietly got up from the dining table and went and lay down on the living room sofa.  There I suffered it out, almost in tears.

Silently, my Dad approached and brought some sort of magic.  He told me to close my mouth and sniff as he squirted some de-clogging sinus sauce into one nostril.

"I can't," I quavered.

"Try anyway," Dad insisted.

I tried and oh glory be - instant relief!

He repeated the exercise with nostril #2.

In shocked surprize, I could breathe and eat again.  I hadn't known my Dad could do that.

I don't recall ever thanking him for it either.  Shame on me!  But as I think back, I see his compassion that moved and compelled him to bring his daughter relief.

No doubt there are many good Dad's everywhere who would act similarly on behalf of their offspring.  I take my hat off to all of them, but especially to my Dad even though he's been gone to glory for several years.

God our Heavenly Father is every bit as good and compassionate.  In fact, He is the most perfect Father of all time and eternity.  We can have a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  

I really appreciate this relationship but I do need to remember to thank Him often.  All my praise and worship should be to Him as an offering of sacrifice from my lips (see Hebrews 13:15).

Let's all do that but don't forget to thank and honor your earthly fathers too.  Surprize them with it while you still can.

To all the good fathers out there ...

                                       HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 2026!

                                                   ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Read Hebrews 13:15; Exodus 20:12 ESV.

Sing, Good, Good Father, along with Chris Tomlin.

Old Age (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

 

Again and again, God's Word comforts.  Despite the suffering, we endure and focus on eternal things.

When we visit old age or assisted living homes we can observe the

 "wasting away"

 and 

"the affliction"

 that overcomes our bodies as we age.  It's uncomfortable and unsettling to see.  We can't wait to get out of there and go home.

But the scene lingers in our minds especially since we ourselves may be aging and already feeling the decline, and wear and tear upon our bodies.  Aches here, pains there; more wrinkly wrinkles, liver spots on our arms and so forth.

Paul told the Corinthians,

" ... death is at work in us, but life in you (vs 12)," 

and 

"knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence" (vs 14).

He then assured them,

"So we do not lose heart" (vs 16 ESV).

Paul reminded them that this state of decay was only temporary suffering.  He goes on to tell them to look at the positive focus, that despite the bodily devastation,

 " ... the inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

God is so gracious!

He contiued, it's

 "light and momentary" 

but by compasrison we look beyond to the eternal glory we will enjoy.  Look to the unseen rather than dwell on the seen.

The "seen are transient" but the "unseen are eternal" (vs 18).

It's easy for us to say while we are still able-bodied.  But we can meditate on these Scripture verses now, preparing our hearts for the further incapacitation that may come as we age further.

Think on the time to come that is eternal and when we have our imperishable bodies.  For the here and now, we can build ourselves up in our inner beings, in our spiritual growth and relationship with our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's comfort, conviction and guidance.  I find comfort in this.  Maybe you do too...

So don't lose heart.

                                                  ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV.

Sing, Eternal Weight of Glory (Wendall Kimbrough 2016), along with Breathe Back Ministries.

The Lifted Veil (2 Corinthians 3:14-18 ESV)

 "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed" (2 Corinthians 3:16 ESV).

The veil over the minds and hearts of the unsaved will be lifted.  This only happens when they turn to the Lord.  Christ will take it away.

This is an assurance we can rest in.  It can spur us on when we flag and feel discouraged when we pray for unsaved relatives and friends to come to Christ.

Some of us have been praying for the salvation of unbelieveing relatives and friends for decades.  It seems like nothing is moving and there is no breakthrough.

We can continue though, through thick and thin that they will turn to the Lord.  He will then lift that veil that blinds their minds and hearts, keeping them from seeing Jesus, keeping them satisfied with their own good works and supposed build up of merits, and keeping them from coming humbly to Jesus for their sufficiency.

We can persist in prayer that they too will,

 "with unveiled face, [that they, along with us will] behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed ..." (vs 18).

Pray that the Lord who is the Spirit, will work mightily to see this through.

Abba Father, in Jesus' name and through Your Holy Spirit, we continue to plead for the salvation of our relatives and friends who need Jesus.  Cause them to turn to the Lord, unveil their minds and hearts, so that they come to Christ before it is forever too late.  May they too, experience freedom in Christ.  

May the 'burning house' of their hearts be doused with the water of Your Word.  We ask this in Your Son Jesus' most precious name.  

Amen.

                                          ~ ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 3:14-18 ESV.

Sing, We the Kingdom - The Veil, along with We the Kingdom and My Life is in Your Hands, along with Kirk Franklin.

Photo Credits:  Jane Koh.  China's Manmade Stone Marvel Bridge that's lasted more than a millenium.

