Serving the Lord comes at a cost.

Joshua22:5 Only be very careful and diligently observe the commandment and
the law which Moses the servant of the Lord has commanded you to love the
Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold
fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul [your
very life].” Matt9:36 When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion
and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep
without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is
[indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord of the
harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Serving the Lord comes at a cost. Service unto God is not something for

Sunday only, it is a way of life. Families, hobbies, and other

responsibilities tend to come first in our daily lives. I believe that

every believer should consider themselves in full-time ministry. God has

each of us where He has us for a specific purpose. Sometimes it may be to

do intercessory prayer for someone. Maybe it is to plant a seed, maybe to

water it, and maybe even harvest it. Our lives are not our own. Andrew was

walking with John the Baptist and saw Jesus, then brought his brother to

Jesus. Paul was in prison and people got saved. Philip was on a walk. No

matter what you are doing for work, know that God has a calling on your

life. The shop owner where I work asked me one day, "you like that ministry

stuff, why don't you do it full time?". My response was simple, "I am doing

it full time, you are just paying my bills."

Douglas 

Jesus Is My Lawyer. 1 John 2:12

1 John 2:1-2 NKJV

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Between 2000 and 2004 I worked in a hospital as the staffing clerk. I was hired "off the street" by the county for the county hospital. 

There was a lady who had applied for the position that already worked for the county at the hospital. She was not happy I had received the position over her. She was usually polite to my face and when she wasn't I ignored her "barbs". She also tried to stir up a lot of trouble for me behind my back. I would hear about things she had said or done to get me in trouble from other staff. My supervisor had even warned me to "watch my back". 

Through it all I kept reminding myself "Jesus is my defender". I knew the truth would come out without me speaking a word in my own defense. 

When you are being personally attacked by those around you, remember you have an advocate in Jesus Christ. With Him on your side, you need never utter a word because He never looses a case. 

Blessings, Cecilia 

2 Corinthians 12 Eight tools of Satan.

19All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;
21I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.

Wow! Paul had a love for the church at Corinth and a heavy heart that he didn't do his job well and allowed them to be swayed by false prophets.
Did you notice the eight tools of Satan? "strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;"

How easily our emotions can lead us astray!
I remind you of yesterday's study and ask yourselves these two questions; Is it gossip? Is it biblical?

Paul was worried that when he came before them that he would find himself not to be the minister he should of been and likewise they would find him not to be the minister they wanted! Have you ever been in that position?

I pray you find a church that is biblical, teaches the word of God accurately and uplifts you into serving in a ministry that the Lord put on your heart. Serving the kingdom of Jesus Christ ushering souls towards salvation through Jesus Christ.

Blessings David

FACETIME with Jesus is coming to soon!

2Cor5:10 For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what
has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held
responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of
his time, opportunities and abilities]. Matt12:36 But I tell you, on the
day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless
or useless word they speak. 37 For by your words [reflecting your spiritual
condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by
your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.”

FACETIME with Jesus is coming to soon, we do not know the day or the hour,

nevertheless it is coming. Are you ready today, at this very moment to see

Him face to face? Everyone will stand before God and give testimony.

Acquitted or condemned and sentenced, which will it be? Every action, word,

and deed will be judged. Many are living their lives without a care in the

world, not thinking about working out their own salvation with fear and

trembling. I am far from perfect, there are things that I do that I know

are not pleasing to the Lord. I also do not use the what God has given me

completely for Him. I want to change that, I want to be more Christ-like,

more Christian than ever before. Knowing Jesus personally will get you to

heaven. I want more than that, I want to hear, "Well done good and faithful

servant".

Douglas 

Thanks a lot Adam and Eve! 1 John 1:8-10

1 John 1 NKJV 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. It all started in the Garden of Eden. God created humans to be perfect, sinless and to enjoy fellowship with Him under His care. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to sin. As a result of that disobedience to God, we are all now born with the desire to sin. We all sin, every day, there's just no way to avoid it. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He casts our sins away, never to be remembered again. Like I said a few days ago, even Satan cannot remind God of our past. But since we all sin, every day, we need to reflect daily on our words, thoughts and actions and daily ask God to forgive us of the things that offend Him. That's what is meant by keeping short accounts with Him. As saved Christians, we live with the hope and belief that Jesus could return any moment. We want to be ready, as spotless as possible for the rapture. It would be really embarrassing to be raptured in the middle of doing something that displeased God. So keep short accounts, ask Jesus daily to reveal the things you have done, thought or said that displease Him and make an effort to not do that again. But remember, there has only been one sinless perfect life ever lived, and that person took the punishment of your sin on Him in His death. Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 12 Gossip in your church?

