Galatians 5:16-26

Galatians 5:16-26 (New Living Translation)
Living by the Spirit’s Power
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Devotion (Mikey Skoglund)
This list of what kinds of fruit the Holy Spirit produces is a good one to have memorized. It teaches us what things we need to be living by, what things that will keep us living in the will and law of God. Living by God’s law is not a complicated process to know or remember, but it is definitely easier said than done. I know in my life there are many times where my flesh overtake the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the things I do. Take a look again at the list of things that our sinful nature can lead us to…all of these things lead to emptiness, bitterness, and even death. It says in this passage that those who live in this way will not inherit the Kingdom of God which is life. I know at the surface some of these sinful desires seem like they would be fun or fill us with something we need…but God has created us to be filled by Him and Him alone. That’s why when we’re following the Holy Spirit and producing God’s fruit in our lives, we feel alive and full. So let’s take this passage to heart and remember that when we’ve given control of our lives over to Chris, we have crucified (put to death) all of our sinful passions and desires and have filled that void with Christ’s love and grace. So “let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” and “not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”

Prayer
Lord, I just want to thank You for this beautiful day that you’ve given us. Thank You for Your love in grace in my life. God please help me to put to death all of the sinful desires that lead me away from You. Help me to embrace Your Spirit and to be led by the Holy Spirit into abundant life. Thank You for being crucified on the cross for my sins, and for forgiving me and making me brand new. I am Your child. Fill my heart with Your love today Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Galatians 4:21-5:15

Galatians 4:21-5:15 (New Living Translation)
Abraham’s Two Children 21 Tell me, you who want to live under the law, do you know what the law actually says? 22 The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife.[a] 23 The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise.
24 These two women serve as an illustration of God’s two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. 25 And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia,[b] because she and her children live in slavery to the law. 26 But the other woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman, and she is our mother. 27 As Isaiah said, “Rejoice, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into a joyful shout, you who have never been in labor! For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband!”[c] 28 And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. 29 But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. 30 But what do the Scriptures say about that? “Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[d] 31 So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman. Galatians 5 Freedom in Christ 1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. 5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. 7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8 It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! 10 I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you. 11 Dear brothers and sisters,[e] if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised—as some say I do—why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended. 12 I just wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.[f] 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[g] 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.Devotion: I love how the beginning of chapter 5 and the end of this passage tie together so well!
In verse 1 of chapter 5, we find out that we are free because Christ sets us free! It is nothing by our own doing (if it were, we would never actually become free because of how much we mess up on a daily basis). Christ loved us enough to die on the cross for us and to free us from our sins.
Then at the end of this passage, starting in verse 13, we have some responsibility that comes with this freedom Christ has given us. Should we use it to keep on sinning? No! What are we to do? We are supposed to use this freedom to love one another and encourage one another!
Coming to the realization that we are completely free through Christ should inspire us to love each other incredible amounts! Not only should we encourage those who are already walking with Christ, but we should be seeking people out with whom we can share this Good News that Christ has set us free!
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the freedom you have given us through your Son, Jesus Christ. We are completely incapable of saving ourselves and setting ourselves free, and it is only by your power that we are free. Constantly remind us of this freedom so that we can love one another and share this amazing and wonderful news with others. We thank you and love you. Amen.

Galatians 3:26-4:20

Galatians 3:26-4:20 (New International Version)
Sons of God 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4 1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[a] Father.” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians 8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. 12I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. 19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Devotional by Stephanie Hawkins
When reading this scripture you can really feel Paul’s frustration towards the Galatians. He’s really having a hard time understanding why the Galatians have reverted back to some of their old sins and why they have allowed other people to affect them and lose their eagerness to serve God. Especially since he spend a lot of time with them and has seen first-hand their excitement in being Christ’s children.
This really made me reflect on myself and when I tend to lose sight of God’s purpose for me and allow others to control my mood, lose my joy and excitement for Christ. It always tends to lie right at the middle/end of week when I have been out of church for a few days and small group night has pasted but it is so important to keep that same excitement for Christ through the entire week so others can see God’s love through us. I always need to remind myself that my joy and worth doesn’t rely in all that is going on around but it lies in Christ alone.
Prayer:
God, as we reach the middle of the week please help keep your love in the middle of all our hearts. Let us not forget our joy for you and allow others to see your love and grace through us. Amen

