5 Important Questions to Ask to Do a Regular Spiritual Check-up

Just like a physical check-up, it is important to have a spiritual check-up. These questions will help you check your spiritual health. #spiritualhealth #BibleStudy #FaithinJesus #Blessings

If you’re like me, when you feel good and your aches and pains aren’t lasting or severe . . . it can be hard to push yourself to go to the doctor for your annual check-up. Although practically every doctor in the universe recommends that we show up for our regular poking and prodding and blood work, I prefer to put it off as long as possible.

It’s easy to take the attitude that says, “I’m fine and I don’t want to learn otherwise!”

Yet, we all know that a head-in-the-sand approach to health isn’t the wise choice to make.

And that is where Paul pushes the people as he concludes his second letter to the people in Corinth.

No, he doesn’t urge them to go get a physical check-up . . . but to pause regularly for a spiritual re-examination.

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
2 Corinthians 13:5

We know the routine when we go to the doctor weight, blood pressure, pulse, heart, etc. But what is the best practice for getting a spiritual check-up?

5 Important Questions to Do a Regular Spiritual Check-up

1. Do I spend time with the Lord in Word and prayer every day?

For the word of God is alive and powerful. (Hebrews 4:12) Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2. Do I prayerfully ask God to help me trust and follow His will?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5–6)

3. Do I make loving God and loving others the most important goal in my life?

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)

4. Do I consciously remember that I am simply a steward of all the gifts that God has given me?

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23)

5. Do I live each day for God’s glory?

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. (Isaiah 28:6)

A Prayer to Live Spiritually Healthy

Father, thank you for making me Your child . . . for graciously loving me, mercifully sending Jesus to suffer my punishment, and giving me faith by the power of Your Spirit.

I want to be spiritually healthy. Yet, I know I need Your forgiveness every single day. I fall short of Your goals for me. I get distracted by the noise of the world and the activity of life. Please forgive me and help me. I want to live my life fully surrendered to You, Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit of Life.

I love You! Please strengthen me. Prompt my heart and help me bring my burdens and concerns to You by spending time in stillness with You each day. Help me that I might love You completely and love others, with kindness and compassion, in obedience to Your will. Help me use the many gifts and blessings You have given to me in ways that honor You. And help me live every moment of my life for the glory of Your name.

I surrender myself to You. By Your grace, help me love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me love like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

We all know that getting an annual physical can help us learn about the physical problems we have that should be addressed sooner rather than later. And the same thing is true for spiritual check-ups!

The Apostle Paul drew his letter to a close with the following:

I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11

May you and I make it the desire of our hearts to live spiritually healthy with joy, in faith . . . encouraging one another with His love and peace.

On today’s note write:

Today, with God’s help, I will do a spiritual check-up.

And today, I’d like to close with the final words of second Corinthians.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 13.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How God Will Give You Victory Over Your Thorn in the Flesh

8 / 16 / 218 / 17 / 21

There is a reason God did not want us to know Paul's specific thorn in the flesh . . . maybe it is so we can all relate and know God's greater power. #Godsgrace #BibleStudy #Blessings

I trimmed our rose bushes this morning and even though I wore gardening gloves, the thorns poked and scratched my hands and arms.

So, as I sat down to take a closer look at 2 Corinthians 12, I couldn’t help but think about what it meant for Paul to have some struggle that he referred to as a “thorn in my flesh.” Other translations call it a “painful problem, physical ailment, handicap, or condition.” All we know for certain from Paul’s words is that it was ongoing and humbling.

So that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself.
2 Corinthians 12:7b (CSB)

And it was difficult to call it a “messenger of Satan” . . . which has made many of us a little more than curious over the years. With a little research, you and I can quickly learn that countless theories abound but can never be proven because the Scriptures simply don’t say.

I believe the Holy Spirit was very intentional and purposeful in inspiring Paul to omit its specific identity.

Why? So you and I and every person who reads these words can identify with Paul. We can easily imagine it might have been the same “thorn” that torments us.

In our moments of relating to Paul’s problem we receive the same message of love, grace, and truth that he heard when he begged the Lord to take it away:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8–10

When the Lord makes us strong in the midst of our weaknesses and problems, people see His grace, mercy, and love in us. They see the power of Christ Jesus at work in us and through us. They see the strength that enables us to do whatever He wills through whatever He allows.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

A Prayer for Victory Over My Thorn in the Flesh

Father, I believe Your promises and I trust Your Word. I believe Your grace is sufficient to give me strength when life is hard and I feel weak. I believe You are the power I need when the thorn in my flesh feels like more than I can bear. I believe Your promise to give me everything I need when I SEEK You first.