      16But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit. 17Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? 18I urged Titus to go,and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?

Excerpts Commentary from Gills Exposition;
 Verse 16....to allure and draw the Corinthians into a good liking and opinion of the Gospel and of his ministry, and so caught them, and was the happy means of their conversion; but they are spoken in the person of the false apostles, charging him with a wicked and criminal craftiness, by making use of other persons in a sly underhanded way, to get this church's money, when he pretended to preach the Gospel freely; to which he answers in the next verse.

Verse 17.....I have sent to you: he desires them to name one single person of the many who came to them from him, that had received any money from them for him; or that they had any reason to believe he had employed for such purposes; and if they could not pitch on a single instance, they ought therefore to look upon this as a downright slander and calumny.

Verse 18...then observes, that all the pains that he took in the vindication of himself, was not so much on his own account as theirs, even for their edification, that that might not be hindered, for whom he had the most endeared affection: and for the truth of all this he appeals to God,

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/2_corinthians/12.htm

Paul had sent Titus and Luke to Corinth so he was defending them also with "Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?"

Brethren we must be aware that Satan will send his minions amongst the flock to spread division and to turn us away from unity in Christ.
When you hear such talk YOU must realize several things;
1. Is it gossip?
2. Is it biblical?

1 Timothy 5:13 NASB: At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Don't listen to gossip, stop them in their tracks! Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the words to speak. If they continue take it to the Elders of the church.

Blessings David

I am of Jesus!

Acts10:25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his
feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I
myself am also a man.” 1Cor1:12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I
am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of
Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you
baptized in the name of Paul?

Recently, I was sharing with a friend, some of the struggles that I am

having and asked if this has changed the way that they look at me, the way

that they see me as a person, as a Christian? There response was, "It's

nice to know that you are human". There are so many people that look to

leaders as something perfect, someone to be praised. The Apostle Peter

walked into Cornelius' house and was greeted with worship. There were

contentions in the Corinthian church. Some were saying they were of Paul,

Apollos, and Peter. The body of Christ is led by men, who are just that,

men. Brethren, May we all live a life that glorifies our God, worship the

only One that deserves it, Jesus, and be filled with the Holy Spirit as to

not walk in the flesh, in Jesus name, amen.

Douglas 

God's Not Listening. 1 John 1:5-10

1 John 1 Fellowship with Him and One Another 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. I had never heard this taught until this past year in our new church and I've heard it taught several times now. You can't have that hidden sin, that sin you practice in the dark, unknown to others and have an intimate relationship with Jesus. You cannot have fellowship with Jesus and living a lie. God is so adamant about this He will not even hear the prayers of the practicingsinner. That's a scary thought. Maybe you're thinking "I don't believe that" but hold on a minute, let me explain. As a follower of Jesus, as someone who has surrendered your life to Him, as someone who believes His teachings and wants to walk in His way, the way of truth, you cannot do what you know is wrong and have an intimate relationship with Him. You cannot walk in the truth if you are hiding a lie. It erects a wall between you and God. Have you ever had a secret from a friend, your parents or your spouse? Something you did not want them to find out? Something you did whatever was necessary to hide? You didn't feel exactly close to them, open with them, intimate with them did you? It's the same principle except God already knows and He knows you are not being honest, not walking in the truth, being the fool because you try to fool others. So what do you do to get back in God's good graces? Repent. Repentance is a heart issue. You have to truly be ready for that change. You have to give up completely that hidden sin. You have to turn completely around, turn to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Ask Him for help, rely on His strength to walk away from that sin and humbly be willing to walk in truth. Whatever you're struggling with today, turn to Jesus. Ask for His strength and forgiveness. Humble your heart and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 12 Are you someone's spiritual father?

14Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

Paul in his third letter to the church in Corinth explains to them he is not after their money but their souls. He tells them he is their spiritual father and makes provision for his children spiritual needs.

"Paul felt like a father toward the church in Corinth; and he was willing, therefore, to labor for them without compensation."
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-14.htm

Paul desired their love and respect but as a diligent worker for Christ he expected nothing in return.

As workers for Jesus we should strive to be like Paul. As a parent seeks to train up a child, out of love for them without expecting anything in return. Spiritual salvation is the goal of the Father. Show them the way, and allow God to perform surgery on their hearts.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Blessings, David

What is your testimony?

Daniel4:2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most
High God has worked for me.3 How great are His signs, And how mighty His
wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from
generation to generation. Rev12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of
the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their
lives to the death.

