Jesus and Psalm 91

Have you ever been talking to someone and a scripture for them appears in your thoughts?

It happens to me quite a bit. I believe it's because I ask Father God to give me the words I need to say to people. 

A couple days ago, I told someone I felt like the Lord wanted them to read Psalm 91.  Psalm 91 is also one of my go-to verses to read. 

The next morning I received a text from the same person and I reached for my study Bible and opened it to Psalm 91. As I read through the study notes and shared a bit on how this psalm is arranged, it occurred to me I was studying Psalm 91 too! After a moment of laughter at how sneaky Jesus is, I shared that Jesus wanted me to study Psalm 91, too. 

It's been a few days since I last read Psalm 91. 

To amuse myself, I was scrolling through the items on my Temu app. I didn't really need anything, I was just looking at the bargains. A t-shirt appears and I burst into laughter.  Guess what it said? That's right, printed across the chest was PSALM 91!  Above and below the PSALM 91 was verse 2. I did say Jesus was sneaky right? 

Anyway, I grabbed my study Bible and started reading Psalm 91 again. 

 

Bible Study Blues? Don't Let it Get You Down.

I joined the ladies' fall bible study three weeks ago. The study is Lauren Chandler's, With Us in the Wilderness. This is a meaty bible study! Am I getting an hour of bible study done each day? No, I am not. 

I am getting a day done about Wednesday or Thursday. On Friday night, I am getting two days of the study done and on Saturday night, I am getting two days of the study done. You know what? It doesn't matter that I am not studying each and every day! It doesn't matter because what is important is that I am studying the word. Yes, my bible is open and I am reading. My desire is to learn and grow in my relationship with the Lord.

Do not stress yourself out over a bible study. Relax and enjoy it! This isn't homework. Relax. Be Happy. Do. Not. Stress. 

Quiet Yourself Beloved

The Lord spoke to my heart and said,

Quiet yourself beloved. I am your strength. I am your fortress. Do not listen to the words of man. My ways are not their ways.

The news is full of trouble and turmoil. Very little news shows the goodness and kindness of people. 

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and the COVID-19 virus are covered from morning 'til night. Every time I turn on my television or go online there it is! Disaster and horrific events are in banner headlines with a good mix of celebrity life and misbehavior. Half naked and almost completely naked people are splashed across social media platforms and screens disguised as commercials and advertisements. 

God has his own ways. 
He moves in ways that my finite mind cannot grasp. The Creator of All is infinite. He loves you and I.  We can rely on Him. There are plenty of miracles happening in the world if we will just look for them. 

Remember, Father God works in ways that are not our ways. Turn to Him and let His strength empower you today. 

Psalm 59:7-8
See what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords,
and they think, “Who can hear us?”
But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.

Psalm 59:12
For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Isaiah 55:8
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Let the Light Shine Out of Darkness

The Lord spoke these words to my heart this morning. 

You are mine now and forever. Be a light casting back darkness. Do not worry. Do not doubt. You are mine and I am yours. I will shine through you, a dayspring from on high.

I don't know about you, but I have been in need of some reassurance from my Heavenly Father.

It is so difficult to let my light shine and not worry when I see all the pictures from around the world concerning the COVID-19 virus, healthcare shortages and of all things, toilet paper shortages!

Who would have ever thought you'd have to stand in line to buy one 12 pack of toilet paper?

Think we will see a TP black market? lol I love seeing the posts on social media when a friend finds toilet paper. Humor and knowing that I belong to Jesus now and forever keeps me from worrying. I'm going to let the sunlight of the Son shine through me and keep the dark thoughts out of my head!

Here is some scripture to help you out:

John 17:6-10
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted  them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

Luke 11:36
Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

James 1:6
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Standing on Psalm 91

Bill and I have adopted Psalm 91 to stand on as the world goes through the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray this scripture prayer with us.

Psalm 91 Prayer

The LORD is my refuge and my fortress. I will trust Him. He will keep me from the traps of Satan and from the perilous pestilence. He will cover me with His feathers and keep me under his wings. His truth will be my shield and buckler. I will not be afraid of the terror by night. I will not be afraid of the pestilence that walks in darkness. I will not be afraid of the destruction that lays waste even if thousands fall by my side and ten thousand falls by my right. I will not be touched. I will watch with my eyes and see the reward of the wicked. Because I have taken refuge with the LORD, no evil shall befall me, nor will any plague come near my home. God has given His angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways. The angels will bear me up so that I will not injure myself. I will keep God on high because he has set his love on me and he has known my name. He shall call on me and I will answer him. I will be with him in times of trouble. I will live a long life for him. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ who is my Lord and Savior. Amen. 

