Tag: Scripture

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Be Refreshed

If It Had Not Been For The Lord Where Would You Be?

Is your life mundane? Are you just going through the motions? Do you need refreshing? So many people go around overwhelmed, tired, worn down, barely getting by. But that’s not God’s best. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to be refreshed. He wants us to be excited about our God-given future. 

The key to refreshing yourself is to be generous and refresh others. Is there someone at work you can be a blessing to? Can you lighten someone’s load? Maybe a family member is going through a hard time. Can you help them out? Can you cook them a meal? Refreshing someone can be as simple as a smile or an encouraging word. Don’t wait until you feel like doing it, that day may never come! Do it because the Scripture tells us to. Do it because it blesses God. 

Today, look for someone to be a blessing to. Step out and refresh them; live a life of generosity. As you do, you will be refreshed in return, and experience God’s blessings in every area of your life! 

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” 

(Proverbs 11:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace, mercy and forgiveness in my life. Father thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Almighty, teach me to be more generous. Show me how I can refresh others and bring glory to You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Wants To Give You Victory

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need–physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.  

The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God.” In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.  

Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory! 

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Exceeding, Abundant, Above”¦

How to Love the Sinner & Hate the Sin

Do you believe that God wants to work in your life exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think? Do you believe He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and blessings? He really wants to do exceedingly abundant things in your life, more than you could think or imagine.  

The Scripture, says that no person has ever seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things that God has in store for those who love the Lord. But we must have faith in what He says and in His power. if we have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we can move mountains the Bible says. Faith comes from studying God’s Word. 

Today, make God’s Word your priority. Believe that He will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think. He is faithful to His Word, and He will be faithful to fulfill every promise He’s made to you! 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20—21, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You so much for Your daily goodness. Father, thank You for blessing me and doing exceedingly, abundantly, above all I can ask or think, You are truly amazing! God, thank You for increasing my faith as I focus on Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Catch The Little Foxes

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

It’s been said, “tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage; but in reality, termites do more damage.” Most often, it’s not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it’s the small things. Most of the time, we’re not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare.  

That’s what today’s scripture is saying. It’s the little inconveniences – like not being able to find your car keys, or being in a hurry and getting behind a slow driver. It’s the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.  

Today, take note, it’s the way we handle the little things that will determine what kind of life we live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines as the scripture says. Make the decision today to “catch” those foxes by choosing to think on the positive things. Let His Word bring light and life to your emotions, so you can move forward in peace and joy each and every day! 

“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I will focus on Your Word, and not allow the little foxes (the little things) to steal my joy and peace. God, keep me close to You and guide me through life’s frustration, and show me the way I should go, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Jacob Blake – Sometimes Praising God Is Hard

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Do you praise God for His goodness? Do you set the tone for praise because of success, favour and blessing? Looking at the events of this past week, months and year, it is so hard to praise God at all times like the Scripture says. To hear another mother crying, for her innocent black son, who was shot 7 times by the police is heartbreaking.  

We’re in the eighth month of the worst year on record, many commentators have said. Last year may have had some hardships and difficulties, but this year seems to be on another negative level. However, it’s time to set the tone for a season of praise. Despite all the negatives, Jacob’s family still managed to give God praise.  

Today, the Scripture reminds us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it’s going to be for God’s true believers. Things may be bad all around you. Murders, shootings and pandemics. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, rightly so at times, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you, praise your way out of the negatives. The worse it gets the brighter God wants you to shine. Be determined to set a Godly tone of praise for the rest of the year, no matter how bad things get, by praising God and speaking words of faith over every situation! 

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” (Psalm 34:1, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I have decided to bless You at all times. I will go against my feelings and focus on Your goodness and love. God, I praise You for the faith of Jacob Blake’s family, who lift You up in the face of their tragedy. Please grant him a full recovery. Father, I set a new tone of praise in my life, to replace all of my negative emotions, and I receive Your forgiveness, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Will Not Be Moved

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

How do you deal with challenges over this year of strange happenings? Do you feel better equipped to handle life’s difficulties? it’s interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for every challenge to go away. He prayed that God would give him the strength to go through them with a good attitude. He sought emotional maturity. 

The Scripture tells us if we don’t keep our emotions in check, we’ll always be stressed out and make mountains out of molehills. If we lose our cool because our child forgot his or her homework, or we’re aggravated because somebody didn’t do something we wanted them to do, then we’re not passing the test. We’ve got to grow and mature to the point where we can say what the apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” He said in effect, “It’s no big deal. I’m not worried about it. I trust God. I have a destiny to fulfil.” 