TESTIMONY - "A public recounting of a religious conversion or experience".
Everything that people experience has power if used correctly to further
the kingdom of God. Our testimonies are all different and yet have the same
ability to bring honor and glory to God. My life has been very challenging,
I was a drunk, sexually immoral, drug addict, liar, thief, adulterer,
blasphemer, covetous, divorced, etc. I think you all get my point. Chief of
all sinners. The most important part of my life is, SAVED by grace and
shown the love of Jesus at 36 years old. My life still has challenges due
to what I have done and the consequences that I am still dealing with. I
declare to all who read this, Jesus is alive and active. No matter what you
have done, no matter where you are today, Jesus loves you and has a plan
for your life. My friends and brethren, if there is anything I can do for
you, please let me know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Douglas 

Are you a new creation?

2Cor5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old
things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Gal5:22 But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control...Phil4:13 I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me...

God cleans His own fish. There are many people around us that are very good

actors. I try hard not to pretend that things are going great when they are

not. The emotional scars, the "baggage" that I can't seem to put away,

seems to haunts me. Every part of my life has made me who I am today.

Becoming a Christian has truly been life changing.The challenge is that

sometimes it is a process that takes longer than I want. A new creation

takes time. The Fruit of the Spirit is a full basket, and yet to have it

all, seems to be a challenge. We must remember that, we can do all things

through Christ who strengthens us. “I am not what I ought to be, I am not

what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I

am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am” ―

John Travis Newton. I know that I am His.

Douglas 

Eyewitness. 1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1 NKJV
What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

John starts this letter as an eyewitness. He was with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. John was first a follower of John the Baptist. John was the youngest of the apostles and the only Apostle to die of natural causes. He wrote 1st, 2nd and 3rd John late in his life, sometime around 95 ad. I started researching John this morning and was getting lost in all the information. So instead of a history lesson on John, I'll get back to the text. As I always say, if your curious, "Google it". 

I guess John must be one of my favorite Bible authors, I've done my morning devotions on his writings more then anyone else. However it's easier to identify with Peter and his "foot in mouth" disease. John did have a quick temper and seemed to fly into a "storm" when angered earning him the nick name "son of thunder". I can identify with that trait of John's. But I digress again....

John is long winded in the first sentence. It takes up 3 verses. Basically what He is saying Is:
1) Jesus was from the beginning ( John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.)
2) We, His apostles, heard Him teach and saw Him with our own eyes, touched Him with our own hands and know He was real.
3) He IS The Word of Life (see 1 above)
4) We were with Him when He lived, we were with Him when He died, we were with Him when He was buried and we were with Him, in His physical body, when He rose from the grave and walked on the earth with us again.
4) We were with Him when He ascended back to heaven, we saw Him physically rise into the air and go back to be with the Father.
5) We share this eyewitness account so you may share in the joy we know as Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12 Division in your church?

 11I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. 12The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 13For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Paul speaks the truth with sarcasm, about being foolish, you compelled me! He states he should have been commended even though he is nobody! The other apostles were leading them astray and creating division among Paul and his church.
God had blessed Paul with signs and wonders. But remember Jesus performed signs and wonders also and His hometown didn't believe Him either!

Barnes Notes on the Bible
For what is it ... - This verse contains a striking mixture of sarcasm and irony, not exceeded, says Bloomfield, by any example in Demosthenes. the sense is," I have given among you the most ample proof of my apostolic commission. I have conferred on you the highest favors of the apostolic office. In these respects you are superior to all other churches. In one respect only are you inferior - it is in this, that you have not been burdened with the privilege of supporting me. If you had had this, you would have been inferior to no others. But this was owing to me; and I pray that you will forgive me this I might have urged it; I might have claimed it; I might have given you the privilege of becoming equal to the most favored in all respects. But I have not pressed it, and you have not done it, and I ask your pardon." There is a delicate insinuation that they had not contributed to his needs......
an intimation that it was a privilege to contribute to the support of the gospel, and that Paul might have been "burdensome to them".
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-13.htm

Have you ever been led to start a ministry or church only to have someone start division among them?
How did or would you react? Remember all ministries are Gods! Be humble. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you! He will guide you as he guided Paul.

Stay tuned, tomorrow Paul explains the more he loves them the less they love him!
Blessings David

2 Corinthians 12 Do you have a thorn?

A Thorn in the Flesh

      7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.


Paul had a thorn in the flesh. No one knows what it was but some suspect it was his eyes due to being blinded by Jesus on the road to Damascus. But we just don't know.
Gods reply was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
Throughout the Bible God used the weak to confound the strong.

1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Mans nature is to be boastful. If we have a gift from God then wouldn't we would tend to boastful about it?

