Compartmentalize is a big word with a deep meaning. There are many who choose each day to segment their lives into compartments. They say to themselves, "God I love you and I need you, but only in certain areas of my life. For the areas that I believe I have under control--stand down God." This may sound harsh, and you may not have verbalized these exact words, but in your actions you have demonstrated this. Either God is the HEAD of your life or HE isn't, but what does that mean? Either we will be obedient to HIS WORD or we won't!! If we choose to compartmentalize our lives, we are deciding that God is only for our convenience, instead of trusting Him to guide and direct our footsteps in every way everyday. How does someone decide that they do not need God in any area of their life? Do we understand that it is unfair to ignore God's guidance then when there is a problem, we ask Him to fix it? Why should HE? No parent reading this would feel respected if our child ignored our teaching only to fall on hard times before seeking our help. God want us all to be obedient children. Are there things that you do that would cause God to wink? Things that would (if it were possible) make God be ashamed that we are HIS children and that HE is our father. When we compartmentalize, it is easy to habitually sin and not have any remorse. All believers do still sin, but those who compartmentalize their lives can justify sin in one area of their life and yet believe they are in a right relationship with God. We demonstrate our belief in God when we do our best NOT TO SIN, but if we do--we repent daily and ask HIM to help us not to commit that same sin tomorrow or ever again. Please consider every area of your life and decide what areas you are leaving God out of. God deserves our total commitment and devotion. He is forgiving, merciful and loving. Choose today to open up every compartment of your life and allow His WORD TO GUIDE YOU IN ALL THINGS. GOD IS LOVE.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
We have all come from different backgrounds
We all have come from different backgrounds. Some have been raised by both of their parents. Some have had their parents present, but neither were actively involved in their "parenting." Some were raised by a step-parent. Some were raised by a single mother or father who did all they could to play the role of both parents. Some were raised by a grand-parent, aunt, uncle or neighbor. Some were raised to honor God. Some were never taken to church. Some have decided-there is no God. Some were given everything money could buy--but never felt the love of either parent. Some went without--but felt the love from those who raised them. Some were abused by a parent. Some were abandoned by their parents. Whatever kind of upbringing we received, it is apparent that none of us are the same. When we comment on subjects and give our opinions we must remember this. Depending on our background, we "see" things from our point of view. We must think before we react or respond to things people say or do. Before we share "news" that is not ours we should think---"Is this something I would want others to share if it were me?" We may not ever agree with the perspective of others, but that is okay. This is where "diversity" plays a significant role. We are all a diverse group of people. The more we listen, talk, and relate to each other in different ways--we will learn how to "see" each other deeper. Although we have had different experiences, we are all in need of someone to hear us without trying to fix us or make us change our minds--only God can do that. Then there are times we need to be open to listening to others who have wisdom and knowledge that can help us. Let's learn to take a deep breath before we HURT others with our words and actions. We are more than the matter that comes out of our mouth--or the words that we type. We are so much MORE. Speaking from my heart--Koralee
Sunday, August 10, 2014
In Defense of Jesus!!
Hello Friends:
Who ever thought there would be a need to write a Blog "In Defense of Jesus" But, I must!!
As is the usual, I chose to start my day with prayer, a cup tea, exercise and reading Scripture. This morning between 8-8:30 a.m. I listened to a T.V. "preacher" in the Atlanta area while on my elliptical. For thirty minutes she said a lot. She indicated that she was NOT going to speak about religion, but about spirituality. She also said that her center was a center NOT a church because people don't like going to church any more. She then said--"It doesn't matter what you call God--God, Muhammad or anything else--just know what your name is". She indicated that she was reading from a book "A Happy Pocket Full of Money" by Johny Coleman. She referenced several Scriptures on occasion but was careful to state that her purpose was to speak about Quantum Physics--the teaching that there are "vibrations" in the words that we say that give power to matter. Jesus' name was mentioned once--at the end of her "speech" when she said if Jesus were here he would say--long pause---"listen to me".
Friends, hear me when I say that this was one of the worse things that I have ever SEEN AND HEARD. I thought the Pastor who made a new Bible entitled the GOSPEL of Inclusion was bad, but this was far worse!! That Pastor speaks about Jesus a lot, but in his "world" Muslims, Gays, etc. are all welcome into the family of God just as they are. It is truly sad when ANY individual takes to a Pulpit as a leader and states---"it doesn't matter what YOU call God", because it does MATTER to GOD!!! So it should matter to us. I could quote Scripture after Scripture that support this, but I won't. What is important is that this type of statement is of the Devil himself---the Father of LIES!!! Then again, In defense of JESUS, there is NO other NAME under Heaven by which man might be saved!! (Acts 4:12) So HIS name is VERY important and being sure that your belief is in HIM is IMPORTANT!!!