Please forgive me for whining and complaining. Forgive me for giving in to my weakness and using it as an excuse. Forgive me for focusing on myself and my problems. I believe You give us what we need to love and help each other. I believe that You are greater than my circumstances. I believe . . . please forgive me and help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24) By the power of Your Spirit, please give me the strength I need to live in victory. Give me the courage I need to shine the light of Your love and humbly admit my weakness that everyone I meet might want to experience Your grace and mercy and love as well.

Fill my heart with Your love and my spirit with Your power, my mind with the peace that passes understanding, and my heart with faith and love. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Today, as you take your personal “thorn in the flesh” to the Lord in prayer, remember . . . His grace is able to give you everything you need. His power works best through a weakness that has been surrendered to Him.

Give Him your thorns . . . physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual trusting that He will give you victory and through you many will see “the power of Christ at work through [you].” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

On today’s note write:

God will give me victory over my “thorn in the flesh”!

May God be with you today and help you surrender your weaknesses to Him that He might give you the power you need to overcome them for His glory.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 12.

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Need Help? Trust the One You Can Always Rely On

8 / 13 / 218 / 13 / 21

When life is hard it's important to know where to go for help and who you can trust and rely on to give you the counsel you need. #Help #Self-Help #Faith #Blessings

According to an article written in Psychology Today, almost 10 years ago, more than 417,000 self-help books had been published at that time. And that number has skyrocketed since then.

Everyone is fighting some kind of battle. Relationship conflicts, work challenges, financial problems, health struggles, and self-defeating thoughts and behaviors . . . top the list of things that have many of us searching for answers. You name it. We need help!

But the article also gave a disturbing warning:

Getting the wrong self-help book can actually set you back in your search for answers to the dilemmas facing you in your life right now.

We shouldn’t be surprised that “self-help” can be unsuccessful and even harmful. The messages of “self-help authorities” often contradict each other. And their so-called wisdom and answers can actually distract us and cause us to miss the truth of God’s wisdom.

Paul warned the people in Corinth and you and me:

I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted . . . you happily put up with whatever anyone tells you.
2 Corinthians 11:3a, 4a

It’s true, we need help. But, we need to keep our hearts and minds focused on SEEKing the only unfailing, faultless source. When we need help . . . we need to trust and rely on God:

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1–3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5–6

Too many voices can lead to doubt and confusion. When we are not careful about the ones we listen to, we make ourselves susceptible to the enemy’s lies.

Paul wrote:

Just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.
2 Corinthians 11:3b

To keep from being deceived, we have to test everything we read against the truth of God’s Word!

A Prayer to Trust and Rely on God When Help is Needed

Father, the world is full of challenges and distractions. And for every one of them, there are people who call themselves “experts” and “authorities” and other people who recommend them as having answers and solutions. We do need help and we need to receive help from others. But we also need to be cautious. The enemy loves to use our difficulties as opportunities to mislead us.

I know I have listened to the wrong voices on occasion. I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I want to rely on You when I need help. I want to rely on You in everything.

Please help me faithfully turn to You in prayer when I’m struggling. And help me test every voice I listen to and every book I read . . . every individual that claims authority against the absolute truth of Your Word. Please help me remember each and every day that when I SEEK Your will, You will faithfully lead me. (Proverbs 3) And when I SEEK You, You will give me everything I need. (Luke 12) When I need help—I can rely on You! Thank you for Your all-sufficient grace and Your loving presence. I look to You, my Lord and Savior, for my help and direction. Amen.

The voices of the world are loudly claiming to know the answers to all our problems. The interesting thing is that their messages are constantly changing and filled with bias and opinion.

Only God and His Word are consistently true and faithful in guiding us toward the best way to live.

We know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Romans 8:28 (AMP)

We can trust and rely on God to faithfully want what is best for us. And we know God gave us to each other to help one another . . . but if we want the best outcome through life’s struggles, we absolutely must make sure that the voices we listen to agree with God’s Word.

On today’s note write:

When life is hard, I can trust and rely on God and His Word.

May He be with you and guide you today as you SEEK His guidance and trust and rely on His will.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 11.

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How to Fight Your Battles with the Blessing of Divine Power

8 / 12 / 218 / 12 / 21

Did you know that God wants to bless you with His divine power to have the strength you need to fight whatever battle He allows? We can trust Him. #Faith #Promises #Hope #Blessings

When I learned the four personality types, the Apostle Paul was given as an example of the Choleric Personality.

Choleric individuals are often described as bossy-born leaders, dynamic and confident hard workers with independent confident attitudes that refuse to give up.

We get that description of Paul from his letters but what about the people who heard him preach in person?