Sufficiency From God (2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV)

 

Are you sufficient?  Or is whatever sufficiency we have, actually coming from God?  The correct answer is that He has,

" ... made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant ..." and this, " ... of the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV).

Paul claimed this for himself and Timothy.  It was God's will for them to have this sufficiency.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have the same sufficiency too.  When we (or others) may feel we don't have what it takes to serve the Lord in whatever capacity, know that of course we don't!

It has to, it must, only come from God through His will and Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us.  It's only through Him that we have our strength for the good deeds He has for us to do.

When we rest on this knowledge, we will do much for Christ, whether it's preaching the gospel, or sharing the Word in order to build up the chgurch in their most holy faith.  May His Spirit continue to give life to the work we've been ordained to do for Him.

Let's make good use of such opportunities because He makes us sufficient for the task.  Onward ho, brothers and sisters-in-Christ!  To God be the glory and honor.  Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with The Worship Initiative.

Photo Credits:  Jane Koh. 

Welcome Back the Repentant (2 Corinthians 2: especially verse 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV)

 There are preachers and pastors who have done wrong.  I mean, majorly wrong.  Wrong, such as adultery or embezzling church funds for personal use.  Some have even done time in prison.

Some have repented and shown genuine transformation.  What do we do then, as members of the congregation?  Do we continue to spurn them even when they humbly return?

Several years back, we heard of such a high-profile senior pastor, who had to serve time in a neighboring country.  After some years he was invited to speak at a church in the country and city near me.

When this pastor's coming to town was reported, the very first reaction of many and I admit, even of myself was, "Has he truly repented?"

Later, I heard from a reliable source, sister-in-Christ and friend, that he was truly a changed man - changed for good.  Do we then continue to shun the brother?

The apostle Paul addressed the case of the man who'd commited incest with his father's wife (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-3).  In the second letter to the Corinthians he wrote,

"For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough. So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow"                     (2 Corinthians 2:6 & 7 ESV).

He went on to tell the Corinthians that he'd forgive anyone they would forgive, in the presence of God (see vs 10 ESV).

In our hearts, there will be those judgemental struggles for sure.  Has the person truly repented!?  And we watch and watch every move he or she makes, our eagle eyes on them.  We forget that when we point a finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at ourselves.

Paul continued that we need to forgive, since we are in the presence of Christ,

" ... so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV).

Satan wants to divide and conquer, but the Holy Spirit wants us to have unity of Spirit in the bond of peace.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is God an He is infinitely more powerful than Satan and his minions.

Let us therefore move forward in the mighty name of Jesus and forgive not just verbally,  but mentally and with our hearts as we once again welcome the repentant one back into our midst.

So be it, Father.  

Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 2: especially vs 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV.

Sing,  Lord I Need You, along with Matt Maher.

Comfort & Participation (2 Corinthians 1:1-11, espcially vs 3, 4, and 11)

 Two key words stand out at me.  They are 'comfort' and 'participation'.  The first is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 while the second is from Philippians 2:1 ESV.

The first is blessing the

 "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (ESV). 

 In the second instance, if there is

 "encouragment in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1).

Who or what comforts you?  Is it your spouse, a friend, or a cat?

Cats can, surprisingly, be comforting creatures.  I've experienced this myself even though I once did not like cats.  They are too aloof, I thought.

That was, until God brought a litter of kittens to my doorstep.  The mother cat had meowed for about three days until I finally gave in and gave her some milk.  She lapped it up in jig time and then disappeared.  And she got the last laugh at me because about 10 minutes later, suddenly there were five little kittens bequeathed to me and she was no where in sight.  Nor did she reappear again in the following days.  The nerve of her!

But those little kittens comforted my exceedingly lonely, homesick heart.  The Lord knew what I needed in a place that was foreign and isolated from acquaintences.  There was definitely comfort from God's love in stirring my heart with His care in this most unexpected manner.

And in this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is reminding those in Corinth of Christ's love and God's comfort and their particiaption in the Spirit.  But exactly, what is the meaning of that last phrase?

'Participation' in the ESV is translated as 'fellowship' in the KJV.  The two work together.  The taking part together in the Spirit gives us fellowship with one another.  Sharing together in any particular activity, event or process creates that participation.

In this case, because of being 'in Christ' (Christians), each believer had the Holy Spirit indwelling them.  Therefore, each one could participate in the Holy Spirit.  Paul was asking them to help him and Timothy to comfort them by helping them in prayer together to fulful their mission and ministry.

"You also," Paul requested, "must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through prayers of many"                                       (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV).

They were their #1 prayer support group.  This is essential for any missionary, pastor and any person in the Lord's work.  We may not be that 'go-er' but we can be the 'send-er' in prayer (and financial support too if so desired and needed).  We too, would participate in spreading the gospel of Jesus to the world in this way.

