2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
The Apostle Paul’s thorn was “in the flesh”. Because of the mighty ways God used him, there was danger that He might try to take all the glory for himself. The thorn was sent to keep him humble.
The Lord knows that I’m more apt to seek Him when I hurt. That’s when I get serious with God! Sometimes He allows us to walk through desolate places so we might seek His face, but His grace is sufficient.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul looked beyond the thorn and saw the power and the glory of God through his ministry. That’s why he had peace and could praise the Lord in his infirmities.
When we are broken by the thorns of life, we are brought to a place where God can move in us, on us, and through us in extraordinary ways!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
The Peace Of God
At one time or another we struggle with peace of mind. During my working years there was always at least one person troubling the waters for everyone. If it didn’t eat me up it nearly drove me crazy.
I read in a book that people or problems can only bother you if you let them, so, I talked to myself when the waters stirred. “Only if I let it. . . only if I let it.” It worked for awhile but I found a better way. The following promise is one to lean on, to hold on to ---- every time. All the time.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
When we totally surrender to Jesus, He gives us peace of mind in troubled waters. It’s the peace of God that overwhelms our worries and helps us to rest in His will even when we can’t see what lies ahead.
I read in a book that people or problems can only bother you if you let them, so, I talked to myself when the waters stirred. “Only if I let it. . . only if I let it.” It worked for awhile but I found a better way. The following promise is one to lean on, to hold on to ---- every time. All the time.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
When we totally surrender to Jesus, He gives us peace of mind in troubled waters. It’s the peace of God that overwhelms our worries and helps us to rest in His will even when we can’t see what lies ahead.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Gospel Of Peace Shoes
Ephesians 6:12,14,15 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. . . . . Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
If believers are going to stand against “the wiles of the devil,” we need Gospel of Peace Shoes. We can be “girt about with the truth”, and we can wear “the breastplate of righteousness,” but if we don’t have our “feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace,” we will stumble and fall.
This “preparation of the Gospel of peace” means to stand in absolute confidence that God loves us, that He has forgiven us, that we are redeemed, that He fights for us, and that all is well with our souls.
The peace of God in our hearts enables us to stand against any enemy that comes against us, even if that enemy is Satan. Everything the redeemed needs to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” is at our disposal.
If believers are going to stand against “the wiles of the devil,” we need Gospel of Peace Shoes. We can be “girt about with the truth”, and we can wear “the breastplate of righteousness,” but if we don’t have our “feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace,” we will stumble and fall.
This “preparation of the Gospel of peace” means to stand in absolute confidence that God loves us, that He has forgiven us, that we are redeemed, that He fights for us, and that all is well with our souls.
The peace of God in our hearts enables us to stand against any enemy that comes against us, even if that enemy is Satan. Everything the redeemed needs to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” is at our disposal.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
To God Be The Glory
Romans 11:33-34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
We need to stop trying to figure out the why of everything and trust God by faith. He sees the future and knows what’s best. We don’t. Bow before Him and His glory and exalt His worthy Name.
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Everything in this world exists because there is a God in Heaven Who willed it to be here! That’s Who He is and that‘s the power He possesses.
God is the center of His universe. Is He the center of yours? If you are giving Him the glory due His name. He is!
The world doesn’t revolve around you or me. It revolves around God. Every believer should be willing to seek His glory first in everything we are and do
We need to stop trying to figure out the why of everything and trust God by faith. He sees the future and knows what’s best. We don’t. Bow before Him and His glory and exalt His worthy Name.
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Everything in this world exists because there is a God in Heaven Who willed it to be here! That’s Who He is and that‘s the power He possesses.
God is the center of His universe. Is He the center of yours? If you are giving Him the glory due His name. He is!
The world doesn’t revolve around you or me. It revolves around God. Every believer should be willing to seek His glory first in everything we are and do
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
A Miracle Fix
God knows how to get your attention. When He stirs your nest and places a burden on your heart, don’t hesitate. He has a great plan and nothing is greater than being allowed to be a part of it.