Paul had the following to say about that…

Some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!”
2 Corinthians 10:10

And then, you may remember the time…

Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!”
Acts 20:9–10

Do you know what I love about this?

It’s yet another reminder that our witness is not about our dynamic abilities or confident presence. Our power, like Paul’s, comes from “God’s mighty weapons.”

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV84)

Our witness relies completely upon the power of the Holy Spirit. It does not depend on other people’s perception of us . . . or on our painful awareness of our personal shortcomings.

We turn to God to use our lives so that even in our weakness His grace, mercy, and love shine through.

The battles you and I (and everyone else) face cannot be successfully won by the “weapons of the world.” They are not won by theology degrees or impressive debates. They are only waged and won by the power of the Holy Spirit in and through our surrendered lives.

Whether people recognize it or not, all of us face spiritual attacks orchestrated by the enemy. No wonder we can’t fight them by our own human efforts and win!

But…

We have been given “divine power to demolish strongholds.” And it is a power that can only come from the mighty weapons given to us by the Holy Spirit through the truth of God’s Word.

A Prayer for Divine Power to Fight My Battles

Lord, I need You!

You have been so kind and generous to me. Your love is so great, You suffered the punishment for my sins—my failures, weaknesses, bad attitudes, and selfish thoughts. I owe You my all and I give You my life.

Lord, it seems like the enemy’s attacks are coming at Your children from every direction. Worldly arguments and lies are at work to make us doubt Your promises. By Your grace, Your Spirit is with me to teach me and remind me of Your word. (John 14:26) Your Spirit counsels and comforts me when life is hard. (Isaiah 11:2) And through Your Spirit, I have everything I need to fight every spiritual battle. (Ephesians 6)

Please fill me and help me remember that You are with me through every battle and that as I SEEK Your truth and surrender to Your guidance and will . . . I will have everything I need to fight with the divine power You give. Your grace is sufficient and I thank and praise Your holy name forever. Amen.

Whatever battle you’re facing today . . . God wants to give you the divine power you need to fight!

I know I can too quickly try to fight my spiritual battles with worldly plans and methods. But when I SEEK the Lord’s guidance through prayer, faith, hope, and love . . . when I turn to His Word and rely on His Spirit, I have the powerful and effective weapons I need to stand on His TRUTH with the strength and confidence that give me peace.

Dwight L. Moody wrote:

The work of the Spirit is to impart life, to implant hope, to give liberty, to testify of Christ, to guide us into all truth, to teach us all things, to comfort the believer, and to convict the world of sin.

On today’s note write:

The Holy Spirit gives me the divine power I need to live in victory!

May God be with you today and help you fight your battles with His divine power.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 10.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How the Joy of Being a Cheerful Giver Can Change Your Life

8 / 11 / 218 / 11 / 21

Many people hate it when the church talks about money and giving. But God's Word has a lot to say, one of which tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. #Godspromises #Money #Blessings

A pastor friend of ours shared an interaction he’d had with a member following one of his weekend messages. He was in the middle of a six-week sermon series on handling life issues from a godly perspective. This friend had shared what God’s Word said about health, nutrition, entertainment, and even sex. But it was after the Sunday he addressed the topic of money that one of the members of his church approached him and said…

“Pastor, now you’ve gotten too personal.”

I’ve heard countless people complain about the church asking for money. Most people seem to feel like the church should simply stay out of their wallets.

But to do that, we’d have to ignore much of Scripture.

A verse we’ve all heard countless times…

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:7

Why would the Bible say that “God loves a cheerful giver”?

Maybe it’s because He knows our hearts and He knows that fear is the biggest obstacle to generosity.

The enemy has always wanted people to doubt God’s ability to meet their needs, so he tempts us with thoughts like…

What if I run out of money? What if I can’t take care of myself and my family? What if I have a financial emergency? What if?

But you and I can defeat the enemy’s lies with God’s promises…

God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:8

And…

God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
2 Corinthians 9:10

Cheerful giving is putting our lives in God’s hands. It’s willingly allowing ourselves to be used as God’s instruments to help meet the needs of others. It is trusting God to keep His promise to be with us and to lovingly take care of all our needs.

A Prayer to Know the Joy of Being a Cheerful Giver

Father, I believe Your promises are sure. Please forgive me for listening to the enemy’s lies and giving in to fear. Please forgive me for not knowing Your Word well enough to use it as the weapon I need to fight back against his temptations.

You promise that when I SEEK You first, You will provide all I need to trust You and follow where You lead. (Luke 12:31) You knew that in this life, money would be a challenge for us. You knew we would be tempted by idolatry and greed. You knew we would allow fear to lead us. And so You made a way for us. You sent Jesus to suffer our punishment that we might receive forgiveness through faith in Him.