Psalm 91

1. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
3. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.
4. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler
5. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6. Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. 
8. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. 
9. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, 
10. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 
11. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
12. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known My name.
15. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
16. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

Addicted to the Bible

"My addiction… my drug of choice… was truly a miracle. While I was depressed and reeling from the pain of dashed hopes, unanswered prayers, and a body that was betraying me, I became addicted to the Word of God. During the days of blackness, the Bible became a source of joy and light."                            

 Day 1 Joy for All Seasons by Carol McLeod

SalleeB: Can you identify with this? I sure can.

Four years into widowhood, I met someone I thought was going to be my next husband. He lived an hour and a half from me so we commuted back and forth on weekends. He asked me to marry him. I said yes. Shortly afterwards, the holiday season began. 

After Christmas, he and I began moving my belongings from my house to his.  You know its serious when your motorcycle and dog aren't staying with you during the week. 

Following New Year's I breathed a sigh of relief because the holiday season was over and went back to work. THEN, that first weekend in January, I stayed home as agreed AND he didn't answer or return my calls all weekend. I was getting worried, but stayed calm and kept turning it over to God.

You know where this is going right? Yep, he broke off the engagement with a Monday morning voice mail of It's not you it's me.

The very next Saturday morning, my friend Kathi helped me retrieve all my things with her SUV and flatbed trailer.

After that relationship ambush, I immersed myself in the Bible. You see, I too, am addicted to the Bible. My bridegroom is Jesus. The Bible helped me keep the darkness of rejection, anger, and depression at bay. The light of the Word of God restored me and gave me back my joy.

Verse of the Week - Galatians 2:20

Paul acquaints us with what his own judgment and practice were. 

• That he was dead to the law. Whatever account others might make of it for his part, he was dead to it. 
• He knew that the moral law denounced a curse against all that did not continue in all things written in the law and therefore he was dead to it, as to all hope of justification and salvation that way. 
• As for the ceremonial law, he also knew that it was now antiquated and superseded by the coming of Christ. He was therefore dead to the law, through the law itself. By considering the law itself, he saw that justification was not to be expected by the works of it (since none could perform a perfect obedience to it) and that there was now no further need of the sacrifices and purifications of it, since they were done away in Christ. 
• A stop was put to them by Jesus offering up himself a sacrifice for us; and therefore, the more Paul looked into it the more he saw that there was no occasion for keeping up that regard to the law which the Jews pleaded for. 
• Paul had renounced all hopes of justification by the works of the law, and was unwilling any longer to continue under the bondage of it; but he was far from thinking himself discharged from his duty to God.
• On the contrary, he was dead to the law, that he might live for God. 
• The doctrine of the gospel, which he had embraced, instead of weakening the bond of duty upon him, strengthened and confirmed it; and though he was dead to the law, yet it was only in order to his living a new and better life to God.
•  (as Rom. 7:4, 6), Paul's new life would be more agreeable and acceptable to God than his observance of the Mosaic law.
• A life of faith in Christ, and, under the influence of Jesus, was a life of holiness and righteousness towards God. 

Paul also acquaints us with

• That, as he was dead to the law, so he was alive to God through Jesus Christ.
•  (v. 20): I am crucified with Christ, etc. 

And here Paul gives us an excellent description of the life of a believer.

• He is crucified, and yet he lives; the old man is crucified (Rom. 6:6), but the new man is living; 

• he is dead to the world, and dead to the law, and yet alive to God and Christ; 

• sin is mortified, and grace quickened. 

• He lives, and yet not he. This is strange: I live, and yet not I; 

• he lives in the exercise of grace; 

• he has the comforts and the triumphs of grace; and yet that grace is not from himself, but from another. 

• Believers see themselves living in a state of dependence.  

• He is crucified with Christ, and yet Christ lives in him; this results from his mystical union with Christ, by means of which he is interested in the death of Christ, so as by virtue of that to die unto sin; and yet interested in the life of Christ, so as by virtue of that to live unto God. 

• He lives in the flesh, and yet lives by faith; to outward appearance he lives as other people do, his natural life is supported as others are; yet he has a higher and nobler principle that supports and actuates him, that of faith in Christ, and especially as eyeing the wonders of his love in giving himself for him. 