Galatians 3:1-25

Galatians 3:1-25 (New Living Translation)
Galatians 3
The Law and Faith in Christ 1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced[a] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. 6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”[b] 7The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. 8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.”[c] 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. 10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.”[d] 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”[e] 12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”[f] 13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”[g] 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised[h] Holy Spirit through faith.
The Law and God’s Promise 15 Dear brothers and sisters,[i] here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. 16 God gave the promises to Abraham and his child.[j] And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,[k]” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child“—and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. 18 For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises?[l] Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
God’s Children through Faith 23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
DEVOTIONAL
When I read this passage, I picture Paul much as I am when I have to remind my children of something over and over again. It almost feels like you’re talking to a brick wall. Yet, in this instance I am one of those children Paul is talking to. How easily we forget what it is that makes us children of God – Christ followers. It is so easy to get focused on rules or work or acts. Not that any of these things are bad. It’s actually quite good to follow the rules, have a strong work ethic, and do acts of kindness to others. BUT we have to be careful that we don’t allow those things to be the qualifiers for our adoption into God’s family. Those things flow out of loving Jesus and wanting to be like him. However, it is simply, believing that Jesus is God’s Son who died for our sins that seals our adoption certificate. Have you lost sight of what makes you God’s child? I know I often do. Remind yourself today that by believing in Jesus – by choosing Him – you are a child of God. Period. That’s it. And for nothing more than that God loves you! Now that’s good news!
PRAYER
Father, so often I try to prove my place in your family through my actions. Help me today to remember that my place is secured because I believe in Your Son. Help me to use my actions to love others not because it will earn me a place in heaven, but because I want to be more like you each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Galatians 2:1-21

Galatians 2: 1-21 (NLT)
Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. 2 I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I talked privately with the leaders of the church. I wanted them to understand what I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure they did not disagree, or my ministry would have been useless. 3 And they did agree. They did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile.
4 Even that question wouldn’t have come up except for some so-called Christians there—false ones, really —who came to spy on us and see our freedom in Christ Jesus. They wanted to force us, like slaves, to follow their Jewish regulations. 5 But we refused to listen to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the Good News for you. 6 And the leaders of the church who were there had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 They saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the Good News to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 8 For the same God who worked through Peter for the benefit of the Jews worked through me for the benefit of the Gentiles. 9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 10 The only thing they suggested was that we remember to help the poor, and I have certainly been eager to do that. Paul Confronts Peter 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who don’t bother with circumcision. But afterward, when some Jewish friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these legalists would say. 13 Then the other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was influenced to join them in their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you trying to make these Gentiles obey the Jewish laws you abandoned? 15 You and I are Jews by birth, not sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 And yet we Jewish Christians know that we become right with God, not by doing what the law commands, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ—and not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be saved by obeying the law.” 17 But what if we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then find out that we are still sinners? Has Christ led us into sin? Of course not! 18 Rather, I make myself guilty if I rebuild the old system I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. 20 I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die.DEVOTION (Chris Bunch) “Face-to-Face”
Paul continues to establish his authority to the Galatians in chapter 2. He challenges the Galatians again not to listen to the false teachers, Judaizers, who insisted that non-Jewish believers must obey Jewish law and traditional rules. Again, Paul is shouting from the roof tops, “Following Christ is not about rules but about a relationship.” It is not about law——but about faith. Paul shares though about a confrontation with Peter, the leader of the Jerusalem church. Peter had given into the legalistic leaders due to his own fears, and was standing on the side of the Judaizers. When Paul heard about this he confronts Peter face to face because he knew this legalism could destroy the church. Paul doesn’t go behind Peter’s back and talk to the other leaders, he didn’t write a letter to other churches telling them not to follow Peter. Rather, Paul confronts Peter face-to-face. Many times Christians make mistakes in the life of the church (because there is not such thing as perfect people). However, rather than walking away or talking behind their backs, try the direct approach. Go directly to the person. It may be difficult at first, but over time you will save yourself a lot of stress and anger by simply going directly to the person. When you do this you show not only do you value the relationship, but you value handling conflict the Jesus way.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the example of Paul. Help me this week to go directly to people when I am hurt rather than going behind their back. I know it won’t be easy, but please give me the strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

