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2 Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) (4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (5) Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. (KJV)
Paul the Apostle, a man God used to write a good portion of the New Testament, a man who had some up close and personal experiences with the Lord; from his conversion on the road to Damascus as well as what we see described in the above verses. What some refer to today as an out of body experience, which could have occurred when Paul was stoned and left for dead; which back in his time was usually the case with those that suffered a stoning; and we see Paul didn’t base his strength or glory in his abilities and boast about these experiences, but rather in his infirmities or weaknesses he did glory in the Lord. While many base their strength in what they claim they are accomplishing for the Lord, Paul realized that there is strength in humility; the more he stayed out of the way, the more the Lord was able to work in and through Him. So what source are you drawing your strength from today? Is it according to your abilities, or are you drawing strength from a well of living waters which should be springing up and flowing through you? 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (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. (KJV) Did you ever imagine that your strength would be made perfect in weakness? Talk abut a total contradiction to what we have been taught all of our lives, especially when it deals with the image of what a real man is; take it like a man, be strong. How many action movies have you seen growing up where the main character is depicted as a humble servant, one that takes pleasure in weaknesses and infirmities? Most of these depictions are those of someone who is muscle bound and bullet proof, someone who relies on their own strength and abilities and certainly not on anyone else. Paul realized that when he was weak, then he was strong. Our carnal minds are what is enmity with God and what leads to doubt and confusion with those that rely on their own strength. If you want something to glory in, how about our infirmities; how the grace of God allowed someone like me into His kingdom and to be a partaker of His inheritance, despite myself and all the ways I thought I could help Him out. Are you being led by the Spirit of God today or are you the one trying to lead and guide Him, telling the Lord how He should be providing your way of escape from whatever may be a thorn in your flesh, or as some refer, a pain in the backside? When you share the word of God with people are you able to give an accurate account of what the Lord has done in your life or are you like so many who act like they have done so much for the Lord and that He literally couldn’t operate without their help? James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (KJV) When you have prayed about a situation that requires attention in your walk, which at times is painful, do you wait on the Lord and His way of escape or do you try to figure out an alternate plan based on your own thinking? This is the trial of your faith, an area where the Lord is working in you and desiring to see you move forward in your walk, while at the same time the enemy is doing all he can to keep you in bondage. So when the enemy comes in like a flood and tries to keep you from being set free in an area you have been seeking an answer in, the question is, ‘now will you endure patiently and wait on the Lord to find the answer and renew your strength or will you take an alternate route and end up on a dead end path’? Do you let the peace of God rule in your decisions and don’t make a move until you have that peace and confidence, or do you look for a quick fix that is less hassle? Remember, there is only one way, by the truth that will set you free and allow you to partake of the life of God which is given to those that walk by faith and not by sight. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Remember the old song ‘make the world go away’? While many look for quick fixes and escapes from reality the Lord teaches us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The more you rely on the Lord and the power of His might, the more you learn to deal with life in this fallen world and become an overcomer despite the daily temptations that surround you. So whatever the thorn in the flesh Paul was referring to, whether it was something from his past that was pulling him down or the devil reminding him of his shortcomings, Paul patiently endured and waited on the Lord for His way of escape and learned to bear it and not let it stop him. So this thing you have sought the Lord for, are you waiting and enduring patiently on His way of escape, or are you plotting your own way which will eventually lead you right back where you started from? Do you glory in your weaknesses; a phrase I like to use is ‘despite myself God still considers me one of His’, or are you one of those that think they are doing God a favor by what they are doing for Him? Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV) You know, believe it or not, the people God used throughout the Bible are no different than you and I; but like we just read we all have the same common human infirmities to work through and overcome. Despite how mankind teaches that strength is something derived from our own doing, the truth be known, that when we are weak it is then that we truly are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. While many may think God used Paul because of his own abilities the truth be known, it was just the opposite; Paul realized there is much strength in humility. 1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV) Talk about a possible thorn or thorny issue to have to deal with; the very people you persecuted in the past are the ones you are now preaching to. God did not have Paul cut and run from the situation, but rather gave him the strength to deal with it so that what was once a hindrance to the body of Christ had now become a real asset to the body. So what are you dealing with today and what source will you draw your strength from? His grace is sufficient to make a way of escape no matter what the circumstance is. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:7-10 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)
Here is a fool proof plan of salvation that eliminates our works and gives credit where the credit is truly due. Some today boast of their works they claim to be doing for God; in fact now I see where they use the infomercial approach, hand picking people to do interviews that say what they want said concerning their ministries, which by the way is just that, their ministries and not the Lord’s. If the Lord is not leading you this day, if you are not walking in the Spirit in the work He had ordained for you to do, then you are none of His. Are you letting the peace of God rule in all your decisions and the path you are walking this day or are you following one that is more people pleasing? Now if you really wish to boast about something then why not boast about the work that the Lord is doing and has done for His people, and the joy and peace you are experiencing because of His good work. A true minister of God is one that will point the people to the Lord and teach them all that is available in Christ, while many pretenders are just patting themselves on the back and diverting the attention toward their own works and what they think they are accomplishing for the Lord, like He really needs our help. Last time I looked, we being all mankind, were like helpless sheep headed for the slaughter until God so graciously sent His Son on our behalf to redeem us from our destructions. Remember a guy named Job, who when he kept his mouth shut long enough was able to hear his answer from the Lord when God basically asked him if he knew better than He did. Job chapter 38 on gives a good account of what happens when man thinks he can now instruct God and give Him counsel and advice. 