When did it become acceptable for a Preacher to "preach" from another source other than the BIBLE!! Shocking as it was, she did thank the writer of the book several times. She thanked him for explaining quantum physics. Did she thank Jesus once for dying on the cross--nope. Did she thank GOD for her life-nope! Did she talk about Salvation, Grace, Mercy, Love and HOPE---nope. That would mean that she would have to talk about JESUS. No instead she chose to ask those in the congregation who needed money to declare the following: "I am abundance, I am wealth, I am life." Once again, In defense of Jesus, He did say: "And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray" (Matt 24:11)
In Defense of Jesus, I Declare that THE WORD OF GOD SAYS -
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:16&17)
"He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt 16:15-18)
"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." (Romans 10:8-11)
What is truly sad is that MANY go to "assemblies" each week with the purpose of assembling with other SAINTS and then sit under "speeches" that do not talk anything about Jesus. --The church or "ekklesia" defined means "called out ones". Those who assemble together should be those who believe in Jesus!! We identify ourselves as Christians, because of we believe in HIM. If anyone visits a congregation assembled as the church of GOD, they should be able to hear the GOSPEL---which means we should hear something about Jesus. We should hear about what He DIED FOR---SIN!! We should at some point during a Sermon be encouraged in our faith--IN HIM. What a travesty to sit in a church and NOT here about Jesus!!!
I stand "IN DEFENSE OF JESUS".
Saturday, August 2, 2014
REFRESHED AND READY TO DO NEW THINGS
HELLO FRIENDS:
It has been awhile since I have blogged. I lost my inspiration somehow. For quite sometime I have shared that I was writing a book, an even that was not happening. I do believe that some call it writers block. But I am inspired today to get back to doing what I love best--using my words to inspire others as I too am inspired by others. Today I saw a video posted by rapper, singer, actor, and author Tyrese Gibson. In the video although a little harsh at times with is graphic language---he spoke to me!! He inspired me to get myself back into the mix. What I was doing, was letting others discourage me. Whether some knew it or not, they would say so many negative things about others and that would cause me to pull away from them. So instead of saying something, writing posts, etc. I STOPPED being ME!!! Yes I said it--I let others affect me in such a way that I STOPPED being me. But then again, I asked myself--Who are you?!!? Why do you have something to say about anything? Why should anyone listen to YOU? And my friends--these questions are not going to be answered by me. All I can do is hope that those who have taken the time to get to know me or even those who don't would understand that I would rather stay quiet---if only that was who I was. But it is not who I am!! I am not an introvert---I have never been THAT.
There are two quotes that I absolutely love----“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund Burke. "To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." - Aristotle The depth of these quotes mean so much to me!! Those who sit back and observe the "evil" in the world and do nothing are a part of the problem, not part of the solution. If we choose to be observers, nothing will ever change. Of course we must operate from a place of love. This kind of love comes from God--not self. Why you may ask would it take a God kind of love? Because when you advocate for change you will meet opposition. This opposition will need to know that your actions are not predicated on your need for self-gratification, but because you genuinely want to make a difference. They will soon understand that you are doing something regardless of who gets the credit. We all know that not everyone will ever agree with US---but that has never stopped thousands of other GREAT people in the past. Have you ever tried anything that someone told you--you couldn't do?!? I have, many times. What I will say is that when you are young, you are fearless---but something happens when we age a little. That fearlessness weans--we are afraid of failure, we let the criticism of others affect us and then we find ourselves doing nothing!! My friends---Say no to that foolishness. Let's stop the madness!!! I recently saw a 90 year old jump out of a plane---she told a reporter after the jump---"I had no fear--the worse that could happen is that I would die." What is the worst that can happen to us if do something BOLD---we die?!? Well, you must know that I have no fear of dying. I got that taken care of when I gave my life to the Lord over 23 years ago. So that is not a reason for me not to do something BOLD. According to Tyrese we need to "get out of our own way" (he wrote a book by the same name). Just imagine that the only person holding us back is us. We try to blame others, but really the only one person who is responsible for our success or failure is us.