Today, decide to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check. Don’t be moved by your circumstances, be moved by your God. Trust Him because He is faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfil His promises to you! 

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for doing a work in my life. Father, thank You for molding me and shaping me into Your image. God, help me not to be moved by the enemy’s tricks and negativity. Almighty, I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I’m facing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Words For Good Or Evil

The Devil Does Not Shoot BlanksThe Devil Does Not Shoot Blanks

This week I have felt the wrath of someone’s tongue, as well as wise words spoken to encourage and uplift. It’s easy to use words as a weapon. We’ve all either been “cut” by the words of others, or we’ve used words to put someone “in their place.” The truth of the matter is that when we use words recklessly, we are not being wise.  

Scripture tells us that the tongue of the wise brings life and healing to others. Throughout your day, look for ways to be wise with your words. Find something nice to say about someone. Share an encouraging word. Let your words bring healing to those around you. You can change a person’s life by sharing a kind word, a gracious word, a wise word. 

Today, choose wise words that build up and not tear down, remember words are like seeds. When you plant words of life and blessing into others, you will reap a harvest of blessing in your own life in return. But when you use words to cut, cuss and tear down, you will reap that harvest. Be wise today and bring healing! 

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your wise healing Word. Father, I choose to follow Your lead and be wise. I submit my tongue to You, and commit to use it for good and not for evil. God, show me ways to be a blessing to others. Help me find creative ways to encourage the people You have placed in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Make Me A Sower

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?" (Matthew 5:13)

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give.  

Notice in today’s verse what happens when we generously sow seed, we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings a natural abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings a spiritual abundance. You can’t outgive God! The Scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain. God’s blessing goes way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career.  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and look for ways to start sowing? What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five pounds to help someone who is homeless buy some food? Choose to be a blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life. 

“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24, AMP) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I want to be a sower. Father, help me to see the people around me the way You see them, so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I do my best to be obedient to Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Lean On Me When You’re Not Strong

Biblical Quotes and Ways to help you Overcome Rejection

This year, this month, this week has been strange to say the least, with unprecedented difficulties. We are facing a situation that seems like it has no logical solution. Sometimes we have to turn our minds off, stop trying to figure it all out, stop overanalysing, and stop researching everything. When you don’t see the answer in the natural realm, it’s time to stop leaning on your own understanding and choose to trust God. 

Scripture says that we can’t lean on our own understanding. Did you know our thinking can be a distraction to that place inside where God speaks to our heart. Our minds can allow fear and dread to distract us from what God is trying to tell us. We have to take time to shut off the distractions, shut off fear, and listen to what’s going on inside of us. That’s where faith rises up. That’s where all of a sudden you’ll feel a spark of hope, even when things look impossible. Hallelujah! 

Today, no matter what things looks like in the natural, choose to lean on Him. When situations have no logical solution, trust God. Trust that He has favour in store for your future. Trust that something good is about to happen. Trust Him because He alone can take you to new levels in every area of your life!  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for always being there for me to lean on. Father, today I need to lean on You, the load seems very heavy. I trust and believe that You are working things out for my good, despite what I see in the natural. God, I won’t put my confidence in what I see, but I will trust in Your every Word, which has never failed and remains true forever, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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You Have Ambassadorial Authority

50 Quotes to Inspire Successful Leadership

Did you know God wants to do His work on earth through you? You are His ambassador or representative. You have been given His authority and power to act on His behalf. It’s easy to get focused on this natural realm and all the things that we need, but do you realise that you are equipped to be somebody else’s miracle? 

The Scripture tells us we are Christ’s ambassador. Daily, we have opportunities to show God’s love and compassion to others. We can meet needs, bring them healing, and offer hope and encouragement. Every day, we can sow good seed into the lives of others that will reap an everlasting harvest. Hallelujah! 

Today, don’t overlook the ways to be a blessing to someone else. When you step out and pour God’s love, joy and peace into others, He will make sure that others pour into you. Let’s continue to work together to bring Him glory and build His eternal kingdom! 

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and using me as Your ambassador. Father, I fully surrender every area of my life to You. God, show me ways to be a miracle to others, through the love and compassion You have given me, so that my life will bring You glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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I Have A Part To Play

Have you ever wondered how amazing it is that God can create so many people in the world, and give us all individual plans and purposes, then set up a plan for us to work together for His purpose to build the body of Christ. We all have a part to play. 

