THE THORN (No Pain - No Gain)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations (presents the reasons for the thorn in the flesh), there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me (an angel of Satan), lest I should be exalted above measure (This has the Apostle concluding this sentence as it began). (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me (The Apostle knew it was the Lord allowing this, but he didn’t understand why). (9) And he said unto me (the Lord responded, but did not agree), My grace is sufficient for you (speaks of enabling Grace, which is really the Goodness of God carried out by the Holy Spirit): for my strength is made perfect in weakness (All believers are weak, but the Lord tends to make us weaker, with the intention being that we then depend solely upon Him, thereby, obtaining His Strength). Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (because of the end result), that the power of Christ may rest upon me (If Paul needed so humbling and painful an experience of what the carnal nature is, it is evident that all Christians need it. Whatever weakens, belittles, and humiliates that proud and willful nature should be regarded by the Believer as most worthwhile). (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (then the strength of Christ can be exhibited through me, but only when I know I am weak).  Note: Blue is Scripture – Red is comments reference scripture).

     

     Author Elizabeth Elliot defines suffering as “anything about which one says, ‘Oh, no!’”

     That is an apt description. We dislike any incidents that disrupt our plans, interfere with our personal pursuit of happiness, or awkwardly invade our comfort zones.

     Our lifestyles are built to repel and avoid it. And that is only human, for who rightly yearns for pain?

     Yet the Bible plainly tells us in book after book, chapter after chapter that we should not be surprised by suffering (a thorn if you would). There is no vaccine for tribulation, no inoculation to cure suffering, for Christians or Non-Christians.

     “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

     Listen: The bible is full of stories such as; Joseph and Jeremiah knew the stench of jails. David and Moses knew the heat and barrenness of the wilderness. Paul and Stephen knew the sting of stones.

     Someone said the Christian is “either headed into a storm, in the middle of one, or coming out of one.” Whatever adversity you face, don’t be surprised. God is completely informed of your problem. By His grace, He can help you advance through your adversity.

BE ENCOURAGED – Remember in Mark 6 vs. 50 while the disciples were in the midst of a storm, Jesus came walking on the water and spoke to them saying: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid).

FORGIVENESS

By Peggy Little

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.” Genesis 45:4

     The story of Joseph is an early account of the forgiving nature God expects us to display in our treatment of those who have wronged us. It is a prime example of Christ-like love. Though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and deceived his father into thinking him dead, when he confronts his brothers during their time of need, forgiveness and love burst forth from his heart.

     With uncanny faith in the overriding providence of God, Joseph even professes his belief that God had redeemed his brother’s betrayal of him by using it as a means to deliver his family during the time of famine. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brother’s sin is so complete that he kisses each of them and weeps with joy at being united with them once again.

     So let’s go on a little farther and let me ask you these questions.

     Do you suppose that while Joseph was being sent to misery and an almost certain death in Egypt that he thought God was preparing him to rule a nation? Do you suppose that while he was imprisoned in darkness and filth that he felt the anticipation of one preparing for a glorious future? Do you suppose that during the long, forced march to Egypt he was thankful to his brother’s for acting as the hand of God moving him toward the realization of his destiny? I don’t think so.

     Yet when Joseph forgave his brother’s, he revealed a long-term attitude of heart that allowed his suffering to become his strength.

     God expects us to forgive because we’re growing in Christ-like love. But more personally, when we forgive, we allow God to take the mean treatment we receive and turn it into the forging of a character that allows God to use us to rule in our own Egypt.

     Who is God using to shape your character? And too! Are you forgiving?

     Please take heed to what forgiving is all about and search your heart to see if there is something or someone you need to ask forgiveness for.

     I love you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

THE CROSS DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CLASS DISTINCTIONS

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

17) “For Christ sent me not to baptize but to Preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18) “For the Preaching of the Cross is to them who perish foolishness but unto us who are saved, it is the Power of God.

Ø  The cross is offensive because it makes moral and immoral persons go to heaven by the same road; the cross makes rich and poor enter heaven by the same door; the cross makes the philosopher and peasant walk on the same highway of holiness.

Ø  Therefore, the wise man says, “What! Am I to be saved by the same cross which saves a man who doesn’t even know the alphabet?” The very rich and sophisticated lady asks, “Am I to be saved in the same fashion as my servant-girl?”

Ø  The middle-class moral person says, “What! Am I to walk beside a prostitute and drunkard on the road to heaven?” We’re all equal at the Cross!

The only solution for sin, the only answer to sin, is the Cross of Christ!