• Hence it is that, though he lives in the flesh, yet he does not live after the flesh. 

• Those who have true faith live by that faith; and the great thing which faith fastens upon is Christ’s loving us and giving himself for us.  

• The great evidence of Christ’s loving us is his giving himself for us; and this is that which we are chiefly concerned to mix faith with, in order to live for him.

Lastly, The apostle concludes...if righteousness comes by the law, then it must follow that Jesus Christ has died in vain; for, if we look for salvation by the law of Moses, then we render the death of Jesus needless: for to what purpose should he be appointed to die, if we might have been saved without it?

Adapted from Matthew Henry's Complete Exposition of the Entire Bible 

Verse of the Week - Galatians 2:13

What is popular isn't always right and what is right isn't always popular. 
This slogan is what I thought of as I read Galatians 2:13. I use this slogan to teach kids to stand up for what is right, not for what is popular. 
Paul felt he was standing up for the gospel of Jesus against the hypocrisy of the apostle Peter who was a pillar of the Jewish Christians. 
The hypocrisy Paul spoke of was that Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers on a regular basis, but had stopped when the men sent by James arrived in Antioch. 

Paul stated earlier in Galatians that Peter was afraid of the Jewish circumcision group sent from James in Jerusalem and the other Jewish believers followed his example. I don't understand this because in Acts 10:11-29 Peter was given a vision or dream from God that nothing God creates is unclean or impure. He even stated this to Cornelius the Centurion when he arrived at Cornelius' house. 

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

No wonder Paul thought Peter was a hypocrite!

I note how Paul wrote,"...even Barnabus was led astray." 

Barnabus had been with Paul for years. Yes, years!  He knew what Paul taught concerning eating with the Gentiles. Barnabus had been eating with the Gentile Christians from the moment he began accompanying Paul. Paul must have felt abandoned and all alone when he penned those words.

Satan must have been doing a happy dance when Barnabus decided to follow Peter's example and stop eating with the Gentile Christians too. 

What could cause Peter to back away from eating with Gentile Christians after being given a revelation from God?  

After searching, I found a commentary, the InterVarsity Press commentary, at biblegateway.com that suggests conflict between the Zealots and Jewish Christians in Jerusalem was the cause of Peter's fear.  Fear of causing the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to be punished by the Zealots because of his actions in Antioch could have been the cause of Peter deciding to not eat with the Gentile Christians. Barnabus and the other Jewish Christians would have had to make this decision too. 

If you knew your friends and family would suffer because of your actions, what would you do? Would you follow the gospel or back off from the gospel? 

Division in the Church
Division in the church isn't new; it goes all the way back to the division between Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians in the churches at Jerusalem and Antioch.
Division is a tool that Satan uses to distract Christians from being a servant of Jesus and carrying out the Great Commission of reaching out to people who haven't heard about Jesus. In short, Satan is trying to stop the number of people who come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This has been and still is Satan's mission today. 

Verse of the Week - Galatians 2:11-12

Typed error in the picture: circumcicion should be circumcision 

Paul opposed Peter because he wouldn't take a stand. 

Peter had been following Paul's example of eating with the Gentiles and fellowshipping with them. However, he changed when the strictly Hebrew faction or circumcision group arrived in Antioch. 

Paul was 100% about sharing Jesus' teachings with the Gentiles and he wasn't happy with Peter for changing his actions and behaviors to make the circumcision group happy. 

Paul said Peter was afraid. 

Peter hasn't changed much, has he? He is still the disciple who said he would NEVER fall away from Jesus or deny him. However, Peter fulfilled Jesus' prediction and denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed after Jesus was arrested. Matthew 26:34  Peter's experience didn't change his later actions did it? He knew Jesus personally and was one of the first disciples to be chosen, but this just illustrates to me how the Lord chooses a weak vessel to accomplish his will. 

Love the Story of Joseph and My Bible Study

A paragraph from my morning reading that I just love.

The story of Joseph is a favorite story that I have read and reread. There are so many lessons to be learned from this story. Bold print is my addition to the quote.

