Good Life Church

Author: Good Life

  • Good Life Journal – 2 Thessalonians 1

    Scripture:

    Vs 3  … your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
    Vs 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
    Vs 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—
    Vs 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
    Vs 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
    Observation:

    Paul expresses gratitude and approval of the faith and love of the Thessalonian church.
    He lets them know he is telling other churches about them, especially because they are doing it under great persecution.
    Paul explains that their afflictions are actually showing them worthy of the Kingdom of God.
    They do not have to concern themselves with those who are tormenting them.
    God, as a good and righteous Judge, will handle all … the persecutor and the persecuted.
    Repayment and relief will come with the coming of Jesus.
    Application:

    How did it ever become common thinking in the modern church that when everything is going “great”, then God must be in it or even pleased?
    The early church would be shocked by such thinking.
    The first believers, particularly the ones Paul writes about here, are going through tremendous turmoil not of their own making.
    It would be so easy to blame God for causing it or get mad at God for seemingly ignoring it.
    But Paul says their endurance of persecution is actually “evidence” of God’s “righteous judgment”.
    This is a mindset my modern thinking hardly has a category for.
    If I have a faith that is “growing abundantly” and a “love for everyone” that is “increasing”, how could a “good God” allow bad things to happen to me?
    This is the question so many nonbelievers have, but there is a major flaw.
    If I think this way, I am just showing a biased way of thinking because I live in such a prosperous time and age.
    It’s an external, circumstantial focus.
    I think the greater lesson here is to not be concerned at all about the external circumstances of life.
    God, in his righteous judgement will deal with that.
    What I should be focused on is the internal circumstances of an increasing faith and an abundantly growing love for one another.
    If fascinating that modern believers have also become characterized as being “judgmental”.
    This, it seems, is the opposite of an “increasing faith”.
    If I become judgmental, then I am not putting faith in God as Judge.
    What’s more is, if am judgmental, I will certainly not increase in love.
    I imagine this is why Paul hammers home a couple of back to back thoughts:
    He boasts of their growing faith and love.
    And in God as the righteous Judge.
    There is a direct correlation here. I cannot be faithful and loving if I am condemning.
    Prayer:

    Thank you, God, that You are Judge.
    Help me to have faith in You and love for others.
    Help me be more concerned about the internal than the external.
    Holy Spirit, help me know you are with me through any and all affliction
    In Jesus Name
    Amen

  • Good Life Journal – 1 Thessalonians 5

    Scripture:

    [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

    Observation:

    There is a lot packed in these three short verses.  While Paul encourages the Thessalonians he reminds them of some basics:

    Rejoice always
    There is never a time when God’s people are not able to show great joy

    Pray without ceasing
    Have constant conversations with God.  Never stop.

    Give thanks in all circumstances.  
    I don’t think Paul is telling the Thessalonians to give thanks because they are in, or go through, difficult circumstances, but rather, he is saying that even though they are being put in difficult circumstances, give thanks knowing that God is in control with a purpose.

    Why?
    This is God’s will for his people.

    Application:

    These are all action steps for us as Christians.   It is God’s will that we, as his people, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.  Just because it is God’s will doesn’t mean we must do these things but he is welcoming and encouraging these actions of us.

    Since it is God’s will for us to pray without ceasing, He is encouraging us to have a never ending, constant conversation with him.  There should never be a time when we cannot pray.  While certainly suitable at times, it is not a requirement of prayer to be on your knees with your eyes closed, to talk with God.  He is always available for that conversation and prayer.

    As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and can find joy in the Lord at all times.  Happiness is fleeting and depends on the happenings around us.  We have an omnipresent God whose love for us is never changing.  From the Lord we can have never-ending joy that surpasses our understanding if we will just look to Him and love Him.  This is joy that is always available and should be cause to rejoice always, no matter what circumstance we are in or what is happening around us.

    Just as wind plays a crucial role in the life of a tree, causing a tree to create stronger wood and survive other stress, the pain and suffering we go through in this life plays a crucial role by building character and hope.   All the more reason to give thanks and praise Him even in the midst of our trials.  And, along with that, as a wise pastor said during a sermon last Sunday.. “Strength for getting through trials is developed by going through trials” (Kel).

    Yeah, I know.. this is all easy to say and hard to do sometimes – pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and always rejoice, but as we spend more time praying and talking with God, the more we love him and the more we trust in him. The more we love him and trust in him, the more natural it is to find joy and rejoice in all circumstances.

