DECEMBER 1, 2021 READINGS... 2 Corinthians 11:1-13:14 & Acts 20:7-12
Can you believe that it is December 1st? If you have stayed with your readings you are one month away from reading the through the entire Bible…great job! I know you have blessed from reading this precious book. Remember it is God’s message to you as His child.
Paul warns us in today’s reading about the false preachers, teachers, apostles in the church. He calls us to biblical discernment… that we would not just listen and accept everything that would be taught. Paul worried that the church would accept all teachings and teachers…even the ones that came in teaching a different Jesus. Sadly, today Paul’s fears have come true. There are “preachers” today that stand in the pulpit of churches and proclaim a different Jesus, and therefore a different gospel. People are listening and following these teachers to their own damnation. Paul reminds us that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light…so he will certainly have “ministers” who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Listen to what is being said…both the true minister of Christ, and the false minister of Satan, will reveal themselves by what they teach.
Paul shares a great vision where he is taken to the third heaven…the dwelling place of God. But, he is not going to boast of that great experience, rather he will boast in his weakness…that Christ may be glorified in all things. Paul shares about his “thorn in the flesh”. Before you ask I don’t know what that was…and anyone offering to tell you what it is, is dealing in conjecture. The point is that Paul prayed three times to ask God to remove it. God said that He would not remove it, for Paul needed it to keep him from becoming proud. In others words, so he would live totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit for all things. This occurrence should put to rest the erroneous teachings that God always heals, and that it is God’s will that everyone be healthy…you just have to have faith. Here is Paul who God used to heal many, and even bring the dead to life…but he would not be healed of his infirmity. We exist for God’s purpose…and if His purpose can be better fulfilled through our infirmities…so be it. We are also reminded in this passage that even the prayer offered in faith has three possible answers from God…and they are all legitimate. Sometimes God answers our prayers with “Yes” …sometimes He answers with “No” …and sometimes He answers with “Not yet”. We need to trust God with whatever way He chooses to answer, for His way is always best. Remember, God is good all the time…and all the time God is good!
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… Acts 20:13-21:36