King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning
Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Tuesday, December 01, 2015
Chapters: 2 Corinthians 9-13
Message Title: Finding Grace Through Our Infirmities
Hello My Friend,
Infirmity, physical weakness, failing at something. We all have infirmities of some sort and while they make us feel as though we are failures, God sees them as opportunities. Infirmities bring us closer to God, they not only give us His power to overcome them, they give us the strength to endure the ones God sees fit are to remain. So, how do we get strength to handle our infirmities? First, we need to give ourselves over to God, the more we give over to Him the more power we have. Second, we need God's grace, it's more than God giving something we don't deserve, it's giving us the strength to go on when we have no strength in us at all. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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.” - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.
Perhaps the best way to get closer to God and in His grace is by serving Him. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he reminds them that their blessings from God comes from the amount of time they give Him, he cautions them on giving very little of their time to Him. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,” Many will make this as a reference about giving money, although tithing is important, it's not what Paul is referring to here, it's the amount of time we spend with God. Everything we do for God needs to come from the heart, some days we can't spend the entire day focused on Him, and He knows this, but the time we do spend with Him needs to be of quality. Our infirmities harden our heart toward Him, the more time we can give Him through the stronger we will be able to handle them. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-7.
“Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?” We should all know by now that appearances mean absolutely nothing. If something seems too easy to help us through our infirmities it will probably cause more damage than relief. You see, the culprit behind all of our infirmities is the devil, he will do anything to weaken the faith of a Christian, and that includes bringing people into our lives who appear to be one of Christ's, but are actually of the devil. “But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” - 2 Corinthians 11:12-15,29,30.
“I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” Think about the things you went through and what God has gotten you through. When I first got saved, I didn't know what that meant, I thought I still had to do good and keep earning my way to heaven. I messed up big time, and got so far away from God that I didn't even speak to Him for several years. As I look back at how God protected me even in my biggest mess I can't help, but be encouraged that He will help me through what I am going through now. The more we look to God through our infirmities the harder it is for the devil to corrupt us, and if we are not careful, that's exactly what he will do. Ever wonder how a person who had such great passion for Christ can turn completely against Him? They allow the devil to take hold of them and corrupt their faith in Him. Paul tells all who are doubting Christ to stop and think about what they were putting their faith in.
“Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” - 2 Corinthians 13:3-7.
“except ye be reprobates?” Reprobate, to be rejected by God and beyond any hope of salvation. While God wants to see everyone in heaven with Him, He knows that there are some that will never see salvation. He also knows who are His and the amazing thing is that our greatest victory over anything the devil will corrupt us with is being one of God's people. We can find the strength to our infirmities, but we must look to Jesus, He is the armor we need to strengthen us and help us endure. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:10-13.
Today's Prayer: God, No matter how many times I get it in my head that You want me to handle my problems by myself You remind me that I need to depend on You if I want to endure them. You want me to seek You more in my weakness, which is the only way I truly depend on You, but I don't want my weakness to be the only reason to depend on You, I want to be totally dependent upon You in everything I do. Lord, search my heart, know my thoughts, if there be any wicked way in me lead me in the way everlasting, help me to stay in Your Word, learn it, follow it, and never cease from praying, it's my only victory over my infirmities. Fill me with Your grace and give me the strength I need to get through the things You see fit I must go through. I love You Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
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Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Tuesday, December 01, 2015
Chapters: 2 Corinthians 9-13
Message Title: Finding Grace Through Our Infirmities
Hello My Friend,
Infirmity, physical weakness, failing at something. We all have infirmities of some sort and while they make us feel as though we are failures, God sees them as opportunities. Infirmities bring us closer to God, they not only give us His power to overcome them, they give us the strength to endure the ones God sees fit are to remain. So, how do we get strength to handle our infirmities? First, we need to give ourselves over to God, the more we give over to Him the more power we have. Second, we need God's grace, it's more than God giving something we don't deserve, it's giving us the strength to go on when we have no strength in us at all. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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.” - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.
Perhaps the best way to get closer to God and in His grace is by serving Him. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he reminds them that their blessings from God comes from the amount of time they give Him, he cautions them on giving very little of their time to Him. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,” Many will make this as a reference about giving money, although tithing is important, it's not what Paul is referring to here, it's the amount of time we spend with God. Everything we do for God needs to come from the heart, some days we can't spend the entire day focused on Him, and He knows this, but the time we do spend with Him needs to be of quality. Our infirmities harden our heart toward Him, the more time we can give Him through the stronger we will be able to handle them. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-7.
“Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?” We should all know by now that appearances mean absolutely nothing. If something seems too easy to help us through our infirmities it will probably cause more damage than relief. You see, the culprit behind all of our infirmities is the devil, he will do anything to weaken the faith of a Christian, and that includes bringing people into our lives who appear to be one of Christ's, but are actually of the devil. “But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” - 2 Corinthians 11:12-15,29,30.
“I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” Think about the things you went through and what God has gotten you through. When I first got saved, I didn't know what that meant, I thought I still had to do good and keep earning my way to heaven. I messed up big time, and got so far away from God that I didn't even speak to Him for several years. As I look back at how God protected me even in my biggest mess I can't help, but be encouraged that He will help me through what I am going through now. The more we look to God through our infirmities the harder it is for the devil to corrupt us, and if we are not careful, that's exactly what he will do. Ever wonder how a person who had such great passion for Christ can turn completely against Him? They allow the devil to take hold of them and corrupt their faith in Him. Paul tells all who are doubting Christ to stop and think about what they were putting their faith in.
“Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” - 2 Corinthians 13:3-7.
“except ye be reprobates?” Reprobate, to be rejected by God and beyond any hope of salvation. While God wants to see everyone in heaven with Him, He knows that there are some that will never see salvation. He also knows who are His and the amazing thing is that our greatest victory over anything the devil will corrupt us with is being one of God's people. We can find the strength to our infirmities, but we must look to Jesus, He is the armor we need to strengthen us and help us endure. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:10-13.
Today's Prayer: God, No matter how many times I get it in my head that You want me to handle my problems by myself You remind me that I need to depend on You if I want to endure them. You want me to seek You more in my weakness, which is the only way I truly depend on You, but I don't want my weakness to be the only reason to depend on You, I want to be totally dependent upon You in everything I do. Lord, search my heart, know my thoughts, if there be any wicked way in me lead me in the way everlasting, help me to stay in Your Word, learn it, follow it, and never cease from praying, it's my only victory over my infirmities. Fill me with Your grace and give me the strength I need to get through the things You see fit I must go through. I love You Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
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