"By the time Joseph married and assumed his new position of leadership, he had spent 13 years in slavery. Was slavery part of God’s plan for him? Proverbs 20: 24 says, “A man’s steps are directed by the LORD.” How then can anyone understand his own way?” Joseph knew that God had a plan for his life, and he accepted God’s sovereignty regardless of what happened. He knew that God had directed his steps into that pit his brothers had dug for him just as He had directed his steps into a place of power. God had shown Himself faithful from the pit to Potiphar to prison to power. Joseph’s sons, in turn, became a living testimony to his conviction that God was with him every step of the way.
TerKeurst, Lysa. What Happens When Women Walk in Faith: Trusting God Takes You to Amazing Places (p. 84). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. "

Unlike Lysa, I don't believe God directed Joseph's steps into the pit.

Satan caused that to happen because he is the prince of this world, BUT God brought the blessings out of the situation because Joseph continued to honor God with his attitude and godly choices. No matter what happened to Joseph, God was with him and brought blessing out of each situation.

John 12:31-32

31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Ephesians 2:2

in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

1 John 3:8

the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers                                                        The title "Prince of this world" was the regular Rabbinic title for Satan, whom they regarded as the ruler of the Gentiles...Jews, as well as Gentiles, have been subjects of the prince of this world the world itself, as opposed to Christ...The world's condemnation is followed by the casting out of its ruler.

Verse of the Week - Galatians 1:18-20

John Gill Wrote*

• Then after three years, I (Paul) went up to Jerusalem... Not three years after his return to Damascus, but after his conversion; and now it was that he moved to become a member of the church at Jerusalem; 
• They did not care to admit him to the church, fearing that he was not a disciple, until Barnabas took him, and brought him to the Apostles Peter and James, and related his conversion and his boldness in preaching the Gospel at Damascus.
• Paul's view in going up to Jerusalem at this time was partly his own safety, being obliged to fly from Damascus, but chiefly to see Peter. 
• Paul went not to see what sort of a man he was, but to pay him a Christian visit; to talk with him about spiritual things; to know how the work of God went on under him...and to relate to him...but not to receive the Gospel from him, or to be ordained a preacher of it by him.
• Paul had already in the work of the ministry for three years before he made this visit to Peter; and besides, his stay with him was very short, (15 days) nor could he have received much from him, in so short a time, in an ordinary way.
• During this time, Paul wasn't just visiting with Peter but he was also coming in and going out at Jerusalem, where he preached boldly in the name of Christ and disputed against the Grecians.                           

*adapted from Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible

Verse of the Week - Galatians 1:8-9

Paul Speaks a Stern Truth
Paul didn't mince any words in telling the Galatian churches that there is only one gospel and that if anyone else is preaching a gospel, other than the one they accepted through Paul's evangelism, that the consequence is condemnation.

I know this sounds harsh, but many people want to preach a gospel that isn't the one Jesus taught and these gospels don't lead you to eternal life through Jesus Christ. False gospels lead to death and Jesus' gospel leads to eternal life. It is life and death for you and I to know the truth.
You don't have to earn your salvation.
Salvation is a free gift because Jesus already paid the price. My NIV Disciple's Study Bible states it this way on page 1490:

People still find it difficult to accept salvation as a free gift. They want to earn it, so they develop a code or ritual to justify themselves. Even more sadly, they fall prey to cults and sects which have an "aura of holiness" about them because they emphasize some kind of legal regimen which requires discipline...It is his (Jesus') crucifixion that sets us free to serve Him in love-not anything we have done, are doing, or will do. 

Brothers and sisters, don't listen to false gospels and preaching.
Know what your bible says. Don't use the excuse that man interpreted God's divinely inspired word into different versions and now it isn't God's word. That is the deceiver trying to keep you from the truth of God's word.
God's Divinely Inspired Words Have Not Been Changed
Use a parallel bible app, bible study website, and bible commentaries to learn that the original Greek and Hebrew has not been warped. For several years, I use biblehub.com to compare the different bible editions with Strong's Greek and Hebrew translations. God's original word has not been changed from the original, divinely inspired writings. 