Galatians 1:1-24

Galatians 1
Greetings from Paul 1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 2 All the brothers and sisters[a] here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ[b] give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
There Is Only One Good News 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.[c] You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Paul’s Message Comes from Christ 11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.[d] 13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me[e] so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.[f] 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter,[g] and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie. 21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.

Devotional (by Amy Whitt)
In Paul’s writings, I am struck by the words he used in describing how he is sharing God’s word with other people when he says in verse 10, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Everyone at one point in there lives has tried to be a people pleaser. It may be that you were always trying to please your parents, spouse, boss or child. Or maybe it’s your neighbor, friend or relative. By pleasing others you may have hoped to receive praise, a promotion or simply pride. But, we must always be reminded that all things should be done for God’s glory alone. Not for our own self service or gain.
Another message Paul shares within these passages is for each of us to be reminded that it does not matter what has happened in our pasts, we can be a servant of God in the present. Despite a past that focused on trying to destroy faith in God, Paul turned things around and chooses to become a servant of the Lord. Whatever your past may contain be it addictions, crime, depression, abuse, self loafing…anything can be turned over to God and you can become free to live a life with our Savior though your belief in Him. And you can prosper and lead a life of witness and conviction to others.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in prayer today that all that I do be for your glory and not for my own pride or gain. I pray that you will continue to help me be a witness to others. Thank you for the gift of salvation you have provided me despite my past failures and sins. Amen.

2 Corinthians 12:11-13:14

Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
11 You have made me act like a fool—boasting like this.a] You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all. 12 When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you. 13 The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong! 14 Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. 15 I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me. 16 Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery. 17 But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you? 18 When I urged Titus to visit you and sent our other brother with him, did Titus take advantage of you? No! For we have the same spirit and walk in each other’s steps, doing things the same way. 19 Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.2 Corinthians 13
Paul’s Final Advice
1 This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses“b]). 2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. 3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. 5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among youc]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. 8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. 10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down. Paul’s Final Greetings 11 Dear brothers and sisters,d] I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet each other with Christian love.e] 13 All of God’s people here send you their greetings. 14 f]May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all
Devotion:
In this scripture paul is addressing the church of corinth and really drives home an important point about spiritual maturity. He mentions that he has been there several times to help start the church and teach the good word. Paul has led the church in the direction they should be going but has found that they are still immature in there faith and likely involved with jealously, anger, slander , gossip, and many more! I think this is so true for many of us, when we are away from church for awhile our sinful nature tends to take over and we start to revert back to the old ways. We start to feel nobody is looking, nobody will know if I just took a quick look at porn, I said just that one curse word, I have that one drink. It becomes so easy when we are not around one another to hold each other accountable. Well there is no doubt it is much easier to do these things when we are alone like corinth was from paul, but the take home point is spiritually maturity. So what is spiritually maturity that paul is talking about? Well I thought about this for almost a half hour and then realized there is not an easy answer because each one of us are different but the simple truth is to love one another, read the bible, spend time in prayer, and realize we are weak and only through God can we overcome our hurts habits and hang ups.

Prayer:
Lord help me go throughout the day and work towards becoming more spiritually mature by realizing my weakness and then giving me the strength to give them completely to you Lord.