    Prayer:

    Lord thank You for sending Your Spirit to live within me.  I rejoice in knowing that whatever circumstance I find myself in, that you are in control.  In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.

  • Good Life Journal – 1 Thessalonians 4

    Scripture:  

    “Finally then brothers we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that as you received from us:

    1.       How you ought to walk, and;

    2.       To please God;

    (just as you are doing) that you do so more and more…

    …but we urge you brothers to do this more and more AND to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands (as we instructed you) so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”  (1 Thes 4:1, 10b-12) 

    Observation:  

    Preach the Gospel; first and foremost to myself.  Why?  Among other things the focus is for me to remember and to serve Him who called me. 

    Application:  

    I often think about the purpose of the Gospel. 

    Why did the Triune God conceive the Gospel as a Principle; then a Plan (or project); then an Execution?  

    Yeah, I think about stuff like this.  It seems to me that He did not NEED the Gospel but He WANTED the Gospel.  It puts my self-awareness appropriately in focus: I am not NEEDED, I am wanted.  Back to the basics: He is Creator, I am created.  

    And?  What is your point?

    Preaching the Gospel isn’t outward alone.  It isn’t even primary (outward focus I mean).  The Gospel is the integral and operative portion of making Disciples.  The above scriptures are about disciple making.  The first step in making a disciple is to make one out of the face in the mirror.

    So why is Paul reminding the local church about this AGAIN?  Is Paul a “one trick pony?”   Am I? 

    I think the Scriptures remind us that being a Disciple isn’t primarily about missions—it is about walking worthy of the Gospel (“how I ought to walk”) or how I conduct myself before the Only One watching who matters.  What I do in secret AND in public ought to be directed to our Lord Jesus alone and with that mindset.  For instance:

    When James talks about affirming my “faith” but I am not following it up with doing stuff that affirms my “faith”, I am off the mark in walking worthy of the Gospel.  The same goes in reverse when I am locked into doing stuff or my focus is “doing stuff” but I am not backing it up searching for God, then possibly justification by works lies at the door.

    Fighter pilots call this sensation “target fixation.”  Hunters call it “buck fever.”  Whatever definition is appropriate if my overriding focus isn’t searching for and chasing after the Triune God then I am shortsighted and crippled in my Walk.

    Prayer:  

    Lord, please help me in my time of distress.  Let me draw near to you.  Again I am shaken, my foundations are tested.  You, You alone are worthy of all my attention all my days.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – 1 Thessalonians 3

    Scripture:

    1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as well we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.  

    Observation:

    Paul is praying for and encouraging the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  Paul is praying for:

    – an opportunity to return and continue ministry with the Thessalonians
    – the Thessalonians to grow in their love for each other and everyone through Jesus
    – the love of Jesus to make their hearts without blame before God as Jesus will return

    Application:

    Paul’s prayer to the Thessalonians definitely should be encouraging to any believer.  This provides a great model that the gospel is not only about salvation but our ongoing walk with Jesus to finish strong when He returns.  The good news of the gospel promise as it is lived out is that Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, is the one to increase our love for him and others. When we surrender to Jesus and allow him to work, our hearts will be filled with love and without blame.   From salvation through our growth to be more like a reflection of Christ, it is all through grace. Everyone will stand before God to give an account when Jesus returns.

    Prayer:

    Father,

    Thank you for your love for us and the power that it has to change hearts and lives.  Let me surrender everything to you and walk in faith where my love grows for you and others so people can see you through me.

  • Good Life Journal – 1 Thessalonians 2

    Scripture:

    1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
    “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.”

    Observations:

    Paul wanted the church in Thessalonica to know that his ultimate focus was to please God. Whether people were spreading fake news about him or celebrating him, Paul stayed on the path of pleasing the Lord and advancing His good news.

    Applications:

    STOP what you’re doing. Better yet, stop what you’re thinking & ask yourself:
    Who am I aiming to please today?
    Is it your boss? Your wife/husband? Your Instagram followers?
    There must first be an honest evaluation that leads to repentance before your desires start to change.
    Ask the Lord that He would create a new desire, a singular desire, one that looks to please God at whatever cost it might take to lose the applaud of others.
    We live in a world, now more than ever, where applause from others comes at a click of a button, but does it really satisfy you in the end? Pursuing the person of Jesus and enjoying Him is what satisfies. And being satisfied in Jesus is the epitome of pleasing Him. Fight for pleasure in Jesus today.

