June in 1 & 2 Corinthians and Galatians

1. 1 Cor. 9
2. 1 Cor. 10
3. 1 Cor. 1
4. 1 Cor. 12
5. 1 Cor. 13
6. 1 Cor. 14
7. 1 Cor. 15
8. 1 Cor. 16
9. 2 Cor. 1
10. 2 Cor. 2
11. 2 Cor. 3
12. 2 Cor. 4
13. 2 Cor. 5
14. 2 Cor. 6
15. 2 Cor. 7
16. 2 Cor. 8
17. 2 Cor. 9
18. 2 Cor. 10
19. 2 Cor. 11
20. 2 Cor. 12
21. 2 Cor. 13
22. Gal. 1
23. Gal. 2:1-10
24. Gal. 2:11-21
25. Gal. 3:1-14
26. Gal. 3:15-29
27. Gal. 4
28. Gal. 5
29. Gal. 6
30. Tool Time: Structuring and Word Studies in Ephesians

May in Romans and 1 Corinthians

Introduction to the Epistles

1. Romans 1
2. Romans 2:1-16
3. Romans 2:17-29
4. Romans 3: 1-20
5. Romans 3:21-31
6. Romans 4
7. Romans 5
8. Romans 6:1-14
9. Romans 6:15-23
10. Romans 7
11. Romans 8:1-17
12. Romans 8:18-39
13. Romans 9
14. Romans 10
15. Romans 11
16. Romans 12:1-8
17. Romans 12:9-21
18. Romans 13
19. Romans 14
20. Romans 15
21. Romans 16
22. 1 Cor. 1
23. 1 Cor. 2
24. 1 Cor. 3
25. 1 Cor. 4
26. 1 Cor. 5-6
27. 1 Cor. 7
28. 1 Cor. 8
29. Take Three Days Off
30. Sometime During the Month
31. For Memorial Day Weekend

Put 2 Corinthians Back on the New Testament Shelf

Congratulations and WOOHOO! You are 92.8% through the entire Bible. You are on the HOME STRETCH! Keep going. You can do it. :)


You are ready to start the summer with Paul's "Prison Epistles"! 

2 Corinthians 13 - Examine Yourselves

LINK: 2 Corinthians 13

BACKGROUND

Paul concludes the book by telling the Corinthians to "get their act together" in terms of sin because he was going to exercise his apostolic duty by confronting sin and exercising discipline in the church. He said in 13:5-6, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you -- unless, of course, you fail the test?" Then he said he would pray that they would be restored to maturity. He did this to build them up and not to tear them down. 

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

Throughout the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul was constantly trying to defend His apostleship. So here is a list of all the things that he said in his defense:

• Commissioned by God (1:1; 1:21; 4:1)
• Spoke truthfully (1:16; 4:2)
• Acted in holiness, sincerity, and dependence on God alone in his dealings with them (1:12)
• Was straightforward and sincere in his letters (1:13, 14)
• Had God's Holy Spirit (1:22)
• Loved the Corinthian believers (2:4; 6:11; 11:11)
• Spoke with sincerity and Christ's power (2:17)
• Worked among them and changed their lives (3:2, 3)
• Lived as an example to the believers (3:4; 12:6)
• Did not lose heart (4:1, 16)
• Taught the Bible with integrity (4:2)
• Had Christ as the center of his message (4:5)
• Endured persecution as he taught the Good News (4:8-12; 6:4, 5, 9)
• Was Christ's ambassador called to tell the Good News (5:18-20)
• Tried to live an exemplary life so others would not be kept from God (6:3, 4)
• Led a pure life, understood the gospel, and displayed patience with the Corinthians (6:6)
• Was truthful and filled with God's power (6:7)
• Stood true to God first and always (6:8)
• Never corrupted or exploited anyone (7:2; 11:7-9)
• Handled their offering for the Jerusalem believers in a responsible, blameless manner (8:20, 21)
• Used God's weapons, not his own, for God's work (10:1-6)
• Was confident that he belonged to Christ (10:7, 8)
• Would boast not in himself but in the Lord (10:12, 13)
• Had authority because he taught them the Good News (10:14, 15)
• Endured pain and danger as he fulfilled his calling (11:23-33)
• Was blessed with an astounding vision (12:2-4)
• Was constantly humbled by a "thorn" in the flesh that God refused to take away (12:7-10)
• Did miracles among them (12:12)
• Was always motivated to strengthen others spiritually (12:19)
• Was filled with God's power (13:4)
• Passed the test (13:5,6)
• Was always concerned that his spiritual children become mature believers (13:9) (Life Application Study Bible NIV, p. 2107)

Some of these things pertain to Paul's apostleship but most of these points can pertain to a growing believer. Examine yourself" in light of this list. How can you grow in some of these areas?