A New Change for 2018 - Beth Moore's Memorize Galatians Challenge

Hi there,
I was checking my FB page and saw that Beth Moore is starting a new challenge for 2018, memorize the book of Galatians. When I saw that, my first thought was,"YES!" I know it is quite the challenge. I watched Beth's video and she states that this should take about 18 months minimum and I agree. It is quite a wordy book of the bible and just studying a book in 4 weeks is tough! At least that was my experience with the book of 2nd Corinthians.
I have decided to post about 4-5 verses from Galatians each week and those will be my Verse of the Week feature for 2018.  Additionally, the Psalm of the Week feature will be dropped in 2018. However, the Psalm of the Week tab on the homepage will give you access to all of the previous posts.
This is a No-Fail Challenge - It is a Win-Win Challenge
Now, I am going to be honest with you. Memorization is tough for me and my recall has become intermittent. I am going to be happy to just study and practice reciting the verses from memory. If I don't get it memorized, I am not stressing at all because studying the bible is a win-win goal. You noticed I said, goal. Yes, it doesn't matter if you memorize the verses or not, what matters is that you try to reach that goal, but if you don't you are not failing anything. Are you with me? This is not a succeed or fail goal. This goal is a success just because you tried and studied the bible verses.

Ways to Help You Memorize and Study Bible Verses

1. Auditory learners - Record the verses on your phone and play them back, or if you have a bible app that will read it to you, then use that. 
2. Visual learners - Put the verses on 3x5 index cards or post it notes and put them on the dash of your car, the bathroom mirror, or other places you are going to spend time looking at them. 
3. What works for me - Practice memorizing the verses in short phrases while making a visual picture of the words in your mind. Close your eyes while you visualize the words. 
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you retain the verses.
5. Study the verses by using a study bible with notes and a commentary. Then you will learn the background, context, and how to apply to verses to your life. I use an NIV discipleship bible and a NKJV study bible. Additionally, I use biblehub.com because this website has several bible commentaries, parallel bibles, Hebrew and Greek translations, and an app that you can download onto your phone. 

Forgiven - 1 John 2:12

Celebrate the birth of Jesus, a birth that reconciled man to God. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven and you are forgiven when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 

Paul's 2nd Corinthian Letter - Week 4

Chapter 11

Paul and the False Apostles

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 11:2

• Paul is in the role of an earthly father who has engaged the saints to be married to Christ. 
• The church cannot follow anyone except Christ in order to remain a pure virgin. 

Paul was concerned that the church's minds could be led astray from their sincere and pure devotion to Christ, as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning. 11:3

Paul wasn't a "Super-apostle" 11:5

• Paul wasn't a trained speaker, but he had knowledge.
• Paul reassured the Corinthian church he wasn't wanting their money.
• Paul's sole desire was that they know Jesus.

Because Satan can hide himself as an angel of light, so can his servants. 11:13-11:15

• Paul points out that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
• It shouldn't be surprising that Satan's servants masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will be what they deserve.
• The followers of Jesus shouldn't be surprised to find Satan's servants hiding themselves among the righteous. What better way to cause strife and disharmony than to masquerade as a faithful believer? 
• Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
• For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29

"Hypocrisy may be looked for especially when we consider the great power which Satan...has upon the minds of many.Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately" Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 The law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit is the test of every false system.  Matthew Henry

Paul shares about his sufferings and service as a minister of Jesus Christ. 11:16-11:30

• Paul endured the following situations to the honor of God:

1. received 40 stripes 5 times save 1
2. beaten with rods 3 times
3. stoned once
4. shipwrecked 3 times
5. adrift at sea a night and a day

• Paul faced many perils during his journeys.

1. waters
2. robbers
3. his own countrymen
4. from the heathens
5. in the city
6. in the wilderness
7. in the sea
8. among false brothers

Even though Paul was in peril and endured great hardship, he still considered the care of all the churches.

"It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials."  Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Chapter 12

 Paul's Revelation 12:1-12:5

• The church is built on the foundation of Paul's revelation
• Paul is about to tell, or show the greatest of his infirmities and he didn't want to tell more of his revelation because it might encourage them to focus more on him than on his teachings. 12:6

Paul's Thorn and God's Grace 12:7-12:10

• No one knows what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was.
• Paul's attitude about it shows he accepted it as a way for him to remain humble.
• He asked, in prayer, to be relieved of his "thorn in the flesh," but accepted that this was not God's plan.
• God told Paul that his grace was sufficient.
• God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

When we continue to praise God and accept his plan, as Jesus accepted his Father's plan, we are made strong in our weakness because we rely on God through Jesus Christ.

"Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer." Matthew Henry

Concern for the Corinthian Church 12:11 - 12:21

• These verses show the character of a faithful minister of the gospel.
• These verses also show the excesses the false teachers had taken their deluded followers to.
•  Christians should be sad that evils should be found among teachers of the gospel. 
• Evils have been found in teachers of the gospel too often, but it has been so since the days of the apostles.  