God gave Paul a thorn to remind him not to be boastful. So Paul accepted his thorn and became content in his weakness, in his weakness he was strong.

What about you? Do you have a thorn? Do you have a illness? You can pray about it to God, and if His will doesn't take away your thorn, maybe He is trying to tell you the same thing He told Paul?
Keep strong in your faith and remember this promise;

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Isaiah 25:8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

Blessings, David

My hearts desire is to go to heaven......

John4:49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”
50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.”... 53 So the father
knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son
lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. Acts16:27 And the
keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open,
supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill
himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no
harm, for we are all here.”30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what
must I do to be saved?”31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you will be saved, you and your household.”

My hearts desire is to go to heaven and take as many people with me as I

can. I have been broken many times and for many different reasons. I have

suffered in ways that only a few others may ever understand. One thing I

know for sure, is that I love Jesus. He has given me the ability to take my

shame, weaknesses and scars, share them and show this world what grace and

mercy are all about. My prayer is that for all those that know me will come

to love my Jesus as well. There is a song, Loving my Jesus by Casting

Crowns and here are a few verses that touched my heart. And I made a vow

that day That I'd spend the rest of my life Loving my Jesus Showing my

scars Telling my story of how mercy Can reach You where You are And I pray

the whole world hears The cry of my heart Is to see all the ones I love

Loving my Jesus

Douglas 

Keep Your Eyes on the Skies. Psalm 1:1-6

Psalm 1 NKJV
The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Remember when we were kids watching Westerns on TV (probably in black and white)? It was easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys. The guys in the white hats always won. The guys in the black hats were always the bad guys, they always lost.

It's not so easy today. Things aren't black and white anymore. And it will only get worse as we head toward the end times.

In Luke 21:28 we are told "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

That's what we are to do, keep our eyes on the sky, keep our eyes on Jesus. Walk in the way of the righteous and whatever we do will prosper. We can't stumble on the path of the wicked if we are following our Lord. 

So when in doubt on which way is right, when unsure on which way to go, look up and follow the Lord. 

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 12 A vision of Paradise!

1Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.


Paul had a vision and a revelation from the Lord. A man in spirit or in body who saw paradise the third heaven and heard inexpressible words of which he was not permitted to speak.

From David Guzik commentary;
"we should not be surprised if God should speak to us through some type of visions and revelations of the Lord."
"But we do understand that such experiences are subjective and prone to misunderstanding and misapplication.
Paul describes this experience in the third person instead of the first person"

Paul didn't want to take glory from this experience so he humbly presented it in the third person.

"ii. The important thing to notice is that Paul kept quiet about this for fourteen years, and now he mentions it reluctantly."
"Paul is using terminology common in that day, which referred to the "blue sky" as the first heaven, the "starry sky" as the second heaven, and the place where God lived and reigned as the third heaven."

"ii. So what did Paul hear? We don't know! They were inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. God didn't want us to know, so He didn't give Paul permission to speak."

j. Why was Paul given this vision? First, he was given it for you and me so that we would benefit from what the Lord showed Paul. Secondly, he was given it because what God told him through this vision sustained him through all the trials of ministry and enabled Paul to give everything God wanted him to give to all generations. This vision helped Paul finish his course.

Read the full commentary here:
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/2_corinthians/12.htm

Tomorrow we learn why Paul was given a thorn in the flesh!
Blessings
David

What choices have you made?

2Peter3:8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice,
beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a
thousand years is like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay [as though He
were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count
slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any
to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Choices are made everyday that we may not see the consequences of for

years. Choices to do certain things or not to those things not only affect

your life but the lives of those around you, those that you love and care

about, and more importantly your relationship with God. Some of those

choices, at the time seem right and later on, when time passes, you realize

how wrong those choices actually were. Priorities for some come easy, while

others because of past issues, addictive traits or characteristic problems

have hard times processing how to do things in a way that pleases everyone.

Our God is more patient and understanding than anyone on earth. God's

choice, His heart is to spend eternity with us, and because of that, His

chooses to wait patiently for all that will to come to repentance.

Douglas 

Forgiven, Forgotten and Buried. James 5:19-20

James 5 NASB
19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

I have a confession to make. One of the reasons I first started this daily study was to "target" people in my life I was hoping to bring to Jesus. The reality was they weren't even reading them. 

Another reason I started this daily study and including all of you was to hold me accountable to read the Bible daily. That is still true.