PRAYER

Lord, give us the humility to examine ourselves. Help us to grow into full maturity in You. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 12 - When I am Weak, Then I am Strong

Folio from Papyrus 46, 
containing 2 Corinthians 11:33-12:9
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P46.jpg#file

LINK: 2 Corinthians 12

BACKGROUND

Paul continued his "boasting" from chapter 11 by telling about his dreams and revelations. He thought it was not proper to boast, but he wanted to defend himself against the critics who questioned his apostleship. He told of his being "caught up to the third heaven, paradise" (Luke 23:43; Revelation 2:7) 14 years earlier which would have been about A.D. 42-44, before his missionary journeys. Paul could have exalted himself because of this great privilege, but God gave him a "thorn in the flesh" so that God's power would be manifested even in his weakness. This is what he really wanted to boast about! By the way, we have no idea what this weakness was, but most commentators believe that it was a physical affliction. 

Paul continues this chapter by asserting his true apostleship again because of the signs (miracles with emphasis on their significance), wonders (unusual events that evoke awe), and miracles (works only explained by supernatural power) that were a regular part of his ministry. On top of all that, he took no money for his service proving he was not in the ministry for personal gain like many of the false teachers. 

Paul concluded by exhorting them to clean up their acts of sin picked up from the culture around them before he arrived for his visit. 

REFLECTION (written in 2010)

None of us like weaknesses, but I have found that I can boast in them! God's power is so manifest in those times of weakness because I am utterly dependent on Him for everything. Being that I am, by nature, a very self-sufficient person, that is a very good thing! 

I have had back difficulties since junior high school in the early 1970s! My brother-in-law, the osteopath, says I have a very complicated back. It is a combination of my genetic abnormalities and three car accidents in my youth. I would classify this back difficulty as one of my "thorns in the flesh." I hate having to tell people "no" when they ask me to help them move or want me to take something off of their hands that they are carrying. It is so humbling because I do not want them to think that I do not want to serve them.  To say, "I can't" is a hard thing for me to do!

Usually, I can prevent these back difficulties through strengthening and stretching exercises that I have done faithfully for many years, but sometimes I will do something, like lifting something too heavy or bending and twisting suddenly, that makes it go out. Over the past twenty years, it has hardly gone out (helps to have a strong husband and two "strapping" boys to do all my heavy lifting). If it has gone out, either George or my brother-in-law has been able to get it back in place.

But when I sliced the tendon in my big toe in November of 2009, and I had to stop exercising for it to heal and wear a boot that made me walk unevenly, I was reminded anew of this particular "thorn in the flesh."  On December 18, 2009, while getting up from my bed to go to the bathroom, my kids heard me scream a blood-curdling scream from the opposite side of the house and one floor below. I was immobilized for the next 12 hours without the ability to even get up to go to the bathroom. (Can you say bedpans?) Then I was in bed for the better part of a month with minor forays out to eat Christmas Eve and Day dinners, attend a few ministry meetings (if they were in my home), or teach my British Literature class. Posts for Bible Book Club were done while I lay flat with the computer up on my knees and in pain. I still was experiencing crippling back spasms into March. Even as I write this in mid-2010, I am still not 100% but am finding increased mobility as I slowly gain back strength that I had built up over years of staying in shape. I am grateful to be able to sit upright, take walks, do light weights, and modified crunches! Life's simple pleasures are the BEST!

In the midst of the most painful part of this "thorn in the flesh" journey, I could boast in my weakness. I could rejoice in the Lord!  It was a wonderful time spiritually as I became utterly dependent on Him. My weakness magnified His strength in me. Other than a couple of times where I broke down (having to miss a wedding and the funeral of the father of a dear friend was hard), I was so "in the zone" in God's wonderful presence and power working through me. I did not like the physical pain, but I loved the palpable presence of God!