And He said:

“You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
“Don’t store up treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19)
“Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25)
“Give to the poor.” (Matthew 19:21)
“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)

By the power of Your Holy Spirit, please give me everything I need to trust Your promises that I might experience the joy of being a cheerful giver. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

It’s funny, isn’t it? It’s often harder to trust God with our daily physical and emotional needs than it is to trust Him with our spiritual ones. Yet He wants us to trust and obey Him completely.

I believe God’s promise to meet our needs when we SEEK, KNOW and TRUST His will.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33

And I believe that includes being a cheerful giver!

It’s not a promise to give us everything we may want. But…

By His grace, God will help us make wise financial decisions and help us to love and care for each other without worry and fear of not having “enough” in the future.

Even if it makes us uncomfortable (and as I said yesterday . . . I don’t like writing or talking about money) but as you and I SEEK God’s will, it’s important for us to open our whole lives to Him—even our wallets.

On today’s note write:

God loves a cheerful giver.

May God bless you as you prayerfully SEEK His will today about ways you can joyfully share the blessings God has given to you.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 9.

If you’d like to know a little more about our journey to the joy of cheerful giving, click here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
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If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
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How You Can Have a Better Attitude About Giving Generously

8 / 10 / 218 / 10 / 21

Did you know "giving yourself to the Lord" includes not only trust and obedience but that it includes giving generously of your time, talents, and treasures? #Money #Worship #Blessings

How do you feel about asking someone for money—even for a worthy cause?

Most people break into a cold sweat just thinking about it.

And most people don’t like to be asked!

This is probably why most of us don’t like even the idea of asking.

Imagine for a moment, that you had finally worked up the courage to ask and you got this reaction:

I want you to know . . . what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.

I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:1, 3–4

Most people might assume that they were just that rich that they could easily afford to give out of their surplus. But Paul added:

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2

How could poor persecuted Christians be so eager to be generously giving?

Paul explains it this way:

They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
2 Corinthians 8:5

This was about more than giving money. The Christians in Macedonia were worshipping the Lord they loved!

Remember what Paul wrote to the Church in Rome:

Since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.
Romans 12:1 (NCV)

God’s Word does not tell us to (as the old saying goes) “give until it hurts.” It inspires us to worship God with our body, soul, mind, spirit, and even our money.

A Prayer for to Worship by Giving Generously

Father, You have given me life. You surround my life with a beautiful creation. You have placed wonderful people around me. You have been so very generous to me. You have given Your Son to save me from the eternal consequences of my sins. You have given me faith, hope, and love. So much love!

You know me. You created me with unique gifts and abilities. You think about me and wherever I go You are with me. “Search me and know my heart . . . lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139)

You have been so generous toward me. Father, You have generously poured into my life that I might pour into the lives of others. I pray that You will give me everything I need that I might worship You by giving generously. May I give of my time and energy, my kindness and compassion, my testimony of faith, and my money. There are so many people who need a portion of what You have given me. Help me share the blessings that You have given me as acts of worship out of love for You. And help me love others by giving generously that I might shine the light of Your love to a world in need. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How often have you thought that “giving yourself to the Lord” includes not only trust and obedience but that it includes giving generously of your time, talents, and treasures?

I’ll admit I don’t like asking for money. I don’t like writing about money. I don’t like talking about money.

But God knew that money was going to be a source of weakness for many. That it has the potential of becoming an idol and that greed would lead us to all kinds of problems.

According to an article at churchleaders.com, “2,350 Scriptures that talk about money and our use of it.“

So, when you and I talk about loving, trusting, and obeying God, we need to remember that even though we may not like to talk about . . . God knew that we would need His counsel when it comes to our attitude about money.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will worship by giving generously.

May God bless you today as you worship Him – body, soul, mind, spirit, and even your money.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

And check out our new Facebook Page/Group –
#WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory.
We’d love for you to join the movement!

Always remember – I LOVE hearing from you!
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How It’s Possible to Transform the Words “I’m Sorry” Into True Change

8 / 9 / 218 / 8 / 21

"I'm sorry" can mean different things to different people. But God invites us to true repentance that leads to the blessing of true change. #ChristianLiving #Faith #Godlovesyou #Blessings

How easy is it for you to say, “I’m sorry”?

How easy is it for you to get your children to say, “I’m sorry”?

Have you ever noticed that being sorry can mean different things?

It can mean . . . I regret what happened, I’m sorry I got caught, I’m sorry I have to deal with the consequences, or I’m deeply saddened by my behavior and don’t ever want to do that again!

