When we were recently in Belize, we heard a story that stood in stark contrast to our modern way of thinking. The ancient Mayans played a ball game so difficult that scoring a point could take days. But for the one who won, the reward was something that defied the expectations of our tour group—the privilege of being sacrificed to the gods.

“Though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” — 2 Corinthians 12:15

Paul’s service was not calculated, measured, or held back by self-preservation. He poured himself out freely, not seeking affirmation but longing to bring others into fellowship with Christ. His love did not demand a response, nor did his service require recognition. He was content to be spent—joyfully emptied—so that others might gain the fullness of Christ.

“So now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." – Philippians 1:20

When we look around, we often measure ourselves against others—comparing our spiritual growth to those we admire or despairing when we see the shortcomings of fellow believers. If we attempt to model our lives after Christ as a distant ideal to emulate, the weight of that standard becomes overwhelming. But Christ is not merely an example—He is our life. The Christian life is not about imitation, but participation.

Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians with a astounding reality: everything we need—grace, peace, comfort, and security—flows from God through Christ. The Corinthians were questioning Paul's authority because of his suffering, but Paul flips their perspective. Rather than viewing suffering as a weakness, he reveals that his afflictions serve a greater purpose: to extend God’s comfort and salvation to others, just as Christ did.

The second letter to the Corinthians is perhaps the most personal of Paul’s writings, revealing the depths of his heart for the church and his unwavering commitment to the true gospel. Unlike his other letters, which are primarily doctrinal or instructional, this one is deeply emotional, written in response to misunderstandings, challenges to his apostleship, and the Corinthians’ wavering faithfulness.

The tenth chapter of Luke presents a sweeping picture of the Christian life—one of mission, authority, compassion, and, above all, devotion to Christ. Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the kingdom, warning them of opposition but assuring them that their work is under His authority. Their success is not in their own strength but in the power of His name. He then instructs on the heart of true ministry through the parable of the Good Samaritan and, finally, reveals the necessity of undistracted devotion in the account of Mary and Martha.

“O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55

E. Stanley Jones captures a powerful reality in today’s devotional: death, when surrendered into the love of Christ, ceases to be an end and becomes a gateway to life. It is no longer the final word, no longer a cause for despair. Instead, it is transformed—woven into the redemptive work of God, bringing forth resurrection life in ways that defy earthly understanding.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
— Isaiah 52:7

Many live as though God has stepped away from His throne, as if the chaos of the world signals His resignation. But Scripture declares the opposite—Our God reigns! His sovereignty has never wavered, nor has His care for His people diminished. The trials we face, the uncertainties that loom, and the pressures of life do not alter this reality.

📖 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. — Romans 6:14 (BSB)

Moses, the great leader of Israel, stood on the threshold of the Promised Land yet could not enter. The law he mediated was perfect in its demands but powerless to produce the righteousness it required. Even one moment of disobedience barred him from his earthly inheritance, demonstrating that under the law, failure brings exclusion. The law, unyielding in its justice, condemns even the smallest misstep.

"Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
—Galatians 3:2-3

The Christian life begins with the work of the Holy Spirit, and it continues the same way. Paul’s question to the Galatians exposes a common human tendency—to start by trusting God but then attempt to grow by self-effort. We know we could never earn salvation through our own works, yet how often do we drift into striving, as if spiritual maturity depends on our own strength?

📖 "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." — 2 Corinthians 12:15

Oswald Chambers reminds us that true sacrifice in the Christian life is not about mere self-denial for its own sake, nor is it about personal spiritual fulfillment. It is a joyful surrender—an outpouring of Christ’s life through us for the sake of others. Paul did not serve out of obligation, nor was his devotion rooted in a cause. His entire being was given over to Christ, allowing Jesus to direct his steps and pour out His love through him.

📖 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” — Colossians 2:6

There was a moment when we first came to Christ—empty, helpless, and utterly dependent. We received Him by faith, knowing we had nothing to offer, no strength of our own, and no power to save ourselves. That same faith is not only the beginning but the very essence of the Christian life. The way in is the way on.

Ahaz’s reign in Judah stands as one of the starkest examples of rebellion against God. He did not simply drift away—he ran headlong into idolatry, shutting the doors of the Lord’s temple, offering his own children as sacrifices, and placing his trust in foreign kings rather than in the Lord. The more he suffered under divine judgment, the deeper he plunged into disobedience. Instead of turning to the Lord in repentance, Ahaz sought security in alliances with Assyria, stripping the temple of its treasures to bribe a pagan empire for protection. Yet, no alliance could shield him from the consequences of rejecting the only true God.

Many believers struggle with the tension between trusting God for provision and planning wisely for the future. Some wonder, If God provides for my needs, does saving for retirement betray a lack of faith? Others swing the opposite way, placing all their security in financial planning rather than in the Lord. The truth, however, is not an either-or decision. Just as we trust God daily while still working diligently, we can trust Him in the years when we can no longer work while also exercising wisdom in financial stewardship.

The elders of Israel sought an audience with Ezekiel, perhaps expecting a favorable word from the Lord. Instead, God revealed their hypocrisy—their hearts clung to idols while they sought His guidance. Their divided hearts were an affront to Him, for He desires a people who trust Him completely, not those who keep one foot in the world of self-reliance and idolatry.

Suffering often isolates. Those who should comfort us may fail, and even our own hearts may struggle to find assurance. Job’s lament in chapter 16 reveals his deep pain—not just from his afflictions but from the misplaced judgment of his friends. Yet, woven through his grief is a remarkable truth: though human comfort may fail, there is a greater Advocate who intercedes for the suffering righteous. Job’s cry foreshadows the ultimate comfort found in Christ, our true and faithful Mediator.

E. Stanley Jones powerfully reminds us that the love of Christ is the one thing the enemy cannot penetrate. He can distort doctrine, corrupt institutions, twist good works, and infiltrate even the most sacred spaces. But there is one place that remains untouched—God’s love in Christ. If the enemy were ever able to enter it, he would cease to be the enemy, for the love of Christ transforms everything it touches.

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many."
— Isaiah 51:1-2

Discouragement often clouds our vision, making it difficult to see beyond our present struggles. But in Isaiah 51, God calls His people to look—to remember where they came from and to anticipate where He is leading them.

📖 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 (BSB)

The apostle Paul lived with a singular focus—Christ. Whether in life or in death, his purpose remained unchanged. If he were to continue living, it would be for the benefit of others, that they might grow in faith. If he were to depart, it would be his great gain, as he would be with Christ. This perspective freed him from the self-preservation instinct that grips so many. His life was not about personal comfort or longevity, but about Christ living through him.Kings

Physical birth brings us into this world, but it does not grant us life with God. Jesus made this clear when He spoke to Nicodemus: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit... You must be born again." (John 3:6-7). No matter how refined or disciplined a person may become, the flesh can never produce the life of God. A new birth is required—one that only the Spirit of God can bring about.