What I am discovering through this daily study is how much I am learning. I think that's the real reason God placed it in my heart to do this study, to teach me although , I pray you are learning as well 

Take today's scripture for instance. We can share the Gospel, teach the truth, explain salvation in perfect understanding to the hearer but it's their heart that needs to make the conversion to be saved. We just deliver the news, Jesus is the one who reels them in. 

In reading commentaries this morning I discovered that "cover a multitude of sins" speaks not only of forgiving and forgetting but of burying. Not only does Jesus forgive our sins, not only does He forget our sins but our sins are buried so deep that Satan cannot bring them up to accuse us. That's awesome! I always wondered about that. I knew God forgives and forgets but I wondered if Satan could remind God of our sins. Here's the answer, NO! 

So if you wonder if God has forgiven you, the answer is YES! If you wonder if God has forgotten your sins the answer is YES! If you wonder if Satan can use those sins in the future to remind God the answer is NO! They are buried, they are gone, they can no longer be used against you. 

Isn't that awesome? 

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 Glory of infirmities.

30If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.

30. glory of … infirmities—A striking contrast! Glorying or boasting of what others make matter of shame, namely, infirmities; for instance, his humbling mode of escape in a basket (2Co 11:33). A character utterly incompatible with that of an enthusiast (compare 2Co 12:5, 9, 10).

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jfb/2_corinthians/11.htm

Paul had a price on his head, he was viewed as a traitor by his fellow Jews and a threat. Yesterday's study we saw what he endured for Christ and today we see his mode of escape. 

If we lived in another part of the world as Christians would we endure the same persecution?

Pray for those being persecuted and pray God emboldens your faith to the point of being foolish for Him as Paul was! The world sees us as fools because we believe and live for Jesus. Be an example that leads them to Christ.

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

A Thank You Note. James 5:13-18

James 5 NASB 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. Who do you pray for? Is your prayer focused inward (self) or outward (others)? What do you pray for? Do you pray and thank God when things are going good or do you only pray when life gets out of whack? When do you pray? Morning, evening or throughout the day? Where do you pray? Only at Church? When alone or only with others? Why do we pray? That's a tough one. Do we pray with faith our prayers will be answered? Do we pray with hope God will hear our prayers? Do we pray with doubt or do we pray with the knowledge God is listening, hears us and will answer in His timing? Do we pray with this assurance? God doesn't always answer the way we want Him to but He does always answer. He always answers with our best intentions in mind. God sees the whole picture, we only see what's in front of us. When hardship happens and we turn to God for help, trust His answer. But don't wait for hardship to pray, thank God for the blessings in you life. Send God a thank you note, after all, all you have came from Him. Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 Are you a Jesus freak?

But in whatever respect anyone else is bold—I speak in foolishness—I am just as bold myself. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

Wow!
Look at the punishment Paul received for preaching the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ!
What do you think drove him to be such a "Jesus freak"? Insane? Guilty thoughts from persecuting the church before his blindness?
Or just love of Christ?
I suspect all of the above. Someday we will get to ask him!

Brethren all around the world Christians suffer death and persecution for their faith. What do you do for Christ's sake?
Do you like M&M's?
Meeting people and Moving them where they ought to be.
Meet someone at the store, move them towards Jesus.
Meet someone on the street, move them towards Jesus.
Meet someone on a street corner begging, give them a meal and move them towards Jesus.
What will you do for the Kingdom of God today?

Blessings
David

Liar, Liar. James 5:12

James 5 NASB 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. I can still hear my son saying "I swear to God" when he was trying to convince me what he was saying was truth. I'd tell him he should not "swear to God" because we don't have the right to do that. We cannot pledge an oath on something we do not own. Why did I question my son's honesty? He had a bad habit of "fabricating the truth". I've never liked calling someone a liar. James tells us to let "your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment." In other words, don't lie or people won't trust you and you will be judged a liar. Pretty simple, eh? But why do people lie? To try to stay out of trouble, it usually produces more. To look better than they are, they usually end up looking a fool. To avoid judgement, they end up being labeled a liar. Once we loose trust in someone, it's pretty hard to gain it back. We can "call them out" on their lie, go forward with the relationship and take what they say "with a grain of salt" or end the relationship. With my son, I have learned not to ask questions. I know the answers will probably not be the truth. I figure that way, I'm not giving him the opportunity to lie to me. I choose this option out of love. Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 Are you wise?

16Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly.20For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face. 21To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison.

The Corinthians thought themselves to be wise and would delight in listening to fools. So Paul played the part but then warns them he is no fool. He boasts of his accomplishments in the church but not as Christ would, but explains his work is under Christ's authority.