Paul wrote about having true “Godly sorrow” for sin:

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
2 Corinthians 7:10

We often insist on an apology for something that has been said or done . . . but the simple truth is even if someone says the words, “I’m sorry,” they may just be expressing “worldly sorrow.” An attitude that wants to sidestep the pain they’ve caused—insisting that everyone just “move on.”

But the truth behind the true sorrow for sin is not only heard in words but it is seen in changed behavior!

God’s Word urges us to have sorrow that leads to true repentance, to have a sincere and genuine desire to turn away from our sin and change our behavior. Godly sorrow of repentance turns from sin to God, SEEKing the power of the Holy Spirit who as Paul states . . . “leads us away from sin and results in salvation.”

The Life Application New Testament Commentary adds…

Only God can empower people to change their ways. Only God can save people from the way sin imprisons them and paralyzes them. Only God can help us turn away from sin and seek salvation.

A Prayer Asking God to Help Me Experience True Change

Father, I’m sorry. Two small words with many meanings. I admit that sometimes when I think about my sins, I fail to compare my words and actions to Your perfect will for me. I compare myself to others or measure myself against the world’s standards. I say “I’m sorry” without really seeing my need for true change.

But then, I look at Your Word and read Your commands. Your way is perfect. (Psalm 18:30) Your commands are perfect. (Psalm 19:7) Your laws are perfect. (Psalm 119:138) You are perfect, just, and fair. (Deuteronomy 32:4) And Jesus said, “you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

When I compare myself to Your perfect will for me, I am so ashamed. Your will wants what is best. You want me to enjoy the blessings of a true change to obedience not the consequences of sin. Yet, I foolishly listen to the wrong voices and follow the wrong path. I fail and I am so very sorry. I don’t deserve Your forgiveness; yet, You say that when I come to You with true repentance in Jesus’ name . . . You will forgive me.

I humbly confess my sins. I know that I need Jesus. Please forgive me and help me by the power of Your Spirit to listen to Your voice and trust Your will and obey Your commands. I not only believe that leads to salvation but it is ultimately the way to live with peace, joy, hope, and so much more right now. Thank you for Your undeserved love. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Your Spirit. I surrender this day to You. Please help me live it for Your glory. Amen.

You and I live in a sinful world. And even when we want to obey perfectly . . . we won’t. We can’t.

Paul wrote:

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Galatians 5:17

But that’s not an excuse to sin.

He also said:

Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not!
Romans 6:1–2a

Godly repentance gives us a desire for true change . . . and although we will continue to need God’s grace and forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice and love, we will also have a genuine desire to KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY His will.

Why?

Because we trust His love and promises. Promises like:

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

And:

I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. So I have helped you come to Me with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3

God’s love, by the power of His Spirit, turns a simple “I’m sorry” into Godly repentance that leads to true change.

On today’s note write:

God’s love helps to turn my “I’m sorry” into true change.

May God bless you and help you experience the true change that follows Godly repentance.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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The 12 Blessings Living Faith will Give to You and Others

8 / 6 / 218 / 6 / 21

Some want to wait until the future to believe, others think they can believe without it affecting their lives, but living faith gives 12 forever blessings. #Faith #Salvation #Jesus #BibleStudy #Hope

For many, it’s easy to hear the message of God’s grace and think, “There’s plenty of time for all that ‘religious’ stuff later.”

Paul wants us all to know that is an eternally dangerous way to think. He pleads with his readers to not reject God’s gift of salvation through Christ Jesus . . .

For [God] says,
“I listened to you at the time of my favor.
And the day when you needed salvation,
I came to your aid.”
So can’t you see? Now is the time to respond to his favor!
Now is the day of salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:2 ((TPT)

Today IS the DAY of SALVATION!

He also knew that there would always be people who talk about believing in Jesus but don’t want His Word to change the way they think and live.

Now, since we are God’s coworkers, we beg you not to take God’s marvelous grace for granted, allowing it to have no effect on your lives.
2 Corinthians 6:1 (TPT)

But faith that is living and active is an incomparable blessing!

Living faith blesses you and me with:

True and lasting peace with God. (Romans 5:1)
Access to His marvelous grace. (Romans 5:2)
Incredible joy. (Romans 5:2)
Unshakable hope. (2 Corinthians 1:7)
Inner strength. (Ephesians 3:16)
Courage and confidence. (Hebrews 3:6)

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
Galatians 5:22–23 (TPT)

Living faith also blesses other people through us:

7. They see the blessings of the Spirit in us. (Galatians 5:22–23)
8. Blessing of prayer. (Colossians 4:2)
9. Blessing of service. (Romans 12:7)
10. Blessing of encouragement. (Romans 12:8)
11. Blessing of love. (Romans 5:13)

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:12–13

Paul urged the people of Corinth not to let anything hold them back from trusting and living for Christ. And I think his words are equally important for all of us today.

