Chapter 1
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 – Doesn’t this verse hit home with our question we often ask as to “Why am I going through all this right now!?” We pray, we seek, and we search for reasoning why God is making us go through what we are going through. Sometimes these stages of our life are so hard they are like what Paul is saying in they felt like they were being sentenced to death. But God isn’t absent, God isn’t forgetful about you, God is encouraging you to lean on Him more. Nothing we go through in life will be more than He can handle. Often it will be more than we can handle on our own, but that’s why God wants an intimate relationship with you so that in those times of overwhelming struggle He can overwhelm you with His strength and love. Yet how would we know to rely on Him if we always could handle everything ourselves? While we think we know this world, God knows it better. He knows what is ahead of us in our story and wants us to learn now to lean on Him rather than ourselves to get by. Don’t take this struggle in your story as a sign of God’s absence, He is giving you an opportunity to see how big He is if you let Him show you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – God comforts us so we can comfort others. How beautiful is that! Here we see so clearly God’s love for us and the world. He sees our pain and brings to us the comfort we need in the middle of our trials and in the midst of all that is opening the doors for us to be His tools to show His love and comfort to others in pain as well. Today know God sees what you’re dealing with and He is in the business of bringing to you the comfort you need. He also though is offering you the encouragement of sharing that comfort with others in need of help. God is so good. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 719
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – Lots of truth being dropped here. As Christians we’ll still suffer. If Christ, the one we are following suffered greatly, then it’s only natural that those who follow His example and direction would taste some of that suffering too. Yet another truth is those who suffer will as well experience God’s deep comfort in that suffering. The suffering of Christ and the comfort of God, two things each true follower of Jesus can expect. What do we do with all that? Be the avenue of God’s comfort for someone else in suffering. We’ll have our own struggles, but others will too. We are finding God’s comfort and it often comes in the shape of another person in our story speaking and stepping into our story. Be that then for someone else. Be the means God uses to comfort someone struggling. If you’ve been comforted, comfort others. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2061
Chapter 2
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing 2 Corinthians 2:15 – What is the scent that you are leaving in the places you’re at? Like when walking into a coffee shop and the overwhelming (yet amazing) smell of coffee hits you, you know coffee is close by. How about when people walk near you? Is the “aroma of Christ” something they sense when around you? Like they can tell something is different about you and when you leave a place the place is different in a good way because you were there. Did you leave the scent of Christ behind? Or did you leave the scent of sin and death (hurt, selfishness, pride) like the world does? Ask yourself, what do the people “smell” after I leave? Is it a scent of love and grace or a scent of selfishness and hate? What are you leaving behind and is it helping or hurting people? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
…so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:11 – So our enemy is working against us, yet we are not unaware of how he is trying to tear us down. From the passage apparently we are to do something so we won’t be outwitted by our enemy. So what’s this “something” we are to do? Forgive each other. Apparently it’s not only Paul that knows the damages not forgiving someone can cause, but also our enemy and he is seeking to outwit you and lead you astray by tempting you to hold onto your hatred and grudges. Never forget how deeply you’ve been forgiven by Jesus. Yes they may have hurt you, but when you’ve been forgiven for all the wrong you’ve done like you have, you have no right to hold forgiveness away from someone else. Today, when you think about the person you need to forgive, think about what your relationship with God would look like if Jesus hadn’t taken care of your sins. God didn’t want a separation between you and Himself and He also doesn’t want separation between His children because in that gap between us is where our enemy lies and works. Don’t give our enemy even a chance. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 720
For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. – 2 Corinthians 2:1 – Paul here is speaking about his efforts of coming to visit the church in Corinth. He though shares that he had made up his mind not to visit them at that time. Apparently there was some issues happening within the church and chose to wait to give them an opportunity to change through a more gentle letter than a firmer, in-person rebuke. Either way, Paul saw brothers in Christ not walking in a manner that they should and took upon himself the role of helping his brothers know the right way to live. If we ever want to see the church of today continue to thrive, grow, and impact the world, this must be a staple in the life of the church. Rather than dismissing our brother’s sin as not our problem or just letting fear hold us back from saying something, let’s step in and say something. Let’s not see the church walking away from Jesus and just be alright with it. So if there is sin you’re seeing in someone’s story, speak up. Also be open and thankful when someone does this in your life, they are just seeking to be faithful to scripture and they love you more than everyone who didn’t say anything. Let’s be the church that sees the speck in our brother’s eyes and sees the log in our own eyes and isn’t content with either staying where they are. I love you, but Jesus love you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2062
