 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
In this passage, Paul is telling us how he remains humble and why he only boasts about the Lord. He also speaks to us about ‘grace’. In a few verses before verse nine, Paul tells us that, “...in order to keep himself from becoming conceited…” he was given a ‘thorn’ in his flesh. Now, the Word doesn’t necessarily tell us specifically what that ‘thorn’ is. Paul describes it as, “...a messenger of Satan…” that torments him. He even goes on to say that he pleaded with God, not once, but three times to take the ‘thorn’ away. And this is when, in verse nine, God tells him, “...My ‘grace’ is sufficient for you…” In our lives we all suffer from some kind of ‘thorn’ in our flesh. “A messenger of Satan’, if you will, always in our ear. Always pulling on our flesh. Always trying to make us think things or do things that are not of God. Attempting to make us go places God has not led us. When God gave that piece of information to Paul, He is also giving us the same word. The 'grace' of His forgiveness by the sacrifice of His One and Only Son for us, should be sufficient enough. No matter what we have done or said, we are forgiven by the Cross. His grace is sufficient because it also gives us access to God’s power when we accept this over the pain and suffering of our ‘thorns’. God is always present and willing to take care of us. You see the results of our thorns should direct us to understand that this is where we redirect our focus and prayer. Instead of focusing on that pain and suffering of the ‘thorn’, we must look to the Lord for his power in healing, guidance and peace. Paul was leading us when he said, “...in order to keep me from being conceited…” In order for us to receive this power, we must focus on thinking about God and how much He loves us to forgive us. When we do that we allow our spirits access to that power God wants to give us. That thorn can be scary sometimes because it shows us that we can be weak. For many Christians who have been strong all their lives this revelation in weakness can be horrifying. But God is telling us, as we become physically weak in some places, He is allowing us to become spiritually stronger. In His word He tells us, “...for My power is made perfect in weakness…” Allow your 'thorn’ to help you find your strength in the Lord this week. Focus on God, not your problems, and tell the Lord you are ready for his healing, guidance and peace. Because we receive His grace, as sufficient. Amen
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 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ~CSB
We often hear people say, “God gave me a sign that I should do this!” “I saw a sign that this is what I’m supposed to do!” Whenever decisions are made as a result of ‘seeing a sign’, those decisions usually fall on the action of ‘guessing’. Let me give you a better example about ‘seeing signs’. My wife has never given me a ‘sign’ when it comes to something that needs to be done. For instance, when we have our monthly budget meetings for our home, we both know how much to spend and how much not to spend. There are no signs for these directives. No room for guessing. This is a successful way of life for us because my wife and I have a strong relationship. We know each other so we do not rely on ‘signs’. We do, because we know. This should be the exact same relationship we have with God. One where we do not have to look for ‘signs’ and ‘guess’ what He wants from us. No, we should know Him enough and follow His commands. His word gives us all we need. It says in 2 Timothy that the word is God's inspiration to us. It will teach us, correct us and train us in righteousness. When we walk this spiritual workout every day, the word will take out the ‘guesswork’ of seeing ‘signs’. God loves us too much to give us hints. He loves us so much that He gives us what we need, when we need it. There is no guessing, but to hear Him we have to know Him. Put the effort in building your relationship with God. Cut out the ‘guesswork’ and embrace the wisdom God gives us daily through His Word. So that we know what He wants from us. God will let us know directly because he wants us to be, “...complete and equipped for every good work.” May the Lord continue to bless and keep you under His healing, guidance and protection in Jesus’ name. Amen  Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ~CSB
It is so easy for us to allow situations and ‘happenings’ in this world to affect our thoughts. Especially when it comes to us worrying and doubting our chances in our circumstances. For instance, we may wake up in the morning with God’s promises on our minds. But the first social media post we see about the negativity in this world, we allow the 'fear of failure' in our hearts. Someone or something may remind us of our struggles. Trials such as health, family, or bills that are due. These distractions result in our joy and peace being snatched from us as a result of this ‘fear of failure’ in our hearts. We must not forget that there is a debt, that we ‘were’ accountable for, that we couldn't pay. And we were more accountable for that debt than any we may have established with man. Jesus paid that debt for us. We are saved by grace and mercy by a powerful God Who loves us so much. It is because we are His children that our Father, in heaven, will take care of us. He says it in His word, not to worry about anything. In everything, through prayer to Him, (which includes His will in our situation), God will make a way out of ‘no way’. With the thanksgiving in our hearts for Jesus Christ, we present our requests to God. This request will be the spiritual seeds invested in the harvest of that abundant blessing God already has established for us. When we get rid of worry and increase our prayers in thanksgiving, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) May God continue to bless you all under His protection, healing, wisdom and peace as you journey in Jesus' name. Amen  Job 42:10 “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions.” ~CSB
