Daily Devotionals

“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy.
For I have bethroned you to one husband,
that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ”
– 2 Corinthians 11:2 –

The name of “matchmaker” is popularly given to one who makes a connection between two parties, beginning and strengthening contacts that lead a couple to join their lives in marriage. In certain cultures, it is a profession, a role that is exercised upon request. Others who are bolder offer their services; that, of course, requires the consent of those involved. Matchmakers, also called “go-betweens,” cannot resist: they are constantly introducing friends.

In the case of a well-known couple, the “matchmaker” was the groom’s brother in law, who used his influence to create conditions for making a contact, arrange meetings, and develop a friendship. Thanks to God, the couple have been blessed with forty-three years of marriage and a beautiful family. They are always deeply grateful to the brother in law, who was used by God to join their lives.

Society in Paul’s day did not consider personal preferences as the basis of a marriage covenant, so the matchmaker had to analyze the family tree and keep the social and financial positions of the bride and the groom in perspective.

Paul told the church in Corinth that he was worried about it. He saw the church in Corinth as Christ’s bride. He wanted to take it and present it to Christ as pure and chaste, a virgin commited to only one husband in love and faithfulness.

Paul used several figures to refer to the church. In that case, as well as when he wrote to the Ephesians, marriage represented the union between Christ and the church through a wedding and feast.

It is the sacrifice of Christ that creates a community of saints.

“Pride transformed angels into demons, while humility,
by accepting the merrits of Christ, transforms sinners into saints”
– Augustine of Hippo –

The apostle’s services were limited, but the Groom’s services are unlimited. Christ watches over the bride, forgives her, protects her, prepares her, and helps her to be faithful and have a missionary mind. Although there are evils in the bride, “the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard” (The remnant Church, p. 33).

With a matchmaker like Paul,
how could we not get married to a Bridegroom like Jesus!
Now, every day, and for eternity.

Be blessed…

“Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly – and indeed
you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy.
For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you
as a chaste virgin to Christ”
– 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 –

In 2 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul vehemently defended the gospel of Christ and was concerned for the church. Had he perhaps set a bad example for them? He did not think so (vv. 4-9). Paul behaved with dignity and humility, unlike mercenary pastors, who disguised themselves as apostles of Christ to deceive, just as the devil disguises himself to look like an angel of light (vv. 12-15).

The apostle described the extremely high cost he paid to keep active in the fulfillment of the mission: lashes, endless journeys, restless nights, attacks, and fatigue (vv. 24-28). However, Paul did not glory in any of that because in spite of all that, he understood that he was a fragile instrument of God (vv. 30, 31).

Since his encounter with Jesus, a passion intensified in Paul. What was it that made this man so passionate for the mission?

1. Fear of Christ. Fearing men is different from fearing the Lord. Fear is what Joseph felt when Potiphar’s wife tempted him, and what Moses felt in the presence of God. To be before the message is to be before God Himself. Paul surrendered himself, was consumed, and expenden himself for the cause. He was not afraid of anything before men, for he feared God in everything.
2. Love of Christ. This love left Paul no choise. However, Christ’s mission is not an imposition. Paul did not have a mission; the mission had him, tied with the common thread that runs throughout the Bible: the plan of salvation through grace.

The Jews considered themselves superior and were filled with pride because of a mark on their bodies: circumcision. Paul’s mark was not merely on one part of his body, but throughout his body. He himself was a mark for God and for mission.

“From now on, let no one cause me trouble,
for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus”
(Gal. 6:17).

In Greek, the stigmata was the brand that the castle owner put on his animals in order to recognize them as his own. This provided identity and belonging. An iron heated in the fire marked them forever.

Paul had the “stigmata of Christ” forever on his body. All of us have marks in our lives, but one, that of Christ, must be above all. We can take Paul as a great example of humility and total commitment to people and his mission.

The “stigmata of Christ”
was Paul’s mark.

What is yours? May the Lord guide you and be with you…

“He who glories, let him glory in the Lord”
– 2 Corinthians 10:17 –

The story is told of an imaginary dialogue between a lion and other animals in the jungle. The lion was doing some research by asking a very basic question: “Who is the king of the jungle?”