2015 update: Most of the time, I am pain-free. This back issue revealed that the orthotics I had been wearing since college were doing more to hinder me than help. I have no lift in my shoe, my muscles have built around a straighter spine, and I go on a semi-regular basis to an osteopath to make sure my legs are even. Every once in a while, I have a "wig out" but I am much better these days! I am also typing this standing up. It turns out that much of my work involved too much sitting which was not good for my back. Now, I spend the early morning happily using a stand-up desk. I eventually do sit down, but my back is settled into a good position by then, and I get up and walk frequently. 

2016 update: I became a Certified Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor in 2015. I learned some wonderful skills (Self-myofascial release [SMR], corrective stretching and strengthening to erase muscle imbalances in my body, MELT Method self-treatment techniques, proper posture, etc.) that have rendered me pain-free in every area of my body for the last eight months. My back stopped going out a long time ago, but I still had nagging aches and pains that are totally gone. It was so simple, and I wish that more caregivers understood how to help their patients be pain-free rather than dependent on their therapy!

APPLICATION

What is your "thorn in the flesh"? Can you boast in your weakness and allow God's power to work through You?  Dialogue with Him about that right now. 

PRAYER

Lord, please perfect Your power in our weakness so that Your power can work in and through us to accomplish Your purposes for Your glory. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 11 - Pure Devotion

LINK: 2 Corinthians 11

BACKGROUND 

As you read, remember to continue to look for the keyword "boast/glory" (same in Greek) in this chapter. 

Paul continues to defend himself against the false teachers, and he expresses how much he LOVES the Corinthians. See more in the reflection section about his passion to present them purely to Christ (11:2-4). 

Paul continues to address the issue of the false/super-apostles. They were masquerading as apostles just like Satan masquerades himself as an angel of light (11:14). For more on the false apostles, refer back to the 2 Corinthians 10 post.  

The false apostles also took support from the people they ministered to while Paul did the best he could without support (1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:8), only occasionally accepting unsolicited support from other churches (Philippians 4:15-16). He does say in this chapter that it is fine to accept support though. 

Paul concludes that human frailty and suffering are marks of a true apostle (11:16-33; 1 Corinthians 4:9-13).  He closes the chapter recounting his escape from Damascus in Acts 9:19-25 as an example of his suffering as a true apostle.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

Here is a devotion that I wrote in 2000:

2 Corinthians 11:2-3

Devotion or Distraction?

Prepare Your Heart: Ask Him to speak to you through His Word. Write out what is on your heart.

Meditate: You might want to try a new meditation tool while soaking in these verses.

Ponder: Paul wanted his spiritual children to be pure as he presented them to Christ, as His bride. I can identify with this word picture because I feel the same “godly jealousy” for my children in wanting them to be presented as physically pure to their future spouses. I teach physical purity to my children, just as Paul is teaching spiritual purity to his spiritual children in Corinth. They were being distracted and their devotion was being made impure by the false teachers. Behind these teachers was Satan himself! 

In Genesis 3:1, 4-5, Satan denied God’s Word, questioned God’s Word, and substituted his own lie. We may not believe a false gospel like the people in the Corinthian church, but we can extend this passage to mean anything that Satan might do to tear us away from simple and pure devotion to Jesus. He would love you to believe the lie that something is more important than a “singleness of heart” (the Greek definition for the word “simplicity” in the NASB and “sincere” in the NIV) toward the Lord.[1] 

Ask God to show you what might be dividing your heart right now. Ministry can even distract us, causing us to be devoted to the project over passion and work in the kingdom over King. 

Spend some time journaling about this. A good way to evaluate what some of your distractions might be is to look over what you have written in the “On My Heart” section of the previous meditations. Pray against the enemy’s subtle distractions in Ephesians 6:10-17. Notice what the sword is in verse 17! We often forget about this offensive weapon. 

Do you make your spiritual development a priority in the ministry He has given you? Your inner life development is crucial to everything!

Apply: 

Now where are those SPECKS? 