The Book of Job is impressive in its details of the fight between good and evil for the possession of our souls. The devil roams the earth looking to destroy everything God has created. In this particular story, it concerns a man named Job. Job loved the Lord and had a strong relationship with Him. Job’s loyalty to God could not be broken. The devil thought differently and told God that every man can be broken given the proper struggle. God knew and trusted His servant Job to remain faithful. God allowed the devil to not only take from Job but also to affect his body. God’s only command was that the devil did not kill Job. The devil took away Job’s children and possessions. Then inflicted his body with painful, unattractive boils. The influence of the devil’s work caused three friends of Job to attempt to convince him that what was happening to him was from God. They tried to tell Job that he must have done something against the Lord for him to be going through so much. Although Job did not understand why these things were happening to him, he continued to have faith in God. And because of his strong faith and trust in the Lord, God rewarded him. In our lives we go through things we may not understand. But it is our journey as Christians to wake up and walk our paths in righteousness no matter what the world throws our way. We trust in God that where we are, is the place where He will use us to perform His miracle. To show others through us that He exists. It’s not always about us. It is not always about the devil. It is, however, always about God and what His intentions are. His intent to bring good, grace and mercy to us and those around us. While going through our challenges, Job shows us how to continue to serve by praying for others even when they try to direct us in other unnecessary paths. Look at Job’s friends. God told them that they were leading His loyal servant in the wrong direction. By telling him the wrong information about God and His intentions. God said for this they should be punished. (Job 42:7-8) But because Job prayed for them, God said he would give them a pass. Amazing how Job didn’t think about himself as he was going through his struggle. He loved God and remembered his job was to serve the Lord and others. His actions saved himself and his friends. The Bible says that God blessed Job for his struggles by doubling his possessions. The word says God blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the first. Stay focused on God’s love for you. Don’t let the devil ‘snatch’ you through the chaos of this world. God has His arms wrapped around you. You are protected. May God bless and keep you as you journey in Jesus’ name. Amen Ecclesiastes 3:2; 4-6 “...a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away…”
Today, some of us are waking up to a struggle, a continued spiritual fight. One where we are trying our best to help another to see the best path in their situation. It is a fight we’ve come to a place where we thought we had victory. But today we awake to find that the battle is far from over. We are at that point where we realize that we have done all we can do. Under our own power we are at a place where we can go no further in this effort to support and help. Most of the time this involves a family member or close friend that may struggle with addiction, financial issues or just personal obstacles. Whatever the case may be, the understanding here is that this is a point where we must ‘let go’. We have planted the seeds. We have prayed and we have physically and monetarily given, so now the rest needs to come from the actions and decisions of those we are trying to help. Their decisions may take them on a painful, struggling journey, but it is one that must now be taken and done by them. Spiritual lessons will come for them in their experiences. And they themselves will realize that they cannot go anywhere until they realize they cannot do this on their own. In order for them to learn to walk the path of righteousness, God will have to be included in their journey. It will come when the seeds we have planted in them begin to grow. And their spirits reach out to God on their behalf. This is when their decisions will become righteous and their awareness in direction to journey on the right paths, will come. In God’s time, (and if it be His will), He will allow us to intervene again. This time helping them spiritually as they travel their now, transformed ‘godly’ journey. A journey of ‘trusting in Him’ not in themselves. The Bible says in Galatians 6:5 that each person has to carry their own load. Meaning we need to act and position ourselves so that God can use us for His purpose. God’s direction for us to ‘let go’ comes because He wants to take over and prepare our loved ones for their miracle; the same as He has done for us in our lives. Allowing them the chance to serve in their salvation. Just as they must learn that they cannot walk their journey without God, we must not enable them by allowing ourselves to realize, we can not help others without God. With Him, all things are possible because the victory has already been won. Trust in Him and watch the miracle happen in the lives of those we love. May God continue to bless and keep you under His love and protection in Jesus’ name. Amen  Jeremiah 31:25 “...for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.” ~CSB
