Daily Bible Reading Guide, June 2023 - "God’s Saving Word: Spiritual Renewal"Sample

June 6

Introduction

For the next nineteen days, we will be reading the apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, which was written during a difficult period in Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian community. While some members of the church had made strong attacks against him, he expresses his deep longing for reconciliation. He begins this letter with a formal introduction that names him and Timothy as the ones sending the letter and God’s people in Corinth and Achaia as the ones receiving it. This greeting is followed by Paul’s thanksgiving prayer to God for comfort in times of great suffering.

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Today’s Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:4

He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.

Reflect

Reread verses 8-11. At the time of Paul, Asia was the name of a Roman province in the southwest part of what is now Turkey. Paul does not explain what kind of suffering he had experienced in Ephesus, but it probably included the threat of death. (Acts 19:21-41 describes an uproar that occurred while Paul was in Ephesus.) Where do you see God's presence amid great suffering? In what ways does God help us in our troubles?

Pray

Loving God, whenever and wherever your people suffer, you suffer with them. Empower your followers to aid and bring comfort to those who are suffering. Open my eyes and heart this day to those in need. May your love and justice reign throughout the world. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

2 Corinthians 1:12-24:The apostle Paul tells the Corinthians of the change in his travel plans.