All praying together is participation in the Holy Spirit showing fellowship and collective dependance and humility before God.  The follower of Jesus Christ can participate in the Holy Spirit in this manner and so be a blessing to all, especially those who need the prayer support.  This brings much comfort, not from a litter of kittens, but from our great and almighty God and Father and His mercies that are new every moring (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Let's share in God's work by blessing those we know involved in His work through prayer and participation in the Holy Spirit and bring comfort to the hearts that need it most.

Let's do all for His glory and honor.  To God be the glory!  Amen.

                                             ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, especially vs 3, 4, 7 and Philippians 2:1 & 2 ESV/KJV.

Sing, God of Comfort, along with Ellie Holcomb.

Lord's Day Devotion - Phenomenon of Change (1 Corinthians 15:36-38, 42, 49, 51-58 ESV)

 "So is it with the resurrection of the dead.  What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable" (1 Corinthians 15:42 ESV).

The verse reveals a phenomenon of change that a 'dead' body (or what's left of it) undergoes when it is resurrected.  The before picture is a perishable one while the after is imperishable.

That is mind-blowing!  Our human brain limitations think it impossible.  Resurrection to be impossible in the first place and then changed flesh elements, in the second!?  (If that's the correct terminology.  I'm no scientist.)  It is totally astounding.

But how the apostle Paul explains it all sounds sensible and logical.  What's more, when you think of why the body composition would need to change, you'll realize and undersatnd the necessity.

A saved-by-grace person receives everlasing life.  If we are going to be everlasting, we will need bodies that are imperishable.  Anyone who is aging will definitely realize this, as we accrue and endure more and more pain and discomfort in our bodies.  God would definitely need to do something about this wear and tear.  And He promises it.

Paul shares the secret and mystery of it all and even gives the analogy of a seed being planted in the ground.  The seed needs to die before it can live.  

As it sprouts up, the seedlings brave the winds and rain but eventually grow into the plant, flower, or tree, etc. they will mature into.  The mature growth then looks totally different from that small seed.

The change in our body's composition, we're told, will happen in

 "the twinkling of an eye."  

This too, either if we have been dead and buried, or if we are still living on earth at the time we hear the trumpet sound.  That trumpet signal to go up to meet our Savior and to be with Him forever we await expectantly for.

Victory over death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whom God Himself had 'planted' in the ground, but His body sprang back to life at His resurrection.

"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"                   (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV).

In such victory, we have hope and joy and thanksgiving.  But we don't just "hurrah, hurrah" the rest of our earthly lives.  No, with joy and gladness we give Him praise, we remember Him in His death and resurrection through the breaking of bread, and drinking of the cup as often as possible, until he comes.  This was Jesus' request.

Furthermore, we become and maintain, being ...

 " ... steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

And so we go on day by day, living each moment for God's glory and the extension of His kingdom, until He comes or until our body perishes.  Then we look forward to those imperishable ones and being with Him forever.  

Praise His glorious name!

Remember Him now, this Lord's Day, pass the broken bread and the cup of wine in the gladness of heart and resurrection power we will someday experience and that coveted change of body.  (Not someone else's body, but our own new imperishable one.)

Lord Jesus, we adore You.  We give You our praise and thanks for enduring the cross, despising the shame, the dying that we may live.  That we may have life eternal and imperishable bodies and go to be withYou at Your appointed time and be with You forever.  In Your name we give You our thanks.  Amen.

                                        ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 15:36-38, 42, 49, 51-58 ESV.

Sing, Glorious Day, along with Hadleigh Baptist Church and Hidup Ini Adalah Kesempatan, along with Harmony Voice.

Lyrics and translation:

HIDUP INI ADALAH KESEMPATAN 

Hidup ini adalah kesempatan

Hidup ini untuk melayani Tuhan

Jangan sia sia kan waktu yang Tuhan b'ri

Hidup ini hanya sementara

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Hidup ini adalah kesempatan

Hidup ini untuk melayani Tuhan

Jangan sia sia kan waktu yang Tuhan b'ri

Hidup ini hanya sementara

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

This life is an opportunity

This life is to serve God

Don't waste the time God has given

This life is only temporary

Oh God, use my life

While I still have the strength

One day I will be helpless

This life has become a blessing

This life is an opportunity

This life is to serve God (don't waste it)

Don't waste the time God has given

This life is only temporary

Oh God, use my life

While I still have the strength

One day I will be helpless

This life has become a blessing

Pockets and Purses (1 Corinthians 16 KJV & ESV)

 

In our Bible Study lesson the other week, the study writer John White directed our attention to the following.  He wrote,

"The last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses."

Rather humorous, I think. But then again ...

I think he's right in saying this.  When it comes to money matters, it really does create a tug-of-war with our pockets and purses.