    Prayer:

    Father I can look at my life and see its full of trying to earn the praise of people. forgive me for pursuing the pleasures of pleasing people. Let me taste the all satisfying pleasure of Jesus today. Guide my heart to please you. Amen

  • Good Life Journal – 1 Thessalonians 1

    Scripture:  

    “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you—because our gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…And you became imitators of us and of the Lord for you received the Word in much affliction (and) with the joy of the Holy Spirit SO THAT you became an example to all the believers… (1 Thes 1:4-7a)

    Observation:  

    There is a message here.  It is the same kind of message that we have received when we needed a boost, a reminder of vision—not of what can be done but what HAS been done and what will be done…

    Application:  

    I wonder what prompted Paul to write this preamble to the Church. 

    What did he hear along the road?  What messages about Thessalonica’s health were brought to him?  I think for sure that Paul had that “Wise Master Builder” cap firmly on his head as this was being written.

    I read this and I am buoyed emotionally.  This creates some firmness in my backbone.  My eyes are brighter and my faith is strengthening.  I remember He chose me, gospel coming in power in the Spirit and with conviction.  

    And…I remember my feet of clay; how I am frightened and faithless for the day to come.  Affliction is not only knocking on my door it is hammering (at least I imagine that hammering is coming).

    Joy?  Hah!  Being an example to all the believers?  Really?  Moi?  Not hardly.

    Yet…this is where the Normal Christian Life lives—between the two extremes.  While my Inner Man is being renewed, my Outer Man is decaying, sloughing off (wasting away) (2 Cor 4:16).   So I have successes and not so successes.

    What do I do then?  How do I respond?  In either swing of the pendulum I remember the Gospel AND speak it to myself.

    I am encouraged.  This is because of the Gospel, not only of the salvation aspects (which is defined under God’s Sovereignty) but of the Sanctification piece (defined under Human Responsibility).  The Triune God leads the way with me in tow…because He wants me. 

    I am discouraged.  This is because of the Gospel, not only because I am eaten up with indwelling Sin but also I am tempted to forget the Grace and Mercy of the Triune God in my life and how He views me.  I am not lovable, but loved despite—all because He chose to love.  I fight temptation in the power of the Holy Spirit.

    I don’t seem to avoid the highs and lows of life.  I am probably not alone.  Scripturally I know I am not alone.  That is why that God designed the Gospel the way it is from before time began so that I know that I must not only lean on but continually surrender to Him.  After all, His stated intention is to make me in the Image of the Son (Ro 8:29).   Pretty cool. 

    Prayer:   Father, I am reminded that this is part of the community of Believers that you intend the Local Church to be, specifically how we are to interact with one another.  The writer of Hebrews gave us a concrete device to help each other along the Way: “But exhort (or encourage) one another (every day, as long as it is called “today”) that none of (us) may be hardened by the deceitfulness of Sin (Heb 3:13).

    Help me to avoid that “evil, unbelieving heart”, O God.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 88

    Scripture:
    Vs 1 O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you.
    Vs 2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!
    Vs 3 For my soul is full of troubles …
    Vs 4 … I am a man who has no strength,
    Vs 7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me …
    vs 9 … Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you.
    Vs 11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
    Vs 12 Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
    Vs 13 But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
    Vs 14 O Lord, … Why do you hide your face from me?
    Vs 15 … I am helpless.
    Observation:
    What a desperate plea from such a desperate place.
    I am not sure I’ve read more tormented verses.
    The author is “full of troubles” and “has no strength” and “helpless”.
    But at the same time, the author continuously cries out to God … “day and night” … “every day”
    He’s desperate in his condition and circumstances, but he is also anguished and full of questions for God, Himself.
    “Your wrath lies upon me” …
    Will You, God, declare your steadfast love and faithfulness?
    God, can I know Your wonders and righteousness?
    Why do you hide from me, God?
    Even amid all this, there is a huge key word … “BUT”.
    “BUT I, O Lord, cry to you.” … Despite the turmoil, prayers continue.
    Application:
    The best relationships are those where I feel comfortable saying just about anything that’s truly on my heart and mind.
    I can only pour out my deepest concerns, fears, and questions to someone who is particularly close.
    It’s also very hard to get close to someone if I feel like I have to “walk on eggshells” around them.
    Do I have to caution every word or thought with concern of how they will respond?
    The author of this psalm makes me consider my relationship with God.
    There is no “walking on eggshells” with the author here.
    This is an emotional dumptruck load on to God.
    Do I hold anything back in my questions and fears with God? This author certainly does not.
    God is bigger than any of them. He can handle them. Do I have to act like they don’t exist?
    The author here also inspires me to remember that God is the source of everything thing, the solution to everything, and, especially, my salvation.
    His first words, before all his pleading, are to describe who he is pleading to: “O Lord, God of my salvation”!
    The author also shows me his faithfulness to keep going back to the very source of the faithfulness.
    The author also makes me grateful to live on this side of the cross.
    I do not have to wonder when God will how his steadfast love or faithfulness or righteousness.
    I do not have to wonder when God will show himself to me.
    I can look back to 2,000 years ago and rest in faith, in confidence, that “it is finished”.
    Prayer:
    Thank you, God, for your love and righteousness and faithfulness
    Thank you for your salvation
    Help me to know you are open to my cries when I ‘m desperate
    Help me to know I am helpless without you
    In Jesus name
    Amen

