Passage of the Day:
Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong, 2 Corinthians 12:6-10.
Reflection:
As I was in church last week, the youth group praise team was singing How He Loves. As I was singing one of the stanzas, I was moved by the phrase “afflictions eclipsed by glory.” After the worship time ended, I began to contemplate, what does this really mean? As I started to journal Sunday afternoon, the Holy Spirit led me to the words of the apostle Paul in today’s featured passage. Just as maturity is made complete through trials, James 1:2-4, coping with afflictions to our bodies, minds and soul will lead Christians to temperance like the apostle Paul.
Prayerful Action:
I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:13.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
Staying positive when you experience times of afflictions can be difficult. Whether you’re recovering from an accident, illness or tragedy, you may find yourself struggling with a thorn in your flesh or soul. While human nature may tempt you to embrace misery, avoid any bickering or complaining, Philippians 2:14. Therefore, as your faith is refined by fire, 1 Peter 1:6-7, start setting clear boundaries to live by so that the Holy Spirit will lead you, Galatians 5:25, to go the right distance and no further.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Every Christian has their own kryptonite, a weakness that the Devil is aware of, 1 Peter 5:8. Until Christians begin setting clear boundaries in their lives, beginning with dating and relationships, you won’t know when to say when. This is where temperance is conceived with the goal of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit daily.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 