In each case, it would precede its question with a roar. Among the interviewees was a monkey, a zebra, a turtle, and an elephant. One by one, fearfully but showing no doubt, the answered, “The lion is the king of the jungle.” Until it was the elephant’s turn. Using its trunk, it grabbed the lion by the tail and spun it around several times before throwing it into a muddy puddle. Hurt, humiliated, and dirty, the lion got up and with a dignified look, answered, “The fact that you didn’t know the right answer doesn’t justify so much anger.”

This story is not so fictional… when human beings are involved. It would seem that we have more than enough reasons – real or imaginary – to boast about ourselves. Many people like a certain soccer team or a team from another sport. I have heard several say, “we won” and “we are champions,” when in reality, those who say that have done absolutely nothing.

Although there is no place for boasting, Paul does show us something in which we can glory: God. In that regard, Paul glories that he was the first one in reaching them with the gospel; acting as the apostle of the Gentiles.

It is acceptable to boast about doing the work entrusted by God and fulfilling His mission. It is not about glorying ourselves, but about glorifying God and His love, which transforms lives.

“Let us serve Him faithfully as our Master. Let us obey Him loyally as our King. Let us study His teachings as our Prophet. Let us work diligently after Him as our Example. Let us look anxiously for Him as our coming Redeemer” – John C. Ryle –.

But above all, let us give Him the honor He deserves as our sacrifice and let us rest completely in His death as an atonement for sin. More than any other thing that would delight us in respect to Christ, we should delight above all in His cross (Gal. 6:14).

The Lord Himself provided an example through the prophet Jeremiah:

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not this wise man glory in his wisdom,
let not the mighty man glory in his might,
nor let the rich man glory in his riches,
but let him who glories glory in this,
that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jer. 9:23-24).

Every time you think yourself to be a lion,
remember the elephant.

May the Lord bless you today…

“But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold
with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some,
who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh”
– 2 Corinthians 10:2 –

In all environments (family, work, church, and friendships) we can face conflict. Resolving them is not easy. There are situations that are very complex, our emotions are heavily involved, we feel blocked, and lack good strategies. Conflict begins when someone or something affects us, we believe if it affects us, or think it may affect us.

“You cannot solve a problem from the same level of consciousness
that created it” – Albert Einstein –

How did Paul face the many problems he had in Corinth?

• He confronted them with strength and courage. He was direct, clear, and did not negotiate on his principles.
• He highlighted and valued everything that was positive.
• He was present during the process, showed his face, and led upfront.
• He treated others with consideration and kindness. No reason or truth justifies a rude or violent response.
• He always tried to highlight the message and attitude of Christ.
• He used discipline as a last resort. Sometimes it is necessary, but should be sone with love, seeking above all to heal and restore.

Many people prefer to live with conflict rather than try to find ways to reslove it. This locks us up in a prison of tension, which becomes even more problematic. “The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death” (Counsels on Health, p. 344).

The ostrich, which comes from Africa, has a small head, large eyes, and legs which are long and muscular and allow it to run fifty-five miles in half an hour. It is the largest and heaviest of all birds in existence, but it cannot fly. It can reach up to ten feet in height and weight up to four hundred pounds.

When an ostrich is in danger, it lowers its head to ground level to go unnoticed and look like a brush. This gave origin to the saying “Don’t bury your head in the sand like the ostrich,” to describe those who prefer to hide without taking responsibility.

We have to be masters and not slaves to circumstances.
The promise is sure and strong:
“Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed
with a power akin to that of the Creator – individuality,
power to think and to do” (Education, p. 17).

It is always better not to hide your head like the ostrich.

May the Lord fill you with His wisdom to overcome any obstacles you may have.
Be blessed…

“Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you
by the meekness and gentleness of Christ”
– 2 Corinthians 10:1 –

In 2 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul reminds us that he always behaved as a servant to God and other people. But, once in a while, religious leaders need to show resoluteness and authority.

Three basic teachings are highlighted:

1. Submitting our life in obedience to God (vv. 2-6). All the Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters should live in obedience and commitment to God’s leading.
2. Boasting in the Lord. If we have some success, if we do something well, if we stand out in something, the credit is not ours; the credit is always God’s because He gives us the ability to be successful in life.
   Those who praise themselves are not receiving approval, but only the ones who the Lord praises. Success can make us think that we are good, or that we are better than others. We need to be conscious that praising ourselves is a deadly path to pride and arrogance. What is the solution, then?
3. Living in the light of God’s approval (vv. 14-18). All the honor, credit, all our gratitude and commitment to God, everything we have and are, is thanks to God. This entire path of blessings begins with a profound prayer life. Pastor Luther Gibbs suggests practicing the following alphabet  of prayer:

Adoration. Recognize that we are in the presence of God, who is holy, majestic, and powerful; capable of supplying all needs.
Blessing. Recognize what God has done for us and thank and praise His Name.
Confession. Acknowledging our sins and asking God for forgiveness for those sins. Confession must be both general because of our sinful nature, and specific about the current faults we have committed.
Desire. Recognize our needs and desires and elevate these petitions to God. We should pray for others, but we must also do it for ourselves.

