Many think that Paul’s affliction was some kind of chronic skin disease such as psoriasis, which causes unsightly red scaly patches of irritated flesh. Regardless of the cause for his torment and annoyance, Paul went on to say that he had begged the Lord three times to take it away, but each time the Lord had replied, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” ( II Corinthians 12: 8-9) Paul’s fulfilled destiny didn’t rest in himself, but in what God did through him…and it really didn’t matter what the “outside” of the temple looked like, for it was the inside that God was concerned with.
Month: August 2015
Proverbs 30: 7-8 ” Two things I ask of You, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
Lord, I ask for just enough. Provide me with a sufficient amount that I will be content, and always grateful. Father, don’t give me too much, or I’ll hoard or squander and waste what you’ve given me. But neither do I want to be left hungry and lacking, for then I may dishonor Your name. Yes Lord, give me just enough for today and I will trust You for tomorrow.
Isaiah 54:10 ” Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken…”
The Lord’s kindness and mercy towards us doesn’t depend on our faithfulness…or lack there of. This unfailing love has nothing to do about us, but is rather central and key to God’s character. Our faithfulness may wax and wane, but God’s unfailing love towards us is everlasting.
John 17:24 ” Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.”
As mere humans, we cannot now behold or truly understand the full glory and exaltation of Jesus Christ. This majesty and splendor, evident before the foundations of the universe was laid, shines forth as Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. But someday soon, we’ll be able to behold His glory… face to face.
II Thessalonians 3:1 ” Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
Paul’s prayer request is still so very relevant today. We need to pray that God’s Word…the Gospel…the Good News of Christ, be spread abroad to all nations. This important, soul-saving message needs to continue to advance swiftly throughout the world, bringing all to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
Galatians 1: 3-5 ” Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. “
Over the last 2,000 years things have changed in the world…but in many ways they have stayed the same. Satan’s presence on the earth is still very evident. He remains at work, deceiving with every kind of wickedness known to fallen man. But regardless of Satan’s reign here on earth, as Believers, we can confidently know that we will be delivered from the lurking clutches of the evil one.
Psalm 146: 1-2 ” Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
Declare the goodness of the Lord. Exclaim His greatness, wonder, and glory. He is so worthy of our praise. Rejoice in all His wonderful blessings…those you are aware of, and those you are unmindful of. Glorify the Lord with your praises as long as you have breath in your body to do so. Praise the Lord from your innermost being…Praise His name!
I Timothy 4:8 ” For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
We all understand that routine exercise is good for us and has many physical advantages. But the virtue of godliness has far more benefits for the complete mind, body, and spirit. Godliness will not only bear fruit of contentment, peace, and confidence in this life… but promises the gracious gift of eternal life to come.
Romans 15: 4 ” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
What do you actually get out of reading the Bible? Is it a task that you feel duty-bound to do? Is it a grouping of feel-good stories you casually enjoy, only to forget soon after? The Scriptures are educational, but if we take them no farther than that, we’re missing the greatest potential God has for us. The Bible is meant to inspire…to transform…to restore…to influence…to motive…to encourage everyone who opens up the Word. And every time you close the Bible, God wants you to be changed.
Romans 8:24 ” For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all, who hopes for what he already has? “
Hope is always forward facing, full of anticipation and longing, as it yearns for future things. And this hope of ours lies only in the person of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life. For our future glory with Him is the foundational basis of our faith and trust…that confidence built on Him, and nothing else.
Safetypinlove 