Thorns in the Flesh by Shalene

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV

Paul never does say exactly what the thorn in his flesh is, but we know that he takes pleasure in it. Despite the fact that he most certainly wished that he was not afflicted thus. I too have been given a thorn of the flesh. Mine is depression. Some days it is very hard for me to take pleasure in anything.

I was diagnosed with my "thorn" only a couple years ago, but have suffered from it for my entire life. I do not take medication for it anymore, but I do not expect that others could- or should- choose to do the same thing. This was just my personal choice. Do not misunderstand me. There are days when I think I most certainly should still be medicated. The last few days have come close to qualifying. However, I remain faithful that the Lord has a purpose for my pain, and that is so that He is glorified.

I do not write this for your sympathy, only to explain my inability to write a post worth much the last couple days. I am emotionally spent, and it takes all the energy I have just to read my bible and keep myself sane, knowing that my infirmities, and in this case the catalyst for my infirmity (my testimony) bring Him all glory.

So, remember that no matter the thorn in your flesh, if God has chosen not to remove from you that infirmity, there is some way that it glorifies the Lord, and you should take pleasure in it. Read His Holy Word; stay strong, knowing that He loves you, and that His grace is sufficient for you.

--Lord, I pray today that though you have not taken my thorn from my flesh, that I remember everyday to take pleasure in it, because through it, I will glorify Your name. I can think of no greater honor than this. Continue to use me Lord, and continue to use my words to reach out to others that have their own thorns. I ask and pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.


Praise You In This Storm- Casting Crowns

Saved From Judgement?? by Shalene Kearney

I read my post to my husband yesterday, and afterward, a lively discussion on whether or not we are saved from Judgement ensued. I will not say which of us took which side, but I will say that we did not seem to be in agreement. So I have studied this subject in particular, so that I might keep you from having the same discussion. (Though it was lively, and it was loving, and it is always enjoyable to discuss scripture with my wonderful husband.)

Now on to the post: There are some that believe that because we have accepted Christ that we are now somehow saved from Judgement by God. This is not what the bible tells us. Let me say that again. This is not what the bible tells us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? We must all appear before the judgement seat. This is the reason that a true believer must endeavor to do good, as much as his earthly body will allow. Our salvation is not dependent upon our works, but you better believe you will be judged by what you did or didn't do. Can you imagine the scene?

You're standing before God, and he's asking you about all that you didn't do. Can you think of anything that will justify it? And what about the things you did do? For the good, He may say "Good work my good and faithful servant" or He may say, "Why didn't you do it with a grateful heart, a servant's heart?" Though the thought of judgement is not something I look forward to, I know that my name is written in the Book of Life and that God is just and merciful. That is why He sent His Son for me, and for you. Because we cannot do it alone, and He must judge us all. Without the blood of Jesus Christ covering our sins, we would have no hope. So today I thank God that "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV

I urge everyone of you, please, please do not just take my word for it, but dive into His Holy Word, and learn these truths for yourself as well. I am only a servant of the Lord. I can share these truths, but I cannot make you know them.

---Lord, today I pray again, that You are pleased with my words, and that I might reach someone that is in need of You. I thank you Lord for giving me these words and this knowledge to "put to paper." I ask that all who read these words will be moved to learn more and read Your Holy Word for themselves and that if answers are needed that they are able to find them. I thank you again for working through me Lord, and for growing my faith as well. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen

What Are We Saved From? by Shalene Kearney

Oh that's easy you say. "We're saved from eternal damnation." Yes, that's true, but we are also saved from Death. We that are true believers and Christ followers believe ourselves to be saved, not only from eternal damnation, but also from Death. I'm not talking a physical death. Though, if Christ should return today, those of us (true believers) alive today would certainly be spared a physical death. You see, Satan is not the opposite of God. Death is. That is why Jesus was required to conquer Death by His resurrection. This is illustrated in Revelation 1:17-18

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am the First and the Last. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death. (emphasis mine)

And then in Revelation 2:7 (NLT) we learn that

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God."

If Satan were God's opposite, he would have much more power than he does. (Not that he doesn't have more than he ought- but that's just my opinion.) Death is what Christ saved us from. Death being eternal separation from Him. Before Christ died for us, very few were given the annointing necessary to allow them to approach the throne of God in His Kingdom. I'll go into that in another post. (This is a subject that will require more than one, not just because of the depth, but because I must study.)

I feel compelled to share more with you, but I must admit that I do not yet know enough of the scriptures necessary to make my point. I will be studying, and praying and studying some more. I hope you will "stayed tuned" for the "next installment." Until then, I urge you, read Revelations for yourself. Did you know it is the only book of the bible that specifically states a blessing on the reader and those that share it's contents?? It may seem a little scary at first, or maybe a little too "sci-fi" with all the creatures described, but it's really an eye opening book of instruction and foretelling.

--Lord, I pray today that my words were wise enough in their brevity, and that I did not stray from Your Holy Word. I feel moved by the Spirit You placed within me, to share the Salvation You so freely gave, and what it means for all of us that accept it. Lord, I pray today that those that seek You, and the answers will do so with an open and willing heart, because Your Word says that those who seek shall find. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen