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Words of Hope Daily Devotional

The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer. The devotional is available in your email and in print.

No Time Like the Present

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (v. 2)

When I was growing up, my family observed an annual Saint Nicholas Day celebration in early December. We gathered with friends, sang, and feasted. Then, Saint Nick himself (one of the dads in costume) appeared. We kids looked forward to his presents. But when he finally appeared—with his tall hat and costume, appearing to be a seven-foot-tall stranger—many of us reacted with terror.

The Bible anticipates a final reckoning. The Old Testament prophets call it “the day of the LORD.” This is the moment God shows up in person to bring resolution to human history. Typically, this “day” is not considered positive. Amos’ sentiment prevails: “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! . . . It is darkness, and not light” (Amos 5:18).

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul addresses God’s day of reckoning. Paul says two surprising things. First, the “day” is already here (v. 2). Second, the “day” is not condemnation but salvation. Paul understands, as should we, that our judgment was dealt with at the cross of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God offers the opportunity to reckon with him right now. Because the threat of judgment has been removed, that reckoning has become loving reconciliation. We don’t have to wait. There are a limited number of moments between now and the end. Don’t waste another one. Be reconciled today, and enjoy the reassurance of the Lord’s favor forever.

As you pray, ask God to reconcile you to himself today.

About the Author

Ben Van Arragon is a pastor, husband, and father of two teenage daughters.

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Home Awaits

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 We have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (v. 1) In college, I took a course that included watching Citizen Kane which, due to my youth and inexperience, I

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Not Destroyed

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. (v. 17) One of the most-viewed boxing matches of all time is 1974’s bout between Muhammad Ali and reigning world champ George Foreman. Younger,

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Shining through the Cracks

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts. (v. 6) In 2019, Ben Kirby started the Instagram account PreachersNSneakers featuring pastors wearing expensive designer shoes and clothing. He intended it to

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Living Letters

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-11 You are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit. (v. 3) As a pastor, I occasionally write letters of recommendation. A high school senior might request a recommendation for

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The Smell of Victory

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession. (v. 14) Growing up, I regularly visited dairy farms owned by friends and family. I loved everything about these visits—except the smell. Once, when

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