Chapter 3
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 2 Corinthians 3:16 – Picture something like a wedding veil. See how it covers the eyes and face of the one wearing it making it difficult, if not impossible, to see the face of the one behind it. Within this passage we see a “veil” remaining unlifted in the lives of the people talked about. Meaning they couldn’t see behind this veil. What was behind it? The glory and salvation of God. They had been trying to lift the veil to see that salvation in their own way, but in v.14 it says only Jesus can lift the veil for them. What all is this saying? If you want to see God’s salvation and glory, only Jesus can do that for you. Only turning to Him and letting Him lift that veil will you ever be able to experience what’s behind it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Amen, where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom for all who turn to Him. This passage is contrasting the old covenant of following the law to the new covenant created by Jesus for us. For us today, let’s just learn one thing from all this. We are free now because of this new covenant because the Spirit of God can dwell within us. The old had its purpose, but was fulfilled in Jesus. Now Jesus has opened the doors for the new covenant where the Spirit of God can freely be with us. Now freedom from guilt, shame, works, and death are ours through the Spirit of God that is with us. Meaning you are free from holding onto all that because of Jesus. You’re not chained to your sin anymore if you have Jesus so stop living under that umbrella of shame. You’re free now, live like it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 721
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6- Keep in mind it’s not us that is bringing about the change you see in those around you. Sometimes it can be tempting when we see hearts changing and lives turning to Jesus to think it was our doing that made all this happen. This passage reminds us that we on our own are not sufficient to bring about such change. We can’t heal broken hearts, we can’t transform minds, we can’t save anyone from their sin. It’s God through us making those changes. How deeply important it is then that we are inviting Him into our worship times and conversations with others. If He is the waymaker and miracle worker, not us, then how silly would it be to step into any service of God without His hand being in it! Invite Him in, welcome His voice, make room for His presence, and accept His lead. Then we can begin to see God’s work being done within the lives of those He’s called us to love. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2063
Chapter 4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – This passage is saying that our enemy and sin has blinded them from seeing the beauty of the Gospel. Meaning, they don’t see the appeal or need to have God’s grace and love in their story. As confusing as that might be for us who see the immeasurable beauty of His love and grace, don’t give up on those who don’t see what you see. While they may not see it yet it doesn’t change the fact they need God’s grace and love in their story. Be sure to have your conversations filled with talk of Christ’s love, but make sure that you’re living it out as well. Maybe they don’t see the point yet of a relationship with God, but if they see it lived out fully within your life, possibly your life will attract them to wanting their own life with God. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 – The treasure is the Gospel and the jars of clay are us. We have had the Gospel poured into us, ordinary people, simple jars of clay, so that all the glory is given to God for the work that is done. For if something amazing happens out of someone like you and me, it must have been something bigger than us working through us. So don’t take the label of being a “Jar of clay” as an insult, it’s exactly what God created us to be so His Gospel is heard and acknowledged. Our weakness shows to all how powerful God is. The fact you are still standing through all you’ve gone through and the list of amazing things that have happened because of you is proof that there is someone bigger who loves you and is supporting you. Celebrate how God has made you and chosen to use people like us weaknesses and all. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 722
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 – We see Paul here describe for the church in Corinth why he was willing to go through such sufferings as a follower of Jesus. It was all for the glory of God. He shares that as grace extends to more people, meaning more people hear about the gospel and accept the forgiveness of Jesus, then more thanksgiving will take place for what God is doing. As a result, more glory will be given to God, more eyes will be on Him, and more lives will be devoted to Him. The suffering for Paul was worth it because God’s glory was worth suffering for. So maybe an odd question, but when would you say was the last time you suffered for God’s glory? No, maybe it wasn’t being thrown in prison for the gospel or being crucified, but you willing stepped into something uncomfortable because you know it would mean more people coming to know Jesus and more glory being given to God. Let’s say if the answer you give is too far to even remember it clearly, maybe we’ve been living too comfortably. Be willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of God’s glory. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2064