A Prayer to Know and Experience the Blessings of Living Faith

Father, thank you for loving me and for wanting me to know and love You. Thank you for making it possible for me to know Your promise that Your saving grace is only found in Christ Jesus, my Savior.

You pour Your blessings into my life. You give me peace, joy, strength, hope, and victory. Please forgive me for taking Your love for granted. Forgive me for failing to obey Your commands and follow your will. Please forgive me for failing to share Your blessings with others. Please forgive me for taking your grace for granted.

I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit. Please give me faith that is living and active. Please bless me that I might be a blessing to others. Please make me a SEEKer of Your truth as I am a recipient of Your love. May loving You and loving others be my heart’s desire. I believe that by Your grace, You will give me everything I need to live for Your glory. I believe that You will help me live with hope in victory. And I will worship You now and forever. Amen.

The best blessing of all is:

12. Victory over sin and death through Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

When I look around and I see so many people who are frustrated and discouraged. People who are afraid of what the future holds. People who dream of making changes to society to create a utopia…

I am so thankful for the hope, joy, courage, and victory that you and I have in Jesus. May we pour the blessings of God’s love over everyone we meet because . . . today is the day of salvation!

On today’s note write:

The blessings of living faith give me everything I need today, tomorrow, and eternally.

May God bless you with joy and victory today and every day. May He help you be a blessing of His love to everyone around you.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 6.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How God Will Give You the Hope that Removes Fear Forever

8 / 5 / 218 / 5 / 21

When life's aches and pains result in fear, you can trust God's promises to give you the hope you need to remove fear by giving you an eternal perspective. #HopeinJesus #Heaven #Eternity #Blessings

I have to admit, I smiled when I read Paul’s words today:

While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh…
2 Corinthians 5:4a

It seems like there’s always plenty to groan and sigh about. Aches and pains are part of life for so many of us. I don’t think I know anyone who can get up every morning and live throughout the day without some form of discomfort and irritation. And pain often leads to fear.

Fear of illness and for many . . . fear of death.

But Paul went on to give us the hope that is able to remove fear…

… it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:4b–5

In the midst of all of life’s aches and pains that result in groaning, I want to remember that this achy body is temporary and a beautiful promise is waiting for us.

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.
2 Corinthians 5:1–3

I believe God wants us to live a rich and satisfying life right now! Jesus said:

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
John 10:10 (MSG)

Not just eternal life far off in the distance following a death that is feared but…

By God’s grace through Jesus, a rich, real, and satisfying life right now because we are living each day with an eternal perspective.

We don’t have to fear death because we have God’s promise…

God himself will be with them.He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelations 21:3b–4

So, let’s pray and ask God to help us hold on to the eternal perspective that gives us the hope that removes fear.

A Prayer for the Hope that Removes Fear

Father, thank you for Your Word . . . for promises that give me hope for today, for my future on earth, and for my forever future in heaven. Thank you that eternal life became my future the moment Jesus entered my heart. Thank you that the life You give is one filled with forgiveness and love. Thank you that the life You give turns fear into the faith that gives peace and hope.

By Your grace and with Your help, I am able to endure today’s aches and pains, frustrations and frailties, uncertainties and unknowns trusting that You are with me always. (Matthew 28:20) You are my hope. (Romans 5:5) You are King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Timothy 6:15) You are the promise I can rely upon forever. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Lord, I ask that when life is painful and fear creeps in You will fill my heart and mind, and give me the eternal perspective I need. Please give me the hope that defeats every doubt, that lasts, and that removes fear forever. Your grace is an amazing gift . . . it gives me victory today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

When you feel those aches and pains today. When you are tempted by the enemy to give in to fear. Pause and remember that Jesus is your hope. He wants to remove your fear and He is able to do it.

I lived for far too long overwhelmed by fear. I believed in Jesus for my eternal future but I didn’t trust Him to give me the courage and strength I needed each day.

Please trust me when I tell you that was a lie straight from the pits of hell.

Jesus is greater than our greatest fears. He is able to give us everything we need right now—not just in some far-off distant future.

And if He is able to give me the hope that removes fear . . . I promise you, He is able to give it to you as well.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

On today’s note write:

Jesus is the hope that removes fear.

