Epistles of Christ with God's Spirit 2 Corinthians 3:3

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth he did not need “letters of commendation” from them, but rather, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:” In chapter three and verse three of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members they were,“the epistle of Christ ministered by us”, where we read:

Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

The verse begins, “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, ...” Paul began with the word, “forasmuch” which means “in this way and cause” “as you are manifestly declared” or “shown, declared and set forth” “to be the epistle” which refers to “as the letter” “of Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “ministered” or “as a servant, attendant, domestic, servant and waiter” “by us” or “through Paul and his companions”. Paul showed how the church members were “shown” to be the “letter of Christ” that was presented and “served” by himself.

The verse goes on to say, “...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” Paul added the words, “written not” which means “not engraved, inscribed, recorded or enrolled” “with ink” or “as with ink from a pen” “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “with the Spirit” or “with the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son” “of the living” which means “of the active, blessed, full of vigor, fresh, strong, efficient, powerful and efficacious” “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”; “not in tables” or “” “of stone” which means “”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “in fleshly” or “pertaining to the body” “tables” which means “a flat broad tablet, plane or level surface” “of the heart” or “the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors ”. The “Spirit of the living God” was written upon the “fleshly hearts” of the church members..

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how “the Spirit of God” was involved within the church members, and His affect was within them where He removed their “stony” or “hard heart” and replaced it with a “fleshly” or “soft heart”. This is how a person becomes a “changed person”, and when God Himself gets involved in the process of being “the epistles” with “His Spirit”, it is the greatest commendation letter that has ever been written.

Next time Paul tells the church members how, “such trust have we through Christ toward God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Epistles Written in Our Hearts 2 Corinthians 3:2

Paul the apostle asked the church members in Corinth, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?”, and he questioned, “or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?” In chapter three and verse two of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members,“You are our epistle written in our hearts”, where we read:

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

The verse begins, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, ...” Paul began with the word, “you” which refers to “the church members in Corinth” “are our epistle” which means “Paul and his companions' letter” “written” or “engraved, inscribed, recorded and enrolled” “in our hearts” which means “within Paul and his companions' soul or mind as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes and endeavors”. Paul considered the church members in Corinth as “letters of commendation” to him and his companions.

The verse continues, “...known and read of all men:” Paul added the word, “known” which means “perceived, felt and become acquainted with “and read” or “distinguished between, recognized and known accurately” “of all men” which refers to “of each, every, the whole and everyone”. Paul declared how the church members were “perceived” and recognized by everyone.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he regarded the church members as his “letter” of commendation. The lives of the church members were seen and recognized by everyone, and this gave all the credence to Paul and his companions needed. When people receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, their lives should give testimony of those who lead them to him. This was the case and proof for Paul and his companions, and so should we be as “epistles in” their “hearts”.

Next time Paul tells the church members how they are, “manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Wilting Flowers

What be those there upon the shelf

their brilliance bright with cheer

delight to eyes olfactories caught

the flowers sent one dear

Their scent now wafting through the room

a symbol commitment's place

and charm of love and radiance

for absence's warm embrace

A compromise from stationed point

transfixed and now undone

by colored petals accessorized

the fresh onset begun

But alas by passing time

florals commence to fade

while wading through the grief aligned

with compromise unmade

The pain, the ache of heart and mind

delve deep emotions' care

the crevices of disappoint

once quiet now aware

And one by one the petals fall

and darken brilliant gleam

till all sink low to downward pall

once bright but now unseen

Decay shall they these cheerful blooms

their wilting fatal blow

What once gave joy now cast as spell

of rottenness below

But alas those wilting ones

of love's portrait prolonged

might be replace by fresh anew

dimensional and strong

And thus be our relationships

once bright and filled with cheer

the happiness, the overwhelm

the love of fate so near

But like the fading flowers fall

too many drift away

and glowing dream of joy-filled life

and closeness now doth stray

But like the fading flowers fell

and softened petals died

replaced with new ones fresh to smell

the old ones cast aside

And thus alas those wilting ones

of love's portrait prolonged

are now replaced by fresh anew

dimensional and strong

Commending Ourselves 2 Corinthians 3:1

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ”, and in chapter three and verse one of Second Corinthians, Paul asked the church members,“do we begin again to commend ourselves?”, where we read:

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,

epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

The verse begins, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,...” Paul began with the words, “do we” which refers to “does Paul and his companions” “begin again” which means “start, be chief leader and ruler another time and anew” “to commend” or “to present, introduce, prove, establish or exhibit” “ourselves” which refers to “Paul and his companions”? “or need we” which means “is it of necessity that Paul and his companions”, “as some others” or “in the same way like other people”. Paul questioned the church members as to whether he and his companions needed to “prove and validate” themselves again.