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 85

    Scripture:

    [8]  Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
    for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
    but let them not turn back to folly.

    Observation:

    After speaking boldly and confidently TO God, the Psalmist also wants to hear FROM God, just as any good conversation would be.
    He is expectant – that God will speak peace to his people..
    Believing in God’s peace, even after his judgement, the Psalmist reminds God’s people of their sin nature and tells them to beware of it and repent.

    Application:

    The application here is a series of questions fo consider.

    Even while thanking God for his grace and mercy, how often do we then ask something and not wait for answers?  How often do we speak TO God and not get our minds and hearts set on hearing FROM God?  Are we having a conversation WITH God, asking and then listening?

    We pray and ask God for healed relationships, we ask for healing of physical ailments, we ask generally for God’s favor and protection, and we ask for peace only the Lord can provide.  But do we ask for guidance before we make decisions based on worldly input?  Do we ask and then listen?  Have we repented of our known sin and then cleared our thoughts of worldly concerns, expectantly waiting for God to speak peace?  Are we still and silent so we can hear the Lord through the Holy Spirit?

    Prayer:

    Lord we love you.  Help us to be still and listen expectantly, yet patiently, for your guidance through your Word and Spirit.  In Jesus’ mighty name we pray this. Amen.

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 83-84

    Scripture:  

    “Fill their faces with shame that they may seek your name, O Lord.  Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.”  Ps 83:16-18

    “How lovely is your dwelling place O Lord of Hosts!  My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the Living God.”  Ps 84:1-2 

    Observation:  

    A study in contrasts: How can the Scriptures like these be reconciled in the light of Redemption?

    Application:  

    The Psalmist in 83 is full of, you know, and vinegar.  What he writes, sings, and prays is pretty nasty I think.  It is hard to read love and mercy in it.

    The Psalmist in 84 is more like it.  He is writing things that I can get behind and stuff that I hear just about every day. 

    Both are the Word of the Lord; Holy Scripture.

    So what do I do?  What is “redeeming” about 83 AND 84?

    Here’s the key: Both represent facets of the Jewel that is the Gospel.

    The Gospel is “Good News.”  It is indeed (Praise His Name forever for this unilateral Gift of Grace!!).  But the Good News has a significant component of bad news as well.  Actually for there to be “Good News” it must start from the Actual news: Everyone from Adam is unavoidably on track to suffer God’s just Condemnation and His subsequent Holy Wrath against sin.  No way around it.  It is that “no way around it” that defines “We need an Intercessor, an Advocate, a substitutionary Sacrifice.”

    Ok…and the point is?

    I have swings of emotion.  Yep, anyone who knows me for any length of time can attest to that.  Some of it is biological, chemical stuff that I have but I have to face it: It all springs from Sin warring in my body and mind. 

    Channeling the basis of Psalms 84 is a matter of work; of intentional training my members for righteousness—including my mind.  I can have that so-called “godly righteousness”—but I have to realize that is oh so tainted with Sin through and through. 

    The Believers call is to testify of Him who has saved; that my heart and flesh sing for joy to the Living God!  We are His people, the sheep of His hand.  We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—a people for his own possession that we may proclaim the Excellencies of Him who called you… (1 Peter 2:9)

    Pressing in, I yearn for Him.  At least that is my objective. 

    Prayer:  

    Lord Jesus, help me to write better.  I want the words to be what is springing out of my heart and the words hammering in my heart.  Last thing I want to be is superficial.  All my hope is in You, all of my hope.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 80

    Scripture:

    Psalm 80:19 – Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!  Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

    Observation:

    This is the third time within this Psalm that Asaph cries out to God with this same request.  Asaph recalls what God has done to rescue Israel in the past. Now he is praying for God to intervene so they can see His hand at work and save His people.