Chapter 13

Examine Yourselves 13:1 - 13:10

• Paul addressed the church at Corinth 3 times and by the third time he was losing his patience with the sinners. 
• Those who continued to question Paul's authority were those who had the least reason to question him. They had seen the signs and wonders of his apostleship.
• In verse 13:3, the church members wanted and demanded proof that the voice and power of Christ was in Paul. Paul directs them to self examination, to try, prove, and recognize their own souls. If things were right, they'd find proof of Christ's speaking in him. 

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Cant you see for yourselves the Jesus Christ is in you-unless you actually fail the test? 13:5

• Paul desired that the body of the church be kept from sin and they would grow in grace and holiness.
• They should know if Christ was in them, but the indwelling of His spirit.
• We are either true Christians, or we are deceivers.
• Unless Christ is in us by his Spirit and power of his love, our faith is dead.

Final Greetings and Blessings  13:11 - 13:14

Do these things and the God of love and Peace shall be with you:

• Be perfect
• Be of good comfort
• Be of one mind
• Live in peace

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

My hope is that you have prospered spiritually during this 4 week bible study. Thank-you for joining me. SalleeB

Paul's 2nd Corinthian Letter - Week 3

Chapter 7

Paul's Joy in the Corinthians

• Having the promise of being God's sons and daughters, we need to cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit. 7:1

Cleanse ourselves means:

• Clean heart, mind, and soul
• No bad thoughts - take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 8:5)
• Focus on being a son or daughter of God
• Lead a holy life - The Holy Spirit dwells in us, therefore let us be holy. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Our body is a temple because we received a cleansing of forgiveness by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• We have to cleans ourselves not by our own efforts, but by relying on God to shape us and mold us. (Jeremiah 18:6)

Paul states his case to be received.

• wronged no man
• corrupted no man
• defrauded no man 7:2
• Paul loves his followers 7:3

In spite of the tribulations he faces, Paul is filled with comfort and joyful 7:4

Compared to the tribulations of Paul, nothing I face today seems nearly as significant.

Paul is a minister.

"If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all."  Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 Paul and Titus were shepherds to a widespread flock. They rejoiced to see their flocks change in attitude. 7:12-16

Chapter 8

Generosity Commended

Paul commended the charity of the Macedonians.  8:1-6

• All good done by us, or in us, is the grace of God at work.
• When we are servants, or useful to others - It is by grace and favor from God.
• Whatever we use of give for God is only giving him what is already his. When we ascribe really good works to the grace of God, it gives God the glory AND shows us where our strength lies - in God. 

The Corinthians abounded in grace.  8:7-9

• Faith - Faith is necessary to please God.
• Utterance, or speaking
• Knowledge
• Diligence
• Love
• Paul also wanted the Corinthians to abound in charity.

The Grace and Love of Jesus

• Jesus was rich in that he was equal to God the Father in power and glory
• Jesus was poor in that he became a man after being rich in heaven with God the Father.
• Jesus died on the cross as a ransom sacrifice for man.  

8:10-15

"Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 Christians share with each other and achieve a sort of equality. All should be concerned to help those in want.
Paul commends Titus and the brother who was sent to collect the charity 8:16-24

• When dealing with money, or materials you need to take care that you appear to be trustworthy and honest. 
• It is needful to be upstanding in God's sight, but it is also needful to be honest in the sight of men too.

Chapter 9

God Loves a Cheerful Giver 9:1-5

The duty of ministering to other believers seems to be plain, but self-love contends powerfully against the love of Christ. Make sure you are not placing self-love over the love of Christ.

9:6-15

Financially, You Reap What You Sow

• sow sparingly - reap sparingly
• sow bountifully - reap bountifully
• God loves a cheerful giver

God can make grace abound in your life so that you always have what you need.

"We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Chapter 10

Paul faced mean and scornful talk from others.  10:1-6

• Paul knew who and what he was and didn't let this talk affect him. 
• We should be aware of our own infirmities and think humbly of ourselves, even when others reproach us. 

"The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

This is impossible without faith and the grace of God. The Holy Spirit is our helper from the Father through Jesus Christ. Reliance upon God helps us win each spiritual battle within ourselves.  10:5
Do you look on things after the outward appearance?      10:7-11

• Remember we belong to Christ and we are Christ's. 
• Paul's outward appearance may have been weak and his speech contemptible BUT his letters were and are powerful.
• Comparing others to ourselves is not wise. 10:12-13
• God's measure is not the measure man uses. Plus, God gives to each of us according to his measure.
• Instead of praising ourselves, we should work to approve ourselves to God. 