Chapter 5
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 – We know that once home in Heaven our lives will be this constant lifting up of our praise to God. But what about right now while we’re still living on earth, “away” as we read it in this passage? Truly I think the best life we can live on earth is one that mirrors what our life will be like in Heaven. One that is fully focused on our Father, one that is full of worship towards Him, one that has an aim to please Him. Today I want to encourage you to think about how your life will be like in Heaven and begin to live like that today the best you can. What’s the point in waiting to worship God till you die? If part of the perfection of Heaven is a life set on pleasing our Father, let’s not wait to get in on that sort of life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. 2 Corinthians 5:11a – We know God clearly loves us for His character of love is portrayed so deeply in scripture for all to see. We also though must remember the just character of God and the judgement that comes upon those who refuse His love. This is why we see in our passage Paul saying since we know the fear, the power and glory, of God and we know the wrath that is going to come on those who don’t accept His love, we need to be in the business of persuading and urging others to follow Jesus. If we truly love the people in our life we are going to do everything we can to help them escape the wrath of God. For anyone who doesn’t accept His love and forgiveness brought to them by Jesus will have to pay the punishment of their sin themselves. God doesn’t want that for anyone and you don’t want that for the people you love either. So begin the persuading. You know God loves them but you also know sin has to be paid for. If Jesus isn’t the one settling their debt they’ll have to. Make sure they know clearly Jesus is available to all anytime freely. Don’t let the reason they didn’t come to God be because you forgot to share the direction with them. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 723
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 – What does “at home or away” mean? Is it meaning if we are at home or we’re away on vacation/work trip we are to make it our aim to please God? For sure that should still be an aim of ours, but that’s not exactly what the verse is talking about. It’s talking about whether we are at home in the body, still living on earth, or away from the body in Heaven with God. Either way our aim should be to please God. When we are finally away from the body and in Heaven our entirety will be devoted to the worship and praise of God. Our heavenly lives will be all about pleasing Him. This passage is reminding us that our earthly lives should mirror the worship and praise that our heavenly lives will be giving one day. Whether we’re walking on earth or walking in Heaven our aim is to please God with all we have. What then is something you know will please your Heavenly Father today? Let’s together make today a pleasing view in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2065
Chapter 6
You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 2 Corinthians 6:12 – This verse made me study a bit to really understand what it was saying. Paul is saying that his love for them is not restricted towards them, meaning his love is free flowing to them. Yet their love is very restricted, not being returned, to him because of their selfish desires. For us, know this can easily happen to in our efforts to love the people around us. We are called to love those around us, but all the while those we express our love to may not return it. Just know Paul experienced that too and even Jesus experienced that as well. Don’t let that hold you back though from showing love. While they may not return it yet, the people around you desperately need true, selfless love in their story. Help them get a taste of what God’s love is like in their story and remember in the midst of it all God loves you too. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
…through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians6:8-10 – I’ve shared in past devotions my love for the “buts” in the Bible because they show a change in the story, “yet” though is working well here in our passage. We see Paul describing how the world sees and treats Christians. Dishonored, punished, having nothing, and the verses prior to the ones here had an even more extensive list. “Yet” that’s not how God sees us or leaves us and that’s something to be incredibly thankful for. We are not forgotten by God nor are we ever left without. Through all the persecution of the world God takes care of His own. On Thanksgiving, at least for my American readers but everyone else can do this too, take a moment to remember how God didn’t leave you where the world placed you. The world and our enemy wanted you in a dark hole alone and dying, but God chose a different path for you. Be thankful for that everyday. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 724