Many years ago a former Pastor said, "if you don't tell anyone your dreams it is because you don't ever see them coming through." He suggested that we at least write them down. So I did as he suggested, but no one has held be accountable until NOW---I am holding myself accountable. I am going to finish my book, I am going to blog every week, I will remind others that I am a LIFECOACH, I am going to start my online talk show, "Conversations that HEal with Koralee Nisbett" I am going to open a Homeless/Back to Work Job Training Center!!! AND with GOD's HELP I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me---AND SO CAN YOU!!!! Proclaim what it is YOU have dreamed, tell others that you know will inspire you and hold you accountable---(starting with yourself), get busy making you dreams happen, and don't be discouraged!!! Hard work and determination are on the same team.
Have a blessed week---until next Saturday when I blog again, Stay inspired!!
(Comments of this post will be appreciated)
It has been awhile since I have blogged. I lost my inspiration somehow. For quite sometime I have shared that I was writing a book, an even that was not happening. I do believe that some call it writers block. But I am inspired today to get back to doing what I love best--using my words to inspire others as I too am inspired by others. Today I saw a video posted by rapper, singer, actor, and author Tyrese Gibson. In the video although a little harsh at times with is graphic language---he spoke to me!! He inspired me to get myself back into the mix. What I was doing, was letting others discourage me. Whether some knew it or not, they would say so many negative things about others and that would cause me to pull away from them. So instead of saying something, writing posts, etc. I STOPPED being ME!!! Yes I said it--I let others affect me in such a way that I STOPPED being me. But then again, I asked myself--Who are you?!!? Why do you have something to say about anything? Why should anyone listen to YOU? And my friends--these questions are not going to be answered by me. All I can do is hope that those who have taken the time to get to know me or even those who don't would understand that I would rather stay quiet---if only that was who I was. But it is not who I am!! I am not an introvert---I have never been THAT.
There are two quotes that I absolutely love----“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund Burke. "To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." - Aristotle The depth of these quotes mean so much to me!! Those who sit back and observe the "evil" in the world and do nothing are a part of the problem, not part of the solution. If we choose to be observers, nothing will ever change. Of course we must operate from a place of love. This kind of love comes from God--not self. Why you may ask would it take a God kind of love? Because when you advocate for change you will meet opposition. This opposition will need to know that your actions are not predicated on your need for self-gratification, but because you genuinely want to make a difference. They will soon understand that you are doing something regardless of who gets the credit. We all know that not everyone will ever agree with US---but that has never stopped thousands of other GREAT people in the past. Have you ever tried anything that someone told you--you couldn't do?!? I have, many times. What I will say is that when you are young, you are fearless---but something happens when we age a little. That fearlessness weans--we are afraid of failure, we let the criticism of others affect us and then we find ourselves doing nothing!! My friends---Say no to that foolishness. Let's stop the madness!!! I recently saw a 90 year old jump out of a plane---she told a reporter after the jump---"I had no fear--the worse that could happen is that I would die." What is the worst that can happen to us if do something BOLD---we die?!? Well, you must know that I have no fear of dying. I got that taken care of when I gave my life to the Lord over 23 years ago. So that is not a reason for me not to do something BOLD. According to Tyrese we need to "get out of our own way" (he wrote a book by the same name). Just imagine that the only person holding us back is us. We try to blame others, but really the only one person who is responsible for our success or failure is us.
Many years ago a former Pastor said, "if you don't tell anyone your dreams it is because you don't ever see them coming through." He suggested that we at least write them down. So I did as he suggested, but no one has held be accountable until NOW---I am holding myself accountable. I am going to finish my book, I am going to blog every week, I will remind others that I am a LIFECOACH, I am going to start my online talk show, "Conversations that HEal with Koralee Nisbett" I am going to open a Homeless/Back to Work Job Training Center!!! AND with GOD's HELP I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me---AND SO CAN YOU!!!! Proclaim what it is YOU have dreamed, tell others that you know will inspire you and hold you accountable---(starting with yourself), get busy making you dreams happen, and don't be discouraged!!! Hard work and determination are on the same team.
Have a blessed week---until next Saturday when I blog again, Stay inspired!!
(Comments of this post will be appreciated)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Preach the Word not YOUR OPINION!!!