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) Strong’s definition for glory & glorieth: 2744 kauchaomai (kow-khah'-om-ahee); from some (obsolete) base akin to that of aucheo (to boast) and 2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense): KJV-- (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice. God chose the foolish things, things that are nought or nothing, to work through and manifest Himself in. God didn’t choose you because you were so smart or because you had your life so together, but rather just the opposite was true. Many people don’t think they need God in their life and consider it a sign of weakness when others seek the Lord for strength. The wisdom of God is foolish to mankind because their carnal mind is enmity with God and unable to see or comprehend the things of His realm, many times because it is just so simple. If you are looking for something to glory in, or even boast about, then why not boast about what the Lord is doing and give Him the credit not only for the good work He has begun in you, but is willing to perform in you unto the end. I am wearied with all these religious organizations and their larger than life performances, which remind me of the movies that come out these days with all the special effects, and portray their imaginary account and views of salvation that are not based on reality. Psalms 34:1-4 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (3) O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (4) I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (KJV) God so graciously gave us access into His kingdom which is based on His love and mercy and certainly not by our own merit. Pride always proceeds a fall; so rather than being humble and keeping that mindset many decide to take back control of their lives again and end up worse than they were in the beginning. God has a perfect plan for each and every person who is willing and obedient to walk a narrow and straight path that leads to eternal life. Many think they can help God and make His plan more effective by their works. While God’s word is quite specific to point out throughout the Bible that His word has gone forth throughout the whole world, mankind thinks it is their duty to deliver His message through satellites and TV, and that God is waiting for them to deliver it before the Lord returns. Didn’t we have an example of this back at the tower of Babel when man thought they could get closer to God through their own devices? God is not waiting on or relying on mankind to deliver His message, or carry out His plan of salvation, however, He is able to speak through those that are humble enough and realize their salvation is based on grace and certainly not of their works. God knew the one man He could send and rely on to deliver His message and lay down His life for the perfect sacrifice, that being Jesus Christ. So when God chooses to use man to speak or manifest His plan of salvation, He does it through Jesus Christ and those that hear His message and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV) I know, I know, someone you saw on TV or heard on the radio said you need to give money to their organization so that they could go to a place where no one has heard or had to opportunity to hear the word of God. And yes I know we have been given the great commission to go into all the world. Now it is a matter of hearing the Lord of where our place in the body of Christ is, what office He is calling us to, and then learning how and where to deliver His message so it will prosper in the thing where He sent it. The good works we should be zealous of is the good work that He has begun within and desires to perform and perfect in all the believers. The teaching and the message we need to be delivering should be pointing the people to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and not toward mankind and its fallen nature and ideas. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (18) For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (KJV) Many are called and seek their approval and praise from mankind, while few are left that God has chosen to work in and through to deliver His message of love. It wasn’t mankind that got you into the kingdom of God, and it is certainly not mankind that will keep you in that realm, but rather a love for the Lord based on what He has done and not what others try to take credit for. So let’s give credit where the credit truly is due; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because truly He that is within me is so much greater than those that are still stuck in the realm of the world and its fallen ways. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; (KJV)
There are many today that boast of what they are doing for God, speaking of their own works, being puffed up in their own minds of all that they are doing to glorify God; and yet, all they are seeking is their own glory to be seen and praised of men. They speak little of what God through His Son Jesus Christ has done on our behalf having made a way of escape for us from this present evil world, and how to overcome the evil one through the faith, hope, and power that we have received in Christ so that we are able to stay on the path of righteousness which leads us home to our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ spoke… John 7:28…and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true John 8:50…and I seek not my own glory: John 8:54…Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing; it is my Father that honoreth me, And even when they tried to call Him good master, Jesus Christ said that none is good but God. Who was He pointing the people to? Himself, or God the Father? Was He trying to glorify Himself and all that He was doing for God? NO...and neither should we! My dearly loved brethren, we are encouraged not to do our alms before men, but to enter into our closet and when we have shut the door, pray to our Father which is in secret: and our Father which seeth in secret, shall reward us openly. So please, don’t be as the many who openly do their alms before men; but be as the few who seek to worship our Father in Spirit and truth, so that in the end you will stand justified in His grace, in His presence, in His house, glorified forever more before Him in Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 3:3-4 For ye are dead, and your life hid with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Let me ask you, do you look to appear there with Christ now…or some day in the future? I hoped you answered, now; for that is the key, to realize that we are there with Him now, not some day in the future. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. Your old life is hid by the blood of Christ as you continue to decrease (dying daily to the wants and desires of the flesh), and continue to increase in Christ who is your life, being raised a Spiritual being, appearing also with him in glory. Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (KJV) John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV) John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, who thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (KJV) You see here in the following verses God’s fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s prayer to Him… Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV) This being the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man which availeth much. His great love in which He loves us; a place prepared, ready for occupation by those who seek to appear with Him in glory. Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (56) And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (KJV) Are you standing there; in your rightful place that has been given you in Christ? You are a child of God, so why not? Why wait when you can in all things grow up into Christ who is your life and appear with Him in glory, right now, today. He prepared a place for you didn’t He? So continue your appearance with Him in glory, today and forever more. And so my beloved brethren, knowing this, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God and the Father by him… Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV) |
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