PUTTING ON YOUR “SPECKS.”  Is there a: 

S -Sin to avoid? 

P - Promise to claim? 

E - Example to follow? 

C - Command to obey? 

K - Knowledge to increase?

Where is your accountability partner or group?

---

[1] The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company) 1985.

Leadership is not for the faint at heart! It is so hard to respond graciously to criticism when you are in a leadership position. Even other people in the body of Christ can sabotage even those labors you have done with only the motive of pleasing and glorifying God! 

Here is a summary of Paul's credentials as an apostle from the book of 2 Corinthians:

• Commissioned by God (1:1,21; 4:1) 
• Spoke truthfully (1:18; 4:2) 
• Displayed godly character in his actions toward them (1:12-14) 
• Possessed the Holy Spirit (1:22) 
• Loved the Corinthians (2:4; 6:11; 11:11) 
• Spoke with sincerity and Christ's power (2:17) 
• Labored among them and helped them grow (3:2,3) 
• Lived as an example to them (3:4; 12:6) 
• Persevered (4:1,16)
• Taught them truth (4:2) 
• Proclaimed Jesus as the center of his message (4:5) 
• Suffered for preaching the gospel (4:8-12; 6:4-5,9-10)

PRAYER

Lord, hold us in pure devotion to you. Amen.

2 Corinthians 10 - Building People Toward Maturity

LINK: 2 Corinthians 10

BACKGROUND 

In 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:10, Paul transitions to his last difficult subject. The majority of Corinthians were responsive to Paul (7:8-16), but he continued to have his critics who were fueled by the seduction of false apostles.  Paul directly addresses his accusers (2 Corinthians 10:7, 10-12; 11:4, 20-23) and answers their false charges. He has to "boast" but his boasting is "glorying in Jesus Christ" rather than himself. He uses the Greek word translated "boast/glory" twenty times in 2 Corinthians 10-13.

In this chapter, Paul responded to the charge that he was bold in his letters but carried no authority in person. Paul used his authority with Christ-like meekness and gentleness (Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1). Apparently, the Judaizers were much more overbearing than Paul, and the people mistakenly thought this meant they had authority (2 Corinthians 11:13, 20). 

The false teachers used weapons of the world like fancy oratory and overbearing authority. Paul used much more effective and divinely powerful weapons that aimed to tear down Satan's whole "campaign" against God so that people might surrender wholeheartedly to Him (Matthew 16:18). Part of Satan's strategy is to hold people's minds with worldly reasoning and wisdom that is opposed to the Word of God (1 Corinthians 1:18-20). That is why Paul's main offensive weapons were the Word of God and prayer (Ephesians 6:17-18; Joshua 6:1-20)!

The Message communicates it this way (with italics indicating my emphasis):

The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Paul's method did not win them to him or a superficial faith but to a whole new way of thinking and living out their lives in obedience to God! And God would be the only One who needed to commend him for it (2 Corinthians 10:18)!

REFLECTION 

I have been in community with a woman who loves God. She hears God's truth in prayer (one of the "God-tools/weapon"), but I am realizing she does not soak in the Word of God, and I need to be bolder in using the "God-tool" of the Word of God when I am with her. I do that with women in my prayer counseling sessions, but I do not do that with this woman because I think she does not want it (I suggested studying the Word with her, but it has never happened. So, we just talk.), but recently, she said how much she appreciated that another woman had shared Scripture with her, and it made me think that maybe I have been overly timid! Such a balance between godly boldness and being overbearing! 

APPLICATION 

Are you utilizing your "God-tools" in your warfare against the World, the flesh, and the devil? 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You have given us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) so that we can be in battle against Your foes. Help us to remember to utilize them so that You might be glorified! Amen. 

2 Corinthians 9 - Accountability and Rewards of Generosity

LINK: 2 Corinthians 9

BACKGROUND

Continuing from 2 Corinthians 8 and the gift of aid to the Jerusalem Christians, Paul sent some men ahead to prepare them rather than having them feel pressured when Paul finally came. Paul was holding them accountable to their commitment!

Paul encouraged them to give in faith and not worry about not having enough money to meet their own needs. The farmer has to "lose" some of his grain by sowing it rather than eating it so that he can later reap a harvest. If he eats all of his grain, he will have no seed for the future.