I am going to assume that by now many of you know that I am one to speak my mind. What you may not know is that I also reflect and think about what I say and write. (Jam. 1:19) Many times I want to speak about a "topic" and do not, because I have learned to submit my "actions" to the guidance of the Holy Spirit--after all, that is what every believer In Christ should do. So, over the past few days I have prayed about whether or not I should say ANYTHING about the latest news concerning the basketball player who is has "come out of the closet". The main reason why I did NOT want to make a comment is because I have long believed that MOST people do NOT want the TRUTH and I know that The Bible states in I Cor. 2:14, "Now the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually discerned". Which means that if I discuss the "Scripture" with those who are not led by the Spirit, they will not receive it's teachings because the Bible is foolishness to them. I also thought about those who misuse, misquote, misrepresent and misinterpret The Bible and will continue to do so, but I do KNOW that the Word as it is written is TRUE and is NOT left to "someones OWN interpretation"(1 Pet. 1:20-21). Within the Bible is the prophecy that MEN would attempt to "corrupt" others with the Scripture. (Matt. 24:11 & Col. 2:8) and that even Satan tried to "corrupt" Jesus with the Scripture (Matt. 4:1-11)-(we know that was NOT possible).
As Born-again believer IN CHRIST and as a Minister of the Gospel who has studied under other learned men who taught me the Bible in its original CONTEXT, I hold to a literal translation of God's Word as understood in CONTEXT. I also believe the WORD when it teaches that it does NOT help anyone to argue the BIBLE because it only leads to "more ungodliness". (II Tim. 2:14-16) The Bible must be taught in LOVE from a pure heart and in good conscience and a sincere faith. (I Tim. 1:5) So, because I have "studied to show myself approved" by "equipping" myself with the correct knowledge of God's Word, and purposed in my mind and heart to do THIS in LOVE, I offer The WORDS of Scripture as MY RESPONSE to the latest "news". (II Tim. 2:15)
God's love for mankind sent His Son to the Cross. (John 3:16&21). Jesus said there are two commandments: Love GOD and our neighbor as ourselves. (Matt. 22:37&40) God knew that ALL believers would be tempted to sin in ALL kinds of WAYS, and He was so concerned that He gave us instructions on how to handle SIN--with LOVE, REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS. (Matt. 18:7-35) Yet, many today choose to "handle" SIN as though it is NOTHING and instead of calling IT WHAT IT IS, choose to AGREE WITH IT and OKAY IT. (Rom. 1:32) We are all sinners FOR as long as we remain ON EARTH. We however, should NEVER make it a "PRACTICE" TO SIN. For example to make a declarative statement that "I am a GAY", is indeed saying that you will make it a "PRACTICE" to sin. The Apostle Paul who was called by Jesus to preach to the Gentiles wrote, "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator....For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing SHAMELESS ACTS with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their errors. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a DEBASED MIND to do what OUGHT NOT TO BE DONE."(Rom.1:24-28) The Bible tell us that God's Mercy is NOT giving us what we deserve and I thank God that for EACH of US---we understand that it is because of HIS GRACE God allows US to make a CHOICE NOT TO SIN. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"(Rom. 6:1&2) -What we are NOT FREE to DO is decide the consequences of our CHOICE. While we KNOW that God is THE JUDGE of ALL SIN and that HE DOES FORGIVE US WHEN WE SIN AND REPENT OF OUR SINS DAILY, HE did leave us without HIS Holy Scriptures to guide us into the TRUTH about SIN. If you find yourselves in a disagreement with others about ANY SIN, those who are IN CHRIST should not be surprised when we face persecution for OUR BELIEFS. (I Tim. 3:12).
There is no need to discuss your disagreement with me on this post or to DELETE ME as YOUR friend, because these words are NOT just my OPINION--this post is based on my surrendering to the teachings found in the Words of Scripture--which is NOT left to MY or "someones OWN interpretation"(I Pet. 1:20). The Bible, as it is written has ONE interpretation when READ and understood in CONTEXT. You and I may NOT like what it SAYS in some Scriptures, but that does NOT change its original and ONLY MEANING. Each MAN must decide for himself whether he/she desires to be "subject" to what The Bible teaches. In that choice, we should be led by the Spirit of God in obedience to do "what is right" (Gal. 5:16-20) in God's eyes. This will only happen when and if we recognize GOD as MASTER, Jesus as Savoir and the Holy Spirit as our TEACHER. (John 14:15-26) God does NOT approve of anyone forcing ANYBODY to follow His COMMANDS and THIS IS NOT MY INTENTION AT ALL. We are to Trust in GOD out of LOVE, not fear or compulsion. If however, you would like MORE understanding and have questions or concerns, I would be delighted to have that discussion with ANYONE who wants to do so, IN LOVE. I also ask that you take NOTE of what Ezekiel must have felt when God told him---"You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious". But also NOTE what Jesus told his disciples in Matt. 10:14&15 - "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!". Finally, either we BELIEVE all of the BIBLE or BELIEVE none of IT. May God be with you in your decision--I made my DECISION over 22 years ago, I believe ALL of it and I am at Peace with that decision. To God be the Glory.