Pray about that burden. Prayer that is born out of a genuine burden can’t be satisfied until it’s answered, so it may or may not take awhile. The Lord already knows the need, but He wants us to ask. Faith in prayer honors Him.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Several months ago I felt a burden to pray about a situation in a special family, a situation that only God could fix. I remember saying, “Lord, if you fix this, it will be a miracle.” Last Sunday I asked a family member how things were going. She said, “Something wonderful has happened. I can’t believe how things have changed.”
Well, hallelujah! Glory to God! Praise the Lord! And why am I surprised? God is good and God is gracious.
Miracle fixes beyond our reach are easy for God. You and I can’t fix it, but God can. What a joy to see the handiwork of the Lord, changing lives and carving smiles on weary faces.
Pray about that burden. Prayer that is born out of a genuine burden can’t be satisfied until it’s answered, so it may or may not take awhile. The Lord already knows the need, but He wants us to ask. Faith in prayer honors Him.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Several months ago I felt a burden to pray about a situation in a special family, a situation that only God could fix. I remember saying, “Lord, if you fix this, it will be a miracle.” Last Sunday I asked a family member how things were going. She said, “Something wonderful has happened. I can’t believe how things have changed.”
Well, hallelujah! Glory to God! Praise the Lord! And why am I surprised? God is good and God is gracious.
Miracle fixes beyond our reach are easy for God. You and I can’t fix it, but God can. What a joy to see the handiwork of the Lord, changing lives and carving smiles on weary faces.
Monday, August 3, 2015
We Praise God Because . . . .
Years ago I was told by a visitor at our church that we didn’t praise the Lord enough. I told him he shouldn’t judge me. God knew my heart, and I was praising Him. Praise is a matter of personality, and whether it involves shouting, crying, laughing, hand raising, etc. It’s pleasing to the Lord.
Psalm 113:2-3 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.
We praise God because He’s greater than all the glory of the nations and all the glories of Heaven. When the nations are gone and the saints fill Heaven, that place will ring with praise for the Lamb of God ( Rev. 4).
We praise Him for lifting us out of the pit of sin and making us righteous by his shed blood on the cross of Calvary. We praise Him for His Resurrection, guaranteeing eternal life for those who believe in Him..
We praise him for His Glory, His Grace and His Goodness.
Psalm 113:2-3 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.
We praise God because He’s greater than all the glory of the nations and all the glories of Heaven. When the nations are gone and the saints fill Heaven, that place will ring with praise for the Lamb of God ( Rev. 4).
We praise Him for lifting us out of the pit of sin and making us righteous by his shed blood on the cross of Calvary. We praise Him for His Resurrection, guaranteeing eternal life for those who believe in Him..
We praise him for His Glory, His Grace and His Goodness.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken 1674
Sunday, August 2, 2015
A Passion For Lost Souls
Jesus declared this world to be a field ripe for harvest. His people are to spread the gospel message—sow the seed-- to a world that’s perishing.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The precious gospel message is that God loves man and died to save him from hell, then arose from the dead to offer justification and eternal life to all who simply place their faith in this One who died and rose again! It’s precious because it works for anyone who receives it in his/her heart.
The Spirit of God is precious because He gives us the words to speak as we witness, and He gouges the heart of the lost person we are witnessing to. Our personal testimony is powerful.
Do believers have a passion for souls? Hell is real. The Word of God mentions its horrors in several places. When we are truly moved by the plight of the lost, there will be tears, burdens, and prayers.
Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him..
You can rejoice, knowing you shared the Gospel. If someone gets saved, there is one more soul who will not go to Hell. If they don’t get saved, remember, believers plant the seed, but God brings the harvest. Ask God to give you a burden for lost souls.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The precious gospel message is that God loves man and died to save him from hell, then arose from the dead to offer justification and eternal life to all who simply place their faith in this One who died and rose again! It’s precious because it works for anyone who receives it in his/her heart.
The Spirit of God is precious because He gives us the words to speak as we witness, and He gouges the heart of the lost person we are witnessing to. Our personal testimony is powerful.
Do believers have a passion for souls? Hell is real. The Word of God mentions its horrors in several places. When we are truly moved by the plight of the lost, there will be tears, burdens, and prayers.
Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him..
You can rejoice, knowing you shared the Gospel. If someone gets saved, there is one more soul who will not go to Hell. If they don’t get saved, remember, believers plant the seed, but God brings the harvest. Ask God to give you a burden for lost souls.
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