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, 

And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 

The generous man will be prosperous, 

And he who waters will himself be watered. 

He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, 

But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 

(Proverbs 11:24-26)

The same principle is true in giving. If we give only a little, we will receive only a little. If we cheerfully and generously give in faith, not worrying about our own needs, we will be blessed, the receivers' needs will be met, and God will be praised! Giving is a win-win proposition! 

REFLECTION

The Life Application Bible has summarized principles about fundraising from these 2 Corinthians 8 and 9:

NEEDS FOR A FUND-RAISING PROJECT 

Information - 8:4  
Definite purpose - 8:4 
Readiness and willingness - 9:7 
Dedication - 8:5 
Leadership - 8:7 
Enthusiasm - 8:7, 8, 11 
Persistence - 8:2ff 
Honesty and integrity - 8:21 
Accountability - 9:3 
Someone to keep it moving - 8:18-22. 

The topic of fund-raising is not one to be avoided or one that should embarrass us, but all fund-raising efforts should be planned and conducted responsibly. (p. 2105) 

Our church is having another "capital campaign" for some property that has become available next to our church property. I see that all of the things on this list have been followed so wonderfully! 

APPLICATION

How is your giving lately? Do you need to "sow bountifully"?

PRAYER

Lord, keep us accountable to follow through on our promises to give. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 8 - The Grace of Giving

LINK: 2 Corinthians 8

BACKGROUND

The churches in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) had given toward the collection for the struggling Jerusalem church even though they were poor also, and Paul used them as an example to challenge the Corinthian church to excel in the grace of giving. Apparently, the Corinthian church had money, but they had not acted on their promise.  Paul encouraged them to do so. Paul sent Titus and two unnamed representatives to gather the collection from the Corinthian church. The Corinthians could demonstrate their love by their giving. 

REFLECTION

I feel convicted! We had purposed to give to something, and we have been so busy we have not gotten around to doing it. So, I need to just write that check with a joyful heart! It is good to get this kick!  Don't you love the Word of God?

From personal experience, I have had other situations where I just did not think I could give, but I gave in faith, and it was amazing what happened afterward; blessings upon blessings (not just material). 

APPLICATION

Are you being prompted to give to something that will glorify God? Do not delay!

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to give out of love for You and to give in faith. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. 

2 Corinthians 7 - Maturing

LINK: 2 Corinthians 7

BACKGROUND

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul reminded the Corinthians of God's presence (6:16) and fellowship (6:17b-18) if they obeyed him.  As a result, Paul exhorted them to walk in complete purity by separating themselves from any person who polluted the truth (2:17; 4:2). 

"Perfecting" holiness means completed or matured holiness. It means a "maturing, growing, holiness, and increased Christ-likeness (3:18), a progressive sanctification (not sinless perfection)" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, p. 552).

The rest of the chapter concerns Paul's continued defense of his apostleship (against the false teachers) and affirmation of his love, care, and concern for the Corinthians. The letter Paul refers to is one he sent (now lost) that was delivered by Titus. It was a harsh rebuke to the Corinthians, possibly for the immorality among them that was not addressed (5:1). He anxiously waited for Titus to meet him in Macedonia in A.D. 56 to tell him news about the Corinthians. Titus reported that the Corinthian church was doing well and had repented of their erring ways, but there were still people who opposed Paul. Paul concluded the chapter by affirming that, based on their positive response to his rebuke, he had confidence in the Corinthians.

REFLECTION

After meditating on 2 Corinthians 7:1, I went to finish a movie I had started yesterday. It was a biopic about a celebrity that I had grown up watching. The celebrity's life was starting to slide into total depravity, and after reading about holiness in this chapter, I decided it was time to stop the movie in mid-stream. 

I think I made the right choice. 

APPLICATION 

How are you maturing and growing in holiness and Christ-likeness today?

PRAYER

Lord, lead us and guide us in our journey toward becoming more and more like Christ. Lead us into maturity in You. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. 