Human pride boasts in worldly personal accomplishments, many brag in this fashion so Paul will brag too. Then Paul hits them with biting sarcasm in verse 19. Was he too hard on them? Apparently not because in verse 20 they allowed visiting missionaries to walk all over them. And in verse 21 Paul hits them with sarcasm again.

Lesson for today? Read and understand your bible. Don't be lofty, don't be wise, don't take enjoyment in someone who is unwise, but most of all, don't be led astray.

In our next study we will see what Paul endured while preaching salvation through Jesus Christ.

Stay tuned!

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

Are you willing to let Jesus be the Lord of your life?

I am deviating from 2 Corinthians today.

I was studying one of my daily devotionals and afterwards I clicked on a link and watched a video. I then found this video.

It's about a famous family and how they came to Jesus.

I am second.

"The grave is a problem and so is sin, Jesus came down in flesh and solved both of them."

Enjoy.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FjqccYmx13w

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

You Must Have Patience! James 5:7-11

Exhortation
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

Have you ever been warned not to ask God for patience? If you do, be ready for situations that will teach you patience. 

Our society is so use to having immediate gratification we lack patience even when standing in a check out line. Traffic can lead to road rage. Family quarrels start because someone is moving too slow. We spend ourselves into debt because we can't take the time to save for things we want. We choose 2 day shipping because 5 days is just to long to wait. It started with microwave ovens and continues with high speed internet. We want what we want and we want it now!

Being patient is important to God. That's why it's one of the fruits of the spirit. It's also very hard to practice sometimes. Patience is how we behave while waiting for something to happen. We are told to patiently endure. That means we work hard toward a goal and be patient while waiting on the Lord. His timing is perfect. 

This summed up patience perfectly. 

https://gotquestions.org/Bible-patience.html

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the words to speak!

12But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.15Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Have you ever been home and then you hear the doorbell ring? Standing outside are two men in plain suits exposing a gospel that doesn't believe Jesus is God, not part of the Trinity and if you examine their bible you find all references to Jesus as God have been removed or changed!
They are misguided souls that cannot go to heaven because of their unbelief even though they perform many good works for their fellow man.
Was is an angel of light that swayed then from the one true God? You can bet it was, Satan himself.

Be prepared as Paul was, understand and study the Bible and  when your doorbell rings pray the Holy Spirit gives you the words to speak.

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

I was hungry and you gave me food.

Matt25:33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand...34 Then the King
will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35
for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me...37
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You
hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You
a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?...40 And the King will
answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to
one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Rocky point missions trip - October 21-23. There is a team of approximately

40 people from Calvary Tucson going to Rocky Point this weekend to build a

home for the Bautista Flores family. The mother is 49 and she has 2 sons,

22 and 20. Their combined income is $71 a week. Please pray for us as we go

to share the Gospel and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our church has been

doing this for 16 years, we have helped build over 60 homes, a clinic, a

church with an added classroom and kitchen, and plenty of banos. The heart

of this team is to help the less fortunate, give to others what they cannot

get on their own, and most importantly glorify God in all that we do. There

has been plenty of trials along the way for this trip and I am sure there

will be more. May God be with us and Holy Spirit guide and protect us by

the power of Jesus, amen.

Douglas 

Oh, To Be Rich. James 5:1-6

James 5 (NASB)

Misuse of Riches
5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

The old saying "You can't take it with you" applies to physical wealth. Spiritual wealth is a blessing in this life and the next. 

It is not a sin to be rich. It is a sin to love riches more than God. If we hoard riches, live in luxury, refuse to share with the less fortunate, and not acknowledge what we have as a blessing from God, we are living rich in sin. 

Physical wealth is worth nothing to us when we die. We leave it all behind. Spiritual wealth is what we take with us, and to me, spiritual wealth is worth so much more than all the gold and silver in the world. 

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 How will you be remembered?

7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; 9and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. 10As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

Paul's example was to preach the Gospel without charging wages, without being a burden and with the love of Christ. How was Paul able to do this? His ministry was supported by other churches and they supplied his every need.

Do you support ministries? I've heard it said when we leave this earth and enter heaven those whom we brought to Christ greet us as we enter. Could those lost souls greet us from the ministries we supported? God only knows.

How many souls do you think may greet you when you enter heaven?

Brethren, I believe we will look back at our "vapor of a life" on earth and wish we had done more for the kingdom of God. 

It's not too late if you are reading this! Support a ministry, talk to someone about Jesus, care for the widows and orphans. Do these things before your "vapor" burns out.

James 4:14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke (vapor) that appears for a short time and then vanishes. Net Bible

How will you be remembered? 

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

Best Laid Plans. James 4:13-17

James 4 NASB
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

How many times in our life have we made plans and things did not turn out the way we thought? 