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 – Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth and laying it out straight for them. He reminds them his heart for them is fully open and in love with the church there. He wants it to grow in Christ and grow in size and he has such a wide heart to love any and all who come to know Jesus through them. Yet the love isn’t being reciprocated. They have chosen their “own affections” to love instead. As a result their passion back towards Paul and the ministry has closed off, closing off further growth, and Paul is pleading with them to widen their hearts. This passage reminds us that when the wrong things has our heart we can’t give our heart to what we really should be giving it to. We can’t be as open to Jesus or loving the people Jesus calls us to love. So how “wide” is your heart? Are you in love with Jesus and what He is doing? Do you seek to open wide your heart to all who don’t know Him? Are you opening wide your heart to all those who are just now coming to know Him to help them along? Open your heart wide to Jesus and what His heart is open wide to. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2066
Chapter 7
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 – The grief spoken here is the shame and guilt you feel when you mess up and it’s all out in the open. There’s nothing to hide anymore, the one that you tried to hide it from sees it all. In both cases, godly grief and worldly grief, are the same-ish to this point. What happens next is where everything changes. The world wants to pile on the shame to make you feel worthless. As stated in the passage, it wants to create this shame in your deepest parts that creates this infection within you that leads to death of all your joy and peace. God though wants you to see the wrong you’ve done, but no where is His shoveling shame on you. What He longs for is for you to see the wrong you’ve done, see the hurt it caused, and choose to turn away from ever doing something like that again. Then He doesn’t stop there, He then wants to offer you, the same one that messes up, eternal life with Him still that has no regrets! It’s amazing to me how people still think God is the hateful one in this comparison. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 – This means there is a difference between the two griefs and that difference is everything. Godly grief is the sorrow one feels for the sin they committed which opens their eyes to the need of a Savior. Worldly grief is the sorrow one feels for the sin they committed which leads them to overwhelming shame and hiding from that same Savior. One allows us to see our need for repentance, the other drowns us is shame. God wants us to know how our sin has messed up our life, but He’s not in our story to hold it over us. He wants us to see how sin ruined our life and how it shouldn’t be our life, but He wants just as much if not more for us to know He forgives us and welcomes us to Himself. Please remember God showed you your sin so you’d come to Him not wallow in shame. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 725
For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:11 – What does it mean that they were “innocent in the matter?” Paul in his previous letter to the church in Corinth was pretty sharp with them on a few issues within their church. Change needed to happen, and what Paul is comforted by is that change happened. What Paul came to find out was the church had been zealous in righting their wrongs so that now, in relation to the things he originally got onto to them for, they are “innocent.” They heard the corrective directions and made good efforts to change. I’m hoping this could be said of me in my walk with Jesus, that I’m hearing the changes I’m needing to make and being zealous about making those changes. I pray that for my church family. I pray that for my wife and girls. I pray that for you. That when God opens your eyes to a change that needs to take place in your life you don’t hesitate. You listen, humbly submit to the lead of your Savior, and you begin the process of change to be more in line with what God wants for you. What then has God laid on your heart to change? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2067
Chapter 8
Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 2 Corinthians 8:14 – This is a product of unity and a family type relationship within the church. Those who have share with those who don’t have. Those who don’t have humble themselves and accept the help of those who do have. We are aware of the needs of those around us and are willing to let go of what we have so others can have what they need. How attractive is this type of community if done right? Begin today looking at the blessings God has given you, but don’t just “count your blessings.” Look at what you have and the look at the needs of those that God has placed in your story. How can your home, your car, your words, even your time be used to meet the needs of those around you. If Jesus saw our need and gave His life, let’s see how we can give to meet the needs of those around us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – Maybe this isn’t as comforting to everyone as it is for me, but this passage sure sets my heart at peace. The reason why is often I can beat myself up for wishing I had more to give to God. Maybe it’s more in the offering plate when I know our church isn’t doing great financially or time when I know someone is in need of some of mine. Yet this passage reminds us its not about what you have or don’t have it’s about the readinesses to give in your heart that matters. Maybe you can only give a little, but your heart is fully ready and even cheerful to do that, know that gift is more pleasing to God than a large offering given with a reluctant heart. Challenge yourself tomorrow at church to see what giving with a readiness to give looks like. If that’s you on the normal, be more ready than normal. God just deserves all we have and He also deserves a heart ready to give all that to Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 726
