When God Says No
I recently had dinner with my younger brother, David and his family in Bellevue, WA. Wife, Liza and children Aria and Aiden.
When God Says No
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
"Concerning this, I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He 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. Therefore, 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."
The criticism of Paul was that he lacked power, charisma and dynamism. The Lord would not let him fall into the trap of comparing himself to the world's standards of power and influence. How did the Lord keep him from this? He filled his life with insults, distresses, persecution and difficulties, etc., verse 10. He kept him weak, because in his weakness, the power of God became evident. Read more
The Thorn, part three
This is a view from my balcony off my home office in Cordillera Ranch
The Thorn, part three
2 Corinthians 12
"And I know how such a man—whether in body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows –was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses."
The false teachers who had infiltrated Corinth boasted and promoted themselves. We can assume they boasted about who they knew (they claimed to know Peter and the apostles who actually lived alongside Jesus), that they were sent from the Jerusalem church, what they had accomplished, miracles they had experienced, etc. Paul instead boasted of his weaknesses; sufferings, shipwrecks, beatings, etc. Read more
The Thorn, part two
God bless America!
The Thorn, part two
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
"because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations (Paul had just told of being transported to heaven and hearing the Lord utter words described as inexpressible), 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," 12:7
As I have read, reflected and studied this passage over the last couple of day, some of my previous assumptions have been diverted. I had assumed the thorn in the flesh meant a painful disease of some sort and that the disease/ailment was the messenger of Satan. I don't think so now. Read more
The Thorn, part one
Boys love to climb rocks!
The Thorn, part one
2 Corinthians 12
Following the description of Paul's visit/vision to heaven and hearing the direct words of Christ, (from yesterday's devotion), Paul introduces the 'thorn in the flesh'. Put your seat belt on! Verse 7 says
"because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself!"
Just like Job, Satan was the tormentor of Paul but God was the ultimate cause of these trials and difficulties. If you are uncomfortable with describing God as the "cause" of Paul's thorn in the flesh then consider the phrase that Paul uses to describe the purpose of the trial; 'to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in my flesh...' Read more
The Third Heaven
My 84 year old Mom - on the park bench
The Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12
Paul's defense against the false teachers has come to a crescendo here in chapters 11,12. We are now in chapter 12 and it seems he is responding to three attacks.
- Paul hasn't had visions and revelations like the false teachers have had
- Since Paul wasn't physically with Jesus on earth, he isn't a true apostle
- Paul is crafty and deceitful and in it for personal gain.
Certainly, these verbal attacks hurt, but what really rocked Paul's world with anguish and heartache, was that the Corinthians had believed the attacks against him. Now that hurts. Paul expressed this hurt in 12:15,
"I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?" Read more
Boasting
This is a scene of Lake Washington in my hometown of Kirkland, WA.
Boasting
2 Corinthians 11
We are entering into the closing 3 chapters of 2 Corinthians. It is the apex of Paul's defense against the false teachers. It dawned on me yesterday that if not for Paul having to defend himself in this manner because of the vicious attacks, we wouldn't know about the many experiences he will be referencing in this letter. Especially, the amazing experiences we will see in chapters 11,12. Paul usually doesn't write much about himself. Read more
Meek and Lowly
This is a scene in a park near my mom's home where she walks with her friends in Bothell, WA
Meek and Lowly
2 Corinthians 10
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 12: 28, 29
I have a very clear memory of a random event as a freshman at Bible College. In the lounge there was a poster that said, "Jesus said, I am meek and lowly of heart," (Matt 11:29). As a young and zealous Christian, I remember thinking, I don't like it that Jesus said “I am meek and lowly of heart.” I like to think of Him as a fierce warrior and reigning King. Meek and lowly simply isn’t very becoming of Him. Read more
Unimpressive
Last week I was with my mom in Seattle as she recuperated from anti-reflux surgery. She is recovering nicely!
Unimpressive
2 Corinthians 10
For though we walk in the flesh we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses, 10:3.
After a long section on giving in chapters 8,9, Paul goes back to dealing with the treachery of the false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthians church. (Now don’t get bored with this continuing subject. Paul is about to reveal some happenings in his life that are extraordinary). They attempted to usurp Paul's leadership and destroy his reputation. But because of his love for the people, Paul couldn’t look the other way. The essence of the criticism that Paul is confronting here is found in verse 10; Read more
Fear or Joy
A rare, peaceful moment for my daughter Beri!
Fear or Joy
2 Corinthians 9, part two
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace bound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed,” 9:7,8
I was planning to move on to chapter 10 but as I re-read the end of chapter 9, I felt compelled to reflect further on the motivation and results of giving. I was reminded again yesterday of the grip of the "tithe" requirements upon many of you. The tithe is often demanded by some churches and ministers. One of my readers emailed me about the lack of freedom she feels to give freely and with joy. Her church insists that 10% must be fully given to the church she attends before she can give to other ministries or causes. Per my recent four posts, I do not believe this is a sound biblical view of New Testament giving. Read more