When the apostle Paul was writing his farewell lines of his first letter to the Corinthians, he talked about money.  But he seemed to speak with the confidence that they'd give somewhat freely.

He spoke the

 "collection for the saints." 

 They were to give of their "store" as the Lord

 "had prospered them" (vs 2).

Paul made his appeal to them to ...

"... bring your liberality unto Jerusalem" (1 Corinthians 161-3 KJV).

The ESV calls it their "gift" (vs 3).

'Liberality' says more to me and makes me feel the pinch more.  'Gift' may cause a twinge too, though.  Why should they give of their hard-earned cash for others?

But a believer, whether in yesteryears or nowadays, can show God's love to our brothers and sisters-in-Christ even in freely and gladly giving when and where the necessity arises.  Paul encouraged,

"Let all be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV).

We can recall Jesus' parable of the foolish rich man who built bigger barns to store all his excess grain.  He did so without regard to others in need.  He was ready just to eat, drink and be merry without regard for his soul (see Luke 12:13-21).

He had a self-centered attitude that generated self-centered actions.  He would keep all for himself seems to be implied.

Financial security.

One never knows when one will need what they have.  So one hoards what one has.

But we need to be rich towards God whether we are rich or poor.  We need to build up treasure in heaven.  When the Lord prospers us with money and/or possessions we can use them for His glory and furtherance of His kingdom and to help those in need already in the kingdom.  All by the grace of God working in and through us on His behalf and on behalf of His people.

May the liberality of our pockets and purses be generous, until He comes.

                                               ~  ERC  June  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 16 KJV & ESV.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Master, along with The N Crew and Hidup Ini Adalah Kesempatan, along with Harmony Voice.

No Quacking or Clucking (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12, 15, 17 ESV)

 Ha, ha!  Have you ever seen or heard of a duck communicating with a chicken?  It'll 'quack' you up if you do, I think.  They do not speak the same language.

Reading 1 Corinthians 14 has been very timely for me.  I've been asked to share something about motherhood with some ladies - some mothers and grandmothers, who do not speak the same language as I.  I certainly am not competent to speak theirs. 

So it's a dilemma.

To further the complication, the translator is not feeling competent to translate from English into her language.  But she could from her language to the language of the ladies we would visit.  In this way, even though convoluted, there would be real communication happening.  Thank the Lord for ChatGPT that can translate the basics.

The apostle Paul knew something about this.  Well, not about ChaGPT, of course, but he wrote there's no point in speaking, even a Bible message if the hearers don't understand.  You need someone to translate, and that accurately (vs 5).

You don't want to be a noisy gong or a clanging symbol either.  You need to show love, care and respect to the hearers by ...

" ... pursuing love (God's kind) and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (chapter 14:1).

Oh how I'd love to have the tongue of this locale in which to prophesy.  Alas, try as I might, I seem to be a monolingual person that stumbles and falls over another language.

So I really thank the Lord for the sister-in-Christ willing to go even though it's the convoluted route, to convey something for me that hopefully and prayerfully the Lord sanctions and sanctifies me to share.  

The focus purpose being to build each other up in our faith, and to encourage each other in motherhood  and the Lord.  What's more, so that even ...

" ... the church may be built up" (vs 5).

May we all strive in building up the church.  May we also be eager for manifestations of the Spirit to aid in this process. May we all pray and sing and praise in our spirits as well as our minds, and not "cluck, cluck" annoyingly to give God glory.  So as much as in us lies, let's give thanks with cheerful sincere hearts, transmitting the love of God as best we can through whatever language possible, even if its convoluted.

                                                  ~ ERC  June  2026  ~                                                             

Based on 1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12, 15 and 17 ESV.

Sing, Oh For a Thousand Tongues, along with Reawaken Hymns.

P.S.  I'm back from that sharing and in the end another sister did the translating work.  Either way, may the Lord be praised and get the glory.  It's only by His grace we can doing any of this.

HAIKU - Clanging Gong (1 Corinthians 12 ESV)

 Puffed Up Knowledge, and

spiritual gifts, used to

dominate others.

No love.  No care.  No

prioritizing God's love

for all.  What's it for?

To strike your own gong?

To crash your own symbol?  Bong!

Crash!  Clang!  Ear attack!

Noisy!  Not the way

to love.  Not the way to show

loving care to all.

The more excellent 

way is LOVE.  Patient, kind, not

arrogant or rude.

Doesn't envy or

boast, NOR insist on its way.

Love is so much more.

No jarring, ear bash.

Sweet chimes of excellence, God's 

way, for God's glory.

Let's ring the sweet chimes 

of Heaven with His never

ending love and care.

          ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 13 ESV.

Sing, Love - Worship Song, along with Jason Silver Music.