Satisfying a thirst. Who doesn’t like ice water on a hot summer day. I’m talking, at the peak of your thirst where your mouth is so dry you can taste different flavors of salt in your mouth. The quench of a tall glass of ice water on a day like this feels like it may have been ‘heaven sent’. But it wasn’t. Any blessing ‘heaven sent’ would be eternal. That ice water used in the example above is not necessarily heaven sent because it is not eternal. If we continue to go through that hot day without any more water, we will be thirsty again. So let us define this example as it refers to worldly and 'heaven sent' by using the difference between happiness and joy. The world's mindset is usually based on happiness. Happiness doesn’t last long. But the joy in our hearts come from the Lord, (Psalm 30:5). This is heaven sent. Now let us look at another example through our friend Fred. Fred woke up happy this morning. There is a car at a lot that he has been saving his money for. He has always wanted this type of vehicle so he jumps in his car and drives down to buy it. When he gets there he finds out the car has been sold. There was a miscommunication between him and the salesman and the car is not available anymore. Fred’s happiness was gone. His whole mood has changed. How will this affect how he will be around his wife, his children or even his co-workers? The world gave him his happiness and then the world took it away. But let us look at this from a spiritual point of view. After talking to his wife, Fred found his joy. God, through his wife, allowed him to realize that he already had a car that was able to take him wherever he needed to go. Not only that but his wife has a car also so that the two of them can independently work and take care of their home. And now the money he was going to use to buy the car, can now be put to use in other ways. Fred realized that he was blessed and not getting the car he wanted, did not take away from what God has already given him. When we think about God’s goodness and what he has done for us, we can rest in assurance that no matter what the world tries to do, it cannot take away what God has given. It is God’s joy that eternally satisfies our thirst. And it is God’s joy that feeds us and gives us strength where we are weak. With God, all things are possible. May God continue to protect, guide and heal you as you journey in Jesus’ name. Amen  Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him!” ~CSB
I get questioned by those going through alcohol addiction about my confidence in God. I tell them I understand their confusion because I was once in their position. We have lived our lives believing in and embracing what we ‘see’ as truth. Becoming a Christian requires us to embrace what we cannot see, and that is hard at first. This is why it is important to lean on the Holy Spirit. The spirit not only communicates to God for you, it will also communicate to you and give you direction. For example, the spirit will allow you to understand that when you are outside, you will feel the wind blow against your skin. Even though you do not see it, you know the wind is there. This happened to me during my struggle with alcohol. God knew my problem was too great for me to deal with on my own. I had to give my problem to Him, but I didn’t know how. God connected with me through the book of Deuteronomy 30:11-20. The question was given to me, did I want to live or die? At the time, I did not understand the question. Really, I couldn't bring myself to even ask God to stop drinking. My flesh was too strong and it made me resist the call to the Lord for help. But the Holy Spirit knew my heart and God’s plan for my life. I didn’t know it but the Lord knew I would not be able to answer yet. He just gave me the question so that I might be prepared for what was about to happen to me. A few days later I was hit by a truck while riding my motorcycle down the interstate. It was when the medical team was wheeling me into the first of eight surgeries when I could finally answer God’s question. I remember crying out to the Lord saying, “I choose life! Whatever you want me to do, I choose life, Lord!” And that is when God healed me. He not only allowed me to keep my leg that was severed as a result of the accident, but He took away that craving of alcohol within me. I no longer had that taste for alcohol in my system. Instead my palate improved. In this miracle I tasted the power of God’s healing, forgiveness and love! It is because of this new taste, my confidence in the Lord is strong. Confidence in God that He is bigger than anything this world can throw in our lives. Think back and search for God’s power in your life. Know that He loves us so much that He sacrificed His One and Only Son for us to have eternal life! If you haven’t experienced that power yet, keep living. God is waiting for you to call to Him. He will do the same for you as He has done and is still doing for me and countless others. Because of His love for us, our refuge in Him is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 “It is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us–our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” ~CSB
