Wednesday - Power & Strength through Weakness - II Corinthians 12:7b-10 - 2/8/17

We don't know what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was because he doesn't tell us. Whatever it was, it was a chronic & debilitaling physical problem, which at times kept him from working. This thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, & he prayed for its removal; but God refused. Paul was a very self-sufficient person, so this thorn was difficult for him. It kept Paul humble, reminded him of his need for constant contact with God, and benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life.


Although God did not remove Paul's physical affliction, he promised to demonstrate his power in Paul. The fact that God's power shows up in weak people should give us courage. We must rely on God for our effectiveness rather than on simple energy, effort, or talent. Our weakness not only helps develop Christian character; it also deepens our worship, for in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength.


God does not intend for us to seek to be weak, passive, or ineffective - life provides enough hindrances & setbacks without us creating them. When they come, we must depend on God.


Paul was not merely revealing his feelings; he was defending his authoring as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He was hurt that the church in Corinth doubted & questioned him, & he defended himself for the cause of the Gospel, not to satisfy his ego.

Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois

Wednesday - Divine Power - 1/18/17 - Bible Study

Romans 4:16-22 ...The promise was through the righteous of faith. The strength of Abraham's faith.


Ephesians 3:20 ... Wherefore the apostle Paul desireth them not to faint at his tribulations, & prayeth that they may be able to comprehend the great love of Christ towards them.


Jude 24-25 ...God is able to keep you from falling.


II Samuel 22:33 ... David's psalm of the thanksgiving to God for his deliverance, & manifold blessings. (God is my strength & power; & he maketh my way perfect.)


Matthew 9:1-8 ... (Jesus healeth one sick of the palsy.)


Ephesians 2:2 ... (Ephesians 6:11 - to put on the whole armour of God, Ephesians 6:11-17) Ephesians 6:12 ... For we wrestle not against (blood & flesh) flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


John 5:8 ... (An impotent man healed on the Sabbath.) (Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, & walk.)


Ephesians 1:18-19 ... Paul's prayer for the Ephesians believers. The world fears the power of the trouble in the world, we belong to the God of the universe who has all power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God's incomparable power is available to help those who believe.

Reference scripture used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN

Saturday - The Paralytic Walks Again - Matthew 9:2-8 - 11/19/16

Jesus healeth one sick of the palsy.

Verse 2 ... And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: ...

Mark 2:3 ... And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.


Matthew 9:2 ... & Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 8:10 ... When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, & said to them that followed, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Is'ra-el.


Matthew 9:3 ... And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.


Matthew 9:4 ... And Jesus ... knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Matthew 12:25 ... And Jesus know their thoughts, & said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; & every city or house or house divided against itself shall not stand:


Matthew 9:5 ... For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or say, Arise & walk?


Matthew 9:6 ... But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, & go unto thine house.


Matthew 9:7 ... And he arose, & departed to his house.


Matthew 9:8 ... But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled & glorified God, which had given such power unto men.


Scripture reference used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern So., Nashville, TN