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work.
Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine.
I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service.
Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’
This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God
for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out
or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day
you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus
your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ”
(Steps to Christ, p. 70).

Be blessed…

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart,
not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7 –

Is it the amount or the disposition to give which counts? What does a “cheerful giver” mean? It means to give spontaneously, with pleasure, proportionally, and voluntarily. This principle should be applied both to the tithe and offerings. In the cas of tithe, we return the part which belongs to the Lord; therefore, it requires faithfulness. For offerings, generosity is required. In both cases, the giver should be “cheerful.”

People are happy when they receive, not when they give.
Being cheerful while giving is having the Spirit of Jesus.

Why does God love the cheerful giver? Does God in fact have favorites? He loves everyone, but He feels a special satisfaction when He is honored by the motivation of the cheerful giver. The moon reflects the light and brightness coming from the sun. It does not selfishly keep the light to itself.

The greatest argument for the reason He loves a cheerful giver is that God is a cheerful giver, to the point that He did not spare His own Son. Would we give our children to save our enemies? He gives to us without us asking and without us deserving it. Everything we have and are we owe to Him. It is only because He is a cheerful giver to us, we can become cheerful givers to Him.

Charles Spurgeon asked, “Have you placed your trust in Jesus? If your heart belongs to the Lord, and you have been washed in His bloos, always remember that God loves a cheerful giver.”

The spirit of selfishness is the spirit of satan. The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get, and get. Thus, they hope to secure happiness and ease, but the fruit of their sowing is misery and death. The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. This spirit finds its highest manifestation in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In our behalf the Father gave His only begotten Son; and Christ, having given up all that He had, then gave Himself, that man might be saved. The cross of Calvary should appeal to the benevolence of every follower of the Savior. The principle there illustrated is to give, give, and give. “He that saith he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 339).

Whoever has the spirit of Heaven is a cheerful giver
who blesses others, blesses himself, and glorifies God.

Let us be cheerful givers, may the Love and Peace of our Lord be with you…

“Now concerning the ministering to the saints,
it is superfluous for me to write to you”
– 2 Corinthians 9:1 –

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul keeps encouraging generosity. He highlights the value of trusting in God and serving people, which will lead us to better fulfill the mission.

The apostle says that the harvest will correspond to sowing (v. 6). We must plant a lot if we want abundant fruits. The chapter concludes with gratitude for “His indescribable Gift” (v. 15), which is Christ, our Lord.

That is why we should be like Maradona. No, I am not referring to Diego Maradona, the former soccer player, but to Dr. Esteban Laureano Maradona, a man who was upright, helpful, caring, and generous like few others.

Dr. Maradona was born in 1895, in the city of Esperanza, Santa Fe, in Argentina, and studied to become a doctor at the University of Buenos Aires. He was also a scientist, professor, botanist, writer, and reporter.

When he was forty years old, the course of his life changed forever. He was travelling by train toward the north of Argentina, to visit his brother. The old locomotive stoppped in the small town of Formosa. In the hills, a woman in labor was teetering between life and death. And that is where the doctor headed. Maradona was able to save the mother and the baby.

When he returned, the train had already left. A multitude of sick people asked to be helped, and yes, he stayed there. During the next fifty years he cured lepers, dealt with bullet wounds and gangrene, helped with deliveries by moonlight, and was a pediatrician without running water. He never accepted payment. “With the oxygen in the air and the water that falls from heaven I have enough. I don’t have any reason to complain,” would Dr. Maradona say over and over again.

He died in 1995, at ninety-nine years of age. He was nominated three times for the Nobel Prize and was awarded the United Nations Public Service Award. But his greatest accomplishment was working with Indigenous people and the poor, who surrounded him with affection and recognition for his humility and his dedication to his profession.