With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 8:18 – Who is this preacher that is famous for his preaching of the gospel? Some think it may be Luke. Possibly Mark, Silas, or even Barnabas. All those are speculations though because scripture doesn’t tell us who this famous preacher was. But for me, that’s the point that really hit home, we don’t know his name. He’s gone down in history and in scripture even as someone famous for preaching the gospel yet we don’t even know his name, just what he did for Jesus. Would you be okay with that? Where you give your all over to the work of God, you do it so amazingly well that your work is literally in the history books, but despite all that no one knows your name once it’s all said and done. In the flesh, it’s easy to see how that could make one frustrated. You worked so hard and you want some recognition for it. Keep this in mind though, they may not remember your name, but do you know what name they will remember now because of all your work? Jesus. This is what it looks like to serve for the glory of God and not the glory of you. People may never remember your name or even what you did, but they’ll remember the name of Jesus you showed them and that you lifted high for all to see. Work hard, give God your all, preach His name and love loudly, and be content if no one knows who you are once it’s all said and done. Because they may have forgotten your name, but they’ll have Jesus’ name in their story because of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2068
Chapter 9
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 – God promises to bless us in return for the giving that we do so that we are never without. In this passage though it opens up the bigger reason as to why God blesses us in return. It’s not just so that we can have again, it’s so that we can give again. The heart of God is that we pour out what we have so that He can refill us so we can pour out again. While this process is so beautiful because not only are those around us being filled, all it takes is for us to hold back on the pouring out part for all of it to stop. When we allow our selfishness to be a lid to the pouring out, we never experience the refreshment of a refill and never are able to help those around us be filled either. Rest on the promise that when you give (money, time, advice, etc.) God gives back. Just remember you being filled again means you have something to pour out again. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 – God gives to you so you can give. God reminds us today in this passage how clearly He is going to provide and take care of our needs. He says we’ll have all sufficiency in all things at all times. Yet why does He do that? First because He loves you and He’s a great Father that way. Our reason though we are seeing in this passage is that He gives to us so we can give and help those around us have what they need too. Remember that your giving to God is more than some requirement placed on you, it’s your chance the be the provision of God that someone has been deeply praying for. How cool is that? Not only are you obeying God and showing you love Him by giving, but you become someone’s answer to prayer. That’s why we can be a cheerful giver. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 727
…for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 2 Corinthians 9:2 – Apparently the church Paul is writing to had promised to come together and offer a financial gift to help further the ministry of the gospel in other places. This church was more than willing, they were ready to come through on the promise they had made and Paul here is doing two things. One, reminding them to be faithful to what they had promised. Two, opening their eyes to how their readiness and zeal to support God’s work stirred up other churches all around to do the same. Sometimes I forgot about this aspect of why we as a church should serve and give. That our giving and our serving may stir up another church around us to do the same. How amazing would it be if we served and gave in such a way that the churches around us were challenged to do the same. They then were thriving, seeking to be all the more faithful to what God has called them to do because they saw our faithfulness and were encouraged. How beautiful would it be if every church in our city that was preaching the gospel was growing and loving our city deeply like they’re called to! So give and serve well, remain faithful to what you’ve promised to God, because your zeal may just encourage another to do the same. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2069
Chapter 10
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:3 – Meaning we are in this fleshly world like everyone else is, but what we are battling against should be something different. The world is battling against one another, seeking fame and its glory, and things like that, yet for us who follow Christ that’s not what we should be battling against. Our war is against sin and evil. We should be fighting against the holds of sin that are in us still and the sin that is in the lives of those around us. While the victory of sin has been won in Jesus, evil and its working are still around us and our battle is to keep its influence out of our stories. Yet what if we get distracted and start fighting one another like the world does? We get our eyes off our real enemy and our defense is faced someone else. Remember who your real enemy is. It’s not your sibling, not your boss, not your spouse. It’s evil and the evil one. Make sure that is where your fighting is directed at. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 2 Corinthians 10:11- Can this be said of you? That what you tell others about yourself is actually how you live? Paul is having to remind his readers that while yes in his letters he comes across as a sharp leader with a passion of seeing people follow Jesus correctly, that’s who he really is in person even though some say otherwise. So what have you made others believe about yourself? That you say you care about certain things in people’s life, that you want people to come to Jesus, that Jesus is number one in your story. You say such things and want others to believe that this is who your really are, but is it who you really are? Make sure you choose to live like you want others to see you. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, then actually follow Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 728
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:14 – In this chapter Paul is having to defend his ministry to the church he’s writing to. In this passage he reminds them that one reason he gets, and sometimes has to be so bold with them is because he was the first to bring the gospel into their story. Maybe you hear that and think that could never be your story. Unless you sign up for one of those long mission trips to deep, dark Southern Asia or something you’d never get to be the first person to share the gospel with someone. You may think that, but boy would you be wrong! I’ve sat at a lunch table at Circle High School and got to explain what a church, what a pastor, and what a Bible was because the individual had no clue what they were. I’ve gotten the chance here in Augusta to sit down and tell people about Jesus and they had NEVER heard of the cross or what that all is about. This is here smack in the middle of the Bible belt of America! Meaning if you’re looking for people who don’t know anything about Jesus, you don’t have to look far. If God is telling you to go to Southern Asia, go (side not I just had one of my old youth kids do exactly that in response to God’s call). If though God is calling you to your next door neighbor, go. If you’re looking for people who don’t know Jesus and don’t have His forgiveness yet, simply open your eyes and you have your mission field. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2070
Chapter 11
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 – At the heart of the passage, we see the real reason why we are tempted by our enemy. We see why those struggles of our past reignite out of no where. We see why that anger we try to control gets fuel dumped on it. We see why those thoughts of depression are so heavy to step out of. Our enemy doesn’t want us having a clear focus on Jesus. Whatever tools the enemy uses is designed to take your devotion and focus off of Jesus. For when we are devoted and focused on Jesus, our enemy has no power over us. Yet if he can distract us a little, he can set a little hook to lead us astray. That’s why in Eph. 4:27 it says do not give the devil a foothold. Just be aware that this is our enemy’s motives. It’s not just to trick you again, it’s not just to get you angry again, and it not just to make you feel guilty again. All of that is just the distraction to get your eyes off of Jesus and onto him. Don’t fall for it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 – Just remember that not all Christians leaders are like this. Now I figure if you’re reading this you probably don’t see it this way, but I know many do. Many see church leaders as sneaky, deceitful, and selfish people only wanting to fill their pockets. Sadly, as we see in this passage, there are some just like that. Not all though are that way, in fact the majority aren’t. Today I’m not here trying to stand up for my fellow church leaders, I’m just reminding you that most likely your church leader does love you and wants what’s best for your life spiritually. Be open to listening and trusting them. Pray for them so they have the clarity to lead well. Don’t let the few bad examples you’ve seen ruin the positive help a good pastor can bring. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 729
For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:4 – Apparently in the church Paul was writing to there had been false teachers coming in preaching a different message than Paul’s. Paul’s desire was that the church would be aware of the falseness of these teaching and turn aside from them quickly, yet instead they listened and leaned into what these false teachers spoke. Know God’s heart for you today is to listen to the truth that is spoken in scripture. Sadly there are those out there whose desire is to take the message of scripture, distort it to mean something they want it to mean, and then they share that distorted message. How are you to be able to discern what’s correct and what’s distorted? Seek out the truth for yourself in God’s word and seek help from those you trust who know scripture better than you do. Also be sure your heart isn’t only seeking scriptures and teachers that affirm what you want the Bible to say. Often the Bible will oppose what we want and we have to not only be okay with that but willing to change our ways to what scripture teaches is true. Yes, the Bible can be challenging sometimes to accept the teaching of, but the words come from a loving God that only wants the best for you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2071
Chapter 12