    Application:

    God is in the restoration business.  We are able to see what God has done in the past and have hope for the future but sometimes can’t understand why we are in the current situation we find ourselves.  God teaches us, corrects us and rescues us in His time so we can see our dependence on Him.

    Prayer:

    Father,

    Thank you for your salvation through Jesus.  Let me seek you always to see your hand at work and face shining to draw my near to you no matter what I am facing.

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 79:8-9

    Scripture:

    Psalm 79:8-9

    8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;  let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!

    Observations:

    The writer of this Psalm is pleading for the Lord to no longer count their sins against them but to provide compassion and mercy in a time  of need. The plea for their help is argued from the standpoint of it benefiting God’s name among the nations. In other words to “let the name of the Lord be known”

    Applications:

    We can confidently pray for the Lord to meet us with his mercies each and everyday because it gives Him glory to help us. God is delighted in saving us, he doesn’t have to, he wants to. Let that be our prayer daily.

    Prayer:

    Help us, O God of our salvation. Show compassion on us today. Thank you for pursuing us out of the freedom you have to do so. Deliver us from temptation today so your name can be known to those around us.

  • Good Life Journal – Psalm 76-77

    Scripture:  
    “I cry aloud to God—aloud to God and He will hear me.  In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my hand is stretched out without wearying…my soul REFUSES to be comforted.
    When I remember God…I moan.  When I meditate…my spirit faints.
    I said: ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.  Then…my spirit made a diligent search…
    Will the Lord spurn forever?  And never again be favorable?  Has his steadfast love forever ceased?  Are his promises at an end for all time?
    Has God forgotten to be gracious?’” (Ps 77:1-3, 6-9)
    Observation:
    The Psalmist complains a lot, quite a lot.  Point is: his complaint is ours whether we know it or not…and…if it is not happening within is that indicative of the condition known has “hardness of heart?”
    Application:  
    Draaaamaaa!  Drama!  Mucho drama.
    In reality this is the kind of heart to have.  What I am reading here is not a lack of faith but transparency into a normal God-fearing life.
    I am aligned with the Psalmist’s cry.  Aligned—such a modern word.  Aligned means to bring or come into correct position; to declare support; bring my ragged bones into line with the thought or sentiment being portrayed.
    I know I have felt what the Psalmist is saying—I was just quiet about it.  I know I didn’t give it the time it took to read Ps 76 and 77 much less the time to write what I just wrote.  I gave it a flit of a thought, nothing more.
    So…using the above scripture as a benchmark, I think I see what I am…deficient.
    But realizing I am deficient is not a bad thing unless I am poking around looking to be self-righteous.  Being candid and transparent about my deficiency is looking for the Grace of God in my life.
    Therefore, where the rubber meets the road: How do I cultivate longing for God?  I don’t want to moan “Where is God?  Why has He disappeared?” and not know the answer.
    God is sovereign and He will do what He wants.  But me?  I live by the Word of God alone until That Day where Sight replaces Faith.
    So, the everyday answer is: Long for the supremacy of the Word of God.  Immerse myself in the Jewel of the Gospel.  Let my eyes be filled with Your Wonder—when I get up, take a shower, drive in traffic, work, work, work, etc.  Shout.  Sing.  Pray.  Whisper.  He hears…
    There is no place He cannot be found.
    Prayer: 
    O God of all Wonders, hallowed and majestic is Your Name—forever and forever.  Hear my clumsy prayer O Lord, draw me near.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – 2 Corinthians 13

    Scripture:

    Vs 5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
    Vs 7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test …
    Vs 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
    Vs 10 … my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
    Vs 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

    Observation:

    The Corinthian church was questioning Paul’s authority as an Apostle. They were “testing” him.
    Paul says that they are to “test yourselves”. Do they have faith in Christ?
    Paul says, in fact, he is glad when he is weak (not exerting authority), because that indicates that they are strong (passing the test of faith).
    What’s more, Paul’s use of authority is counter to the historic and cultural use of authority.
    Paul says his authority is given from the Lord to “build them up”, not “tear them down”.
    Paul’s greatest concern is not his own authority, or his own personal reputation.
    Paul’s greatest concern … in fact, his prayer, … is “you may do no wrong” and “your restoration” and “Jesus Christ in you”.
    Paul concludes by encouraging them in how they are to treat “one another” (rejoice/restore/comfort/agree/live in peace).
    Why? Because the “God of love and peace will be with you”.

