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Today is Monday November 30, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of II Corinthians, please read chapters 9-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-30

Today's Message: All Things Work Together
Through turmoil, whether in death, disease, or famine God reminds us that all things work together for good.

Often when we are suffering we are inclined to think that no one can understand what we are going through. One may be facing, sickness, an addiction, a terminal disease, divorce, unemployment, or even an eviction. For some it means the loss of one with whom to share life's joys and even share the discoveries we have as we read the Bible. During intense suffering such as these we tend to feel a sense of loneliness that fills or plagues our thoughts. We are inclined to think that no one could feel the intensity of suffering that we are facing and our first response is: “Why me, Lord?” However, God never gives us anything that we can not handle, every situation we face has a purpose, meaning, and strengthens us in some way as long as we put our trust in God. We do not have to suffer things alone, God is with us and although we may not understand at the time why we are going through so much, God does and He will reveal it to us when we seek Him through it all.

Paul often faced much suffering from hostile enemies of Christ as well as some believers along his journey preaching the Gospel. He mentions some of those sufferings, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 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. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” -II Corinthians 11:24-31. After his conversion, Paul lived with only one purpose, to preach the Gospel to the lost. He knew that alone he could do nothing and would not be able to handle any struggle he endured without Jesus. We too have one purpose, and that is to reach the lost with the Gospel, we are all called to reach out in love to all people with the Good News of eternal life. Someone may be very likable and a good citizen, but the dividing line between the saved and the lost is dependent on one person, Jesus Christ. If they do not know Christ as their Savior they will not receive eternal life.

Paul prayed three times to remove the thorn from his flesh, "For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 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." II Corinthians 12:6-10. The thorn represented his suffering and although God did not answer his prayer as he expected He did tell him that His grace is enough, through our weaknesses we become stronger and Christ gives us the strength to endure all suffering. God answers all prayers according to our needs and we are to give glory to God through all of our suffering. Jesus is with us and although we do not understand it at the time we must realize that God is in control. It is up to us to make a decision whether or not to be held captive to our suffering or to release it over to God and let Him comfort and set us free.

The thrill of it all is that as a child of God we know what the future holds, that death doesn't end all. It just begins a life of eternity with our wonderful Heavenly Father and our precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:1-3.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind’s feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! In your mighty name, Jesus I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and Merry Christmas
God Bless You,
Christina

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