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 19

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 18

Paul's 2nd Corinthian Letter - Week 2

I sat down to read Chapters 4 to 6 two or three times this week. Each time was in the evening, rather than in the morning and my brain wouldn't settle down, even though I had prayed for guidance.
Today, I asked Bill to pray for me and with me before I even tried to sit down and study. As we held hands and prayed, I could feel peace and serenity flow through me. My thoughts settled down, and I was able to begin the process of reading and taking notes with focus and clarity.
However, one random thought did make it into my mind,"Maybe I should have asked Bill for prayer the first time."

Chapter 4

Treasures in Jars of Clay
Do not lose heart if you are in a god-given ministry. (4:1)
The signs of a god-given ministry are:

1. You have renounced secret and shameful ways (4:2)
2. No deception
3. No distortion of God's Word
4. In the sight of God, you are setting forth the truth plainly

Setting forth the truth plainly means with no misunderstanding. You are not adding to what is written and most importantly you are not softening the word.

The word of God is veiled to the perishing because the god of this age - Satan - has blinded the minds of unbelievers. (4:3-4)

• Unbelievers cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. (4:3-4)
• Jesus is Lord and we are servants for Jesus' sake. (4:5)

God's light shines in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 4:6

• God's light shines in my heart 
• God's light gives me knowledge of God's glory
• Christ's face reflects the glory of God. 
• Through Christ, the light of God shines in my heart that I might know God's glory. 

We are jars of clay containing this treasure to show this power is from god, not ourselves (4:7)

Servants of god are:

• hardpressed BUT not crushed
• perplexed BUT not despairing
• struck down BUT not destroyed (4:8-12)

We are dealing with the same world that Jesus lived in. Therefore, we will meet the same hardships he dealt with as we represent Jesus to the world around us. 

 We have the Spirit of God, who is life at work in us. 

"I believed therefore I have spoken." Psalm 116:10

• We believe and speak because the one who raised Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus. 
• All this is for you, so the grace that is reaching more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. (4:15)
• Do Not Lose Heart. 
• Fix your eyes on the unseen, not the seen. What is unseen is eternal. We live by faith, not by sight. (4:16-18; 5:7)

Chapter 5

Earthly Tent versus Eternal House in Heaven

• Even though we presently live in an earthly tent, our thoughts and minds can dwell on our eternal house in heaven. 
• Paul said he longed to be clothed in his heavenly dwelling. 
• God has given us the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come. 
• We can be confident we are going to our eternal house in heaven because we have the Spirit of God living in us. 
• Our goal is to please him whether we are in our earthly tent or in our eternal house in heaven. (5:7-9)

Before the Throne

• For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive what is due him. 
• Christ is the judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42) 
• Each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)

The Ministry of Reconciliation

• What we are is plain to God. 
• For Christ's love compels us because we are convinced that he died for all, and therefore all died. 
• We shouldn't live for ourselves, but for Jesus. 
• He died for us and was raised again. 
• We shouldn't regard people from a worldly point of view because those in Christ are a new creation. 
• All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (5:11-16)

We are Christ's Ambassadors

• As Christ's ambassadors, when we speak, it is as though God were making his appeal through us. 
• We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 
• God made the sinless one to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (5:20)

Chapter 6

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path so that our ministry will not be discredited. (6:3)

As a disciple of Jesus Christ and God's servant, Paul faced

• troubles in daily life
• distresses in life
• beatings
• imprisonments
• riots
• hard work
• sleepless nights
• hunger (6:4-5)

Paul listed his ministry attitude and work as being:

• in purity
• understanding
• patience
• kindness
• in the Holy Spirit
• in sincere love
• in truthful speech
• in the power of God
• using weapons of righteousness (6:6-7)

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, Paul and his ministry withstood many things.

• glory and dishonor
• bad report and good report
• Paul and his ministry was genuine, yet regarded as imposters
• known, yet regarded as unknown
• dying, yet living on
• beaten, yet not killed
• sorrowful, yet always rejoicing
• poor, yet making many rich
• having nothing, yet possessing everything (6:8-10)

We are the temple of the living God.  (6:14-18)

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8