Random Thoughts from 2 Corinthians

Wow, I just finished 2 Corinthians, and I am amazed at all the bits that caught my eye:

But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

...to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (say that one at my funeral!)

Make room for us in your hearts...

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have devine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness... that is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.