He summarized his own life this way: “If any merits assist me in the performance of my profession, they are very limited. I have done nothing but fulfill the classic oath to do good. It has often been said that living in austerity and solidarity means giving up oneself. In reality, it means completely fulfilling the magnificent purpose of which we were created.”

Like Dr. Maradona, or better yet, Paul and Jesus,
let us live by giving ourselves completely,
because “That is what I consider true generosity:
you give your all, and yet you always feel
as if it costs you nothing” – Simone de Beauvoir –

Let us give our all, may you be blessed…

“And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord,
and then to us by the will of God”
– 2 Corinthians 8:5 –

A merciful life is spiritual, holy, and faithful, and places everything we have and are at the feet of the Lord. It is a response to God’s mercy. Love and faithfulness toward God are manifested as love and faithfulness to others. From this love toward God flows a fraternal love among men.

In this chapter, the grace of God and the mercy of the believers are evident in their generous actions toward the needy. For Paul, a merciful life aims to fulfill the needs of others, and is evidenced in the following ways:

1. A sincere contribution: A believer’s generosity is the result of God’s blessings and an opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity of that love. It implies the sincerity to recognize oneself as the administrator and not the proprietor of God’s resources.
2. A voluntary contribution: The good example of the Macedonians was not meant to create rivalry or competition. The contribution had to be free. No cause, however good it may be, can be motivated by pride, vanity, and selfishness.
3. A realistic contribution: According to the possibilities each one had, proportionally. With good will, even a small amount is acceptable.
4. A trustworthy contribution: The reference should always be Christ who, being rich due to His attributes as part of the Deity, made Himself poor (Phil. 2:7) – in other words, was incarnated into our misery – in order to enrich us and provide us a new life and an inheritance.

“The Pieta” is a sculpture from the Italian Renaissance created by Michalangelo Buonarrotu in 1499, when he was only twenty-four years old. the work is now found in the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The sculpture represents a scene which does not appear in the Gospels, where Mary holds the dead body of Christ after He was taken down from the cross.

The sculpture is made of Carrara marble. Marble is a compact rock, which when heated at high temperatures has a high degree of crystallization. After polishing, the marble achieves a high level of nature shine.

Our society is filled with brilliant people whose hearts are herd and cold as stone. Beleivers are not made of marble, but flesh and bone. They are called by God to shine and shimmer, through a life that is pious, dedicated and generous. This is only possible if you submit to the Rock, which is Jesus.

Let us not be a stone like marble, with our own shine;
it is better to live dependent and sustained by the Rock.
Then our shine will be a reflection of Jesus’s brilliance.

Be blessed…

“That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy
and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality”
– 2 Corinthians 8:2 –

In 2 Corinthians 8, the apostle Paul encourages the saints to contribute to the poor in Jerusalem; in doing so, he shows how important it is to help the needy. To motivate them, he recognizes their precious efforts and quotes the example of “our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (v. 9).

Also, the apostle recommends his friend Titus to the church (v. 6), a young minister and friend in the work of preaching the gospel.

Two lessons are highlighted in this chapter. The first refers to solidarity. When someone is in need, the local church should unite to help them. We should not wait for the government, other organizations, or “the organization” to offer help; the people closest to the one in need should demonstrate solidarity and support.

The second lesson refers to how Paul feels for his friend Titus, whom he recognizes and recommends as a faithful collaborator.

Solidarity and unconditional support to the causes and interests of others, especially in situations that are difficult. Solidarity is born in the heart of God, who renounced Himself and demonstrated His love by coming down, placing Himself at our level, and offering His life to pay our debt. He gave up His riches so that “through His poverty [we] might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

In our daily interactions we miss out on a lot due to lack of mutual solidarity. Some are left trapped in their own selfishness without seeing the needs of others, and in this way, we do not fulfill the mission or the example the Lord has left for us. If God is our Father, we are all brothers and sisters, and depend on each other to be happy.

“He who seeks to transform humanity must himself understand humanity. Only through sympathy, faith, and love men can be reached and uplifted. Here Christ stands revealed as the Master Teacher; of all that ever dwelt on the earth, He alone has perfect understanding of the human soul” (Mind, Character, and Personality, p. 438).

Helping people in need is not an option,
but a lifestyle for those who have learned
that all the riches and opportunities that we have
should be used to help those in need.
“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show
compassion and the will to help others” – Albert Schweitzer. –

Let us be supportive and sensitive to our brethren, may the Lord bless you…