May God bless you today as He gives you an eternal perspective and meets your every need through Jesus.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 5.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
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and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
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Feel Fragile? You can Have the Treasure that Gives Power Every Day

8 / 4 / 217 / 7 / 21

Do you feel fragile? It's okay. We are fragile. But by God's grace, we also have the light of God's love and the power and strength of Jesus within us. #Faith #BibleStudy #Jesus #BlessingBloggers

A number of years ago, we ordered a large rather expensive mirror. It was delivered a few days later and left at our front door. The first thing we noticed was that it was covered with stickers warning:

Fragile! Handle with Care!

So, Rev and I joined together to carefully pick up the box. Unfortunately, what we heard sounded like a hundred pieces of shattered glass shifting inside.

It seems that someone along the way had missed the point of those “Fragile!” stickers.

I wonder if we’re missing those “Fragile” stickers on ourselves and on the people around us.

Paul described you, me, and all believers as “fragile.” Clay jar fragile.

Yet, we are “clay jars” that contain something enormously precious and valuable—the glorious message of salvation through Jesus!

Paul wrote:

We do not preach about ourselves, but we preach that Jesus Christ is Lord and that we are your servants for Jesus. God once said, “Let the light shine out of the darkness!” This is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:5–6 (NCV)

He went on to add that the reason we don’t point to ourselves is:

We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7

I don’t know about you, but I am painfully aware of my own fragile feelings, flaws, and failures. And that’s okay. In fact, I think it’s a good thing. Because honesty and humility about my own weaknesses . . . helps me witness to the transforming power of God.

When you and I gently care for ourselves and others’ “clay jars” we are shining the LIGHT of God’s love.

The Life Application Bible Notes add:

Though we are “fragile clay jars.” God uses us to spread His Good News . . . our responsibility is to let people see God through us.

We want them to see God in us . . . through the chips and cracks of our pieced together broken parts.

A Prayer to Be Aware We’re All Fragile as I Share God’s Treasure

Father, it’s hard to admit I’m fragile. The world encourages me to be strong and self-sufficient . . . to take care of “number one.” But I am fragile. I’m weak. And I’ve experienced brokenness because of my own failures or the failures of those around me. Once again, I ask for Your forgiveness.

By Your grace, I have also experienced Your transforming power. Because of who You are and all You’ve done for me, I have the precious and valuable treasure within me. This gift of faith in Jesus. This promise of forgiveness and power to overcome. This hope that assures me of LIFE with You forever.

I pray that the light You have given me through faith in Jesus will shine out through the cracks and fragile places. Help me humbly serve in ways that make it possible for people to see Jesus in me. Help me “be still and know” Your presence that I might reflect the light of Your love. Thank you for blessing me with the powerful treasure of Your Spirit. Please grant me courage and strength and everything else I need to live every day for Your glory. Amen.

I am so thankful for Paul’s honesty about his own weaknesses and struggles. I am also thankful that the Spirit led him to focus not on the fact that we are fragile jars but that we contain, by God’s grace, precious and priceless content.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has God living inside, and that person lives in God.
1 John 4:15 (NCV)

You may feel fragile but the truth is . . . God is with you. You have a treasure that gives you the power and strength you need every day.

On today’s note write:

Although I am fragile, Jesus is the treasure that gives me power.

May God be with you today and bless you with the power and strength to shine the light of Jesus.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 4.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
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and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
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How to Experience the Good News that will Give You Life and Freedom

8 / 3 / 218 / 3 / 21

Rules, rules, and more rules.

Interestingly, rules and laws always lead to more and more rules and laws. New ones need to be created to “clarify” the originals. As soon as one law gets passed, people begin to look for loopholes that then, need to be closed by (you guessed it!) more laws.

Rev once attended a tax seminar where the presenter brought out a huge stack of documents, that were at least a thousand pages high which He described as just the latest tax “simplification” legislation!!

But once again, there is really nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) By the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, religious leaders had added over 600 additional “laws” to the ones God had given to the Children of Israel in the desert. There were 39 sets of rules just to properly keep the Sabbath. They believed that new circumstances required new laws and because of their positions of authority, the people were buried and burdened by impossible to keep standards.

That’s what makes the “Good News” of Jesus so amazing. The old covenant (agreement/promise) of the law was replaced with the new covenant of grace and forgiveness, not through human effort, but as a free gift through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote:

He has qualified us [making us sufficient] as ministers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not of the letter [of a written code] but of the Spirit; for the letter [of the Law] kills [by revealing sin and demanding obedience], but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:6 (AMP)

And with the LIFE that the Spirit gives—comes freedom.

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17

Through faith in Christ Jesus, you and I no longer carry the weight of demanding rules being added to the freedom God has given us by His saving grace. We can live each day accepted, forgiven, and free. We are free to follow the two commands of Jesus . . . love God and love others.

