Ephesians 1 [The Message]

It’s mind-boggling to consider how a God so powerful that He rules the expanse of the universe takes the time and effort to reveal Himself to mere man. He’s so great that He has time and mental capacith for each of us. We each feel as if we’re the ONLY ONE.

It’s obvious, in ruling the universe we’d think God would have more important and critical responsibilities than hanging out with us all day. In reality, His great love makes us think we are at the center of His universe. The Psalmist said we are the apple (pupil) of His eye.

How do we know all this? We read it in His Word. He calls us “His Body.”

Galatians 3 [The Message]

Paul said the Law was an addendum added to the promise God gave Abraham that kept us in line until Christ came.

You can keep the Law by your own will power if you want … or can. I will trust in Christ’s presence and Holy Ghost power to live right. Why should we want to constantly refer to a written document when we can have the Savior of the universe whispering in our ear … “This is the way, walk in it.”

That’s how I live.

2 Cor. 12 [The Message]

We all have them. Limitations, weaknesses, infirmities etc. Paul certainly had them and saw them as God’s devices to keep him humble.

If we think the Christian life is all smooth sailing with never a hitch, we are sadly mistaken. The Christina’s life can even be one of the most challenging, yet with a support system and reward that FAR OUTWEIGHS the downside.

Jesus Himself told Paul, ‘Your limitations are merely perfect opportunities for MY GRACE to be received and appreciated.” Paul wisely concluded, Therefore I will most gladly rejoice and glory in the presence of these limitations!”

We hereby see our limitations as magnets for God’s grace. Why would we then despise them?

2 Cor. 10 [The Message]

Warped philosophies = strongholds. Smash them, tear them down. Especially to your children.

Your children value what YOU value and despise what YOU despise. Giving your children an innate sense of right and wrong will essentially stay with them for their entire life. It’s a better gift than a new car when they’re sixteen.

AS a Christian school administrator, I observed the differences in family cultures resident in students, especially when they became middle school students. They are smart enough to apply their culture to life, but still somewhat moldable. I came in conflict with some deep-rooted warped philosophies … especially concerning race relations. God’s Word needs to be our standard. (Think of the song, “Jesus loves the little children, all the chlldren of the world…)

2 Cor. 5 [The Message]

If we don’t do it, who will get people ready to meet God and spend eternity?

Every acquaintance is a divine encounter. It’s an opportunity to influence them towards the Lord or leave them as you found them.

When I was freshly out of the army, I applied for a night security position so I could study at night while going to school in the day. Two gentlemen were interviewing me. The leader made the comment, “As long as your good outweighs the bad you’re ok.” My heart was screaming inside, “No, it’s not by works lest any should boast.” [Eph. 2:8,9] Sadly, I did NOT speak up to correct him. I found out later that he only lived one more week, passing from a massive heart attack. I just hope the Lord had someone more faithful than me come to witness the truth to him.

Since that regretful experience I have purposed to NEVER let that happen again.

2 Cor. 1 [The Message]

It has to be one of the most rewarding experiences in this life … to give a helping hand to someone who is going down. It’s better than winning the lottery! (If you do, you will instantly have bazillions of friends come out of the woodwork with their hands out) Seriously, being able to scratch someone exactly where they itch is great. Some people have much more than an itch. They may be facing ruin. Paul says you can help them with the experience you have in recovering from something similar.

God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. [v. 4]

So, when you are in the middle of your challenge, just know that you will be better equipped to rescue someone else when they go through their valley. While you’re there, pick every lily you find. It’s the only place they grow.

1 Cor. 15 [The Message]

My dad passed on January 25 at 97 years of age. I’ve NEVER seen anyone so anxious to die. Mom was on Hospice for 3.5 years. Dad was on for 5 days. He would warn us NOT to pray for his healing but that he would graduate to Heaven. I’m sure he now looks completely different than he did as I helped care for his last days.

Paul says our earthly, natural body is NOT TO BE COMPARED to our Heavenly body. I’m sure he wrote this chapter to encourage the saints about their eternal Hope. We worry so much about our earthly appearance when we should be rejoicing about our Heavenly transformation. Hence, our focus could maybe make some adjustments?!?!!?

1 Cor. 14 [The Message]

My parents met and were married in a large Pentecostal church in the 40s. Being baptized in the Holy Ghost was not foreign to me. I experienced it when I was 16 and have used tongues as a prayer language my entire life. No one can theologically poo-poo it to me.

This chapter instructs about the use of tongues and warns of its abuses. Because tongues is controversial in evangelical circles, 1 Cor. 14 must be understood and become foundational in our understanding of God’s gifts.

When you pray in a tongue, you build up your faith and your spirit. (v.4) What can be wrong with THAT?

1 Cor. 13 [The Message]

Eugene Peterson paraphrases the word charity as extravagant love. When you are wealthy, you can afford to be extravagant. We are to be wealthy in God’s love.

My parents passed away recently. They left us some extra money which I have enjoyed being a little extravagant with. Extravagant tips, an extravagant HVAC system, a used 40 ft. motorhome etc. See what I mean?

We are to dole out God’s love and compassion as if we are drawing upon a bank account that is unlimited. It’s a blast!

1 Cor. 12 [The Message]

How marvelous is the human body. It’s a glorious thing when it is healthy and functioning as a unit. So is the Body of Christ when it is healthy and functioning at optimum.

God in His Infinite Wisdom (Christ Jesus) has distributed to us gifts to be exercised so His Kingdom here on earth can be healthy.

Rather than worry what your spiritual gift is, just respond to the opportunities God places right in front of you. He knows what He has equipped you to do an will sovereignly direct you to your job. The more you do it, the more understanding you will have about your gift and the more effective you will become.

The GLORY goes to the Giver of gifts, NOT the possessor of the gifts.