2 Corinthians 6 - Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain

LINK: 2 Corinthians 6

BACKGROUND

The Corinthian believers were not to receive the grace of God "in vain." They were tossing aside God's message and doubting Paul's words because they were confused by the message of the false teachers among them. He quoted from Isaiah 49:8 and implored them to receive God's grace. 

In 6:3-11, Paul returned to the defense of his ministry that he had started in 5:11-14. The biggest proof of his ministry and apostleship was his sufferings.

The chapter concludes with an exhortation to not be unequally yoked (in a binding relationship) with unbelievers.  The typical application here involves not being married to an unbeliever. It can also be applied to business associations, but the primary association Paul was getting at here was probably the Corinthians' association with the false teachers (1 Corinthians 11:2-4) who were vying for their affection. Paul wanted them to separate from them and used five rhetorical questions and Old Testament verses on personal holiness to make his point (Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:41). Do you see them? 

REFLECTION

Paul is not saying that we should not associate with unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:9, 10), but that we should not be locked into binding personal and business associations that would cause us to compromise our faith. We need to associate with unbelievers but maintain our distinction from them in our life and conduct. Chuck Swindoll says it best: "If you put on white gloves and start working in the mud, the gloves get muddy; never does the mud get glovey." 

APPLICATION

Are you living a life that demands an explanation among your nonbelieving friends? Journal with God about this. 

PRAYER

Lord, help us to be set apart for Your work and to walk in holiness in our lives. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 5 - Hope in the Hereafter and a Tribute to Helene Ashker

LINK: 2 Corinthians 5

BACKGROUND

Temporary Tents to Eternal Dwellings

This is a continuation of what Paul had talked about in 4:16-18. 2 Corinthians 5:1 is also a summary of what had been written about the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15:34-54 (remember that most Greeks did not believe that their bodies would be resurrected after death). Our temporary earthly tent (body) will become a building from God. This is not the heavenly home in John 14:1-6 but our glorified body. We groan, longing for our eternal body, and the Holy Spirit is a guarantee that God will give us one.  

Paul was not afraid of death because he knew that he would finally be home with the Lord. Death is only a prelude to eternal life. That is hope! We have hope of eternal life, but we will all be judged by Christ, and we will be rewarded for the way we have lived our life. We must all give an account of how we have lived (Matthew 16:27; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). 

The Ministry of Reconciliation

In contemplation of standing before the Lord caused Paul to want to live a life that honored God and counted for eternity by persuading men to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. The love of Christ was their motive for doing this as opposed to the false teachers who took "pride in what was seen" rather than what comes from the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Paul was willing to be a fool to win them to Christ. God reconciled them to Himself through Jesus, and their passion as ambassadors was to implore others to be reconciled to Him as well. Through that reconciliation and Christ being sin for them by dying on the cross, they would be righteous before God. (See the posts on the Book of Romans for the righteousness concept.) 


REFLECTION

Helene Ashker - Present with the Lord

The last time I corresponded with Helene was in April of 2008 when we exchanged emails about the possibility of her coming to my church to speak for a women's conference (and eating the good ice cream she remembers here). I also passed on the sad news that a mutual friend from Navigator days, Bruce, was in his last days in his "temporary tent" due to melanoma. 

She wrote, "Tell him that I am bummed that he gets to see Jesus before I do." 

Little did I know, that shortly after that email exchange, doctors would discover a tumor, and she would join Bruce in heaven a little over two years later. 

I first heard about Helene in my junior year at Oregon State University back in the late 70s. The buzz around her coming was palpable, like the Queen was visiting or something. I was asked if I wanted to get some "time" with her, and I had no idea why I would want to get time with someone I didn't even know. Who was she anyway? What is the big deal? What do you mean by "time" with her?  I declined the offer. 

Then I heard her speak.

It was standing room only when Helene gave a message on the Shekinah Glory of God (Leviticus 16) in Buxton Hall, and I kicked myself for not taking the opportunity to have "time" with her!

But there were many more opportunities over the years, and every time she came through Oregon, I was first in line for those appointments. God still brings to mind her wise words from those meetings. In fact, when I was praying with my husband last Thursday over what to do in a tough situation we were facing with another person, Helene's words came to me, and I knew what to do!  Through tears in my eyes, I told my husband how God still speaks through Helene even thirty years later!  