When I worked as office support for the county health system in Arizona I enjoyed my job. I thought I would be working there until I retired at 55. God had other plans and after 7 years I quit to be a stay at home mom to our 10 year old son. 

When I worked for Gospel Rescue Mission I thought I would be there until I retired. God decided after 2 years to move us back to Michigan. Now I say "I am currently retired" because I don't yet know what He has planned for me next. 

We can make our own plans but God really is the one in charge of them. Next time your plans go awry, go with the new direction. It's just God moving you toward His goal. 

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 11 Don't be fooled!

 1I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.2For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.3But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 4For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. 5For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.

How grounded are you in your faith, the simplicity of salvation through Jesus Christ? 

Has anyone ever told you that you must go to church on the sabbath? That you must be baptized to be saved?

 Do you realize that these things are a different Gospel and not of the Holy Spirit? This is not what Jesus taught. These are mans additions to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's no different than the Jews additions to the Law.

It is better to be unskilled in speech and to have knowledge, i.e. understand the Bible than to be led astray. 

Don't be fooled, keep the simplicity of salvation through Jesus Christ and read your bible! To attain its knowledge is better than speech any day!

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

Can you move mountains?

Matt17:20... if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this
mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be
impossible for you. 2Cor5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. Heb11:1 Now
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..

Faith or Fear, what are you walking in? Christians are called to walk by

faith. There have been times in my life where I know that God had called me

to do something that was out of my comfort zone, some I did and others I

didn't. Fear overtook me because of the thought of looking crazy. Then

there were times when I did walk by faith and God was with me through it

all. I do not want to look back someday and think about what God would of

done with me if I would of gotten my feet to move in the direction that God

wanted me to go. God has called all of His children to do something to

further the kingdom. We cannot let the enemy, pride, fear or anything else

keep us from God's purpose for our lives. We have 2 choices, step out in

faith and see what God is going to do, or stand on the sidelines and

wonder, what if I would have stepped out, what mountains could have been

moved?

Douglas 

I fail too. James 4:11-12

James 4 NASB 11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? Oh boy, who is not guilty of judging others? I have long been an advocate for children. It angers me when children are mistreated by their parents. We adults have no idea how easy it is to mess up our children's futures by our own actions and words. The last two years before we moved from Tucson, I worked at Gospel Rescue Mission. It is a homeless shelter for women and their children. Most of the clients there were homeless because of drugs or alcohol and the shelter offered drug rehab services for these women among the many other services. Each morning when I arrived I needed to read "report" from the day/evening before so I would know what was happening with the clients and the children. Often that report included who had not passed the random drug testing that was done and the consequences of that "failure". When I saw it involved the mom of one of the kids I worked with, I would get angry. I think I held that anger in fairly well and treated the offender with compassion but it still angered me inside. One morning, as I read report and there was another mom who had failed random drug testing, my disgust boiled up in me. And then God rebuked me. We all know what THAT feels like and its not good. That rebuke went something like this: "How dare you! These women are MY children, who are you to judge them?" Oh boy, got it Lord, I'm sorry. Please help me love them as you do. That was a turning point for me. After that, when one failed, I was truly compassionate for them and no longer angry at them. Of course, there are still other areas in my life I need to stop judging people but I'm trying. Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 10 Do you commend yourself?

12For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 15not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 18For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

This scripture is full with many points Paul was trying to convey. The only way to fully understand it is to dissect it. I relied on David Guzik commentary for understanding to convey to you it's meaning. I pray you take the time to read it.

Excerpts from David Guzik commentary;

Measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves: This explains why these carnal Corinthian critics of Paul could think so highly of themselves.  In their worldly ways of thinking, they just measured themselves by themselves, and only compared themselves among themselves.

i. This means two things.  First, it means making yourself the measure of others.  Second, it means making others the measure of yourself.

ii. This was wrong for at least two reasons.  First, there did not seem to be a lot of really spiritual people among the Corinthian Christians to give a good comparison to!  How much of a compliment could it have been to be the most spiritual person among the Corinthians?  Secondly, it was wrong because it just measured on a human scale, focused on outward appearance.  When we let the Holy Spirit measure us through God's Word, He measures us on God's scale, and He looks at the heart.

a. Within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us: Paul's authority in the church was not unlimited.  God had granted him a sphere of authority, and that sphere included the Corinthian Christians, especially since he had founded that church (for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ).

