It's not about you!

Submitted by staff on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 05:00

 

Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

PAUL

I need to underscore a foundational fact: God's goal is not to make sure you're happy. No matter how hard it is for you to believe this, it's time to do so. Life is not about your being comfortable and happy and successful and pain-free. It's about becoming the man or woman God has called you to be. Unfortunately, we will rarely hear that message proclaimed today. All the more reason for me to say it again: Life is not about you! It’s about God.

A thorn in the flesh

Submitted by staff on Sat, 09/12/2020 - 05:12

 

Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

PAUL

Sailors on the high seas understand the importance of securing themselves to something sturdy in a fierce gale. You learn to cling to what’s secure in a storm. Paul learned to cling to what he knew to be true about himself and the Lord who held him in His grip.

From God's perspective

Submitted by staff on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 05:00

 

Read Romans 8:22-23

PAUL

Any study of the life of the Apostle Paul requires a serious look at the subject of pain. Suffering is not a pleasant subject to explore. Explaining Paul's words to the Romans, John Stott writes, "It is not only our fragile body which makes me groan; it is also our fallen nature, which hinders us from behaving as we should. Our groans express both present pain and future longing. Some Christians, however, grin too much (they seem to have no place in their theology for pain) and groan too little."

God's waiting room

Submitted by staff on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 05:00

 

Read Acts 11:25; 2 Corinthians 12:2-6

PAUL

If you go back 14 years from the time Paul wrote the second letter to the believers at Corinth, that places him at the time he was waiting in Tarsus. Quite possibly, during one of his numerous floggings he received in Tarsus, or in an agonizing battle to survive being stoned, he lapsed into a semi-conscious state — something of a trance. Possibly, while in that state of mind, the Lord transported him to Paradise and revealed inexpressible, profound truths to him.

Out of the shadows

Submitted by staff on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 05:00

Read Acts 11:19-26

PAUL

Some of you who read these words today could use a little extra hope, especially if you find yourself in a waiting mode. You were once engaged in the action, doing top-priority work on the front lines. No longer. All that has changed. Now, for some reason, you're on the shelf. It's tough to stay encouraged perched on a shelf. Your mind starts playing tricks on you.

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