I not only had appointments over the years but lived with Helene in 1983. It was supposed to be two years of training, but God had other plans. It was a tough time, and I had a breakdown. The breakdown occurred in the middle of the day when I was working for a chiropractor in the Seattle area. In the providence of God, Helene was in the office at the time the emotional dam of my life broke. 

She closed the door to my office and calmly asked me, "Carol, what do you want?"  

I couldn't even look her in the eyes but stared tearfully out the window and declared, "I am sick, and I need help."  

And she said, "OK, you will get help." 

She immediately went to work and found help for me, and I always credit Helene with starting my journey of healing to wholeness. With her training in counseling, she could have helped; but she was wise enough to know that she had become the "object of fear" (her own words) in my life. She was intimidating at times, direct, but always loving, and I loved her back. 

Through the years, we stayed in touch, and she continued to encourage and love me through notes and emails. I always felt that she was on my side. The last time we saw each other was when my kids were quite small. My husband watched them, and we spent a wonderful afternoon together.  

She said, "He is a good husband, Carol, isn't he? Some of them are not, but I can tell he is a good one. I am so happy for you." 

It meant so much to me that she approved of the man I married!

A few years back we realized we were both going to be in Seattle at the same time, but we had scheduling conflicts that prevented me from seeing her. We did not have her for my church's conference either. More missed opportunities for "time." I wish I could have gone to Texas to say goodbye, but I didn't know she was sick until I heard she had left her earthly tent for her heavenly dwelling on May 30, 2010. 

Helene was like a female Paul. She lived a life that honored God and counted for eternity by persuading women to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Once they came to Him, she helped them grow and trained them to do the same. What a privilege it was to know her!  

When I wrote my friend, Teala, about her passing she said, "We sure have had some great examples that have gone before us, have we not!?  What a great reminder to love this old wild world."

Helene was a great example! She is present with the Lord now, and I am sure He has said, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Rest in Peace, Helene. I love you.

APPLICATION

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17 (another Topical Memory System verse)

Helene wrote two books that are about having a ministry of reconciliation:

Jesus Changes Women

Jesus Cares For Women: A Leader's Guide For Hosting An Evangelistic Bible Study For Women

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for sending us Helene Ashker. May we ALL have a Godly example like her in our life. Comfort her family in this time of great loss. Tearfully Yours, Carol

2 Corinthians 4 - Light into Darkness

LINK: 2 Corinthians 4

BACKGROUND 

Warren Wiersbe writes at the end of 2 Corinthians 3 in The Bible Exposition Commentary, "When your ministry involves the glory of God -- you cannot quit!" (Volume 1, p. 641). This is a perfect segue into this chapter!

Paul and his band had many reasons to be discouraged in ministry (2 Corinthians 1:8), but they did not quit because of the ministry of glory that they had been given. How can one stop bringing transformation to all who believe? Who wouldn't want life, light, salvation, and righteousness? Paul and his band did not preach for selfish gain (like the false teachers) but were servants preaching Christ Jesus as Lord. They were merely vessels to reveal the Light of Christ to a dark world. 

Continuing from 2 Corinthians 3:14-16, Paul explains that the minds of Jews were "veiled" because they were blind and hardened in their hearts and minds (Romans 11:25). This is true of the Gentiles too. Only Christ can illuminate the darkness of the unbelieving whose minds have been blinded by Satan (4:4). 

Despite affliction of every kind, Paul and his band saw it only as temporary in light of the glory that would be revealed to them in eternity. They were convinced that their death meant life for many! 

REFLECTION 

I used to get discouraged in ministry, especially in my 20s. When suffering would come, I would whine and run away. Sitting with 20-somethings in counseling, I see so much of me back then. Actually, most are further along than I was at their age. That gives me hope. 

I am at a standstill in a particular aspect of my ministry right now, but I do not give up! Paul encourages me to keep on keeping on! I see that a closed door in one area means an open door in (and more time to devote to) another area. More and more, I can see God's sovereign hand directing me to one place or another. It is so exciting to just be a passenger in His car enjoying the scenery along the way. Sure, there is "momentary suffering" here and there, but it is nothing to God's overall plan and picture! 

