Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. (2 Corinthians 12:7–8 […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
The Spirit Gives Determination and Courage
“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, […]
Read MoreSoul Surgery
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB) This very familiar verse of Scripture points out how God’s […]
Read MoreCreated to Connect with God
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13–14 NASB 1995) When God created humanity, He put something of Himself in each of us. Unlike […]
Read MoreA Few Words of Warning
We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB) When learning about the filling of the Spirit, balance is always preferred to extremes. So as I previously reminded you: Keep your balance in all things. […]
Read MoreOne Grand, Positive Command
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy […]
Read MoreRemaining Open and Teachable
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) Virtually every day of my life I am digging into the treasures of the Word of God. I am probably more theologically orthodox than I’ve ever been in my life. […]
Read MoreThe Spirit Reveals What’s Hidden
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 NASB) The Spirit of God is the One who gleans truth from within the Godhead and then reveals this wisdom to individuals like you and me. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, such […]
Read MoreThe Spirit’s Unique Power
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:2–3 NASB) 1 Corinthians 2:2–5 Ponder Paul’s self-description above: “weakness fear . . . trembling.” Now, if I were to ask you to describe Paul, […]
Read MoreThe Spirit Discloses Truth
“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:12–13) During the […]
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