Written by Michael J. Martinez
Guiding Light Praying Ministry.
www.glprayingministry.com

?I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Jesus Christ?? (1 Corinthians 1:4).

Paul is so beautiful and so concerned for others more than for himself. He did not become this way on his own strength but because he submitted himself to Jesus Christ his Lord and God. We come to give thanks to the God of the gods, the Lord of lords, and we do it with a humble heart. The Apostle Paul (then Saul), a man out to kill all the Christians he could, because he thought he was doing God a favor, is now a humble man and show?s us by example how to put aside our self and give of self to others and their needs, no matter where we are in life. Whether we are rich, poor, in prison, with afflictions, or buffeted by Satan, Gods Grace is sufficient to protect us and guide us.

?A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure? (2 Corinthians 12:7). This was sent to Paul to keep him humble, something I think I need many times so that I may keep seeking Jesus or else with my sinful nature, I may end up seeking my self again. I may start to boast above measure as Paul did in his abundance of revelations that were given to him by God. I think that if we are not seeking Jesus on a daily basis, we may be in trouble. Satan wants to end our worshipping to Jesus, to praising him, and that means focusing on our sins again and how they could make us happy. How can we be humble any more if we are now arrogant to what we thought made us happy before, sin. We should hate sin, Jesus died because of it, and men hate Jesus and the Father, because of their sinfulness. ?For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh?? (Rom. 8:3). Without Jesus Christ coming to die we would still be unjustified and in our sin unforgiving. "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins? (Matthew 26:28). ?And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission? (Hebrews 9:22). In those days some could not afford to bring an animal for sacrifice so they were allowed to bring fine flour instead. Water, incense, and fire could also be used to purify. Only by the blood of Jesus Christ the Son, could sin be washed away and forgiven.

Jesus said in the garden of Gethsemane as it is written in the book of Mark chapter 14 verse 36 ?And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.? ?If this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, your will be done? (Matt.26:42). As Jesus requested to the Father three times to let the cup pass because He was going to face death, Paul as well asked Jesus three times ?that it might depart from me? a messenger from Satan to buffet (continually strike) him. Instead they rested on the Grace of God that is so powerful to lead us out of the darkness into the light.
Jesus told Paul and Paul responded ?My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.? Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities (lack of strength or illness), that the power of Christ (Messiah Jesus) may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities?? (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10).
He was out to spread the word of God, watch Jesus change life?s, watch people be healed, physically and mentally and rest on the fact that Jesus will always be there for him. Jesus will always answer our prayers with a ?yes? if we are humble, if we are abiding in Him and praying in accordance to His will for us or for something that He wills us to do.

See, you can pray and say you are a Christian but unless your life is bearing the fruit of Jesus Christ, then you are not saved. Christians have hard times, can be in a slump, can even be miserable at times, and depressed, but can quickly and easily get out of it by coming to the foot of Jesus Christ in worship, praise and adoration. How long, if you are a Christian do you want to stay in a backslidden life? Come back and be released from the world, do not hang on to the lies of Satan.
?I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;? (Philippians 1:3-6). If you are a Christian the world will know it. Jesus said, ?Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God? (1 John 4:7).
Approaching Him, praying in His will and for His will, but also speaking to God and letting Him know you love Him. The bible says making your requests and petitions known to Him, giving thanks, self-esteeming others, humbling you before God. We do not humble ourselves and ask for what we want, as far as material things and needs, not if we are to pray in His will, but we come and ask for His purpose in our life. We ask Jesus ?how can we glorify you today?, and how can we serve you. We of course pray that whatever we are doing, whether its work or play we are fulfilling His order in our life.

Live in the Grace of God, not in the boasting of self, Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? ?But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

Read Romans 8:3-8



God bless you all.

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Published on: 2005-07-26 (2535 reads)