It's hard to believe that 'the fragrance of Christ' (2 Corinthians 2:15, CSB) and 'the aroma of death' (v.16) can arise out of the same person, and that person having the presence of Jesus flow out of their lives. The difference is not the one with the Presence, but the one encountering that person. The presence of Jesus in us draws like people together and brings joy. The presence of Jesus in us ...  Read More

He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. (2 Corinthians 1:22, CSB)He Who made us in His image (imago Dei) and made us for Himself (permanent, intimate relationship) has restored us to Himself (through Christ our Propitiation - Romans 3:23-26), has put His authoritative seal (signet ring) on us declaring we belong to Him and has put His Holy Spirit wit...  Read More

The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31, CSB)I have heard it said that 'poor' may be true not only in material circumstances, but also personal capacities, much like the 'little ones' that Jesus talked about were not only children. The truth is that every person is created in the image of God and every person matters to ...  Read More

"It is really much easier to please God than to please people" writes E.M. Bounds. At first, that statement seems counter-experience. It raises a question instantaneously: Then why don't people just please God first? Paul answers that question: "The sting of death is sin..." (1 Corinthians 15:56). "Genuine righteousness leads to life, but pursuing evil leads to death" (Proverbs 11:19, CSB). So, fo...  Read More

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)Perhaps Paul was reading Proverbs as well...certainly sounds that way. As it turns out, he is quoting a Greek playwrite by the name of Menander (footnotes of AMP, EXB, NIV). Who knew that wisdom could come from a secular source and make it into the inspired Word of God? Here is a simple reminder that true wisdom is ...  Read More

Whatever spiritual gift we have, and we all have at least one (1 Corinthians 12:7), it is given by the Holy Spirit 'for the common good' (same verse) that 'the church may be built up' (1 Corinthians 14:5). This is the opposite of a world that is focused on 'individual rights' and 'personal freedom.' As has been said before, a world revolving around me is very tiny, but an outwardly focused, Kingdo...  Read More