2023 Update: It took me a while to figure out what the "standstill" was, but I looked at the date of this post (6/12, but it was 2010 as I brought them forward for the next cycle of the BBC), and it was right after a very discouraging setback. It took me three months to work through it (I spent three days at the beach in prayer until the breakthrough), we let go, and then, a year later, we were handed the sweetest gift of ministry that we still are involved with today! Praise God for that standstill!

APPLICATION 

How do you respond when discouragement in ministry comes? Talk to God about it. Work through it with Him. Listen carefully to what He tells you about yourself and His plan for you. 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that Paul knew where he was going. Help us to know our identity and Your destiny for us. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 3 - Ever-Increasing Glory

LINK: 2 Corinthians 3

BACKGROUND 

False teachers had carried letters of recommendation to the Corinthians in order to establish their authority, but Paul stated that the believers they had preached to were his letters of recommendation. These letters "written on human hearts" bring up images of God's promise in the Old Testament that he would give a new heart to God's people (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26). The New Covenant of grace changes people's hearts and makes them want to follow God. 

The predominant false teachers were the "Judaizers" who preached that salvation was by faith in Christ and keeping the Law of Moses (Acts 15). To refute this, he emphasized the superiority of the New Covenant of grace compared to the Old Covenant Law.  Jesus' sacrifice is far superior to the Old Testament sacrifices (Hebrews 8-10). Old Covenant legalism emphasizing external obedience brings death but the New Covenant message of grace and internal transformation of the heart brings life! (Try to observe additional contrasts.) 

It would be helpful to read Exodus 32:29-35 to review how God's glory shone in the face of Moses after he received the Old Covenant from God on Mount Sinai, his face was so bright he had to wear a veil that also kept the people from totally understanding. The Jews were "veiled" in their understanding of the references to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures also. God's glory on the face of Moses eventually faded, but the glory of God in believers is ever-increasing as we transform more and more into the image of Christ! That glory can then spread to others, and we will talk about that in 2 Corinthians 4!

REFLECTION 

Here is a link and lyrics from a song by Michael Card that intersects the story of Moses with the glory of Jesus! 

Enjoy!

A Face that Shone (Moses) by Michael Card

He ate the bread of heaven
Drank water from the rock
And the grumbling children followed
Like a misbegotten flock
He climbed up on a mountain
They couldn't even touch
Who'd have known that one encounter
Could have ever meant so much

And up upon that high place
In a cleft of solid stone
His face was set on fire
As the God of Glory shone
He alone had seen it
And had lived to tell the tale
But because they feared the fire
He had to hide behind a veil

A face that shone with the radiance of the Father
Though it had known and endured dark desert days
A face that shone with the glory of Another
So the prophet would discover
As the glory was fading away

He was the Bread from Heaven
He would be the smitten Rock
He had twelve confused disciples
They were his bewildered flock
When he climbed upon the mountain
He took Peter, James and John
In the face of pending glory
They soon began to yawn

As he prayed while they were sleeping
He was transfigured into Light
His face a flash of lightning
His clothes so burning bright
So Moses finally saw the face
Before he'd hidden from
Then came a voice from heaven
This is my beloved Son

The face that shone is the Glory of the Father
And he had known from the start that it was so
The face that shone had let the light shine out of darkness
And we're changed into His likeness
As we gaze upon the Son

But you and me we tend to flee from shining faces
We see the glow and then we know that we're undone
They shine His light into out emptiest of spaces
With their bright and shining faces
Reflect the radiance of the Son

The face that shone is the Glory of the Father
And he had known from the start that it was so
The face that shone had let the light shine out of darkness
And we're changed into His likeness
As we gaze upon the Son

APPLICATION 

We truly are "changed into His likeness/As we gaze upon the Son"! When we spend more time in the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us through it and obey it (James 1:22-25), we will most certainly be transformed! 

After a full summer of basking in God's Word and applying it to my life and rich fellowship with other believers who kept me accountable to apply it, I went home and my parents said, "What happened to you? You are different? You have changed (for the better)!"  

I was allowing God's glory to radiate through me! Do not forget to look at the Word and ask God to transform you through it by applying what He teaches you! 

Meditate on James 1:22-25 today. 

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to look intently at You and walk away transformed. Amen.