As Born-again believer IN CHRIST and as a Minister of the Gospel who has studied under other learned men who taught me the Bible in its original CONTEXT, I hold to a literal translation of God's Word as understood in CONTEXT. I also believe the WORD when it teaches that it does NOT help anyone to argue the BIBLE because it only leads to "more ungodliness". (II Tim. 2:14-16) The Bible must be taught in LOVE from a pure heart and in good conscience and a sincere faith. (I Tim. 1:5) So, because I have "studied to show myself approved" by "equipping" myself with the correct knowledge of God's Word, and purposed in my mind and heart to do THIS in LOVE, I offer The WORDS of Scripture as MY RESPONSE to the latest "news". (II Tim. 2:15)
God's love for mankind sent His Son to the Cross. (John 3:16&21). Jesus said there are two commandments: Love GOD and our neighbor as ourselves. (Matt. 22:37&40) God knew that ALL believers would be tempted to sin in ALL kinds of WAYS, and He was so concerned that He gave us instructions on how to handle SIN--with LOVE, REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS. (Matt. 18:7-35) Yet, many today choose to "handle" SIN as though it is NOTHING and instead of calling IT WHAT IT IS, choose to AGREE WITH IT and OKAY IT. (Rom. 1:32) We are all sinners FOR as long as we remain ON EARTH. We however, should NEVER make it a "PRACTICE" TO SIN. For example to make a declarative statement that "I am a GAY", is indeed saying that you will make it a "PRACTICE" to sin. The Apostle Paul who was called by Jesus to preach to the Gentiles wrote, "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator....For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing SHAMELESS ACTS with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their errors. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a DEBASED MIND to do what OUGHT NOT TO BE DONE."(Rom.1:24-28) The Bible tell us that God's Mercy is NOT giving us what we deserve and I thank God that for EACH of US---we understand that it is because of HIS GRACE God allows US to make a CHOICE NOT TO SIN. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"(Rom. 6:1&2) -What we are NOT FREE to DO is decide the consequences of our CHOICE. While we KNOW that God is THE JUDGE of ALL SIN and that HE DOES FORGIVE US WHEN WE SIN AND REPENT OF OUR SINS DAILY, HE did leave us without HIS Holy Scriptures to guide us into the TRUTH about SIN. If you find yourselves in a disagreement with others about ANY SIN, those who are IN CHRIST should not be surprised when we face persecution for OUR BELIEFS. (I Tim. 3:12).
There is no need to discuss your disagreement with me on this post or to DELETE ME as YOUR friend, because these words are NOT just my OPINION--this post is based on my surrendering to the teachings found in the Words of Scripture--which is NOT left to MY or "someones OWN interpretation"(I Pet. 1:20). The Bible, as it is written has ONE interpretation when READ and understood in CONTEXT. You and I may NOT like what it SAYS in some Scriptures, but that does NOT change its original and ONLY MEANING. Each MAN must decide for himself whether he/she desires to be "subject" to what The Bible teaches. In that choice, we should be led by the Spirit of God in obedience to do "what is right" (Gal. 5:16-20) in God's eyes. This will only happen when and if we recognize GOD as MASTER, Jesus as Savoir and the Holy Spirit as our TEACHER. (John 14:15-26) God does NOT approve of anyone forcing ANYBODY to follow His COMMANDS and THIS IS NOT MY INTENTION AT ALL. We are to Trust in GOD out of LOVE, not fear or compulsion. If however, you would like MORE understanding and have questions or concerns, I would be delighted to have that discussion with ANYONE who wants to do so, IN LOVE. I also ask that you take NOTE of what Ezekiel must have felt when God told him---"You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious". But also NOTE what Jesus told his disciples in Matt. 10:14&15 - "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!". Finally, either we BELIEVE all of the BIBLE or BELIEVE none of IT. May God be with you in your decision--I made my DECISION over 22 years ago, I believe ALL of it and I am at Peace with that decision. To God be the Glory.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Fools for Christ Sake!!