A young child, college student if you will, may boast about their independence. Having a car, wearing the latest fashions and eating at some of the best restaurants. This is funny because most of the time, it is their parents that pay their car note. It is their parents who pay their tuition while in school so that they do not have any school debt after graduating from college. These young teenagers may also receive an allowance from their parents so they can supplement their young habits of buying the latest clothes, food and other expenses. Yet, they will not give credit to their parents for their blessed lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with spoiling our children, but as Christians, children of God, we sometimes forget where we should aim our boasting as well. God blesses us with our homes, families, food and abilities to get from one place to another. But how often do we give God the praise He deserves? We boast about how ‘independent’ we are. Sometimes, (unfortunately), we throw our success in others’ faces. Instead, we should actually drop to our knees and thank God for His grace and mercy. Like the paid debt of a college student, it is because of God, our debt of sin is paid. It is because of God’s grace and mercy that we are, “...in Christ Jesus…” So let us not claim success as something we accomplished on our own. Instead let us make disciples by showing others where the true power of our strength, wisdom and endurance comes from. Like the word says,“...Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” May God bless and keep you under His protection as you journey in Jesus' name. Amen  Hebrews 5:7-9 “Jesus prayed while He lived on earth. He made His appeal with sincere cries and tears. He prayed to the God who could save Him from death. God answered Jesus because He truly honored God. Jesus was God’s Son. But by suffering He learned what it means to obey. In this way He was made perfect. Eternal salvation comes from Him. He saves all those who obey Him.” ~NIRV
We can learn all we need to know through Jesus. His life shows us the way to live. His life was given so that we can live eternally. His life is the example we follow to understand living in our purpose. His life is the example of ‘why’ we suffer in this world. You see God’s purpose for the sacrifice of His son was to amend and make right what happened in the Garden in the book of Genesis. God loves us so much and He knew we would need help in receiving our salvation from Him. Jesus would be His answer. Jesus knew that He could not stray from the path of His mission. No matter what came His way. If He did, there would be no salvation for the children of God. Jesus knew he had to stay on mission. So even though He is the Son of God, as the Son of man, in His fleshly status (like us), “...by suffering He learned what it means to obey…” It wasn’t easy, just like it is not easy for us in our day to day living. But just like Jesus, we must pray daily as we meditate in God’s word. The text says He, “...appealed with sincere cries and tears…” to God. And God heard the reverence in His voice and heart. When we pray and ask God for the strength to stay on the path He created for us, He will hear us and just as He did with His Son, He will provide us with His strength to endure and His peace to make the right decisions. Jesus was perfected in His suffering. And for that “...He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him…” What did God create you to be the ‘source’ for? Some of those answers will come from what we learn in our sufferings. Like Jesus, who, in spite of what the world did to Him, He spiritually pushed through because His mission was to suffer for our iniquities and die for the debt of our sins. A bill we could never pay. To follow Christ’s path in our sufferings allows us to empty ourselves and gain the wisdom and the strength to receive, maintain and distribute the blessing God has for us to give others. Because of Jesus, we will stay on our paths. With prayers and supplication, God will perfect His purpose in us and He will save lives through us as He has saved our lives through His Son Jesus Christ!  Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting God protects you from that.” ~MSG
Whom should we fear, man or God? To most Christians this would be an easy question to answer. But often those same Christians live differently from their ‘correct’ answer. Things like… road rage. Failures in marriage. The thin line between being a good parent and ‘not-so-good’ parent. Most opportunities for situations of failure like these come from giving in to our fear of ‘mankind’. These situations come because we put more concern for what others say, feel or think about us and we place our own decision making of what we do, in the hands of how we think others may see us. Instead of trusting in God’s direction in our lives. And how about that ‘human opinion’ that comes from within us. Our own criticism about ourselves when we take away from our own personal worth. We feel that we are not worthy or capable of doing anything so we feel we must live off other’s opinions and direction. We neglect scriptures like Psalm 139:14 where we receive that God created us in his image, remarkable and wonderful. Or Jeremiah 29:11 where God tells us that He has plans for us. Did you get that? ‘He’ has plans for us, Him and Him alone. And that these plans are for our success in this world, not destruction. With this Good News we must redirect our focus where it concerns the purpose of our lives in this world. Yes, when it comes to mankind, we focus on loving our neighbors as we love the Lord. We serve our neigbor as Jesus has taught us to serve. But when we seek direction according to God’s purpose and will in our lives, we should follow the scripture in Psalm 121:1-2 where we know we can look up to the mountains where our help will come from. That help we need and are guaranteed, will come from the Lord, “...the Maker of heaven and earth.” Always be aware that looking to ‘man' will disable and distract us from our true purpose. Trusting in God with all our hearts is the way. No matter what the world puts in front of us, God has already paved a path. And when the world tells us we ‘can’t’ do something, Luke 1:37 says with God nothing is impossible. May God continue to bless and keep you under his umbrella of protection, healing and guidance as you journey in Jesus’ name. Amen |
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