Why is Paul stressing the point that he has not, and will not, take authority in another man's sphere?  Probably because that is exactly what his opponents among the Corinthian Christians were doing.  They were trying to boast in Paul's sphere of accomplishment.

i. Instead, Paul's passion was to preach the gospel in the regions beyond.  He was not interested in building on another man's foundation, and trying to horn in on someone else's sphere of authority.

ii. "It is base, abominable, and deeply sinful, for a man to thrust himself into other men's labours, and by sowing doubtful disputations among a Christian people, distract and divide them, than he may get a party to himself … This is an evil that has prevailed much in all ages of the Church; there is at present much of it in the Christian world, and Christianity is disgraced by it." (Clarke)

a. He who glories, let him glory in the LORD: By using this quotation from Jeremiah 9:24, Paul is rebuking the Corinthian Christians who were finding their glory either in Paul, or against Paul.  Paul sweeps all that away, showing we should not glory in ourselves, in another, or against another - we should only glory in the LORD.

ii. The great thing about glorying in the LORD is that we can always do it.  No one is so high that they cannot glory in the LORD.  No one is so low that they cannot glory in the LORD.  We can all glory in the LORD!

ii. "In the Christian Church, indeed, self-commendation should be viewed with suspicion as a mark of disqualification." (Hughes)

May we follow Paul's examples in this text, with a pure heart, yielding to the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Jesus Christ giving glory to God in everything.

More at this link: 

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_2cr/2cr_10.cfm

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

Guilty or not guilty?

Matt24:36 “But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the
angels of heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone. 37
For the coming of the Son of Man (the Messiah) will be just like the days
of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and
drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah
entered the ark, 39 and they did not know or understand until the flood
came and swept them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be
[unexpected judgment].

GUILTY or not guilty? There are many parts of my life that glorify God, and

I know that there are some that do not. For many, the life they lead in the

public eye is completely different than the one that they lead in the

privacy of their own home or even in their own mind. Jesus is coming back

and no one knows the day or the hour except God. If Jesus comes back today,

how would you react? In the days of Noah, people were just living for the

day not expecting what was about to happen to them. Brethren, we must be

ready, waiting with anticipation for Jesus to come and get His church. If

there is anything in our lives that we know and live that is displeasing to

Him, we must stop. I do not want to be ashamed with anything in my life

when Jesus comes to get us. We need to remember Whom we serve and live like it!

Douglas 

I Give Up ! James 4:1-10

James 4 NASB
Things to Avoid
4 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

The bottom line of these verses is you can't have it both ways. You cannot seek the things of this world and seek God also. You have to choose. Do you want the things money provides? A nice house, a nice car, vacations, fancy clothing, prestige and admiration? Then seek those things. 

God wants reliance on Him. He wants you to seek Him and the good life He provides. The problem is we put God in a box and think He is limited on what He can do. God is not limited by our imagination. God can do so much more then we can ever imagine when we relinquish our limited power and except His infinite power. 

It's just a matter of throwing our hands up in surrender. It's saying "God, I give up. I've been chasing my dreams and trying to achieve and I'm going in circles. Lord, lead me where YOU want me to go, direct me in what YOU want me to do for You" and see how He abundantly blesses you. I'm sure your life will become more then you ever could imagined. Not with the things of this world but of the eternal blessings only He can provide. 

Blessings, Cecilia

2 Corinthians 10 How do you want to be remembered?

7You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. 8For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 9for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

One of our failures as human beings is we look at the outward appearance of things and judge accordingly. Jesus judges by the contents of the heart.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.

http://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=47&c=10

How do you want to be remembered? I wish to be remembered as a person whom had a heart for Jesus, a faithful minister. 

Blessings, David 

Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com

With all prayer and petition.

Eph6:18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all
times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this
in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in
prayer] for all God’s people.

"What can I pray for you about?" should be more than just words spoken in

passing. They should be words spoken from the heart, meant to be taken

seriously and performed with purpose. Recently, I have been in the midst of

many trials, tribulations and battles. Some I feel like I am persevering

through, and in some, I feel like I have failed. People ask, Christian's

and worldly, "How are you doing?" Lately, my response has been, "Do you

want me to tell you the truth or do you want me to lie to you? If I lie to

you, it will make you feel better." Many respond with, "Lie to me." Many

warriors are going through battles that they do not know how to deal with

and will never talk about to another person. May we pray fervently for

God's people, especially those that are on the front lines. Sometimes, the

ones that we see as the strongest in battle, the ones that are there for

everyone else, are the ones that need encouragement the most.

Douglas 

2 Corinthians 10 Be mighty through God.

1Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! 2I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.
4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.


Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

(Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.
http://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=47&c=10

Be humble, accept your infirmities and be bold in spiritual warfare! Follow Paul's example in the work of ministry and you will be mighty through God.