A Prayer to Experience Life and Freedom in Jesus

Father, thank you! You gave us a set of commands that we might live well in community with You and with others. But even when I want to obey You, I fail. The law tells me what I should do and makes me aware of my failures. And then I remember that You gave us a new promise through the gift of Jesus. He did what I cannot. He kept Your Laws perfectly. And then, He gave His life for me. He suffered the punishment for my sin, so I could experience a life of freedom.

Thank you for the gift of faith! Thank you for blessing us with Your Spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and truth. With His help, please help me freely offer myself as a living sacrifice to You that I might love others with Your love. Please help me freely obey Jesus’ commands with a heart full of the forgiveness, faith, and love that I have received from You. I love You, Lord. I pray that all I do and say today might give You glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The Life Application Bible Notes say the following about the freedom we have in Jesus:

When we trust Christ to save us, He removes our heavy burden of trying to please Him and our guilt for failing to do so. By trusting Christ we are loved, accepted, forgiven, and freed to live for Him.

That’s GOOD NEWS!

The freedom to be free of the exhausting burden of self-righteousness and the guilt that comes with knowing that’s impossible.

Spend some time today celebrating what the Lord has given to you through faith in Jesus. Knowing that because of Jesus, you and I can experience God’s love that makes us accepted, forgiven, and free!

On today’s note write:

Through Jesus, I can experience life and freedom!

God bless you today and help you celebrate the freedom you have to LIVE in Jesus’ love.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Leave a prayer request on the
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and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
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Why We Should Confront Sin in the Church with Humility and Love

8 / 2 / 217 / 5 / 21

Should we confront sin in the church or ignore it? Paul shares God's wisdom on why this is important in his letters to the Church in Corinth. #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #BlessingBloggers

What do you do when you know a friend or loved one is doing something self-destructive and/or something that will hurt others?

If you’re like me, your preference would be to do nothing at all.

Why?

Well, because you have a pretty strong feeling about how that conversation is going to go. True, you hope your concern will be well received. But, you know there’s also a danger that just bringing it up will make the person defensive or angry.

Paul guided his original readers and us to—hate sin, but love sinners. Confront sin with humility and love. Forgive and restore repentant sinners.

In 1 Corinthians 5, he challenged the believers to confront a man who was deliberately living in sin without guilt. And as Paul put it:

I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame.
1 Corinthians 5:1–2

They may have simply been proud of their “tolerance” but Paul said it was time to confront the sin because…

“a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?”
1 Corinthians 5:6b

Ignoring the harm of sin would have continued to damage him and others.

Now, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul readdresses the situation with these words:

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough.
2 Corinthians 2:5–6

The purpose of confronting sin is not to “call the person out” or simply make them feel like an inferior believer. We’re all sinners in need of God’s grace and forgiveness, which is why confrontation needs to be handled with gentleness and humility.

Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
1 Corinthians 2:7–8

Because the goal of confrontation is repentance, forgiveness, restoration, and love.

May God give us all the courage to confront sin when necessary and the humility to approach each other with love and respect.

A Prayer for the Courage to Confront Sin
with Humility and Love

Father, You want so very much for us. Because You love us so much, You sent Jesus to die for our sins. Because You want us to live with peace and joy, You told us Your will for us . . . a list of commands that will bless us and make our lives better. But we are foolish and stubborn. We listen to the enemy’s lies through the influence of others and we think we know better. Please forgive us.

Please give me all I need to trust and obey Your will. Please give me the courage to speak Your truth with humility and love. Please help me confront my loved ones with a gentleness that lets them know that I’m confronting sin because I love them . . . because I know the blessing of walking in Your grace, mercy, and love. I know I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness and I have experienced the blessing of that forgiveness and healing grace.

Father, I pray that Your church will be a place where all sinners feel free to come together to worship You. Where we repent and honestly admit our need for Your forgiveness. Where we lift up Jesus and His power to change our lives. Where we realize that You do not ignore or excuse our sin but will forgive us when we repent, restore when we humbly surrender in faith, and help us become more and more like Your Son and our Savior, Jesus. It’s in His name, I pray. Amen.

Friend, it’s so important that we in the church are loving and accepting. We don’t want to share the message that we think we are without sin or less sinful than others. The important truth from Paul’s words is that sin hurts everyone it touches. It hurts the sinner and it hurts everyone affected by its consequences. That’s why we are called to lovingly encourage everyone to repent that they might receive forgiveness, restoration, with God’s help experience the joy and peace of living and loving like Jesus.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will courageously confront sin in me and humbly and lovingly in others.

May God bless you today with goodness, grace, mercy, and love.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Corinthians 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
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If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
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And check out our new Facebook Page/Group –
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Always remember – I LOVE hearing from you!
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