Morning Devotion 1/24/2013 - 1Cor. 4:6-12 "FOOLS FOR CHRIST"- By: Rev. K. Nisbett
6. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us--and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off scouring of all things until now.
Paul had just finished saying, do not judge one man’s work in Christ over another—for God will be the judge. Now he asked the Corinthian believers not focus on either Apollos or him. He wanted them to focus on the written word, think on the message not the messenger. We too must learn to praise God, not the messenger. The people at Corinth were believers who receiving all kinds of “words” from God. Paul challenged them not to be puffed up or to think that one Apostle was better than the other. He asked, what did you ask God for that you did not receive? It was as if to say---are you still looking to hear something "special" from an Apostle that you haven’t heard already from the written Word? They were already blessed, what more did they want? He said they were living like kings. Some of us are already blessed, but we always want to hear that we will receive even more. When is enough—enough? We must learn to be content with what we have. Look around and see how blessed you are already----Don’t miss your blessings!! Of course God can always give you more, but will you ever be satisfied? Do you share your blessings or are you a hoarder? Have you ever tried to satisfy a child today? It is never enough---no matter how much you give them, you can’t get them to do right. No matter how much you do for them, you can’t get them to really appreciate what they have. Well, some of us are just like children. No matter how much God has already given to us-we are still not satisfied--when will we be satisfied?
Paul then brought their attention to the plight of an Apostle. He said that God had placed them on display. Yet, some of them were condemned to death--made a spectacle to the world because of their faith in Christ…but He gloried in what was happening to them. He sounded a little sarcastic when he said "we are fools for Christ’s sake—but you are wise in Christ--we are seen as weak—but you are strong. You are distinguished but we are dishonored." Brothers and sisters, if the only “ones” you “appreciate” or "listen to" are those who are seem to be “lifted up” for the world to see----and miss seeing the work of those in the trenches working for God who are viewed as “fools for Christ” you are probably missing a lot. I love that Paul did not mind seeing himself as dishonored. Although they were being mistreated by others, Paul was resolute to do what God had called him to do. Although they were: “Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure, being defamed, we entreat”. When God has called you to do something for HIS Glory—do not be weary in well doing. Do not worry when you meet up with negativity---God is faithful and HE will keep you. May God bless each of you as the Word of God is lived out each day in our lives. Peace.
6. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us--and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off scouring of all things until now.
Paul had just finished saying, do not judge one man’s work in Christ over another—for God will be the judge. Now he asked the Corinthian believers not focus on either Apollos or him. He wanted them to focus on the written word, think on the message not the messenger. We too must learn to praise God, not the messenger. The people at Corinth were believers who receiving all kinds of “words” from God. Paul challenged them not to be puffed up or to think that one Apostle was better than the other. He asked, what did you ask God for that you did not receive? It was as if to say---are you still looking to hear something "special" from an Apostle that you haven’t heard already from the written Word? They were already blessed, what more did they want? He said they were living like kings. Some of us are already blessed, but we always want to hear that we will receive even more. When is enough—enough? We must learn to be content with what we have. Look around and see how blessed you are already----Don’t miss your blessings!! Of course God can always give you more, but will you ever be satisfied? Do you share your blessings or are you a hoarder? Have you ever tried to satisfy a child today? It is never enough---no matter how much you give them, you can’t get them to do right. No matter how much you do for them, you can’t get them to really appreciate what they have. Well, some of us are just like children. No matter how much God has already given to us-we are still not satisfied--when will we be satisfied?
Paul then brought their attention to the plight of an Apostle. He said that God had placed them on display. Yet, some of them were condemned to death--made a spectacle to the world because of their faith in Christ…but He gloried in what was happening to them. He sounded a little sarcastic when he said "we are fools for Christ’s sake—but you are wise in Christ--we are seen as weak—but you are strong. You are distinguished but we are dishonored." Brothers and sisters, if the only “ones” you “appreciate” or "listen to" are those who are seem to be “lifted up” for the world to see----and miss seeing the work of those in the trenches working for God who are viewed as “fools for Christ” you are probably missing a lot. I love that Paul did not mind seeing himself as dishonored. Although they were being mistreated by others, Paul was resolute to do what God had called him to do. Although they were: “Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure, being defamed, we entreat”. When God has called you to do something for HIS Glory—do not be weary in well doing. Do not worry when you meet up with negativity---God is faithful and HE will keep you. May God bless each of you as the Word of God is lived out each day in our lives. Peace.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
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