Scripture puts it this way: some of us plant seeds, some water, and some bring in the harvest. No matter what role each of us have, when we work together in unity and not in uniformity, we are honouring God. It pleases Him when we partner with one another to share the good news of the Gospel. 

Today, you have an important part in the body of Christ. Whether you minister in the pulpit or on the street corner, or whether you sow seed so that others can go, you are important. Don’t ever underestimate the part you play, because together we are building God’s kingdom. 

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? …” (Romans 10:14—15, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, thank You for giving me a part to play in building Your Kingdom. God, I dedicate back to You all the resources You have given me. Please Almighty God, use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Avoid Strife And Live Honourably

The Purpose of Life is Intimacy with God: What Is It & How to Pursue It

Someone once said challenges are merely distractions meant to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Maybe someone at work isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like. Maybe you have a neighbour who always parks in front of your house and blocks your driveway. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture. You can’t allow the little things to open the door to strife in your life. 

Scripture tells us, just before David fought Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. So he “turned away” from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. In our own lives today, most frustrations aren’t worth our energy. When we avoid strife, it is a mark of honour. 

Today, turn away from strife and other distractions that the enemy will send your way. Keep your focus on what God has called you to do. As you do, you will live in honour before God and man. With integrity you’ll move forward into the destiny God has for you! 

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife…” (Proverbs 20:3, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Oh Jehovah, thank You for shielding me from evil and for Your hand of victory in my life. Father, give me the wisdom and courage I need to walk away from people who just want to cause conflict and strife, and cause me to lose sight of my focus and destiny You have prepared for me. God, I want to be a person of integrity at all times, I love You and bless You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Get Hope, Get Strength

As we protest against racism worldwide, many of us are tired and weary in a struggle that has taken generations. Are you feeling tired or weary? Do you need strength for today and the road ahead? The Scripture tells us that when we hope in the Lord, that’s exactly what we will get–strength! Therefore get hope, get strength! No hope leads to weariness and fatigue!

If you’ve grown weary and tired, overwhelmed by the cares of this world, it’s a clear sign that you need to change what you’re putting your hope in. Are you putting your hope in your job? The government? The economy? Another person? Or worldly organisations? All of these things will keep you focused on earthly things, making you mentally and physically tired. But when you hope in the Lord, you are investing in the Rock of Ages. He never gets weary! He is the only solid foundation for your soul, with a clear plan for your success.

Today, find strength by simply putting your hope in God. Declare out loud, God, I place my hope in You. I trust You are working in my life, even though at times I can’t feel or see You, I will rest in You. Now, feed your hope and faith by meditating daily on the Scriptures. As you renew your mind with the Word of God, you’ll find strength, you’ll find hope, and you’ll find His victory for all the days of your life!

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

(Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for renewing my strength as I put my hope in You. Father, help me to have a spiritual revival, because I’m tired of following earthly human ideologies that focus on secular issues. I declare today that I love You and trust You. I know that You are working in my life and in the life of others. God, please don’t allow me to get so distracted that I lose hope in You. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I wait on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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The Enemy Wants You To Be Bitter

With death, domestic violence, sibling rivalry and race issues etc on the increase during this lockdown, there will be more and more bitterness, and long term unforgiveness and resentment in our society. Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It can seep into the depths of your heart if you choose not to forgive someone.

Scripture tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, it will even hinder our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us with the power to forgive and release bitterness! It all begins with a choice. You may have been through unfair situations, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. God always has the final say. He is a God of justice, even today during these hard times. He sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you, and every unfair situation, and He will make it right. Trust Him!

Today, If you will stay in faith and choose to forgive, God will make your wrongs right. He’ll bring justice into your life. Your attitude should be, “it may have been unfair. They may have done me wrong, but I refuse to get bitter. I know my time is coming.” Choose forgiveness, honour God and walk in complete freedom in every area of your life!

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

(Ephesians 4:31, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I refuse bitterness. I refuse to allow the past or present to keep me stuck. Father, take away my negative feelings towards others. Please help me right now to forgive those who have hurt me. God, I pray blessings on them, that they would come to know Your truth and their lives will be changed. In faith I thank You for setting my heart free, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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There’s A Reason Why You Cannot Accept Or Understand GOD’S Word

It is not merely the rest of the world that cannot make head or tails of GOD’S Word, but many Christians as well. You can read His Word until the cows come home, and rather than enjoy it, you may hate it, find it confusing, or refuse to accept the Truth. There is a reason why it all sounds like gibberish to you, and it all has to do with the Holy Ghost.

