2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Personal Challenge

Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, gave up His place in heaven for a period of time so that He could be born as a human, live a sinless life, be put to death on the cross, and then arise from that death for all of creation. He died for all of creation and destroyed death and its grip upon us so that we would not have to die one ourselves but live for Him. Glory be to God!

Proverbs 10:31 (10:32)

The mouth of a righteous man distills wisdom,
But the tongue of an unrighteous man utterly destroys.

Personal Challenge

Of all the parts of the physical body, the mouth and tongue seem to get the most attention. The mouth and tongue have done more damage and caused more pain than any other part of us. They can also do great good by lifting up and encouraging others. Our challenge, day in and day out, is to choose to use these parts of our bodies righteously or unrighteously. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Personal Challenge

As followers of Christ, we have a confidence in who our savior is and that he has everything in the palm of His hands. We do not fear what is going on around us. We do not worry about the state of the world. We know that because of Him, all things work out to His glory. Our challenge is to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him as we see the world around us falling apart. We trust that He will hold it all together until that day He returns. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner!

Proverbs 10:22 (10:23)

The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of a righteous man;
It enriches him, and grief of heart will not be added to it.

Encouraging Words

We are rewarded for trying to live righteous lives by our Lord. When we strive to live His way and not the way of the world, He will bestow His blessing upon us and protect us from grief. Thanks be to God!

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Encouraging Words

The Christian life is founded upon faith. Faith in our Father whom we recognize as the eternal source of · life and light. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and co-creator of all, who became man, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and destroyed death by His resurrection. Faith in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and dwells amongst us to guide us through our earthly life. This faith goes beyond hope and brings as to the point where we know this is true and that through our God, the Trinity, we will never die. Glory be to God!

Proverbs 10:19 (10:20)

You will not escape sin by a multitude of words, But you of discreet lips will be forbearing.

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Encouraging Words

One thing that sets a committed follower of Christ apart from others is their perspective on death. We do not lose heart as we see our earthly bodies perishing a little bit more each day as we grow older. We know that physical death is inevitable, but we also know that in Christ, our inner being, our soul is being renewed each day in Christ and that we will live forever with Him. We recognize the struggle of remaining in our physical body and absent from Christ versus being absent from our physical body, separated from our loved ones, and in the presence of Christ. Either way, we know that we are in his hands. Glory be to God!

Proverbs 9:9-12

Give the opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser;
Instruct a righteous man, and he shall continue to receive it.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the counsel of saints is understanding;
For to know the law is characteristic of a good mind.
For in this manner you will live a long time,
And the years of your life shall be increased.
My son, if you become wise in yourself,
you shall also be wise toward your neighbor;
But if you prove to be evil, you alone will go through troubles.

Personal Challenge

Let’s face it, we can do nothing on our own that will give us wisdom and righteousness. These can only come from our Lord and the place to begin the process of receiving this is to put our trust and faith in Him, and Him alone. God will make his laws and precepts known to us. He will provide the opportunities for us to grow in Wisdom. He will give us the instruction we need and bring saintly counsel into our lives. He will show us how to treat our neighbor. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Personal challenge

Once again, we see what appears to be the folly of God. He chooses us, common human beings, to build His kingdom and bring about the unity of His church. We are broken, unclean, and yet His vessels that He chooses to live in. He does this so that only through his power and grace can we overcome the powers of this earthly domain. That way He is glorified, and we have Jesus manifested within us. Glory be to God!