The verse goes on to say, “...epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?” Paul added the word, “epistles” which means “letters” “of commendation” or “of introduction or recommendation” “to you” which refers to the church members, “or letters of commendation” or “of writings containing introduction or recommendation” “from you” which means “on behalf of” the church members? Paul wondered if the church members thought he and his companions needed “letters” that would “introduce or recommend themselves” to the church members or others.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand how he questioned the church members who were seeking validation from Paul and his companions. He asked them whether they thought he and his companions not only needed “proof and establishment” to them, but also from them so they could share the gospel with others. Although Jesus Christ calls people to the ministry of His gospel, not everyone is convinced they are. Paul was no exception as some within the church of Corinth doubted him. Paul knew who he and his companions were in the sight of God, and that was all that mattered, and when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we too shall need no “letters or epistles” of proof of what God has already done.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul ask the church members, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Those Who Corrupt the Word of God 2 Corinthians 2:17

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.”, and he asked, “and who is sufficient for these things”? In chapter two and verse seventeen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members,“we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God”, where we read:

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:

but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

The verse begins, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: ” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “we are not as many” which refers to “Paul and his companions were not like a lot of people”, “which corrupt” or “who adulterate and try to get base gain by teaching divine truth” “the word” which means “the utterance, decree, mandate or oder” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul proclaimed himself unlike the people who “adulterated and attempted to make gain” of God's “word”.

The verse continues, “but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “as of sincerity” which means “like unto purity, ingenuousness and clearness”, “but” which makes exception to what was just written “as of God” or “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in the sight” or “before the face of, in the presence of and before” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity” “speak we” or “Paul and his companions utter, proclaim and declare” “in Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul and his companions shared the gospel of Jesus in “purity and ingenuousness”, and they did so in the presence of God and in the power of “Christ”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how he removed himself from those who “corrupted” the “word of God”, and showed how he and his companions shared God's word “sincerely” like unto God and in His presence. Everything we do is in God's presence, and we should seek to share His word “of God” and “in Christ”, and when we do, we shall be different than those who use God's word for their personal advantage.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul ask the church members, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Savor of Life and Death 2 Corinthians 2:16

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish”, and in chapter two and verse sixteen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members how he and his companions are, “the savor of death...and the savor of life”, where we read:

To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.

And who is sufficient for these things?

The verse begins, “To the one we are the savor of death unto death;” Paul began with the words, “to the one” which means “to the certain one truly, surely and indeed” “we are the savor” which refers to “Paul, his companions and the church members being the fragrance or odor” “of death” or “that separation, whether natural or violent, of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended” “unto death” which means “toward that separation, whether natural or violent, of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended”. Paul proclaimed he and his companions' “fragrance” was a reminder of “death” to those who were unbelievers in Jesus, going to “die” and thereby be separated from God.

The verse continues, “and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” Paul added the words, “and to the other” which means “toward the other certain one who believes in Jesus” “the savor” which means “the fragrance or odor” “of life” or “the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature” “unto life” or “toward the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature”. “And who” or “what certain person” “is sufficient” which means “enough and has ability to meet” “for these things” or “near to, towards and in regard to the same savor unto life or death”. As Paul knew he and his companions' lives were going to affect those who were “dying” and “separated from God”, he also knew they would have an effect upon those who were believers in Jesus. He further questioned rhetorically, who is able to carry this responsibility?.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he knew he and his companions would have an effect upon both believers and non-believers in Jesus. The “fragrance” of Christ would affect them, and whether they were believers unto “life” or non-believers “unto death”, Paul and his companions exuded the presence of Christ. We should learn from Paul and his companions' ways. Others are watching us, and whether they are “believers” in Jesus or not, our lives affect them. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit lead us to live in a manner that His “fragrance” falls upon everyone we meet.

Next time Paul tells the church members when he “we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Fragrance of Christ 2 Corinthians 2:15

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place”, and in chapter two and verse fifteen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members, “we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ”, where we read:

For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

The verse begins, “For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ,...” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “we are unto God” which refers to “Paul, his companions and the church members being unto the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Son of God” “a sweet savor” or “fragrance, incense or odor of something sweet smelling” “of Christ” which means “belonging to the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul proclaimed he and his companions' lives were as a “lovely fragrance or odor” unto Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “ in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” Paul continued with the words, “in them” which means “within the people” “that are saved” or “who are kept safe and sound, rescued from danger or destruction”, “and in them” or “and in the people” “that perish” or “who are lost, ruined and destroyed”. Paul knew the “fragrance” of He and companions would affect not only people who believed in Jesus and were “saved”, but also those who were in danger and did not know Him.