    Application:

    Who am I most likely to pray for?
    Who am I most likely to question, or test?
    It’s no mystery that human nature (sin nature/my nature) is to pray for myself, my needs, my wants.
    And what goes right along with that is questioning and testing others.
    Paul flips this upside down.
    Paul tells the church to test themselves.
    And he goes on to tell them all the ways he is praying for them and their sake and their wellbeing and their faith.
    While this is a counterintuitive way of relating to others, it is by no means a “weak” exercise.
    To tell someone to “test themselves” entails not just a certain amount of boldness, but accountability and confidence.
    How could I ask someone else to test themselves, if I am not willing to do the same?
    Paul is certain he has passed the test. He is “in the faith” and “Jesus is in him”.
    This is how he can live and lead boldly and confidently. His confidence in not in himself.
    His confidence is in the Truth that he lives out.
    When I am at peace with Christ in me and the truth that I am living out, then I can most confidently encourage others the same way.
    My concern will not be others questioning me, but my own testing of myself.
    And then my concern can become for “one another” … rejoicing, comfort, agreement, peace, and God with you!

    Prayer:

    Thank you again God for you word.
    Thank you for the example of Paul
    Test me in my faith
    Encourage me to pray for others faith
    In Jesus name
    Amen

  • Good Life Journal – 2 Corinthians 12

    Scripture:

    [7] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

    Observation:

    Paul says he was given a thorn in his flesh.  Not that he was somehow inflicted with a thorn in his flesh.  He welcomed it.  God gave it, Satan used it, God allowed it, and through that, Paul welcomed it.

    Why?  To keep him humble.  Even Paul, in his humility, could have become conceited from knowing what he knew, from seeing what he saw in his vision.

    Application:

    In this life we may be blessed in some ways seemingly far beyond others.  Blessed with things, blessed with intelligence, blessed through family and job, blessed in so many different ways.  When God then gives us that thorn in our flesh – that nagging health problem, that job loss, that addiction in the family, that tyrant boss – and allows Satan to smack us around a little so that we don’t become conceited in our blessings, let us welcome it.  Welcome it knowing that God gave it to us,

    Prayer:

    Lord thank you for for sending Your Spirit to live within us.  Thank you for giving us the joy of walking with You through this life.  Help us to be grateful in our blessings and not compare our blessings to others.  Lord we welcome any thorn in our flesh that will help keep us humble.  In Jesus mighty name we pray, amen.

  • Good Life Journal – 2 Corinthians 11

    Scripture:  

    “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

    For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed OR if you receive a different spirit from the one you received OR if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted—you put up with it readily enough.”  2 Cor 11:3-4  

    Observation:  

    My goodness—what a denunciation; a shot across the bow; a punch in the chops: “…you put up with it readily enough.”  Where are the noble brothers of Berea when you need them?

    Application:  

    This snuck up on me today. 

    I am looking in 2 Cor 11 for something to write on and this popped out.  I continued to look through Chapter 11 and this phrase keeps pounding in my noggin, echoing between my ears.

    Paul concerning the Corinth’s church’s discernment: “…you put up with it readily enough.” 

    That is not a complement.  

    What a slap to the Corinth church!  I think that basically Paul is saying that the Corinth church welcomes all thought in the Name of Jesus; doesn’t matter who is speaking, doesn’t matter what credentials they bring…”Welcome, dear sir.  What message have you from Christ today?”  And then the Corinthians file it as one more learning not realizing that the little errors here and there presented are leading folks away from “a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

    I admit that I have a conflict.  What about receiving the Word with Joy verses going home and studying to see if the Word given was true (remember the noble Bereans).  I don’t want to cause dissention and division but I also want the unstained Word of God. 

    What I am left with is “Who am I, O Lord?”

    Paul writes to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”  (2 Tim 2:15) 

    Therefore: Nose to the grindstone, surrender to the Holy Spirit, pray for myself and for others to be enlightened through the Word of God and study (especially myself so that the Log comes out first), learn to be gracious, practice mercy to those that I believe I need to speak to, trust God in all things because no matter what happens, He is totally Sovereign, Omniscient, and Eternal.

    Prayer:  

    O God, I don’t know where I fit past the doors of my home; maybe nowhere.   Please, please, please make me calm in the storm of my own pride and refine Your Word within me.  AMEN