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – Looks like the having of something unwanted in your life was a thing even for those very faithful followers of God in scripture. So maybe it’s not always a punishment from God to have something like that as a part of your story. For the exact reason why God has allowed this unwanted thing to stay in your story I don’t know, but in the midst of it all God wants you to trust Him and accept the fact that even with this thorn, God is more than capable to take care of you. Your weakness in your life is God’s opportunity to show you how strong He is and His chance to demonstrate His unending love for you. Try to change your perspective on this unwanted thing in your story. This is not a part of your life where God has forgotten you or is trying to mess with you. This is the part of your life where God wants to open your eyes you who He really is and how much He is for you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – Maybe you understand all that Paul is saying here, but for me I’m still in this journey of understanding why God leaves certain things within our story. “Thorns” like sickness, lack of a relationship, lack of a job, or infertility. I’m still growing in my whole understanding of how my weakness is His setting to show His power. Yet in this journey of learning I do know what God says is true. I know God loves me and I know He loves you. Whatever your thorn may be and no matter how many times you’ve prayed it away yet it remains, know God loves you, hears you, and has your best in mind when He moves like He does in your life. Trust if the thorn remains He has a purpose for it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 730
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 – Paul is announcing in his letter that his plans are to return to visit the church in Corinth in person soon. As we see in these verses, Paul voices some concerns he has. He’s concerned that when he comes he may not find the church as he hoped it would be. That there would be un-dealt with sin between members and there would be sin that still hadn’t been repented of. What would Paul find when he comes to this church was the question of the passage. How about us today? While Paul isn’t going to be knocking on our door, Jesus is coming back one day. In fact His Spirit is with us at this very moment. What is He seeing? Is He seeing un-dealt with sin between you and another believer? Is He finding sin that hasn’t been repented of? Is He finding a follower seeking to truly follow? While we want to be found ready whenever Jesus returns, let’s be found ready today for however the Spirit moves us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2072
Chapter 13
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Sure seems like Paul sees the value of togetherness and unity within the church and also knows the intentionally it’s going to take from the church to see that happen. As anyone reading this who has been a part of a church family for any amount of time knows, it’s easy to see how friction and factions can spring up over things. We though are called to something different in our church family. A unity unlike anything this world knows what to do with. For that to take place though, everyone in that family is going to have to be intentional about seeing that happen…and I mean everyone. That means you seeking daily how to fall in line with what this passage is saying and praying for the people in your church that you’re already thinking need to follow this “more than you do.” We can have something beautiful in a church family. We found restoration in our of soul from Jesus and we can find reconciliation within the church family too by the power of Jesus. Make sure though you’re doing your part to be a part of the healing that God wants to bring within your church. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 2 Corinthians 13:9- I love that, your restoration is what we pray for. That Paul not only knows it’s good for others to find healing in their walk with God, but his heart longs for it. He prays earnestly for others to be strong in their faith life and desires the healing of what’s been broken there. I know most all of us would be open to saying we want others to be solid in their faith, but what are we doing about it? Are we praying for them to find restoration there? Are we pursuing that healing in their walk with God? Or are we just being observers to the spectacle of the world stepping in and destroying people’s lives and giving a little “oh what a shame” response to it all? Start today by deeply praying for the health spiritually in the lives of the people God has connected you with. Have a role in their healing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 731
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Paul in his final section of his letter to the church in Corinth was bringing the fire on them to get things right. Here he is pushing them to a heart check to see if they really are a follower of Jesus. Have they come to Jesus for their forgiveness? Have they chosen to follow His ways and live for Him? Is the way they are currently living actually the way Jesus commanded them to? He told them to really look hard at themselves to see if they are really in this. Is it just a show? Have you been been deceived and are following a wrong gospel? Examine yourselves Paul said to the church in Corinth, and I believe God wants the same for us. If we look at scripture then do a serious heart check, are we in the faith? Do we have relationship with Jesus and are we seeking daily to follow Jesus? Would Jesus be able to tell we follow Him? As Paul wrote to this church, let’s examine ourselves to see if we are in step with Jesus or walking a different path. Let’s be found in the faith. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2073
Daily DEVO 