Many people find the Bible to be a book of just stories, while others see it as a set of rigid rules to control people. I would not be able to count the number of times I have personally heard a person using Scripture straight out of context to prove how ridiculous and archaic the Bible is. Two particular Scriptures come to mind when speaking about GOD’S Word, and they are 1 Corinthians 2:14 and 2 Timothy 3:16.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14

All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:16

The Word of GOD has to be spiritually discerned, and if you do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, then it’s all going to be a bunch of hogwash to you, it might even make you angry just listening to it! Once you believe in Jesus and confess Him with a sincere heart (you can fool man, but you cannot fool GOD), you will receive the Holy Spirit. It is He who will begin to show you the truths of Scripture, the incredible knowledge contained in the life-giving words. It does not come all in one go, so do not expect to understand everything in your lifetime, but He shows what you need to know for the plans He has for you (Jeremiah 11:29).

One of the main excuses I hear concerning the validity of GOD’S Word is that it was written by man, translated dozens of times, and thus cannot be trusted. While there are some translations that we should avoid, it is ludicrous to nullify GOD’S Word based on the assumption that because it was written by man, it cannot be trusted. Even if GOD had personally penned the entire Bible Himself, people still would have found a reason to doubt it! The Apostle Paul must have been dealing with such people when he wrote to Timothy, telling him that all Scripture is GOD-breathed. It is the Holy Spirit who put those words in those men’ hearts, they could not have come up with such profound knowledge on their own. We, humans, are a nutcase much of the time, thinking that we are wise when, in fact, we are fools (Romans 1:22). 1 Corinthians 1:21 tells us that this belief of His wisdom being seen as foolish is pleasing to GOD because it saves those that believe.

Now, if you do not understand all that I have written or the Scriptures given, you are either a non-believer, a Christian by name only and yet do not live according to GOD’S Word, or a true Christian who needs to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation concerning GOD’S Word. The wonderful fact of GOD’S mercy and grace is that you have the opportunity to know Him and His Word, but it is for you to decide that you are willing to commit yourself to Him. You have free will, you cannot be forced to accept Him, but your very life is at stake. The life we live in the flesh is fleeting, there is still eternity to consider, thus I would choose wisely.

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Those Pesky Thorns

Those Pesky Thorns

One Easter morning, several Seasons ago, I was removing the Crown of thorns from the cross outside my house, and the black drape that had displayed the reminder of His death for two days. I then placed the white flower wreath around the head of the cross and draped the arms in white. As I laid the pieces on the ground, I began to wonder whatever happened to Jesus’ actual crown of thorns. I recently saw on the news, during the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, that there was a relic housed there that is said to be that crown of thorns.

Thorns have been with us since the fall of Creation. The Scriptures tell us this in Genesis:

The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.

(Genesis 3:17-18 HCSB)

Thorns are a result of the fall of man. My Pastor recently said that they represent sin, and as you study them in the Bible, that sure makes sense. They show up in many ways. In three instances in Scripture, they are used as a metaphor for the people the Israelites did not drive out from the land. God says that these people would be thorns in their eyes and in their sides, and that their false gods would be a trap and snare to them. (Num. 33:55, Joshua 23:13, Judges 2:3) In this instance they are the result of disobedience in following God’s command. In the book of Judges, they are used as an instrument of punishment (Judges 8:4-17). People are said to be entangled in them; they are what overgrows everything when not tended to. They are mentioned often as what is gathered and burned.

Most famously we have the New Testament references of the Crown of thorns Jesus wore, and the thorn in the flesh spoken of by the Apostle Paul.

As I stood there pondering the question of Christ’s Crown of Thorns, God began to weave together for me the picture of each of us carrying a thorn in our flesh from Jesus’ crown.

As Paul spoke of these thorns in the flesh, he said this:

Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

(2 Corinthians 12:7-9 HCSB)

This picture of a thorn from Jesus’ Crown being given to each of us to carry, as a thorn in our flesh, has blessed me many times in my own personal struggles. Paul said the thorn was given to him to keep him from exalting himself. Even so, I believe our thorns keep us from this same snare. The thorn I asked to have removed early in life was social anxiety disorder. Instead of removing it, God is always placing me in situations, where I am used to speak, teach, share, or sing publicly. Each time, I do it afraid, leaning on Him for the ability and stability to bring Him glory. Writing is so much easier because I can hide behind this computer alone, typing away. I pray that the Lord will bless you with that picture as you struggle with your own thorns in the flesh. Picturing it as one of the precious thorns that pierced our Savior’s brow, and is tipped with His blood, may just make it feel more like a privilege than a burden.

 

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