When we think through these words of Paul, we discover the affect his life with Christ had upon other people. Both the “saved” and the “unsaved” were moved by his words, actions and attitudes, and when they saw Paul and his companions, they could see “Jesus” within them. Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with all who will believe and trust in Him, and when they do, other who believe and those who do not shall smell the “sweet fragrance” “of Christ” within them.

Next time Paul tells the church members when he “we are the savor of death unto death, and ...the savor of life unto life”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God Always Causes Us to Triumph 2 Corinthians 2:14

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother”. He added, “but taking leave of them, I went form there into Macedonia”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members, “thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ”, where we read:

Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ,

and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.

The verse begins, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, ” Paul began with the word, “Now” which means “moreover and” “thanks be” or “grace, that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness be” “unto God” which refers to “toward the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Son of God” “which always” or “who at all times and ever” “causes us” whose name means “makes way or gives Paul and his companions” “to triumph” or “to celebrate by conquering and victory” “in Christ” which means “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul offered “thanks to God” whom he concluded “always” makes a way for he and his companions to have “victory in Jesus”.

The verse continues, “and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” Paul added the words, “and makes manifest” which means “makes actual and visible what has been hidden or unknown either by words, deeds or in any other way” “the savor” which means “the smell or odor” “of his knowledge” or “of God's intelligence, understanding and moral wisdom” “by us” or “through Paul and his companions” “in every place” which means “in each, all, the whole and everyone of the portion or space marked off like a city, village or district”. Paul shared how God “revealed the sweet odor of His knowledge and wisdom” in “every place” he and his companions revealed the “gospel”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how he gave thanks to God who “always” makes us “triumph”, and He reveals Himself through His knowledge in every place Paul and his companions traveled. God Almighty desires a relationship with every person, and when they submit their lives to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, they have access to His “triumphs” and His revealing “savor”. Let all who read these words know the “triumph in Christ” and enjoy the “savor of his knowledge...in every place”.

Next time Paul tells the church members when he “we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Rest in My Spirit 2 Corinthians 2:13

Paul the apostle wrote to the church members in Corinth about “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,”, and in chapter two and verse thirteen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members he did this that he, “when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel”, where we read:

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother:

but taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia.

The verse begins, “I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother:” Paul began with the word, “I had no rest” which means “Paul had not any liberty or ease” “in my spirit” or “within Paul's efficient source of any power, affection, emotion and desire”, “because” which means “for the reason” “I found not” or “Paul did not learn, discover or understand” “Titus” whose name means “nurse” and was “a Gentile Christian and Paul's companion in some of his journeys” “my brother” or “Paul's fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection”. Paul was “restless” because he could not “find” “Titus” who was his brother in the faith.

The verse goes on to say, “but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated “” “taking my leave” which means “setting apart and separating” “of them” or “the people within the city of Troas”, “I went from there” or “Paul left from Troas” “into Macedonia” which means “extended land” and was “a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria and on the North by Dardania and Moesia”. Paul decided to leave Troas and travel to “Macedonia”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we note his desire to see his brother in the Lord “Titus”, and when he was unable to find him, Paul decided to leave “Troas” and travel to “Macedonia”. When people receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they enjoy bonds of brotherhood like no others, and Paul felt this way toward “Titus”. Let us be mindful of the way God puts people together, and may we never “rest” in our “spirits” till we enjoy those relationships as He desires.

Next time Paul tells the church members when he “now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Door Opened Unto Paul 2 Corinthians 2:12

Paul the apostle wrote to the church members in Corinth about “forgiving” whomever they “forgive”, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devises”. In chapter two and verse twelve of Second Corinthians, Paul began to tell the church members what happened, “when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel”, where we read:

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel,

and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

The verse begins, “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, ...” Paul began with the word, “furthermore” which means “moreover and”, “when I came” or “at the time Paul appears, arrives and shows himself in public” “to Troas” which means “a Trojan” and was “a city near Hellespont” “to preach” or “to proclaim, declare and announce” “Christ's” or “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God's” “gospel” or “good news or good tidings”. Paul made reference to the time he came to the city of “Troas” to share the “good news” of Jesus Christ .

The verse continues, “...and a door was opened unto me of the Lord” Paul added the words, “and a door” which means “a vestibule, entrance, way or passage” “was opened” which means “was unstopped and ajar” “unto me” or “toward Paul” “of the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah”. When Paul went to “Troas”, he knew a “opening” was given to him by the Lord to share the “gospel”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he referred to his opportunity to share the “gospel” of Jesus Christ with people in “Troas”. He credited the Lord with this possibility which is where “glory” should be attributed. Jesus desires to have a relationship with everyone, and when we follow after Him, he will provide “open doors” for us to share His “good news” with others. Let us follow Paul's example and discover the “open doors” with which to share Christ's “gospel” with people who do not know Him.

Next time Paul tells the church members when he “I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother:” Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.