“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV). Paul wanted the Corinthians to know that his confidence did not rest in himself. He claimed no self-sufficiency, no self-confidence, and no self-empowerment. His calling, message, and authority all came from
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16 ESV). Paul paints a vivid picture of believers
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV) Paul wrote these words to assure the Corinthians that God’s Word can always be trusted. Unlike human plans that may shift, God’s promises
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2 ESV). Solomon observed that in life, the rich and the poor cannot avoid one another. For the Hebrew is simple and direct: “the rich and poor meet.” This “meeting” could describe the marketplace, the streets, or even their
“For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Corinthians 16:7 ESV). Although Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains strong words of correction, his heart was not distant or cold. He longed for more than a quick stopover; he
“I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.” (Job 12:4 ESV). As Job maintained his righteousness, his friends continued to disagree with him. Job, who had lost his children, most of his possessions and whose body was covered in
“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14 ESV) Paul makes the resurrection the very hinge of Christianity. If the tomb is not empty, there is no gospel, no hope, no faith. Preaching without the resurrection is empty talk, and faith
“Then Job answered and said: ‘Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.’” (Job 6:1–3 ESV). Job responds to his friends’ rebuke with honesty. He admits that his words have been
“The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where have you come?’ Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’” (Job 1:7 ESV). This heavenly scene introduces us to Satan, whose very name means “Accuser.” When summoned before the Lord, he must give
“On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” (Esther 6:1 ESV) This verse marks the turning point of the entire book of Esther. Haman had just convinced the king to issue a decree to destroy