2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10

2 Corinthians 11
22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
Paul’s Vision and His Thorn 1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. 5I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say. 7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Devotional (by Marilyn Brooks)
In this scripture Paul seems to be speaking like a madman about the Hebrews and Israelites boasting that they are servants to Christ. He has done more than all of them and his life is dedicated to being a Christian Apostle. You could say he is challenging his critics to compare themselves to his standard of a Minister to Christ. He himself has endured so much suffering so Christ can be heard. Fourteen years before, Paul was given a clear vision of our Eternal residence in Heaven but is not able to reveal to others what Paradise is like. God has shown him Paradise to strengthen him for the suffering he was to endure.
God does not spare us trials but will help us to overcome them when we are weak.We are at are strongest when we rely on His power to take control and lead us through the tough times.

Prayer:
God, Thank you for the trials that we face. Help us to understand that you are in control when we are weak and through these trials we are strengthened by your Grace.In your Son’s name,Amen.

2 Corinthians 11:1-21

2 Corinthians 11

Paul and the False Apostles

 ¹ I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me. ² For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride^[a] to one husband—Christ. ³ But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. ⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. ⁵ But I don’t consider myself inferior in any way to these “super apostles” who teach such things.⁶ I may be unskilled as a speaker, but I’m not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every possible way.
 ⁷ Was I wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God’s Good News to you without expecting anything in return? ⁸ I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. ⁹ And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be. ¹⁰ As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, no one in all of Greece^[b] will ever stop me from boasting about this. ¹¹Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows that I do.
 ¹² But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. ¹³ These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Paul’s Many Trials

 ¹⁶ Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. ¹⁷ Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. ¹⁸ And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.¹⁹ After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! ²⁰ You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. ²¹ I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!   But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too.


Devotional
Obviously Paul uses a lot of sarcasm here to iterate his point. But he makes the point in the beginning of this passage that he is jealous “with a godly jealousy” for them. Paul is referencing Exodus 34:14:
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
This concept of God being jealous baffled me not to long ago and after some studying I found that “Jealous” in this context is the same type of jealousy used in other references of the Bible in the context of adultery and comes from the Hebrew “El Qanna”.
And is specifically used in the context as when a spouse loves their spouse unconditionally, even after they have cheated on the other time and time again, they still have deep love for them but don’t understand why their spouse would cheat on them because they are loved so much.
This is the kind of love God has for us, an “El Qanna” kind of love. Paul warns us not to be misled by by false and deceitful people that “masquerade as apostles of Christ.” But I also believe Paul’s point goes further than just applying to being led astray by people and also applies to being led astray by things and philosophies and stuff. We have a tendency to put people, things, and stuff before God in our lives and when we do, we in essence are committing adultery against God like a spouse cheating on their husband/wife even though the spouse does all they can to love them.

(Prayer)
Lord thank You for your patience and unconditional love towards us. Reveal to us those areas of our lives where we have put the things of this world before you. Forgive us for not understanding what we have even done. In Christ’s name, Amen

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

2 Corinthians 10
Paul Defends His Authority 1 Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. 2 Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won’t have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives. 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 [a]We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6 And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. 7 Look at the obvious facts.[b] Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do. 8 I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. 9 I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters. 10 For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!” 11 Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away. 12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! 13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. 14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ. 15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. 16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory. 17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”[c] 18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Devotion:
At the beginning of this passage, Paul speaks of how people think of him as a timid person. He goes on to say though that he uses God’s mighty weapons to destroy any obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. I personally can relate to Paul in this passage as I am a shy and introverted person. When I first came to the Jar, I was intrigued and fascinated by all that we did to reach out to others. I became involved in the Saturday Serve events as I liked being able to show God’s love to others by serving them in a small way. I also liked that I didn’t have to say or do too much. I could hand them an item with a “free card” that would let them know God loved them and so did we as a church.
During that time, God was also growing me in my faith. I began to feel more comfortable in sharing my faith and what God had done in my life. With time I was able to do this without the safety net of the free items. With God’s weapons or tools, I was able to share with others so that they might come to form a relationship with Him. While I continue to struggle at times, God has surrounded me with my church family to continue to encourage me in this mighty task which we have been given.
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you so much for loving us and giving us the tools to help others come to know your love. Please help us to be strong and courageous as we share you with others. Amen.