The Thorn In The Flesh

When everything was breaking loose--Paul's joy was about used up, he didn't look for a formula, a technique, a therapy or two easy steps. He went straight to God.

Three times he prayed for God to remove this thorn in the flesh. Would it be removed or would he have to live with it?

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's ministry might have been destroyed by arrogance or pride had the thorn not kept that from happening.

You may not have a thorn in the flesh. You may not have obstructions in your Christian Service. But if you do, take it to The Lord. He will give you sufficient grace and strength in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecution, and distresses.

The Greatest Prayer

The greatest prayer ever prayed on earth was by Jesus just prior to Calvary.

John 17 reveals the spiritual priorities that were in the Saviour's heart:

• The glory of God
• The sanctity of God's people
• The unity of the church
• The ministry of sharing the Gospel with a lost world

In His parting prayer, Jesus poured out His heart to the Father, not only for His disciples, but also for us.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Jesus also left His Word to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us.

By the intimacy of the Father in the Son and they in us, we share the victory of God. We are overcomers.

At the end of our Christian journey, I trust that we will be able to pray as Jesus prayed to The Father.

John 17:4  I have glorified Thee on earth; I have finished the work which Thour gavest me to do.

Joy Comes In The Morning

Summarizing the last message to His disciples in the Upper Room, Jesus speaks of leaving, tribulation, and comfort.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.

The disciples became martyrs for the gospel. I hear news reports of Christians being murdered. I believe God is shaping the world for His return.

Regardless of what happens in a world that seeme hopeless, be of good cheer, Jesus is in control. He has overcome the world.

Psalm 30:5 . . . . weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

My New Body

Death will not have the final word for the born again Christian. There will come a wonderful powerful moment called the Resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. 43. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. 44. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

When my festered, falty, achy, rust-jointed body is sown in the grave like a dead seed, it will be raised perfect, flourishing in glory and power--a spiritual body like that of Christ.

Can you imagine meeting your loved ones in Glory, enjoying their new bodies? Do I hear rejoicing?

In heaven we shall stand unashamed in the presence of angels and God Himself because we shall "be like Him". We will be dressed for eternity. The universe will be our playground.