2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – “But even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest anyone should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.⁷ And lest I should be exalted through the abundance of the revelations, there was delivered to me a thorn in my flesh, the angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted.⁸ Three times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, that it might depart from me.⁹ And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.¹⁰ Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.”

We are discussing God’s Sufficient Grace and left off last time after we had given a preliminary consideration.  Today, I would like for us to take another step in considering the extent of this incredible Grace that is Sufficient.

THIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SALVATION…

According to the Bible, which is the final authority on the matter, it is the ONLY provision whereby man can enter into the condition of being Born Again and Live Eternally.  It is the only road to Heaven.  There are not many roads to God, nor many roads to heaven. There is the straight gate and narrow way that leads to life and the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction.  The choice we make concerning Jesus is of eternal significance.

Paul, the apostle, suffered persecution and much tribulation for his faith.  He suffered more than most could or would endure.  He, at times, seemed to be made of steel and had nerves of iron.  However, there is a secret to his ability to endure and succeed in his Christian walk, work, and warfare.  He found that there was something he could rely on in every situation.  He discovered God’s incredible Grace and realized that the Grace that brought him to God would keep him in his walk with God.

THIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR TRIBULATION…

Persecution is not something that only a few must endure, but Jesus said it would accompany godly lives.  He said, “the godly will suffer persecution.”  He did not say might but will as a definitive.  He warned that we would be hated by the world (those outside Christ) and that the devil would seek to kill, steal, and destroy.  Yet, he found that God’s Grace was Sufficient in all things and at all times.

What our world needs is not a new morality but old-time spirituality.  We need a personal relationship with Jesus and fully surrender to Him.  The apostle Paul suffered for the cause of Christ.  The world is constantly crying out for compromise, but Paul would not compromise his faith, and neither should we.  He chose to suffer rather than compromise His faith and convictions in Christ. 

Today we are being presented with a new version of modern morality that is not morality at all but embraces licentiousness and a measure of idolatry and perversion.  We are told that we have to be more like the world to attract the world.  But Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.”  The world’s true craving is not for compromise but a demonstration of the Power of God’s Grace in our lives.

The only army that ever strikes its colors is when it is defeated or in retreat, and the Body of Christ, the Army of God, is neither.  We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you but that which is common to man: but God is faithful; he will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that you are able; but will make your temptation to have a way of escape, so that you may be able to bear it.”

No matter what comes – Sickness, Grief, Poverty, Defeat on some level, or Soul Sickness we can depend on the Grace of God – It is Sufficient!  In all of his sufferings, the apostle Paul never lost sight of the vision of God’s Grace and never lost the Power it Provides.  He said that if his only hope were what this world offered, he would be the most miserable man of all time.  He knew that God’s Grace was Sufficient for Salvation and Sufficient in Tribulation.

I want to address this again, but I will pause here.  God bless you as you enjoy this day, walking in God’s Sufficient Grace!

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – “But even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest anyone should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.⁷ And lest I should be exalted through the abundance of the revelations, there was delivered to me a thorn in my flesh, the angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted.⁸ Three times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, that it might depart from me.⁹ And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.¹⁰ Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.”

When I think of Grace, I do not think of a blue-eyed blonde but God’s incredible mercy, love, and provisions.  In studying the Book of Acts, we quickly see a religious zealot who terrorized the Christians.  Before the Damascus Road encounter with Jesus, Saul of Tarsus was a religious terrorist of epic proportions.  He believed he was right, and, in his zeal, he sought to eradicate all the followers of this New Way, Christianity.

After his encounter with Jesus, he became a compelling voice for the cause of the Kingdom of God and the advancement of the Christian message.  He had an experience that he would relate time and again, “I was on the road, and I saw the light.”  Not just any light, but the Light of God.  He saw the one who is “Truth, Way, Life, and Light.”  He experienced God’s incredible mercy and unfathomable grace and was transformed.

There are some things about God’s Grace that I would like for us to consider.

THIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SALVATION.

The Bible record reveals that man was created in a state of sinlessness but, due to deception, rebelled against the commandments of God and fell from God’s Grace.  Then, we realize that the Law given by Moses was incapable of saving the soul and transforming the heart.  We discover that blood had to be shed and that sacrifice had to be blemish free, yet the animal sacrifices could not satisfy fully. 

As a result, man was bound for eternal hell due to sin.  The apostle John speaks eloquently of God’s incredible love and purpose in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This is a picture of Love beyond human comprehension and Grace to the degree that is incomprehensible to man.  Human grace cannot extend to the degree and reach the proportions God’s Grace does.  This grace is undeserved, unearned, and unequaled.  If man received what he justly deserved, he would spend eternity in hell for his rebellion.  BUT GOD, in His incredible Love, provided a way for restoration and redemption.  It was Grace that brought it to us.

I would suggest that once we realize the extent and magnitude of this Grace, it is unconscionable to reject it.  As the song says, “How can we refuse Him now?  How can we turn away from such incredible love?”  This Grace is Sufficient on many fronts and in many ways.  I want to address some of them but will pause now and begin anew on the morrow, considering God’s Sufficient Grace.

Have a fantastic day and may the Grace of God go with you, guard and guide you through the pathway of life.  God bless you richly, is my prayer!

Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”  NKJV

We have all had times when we either received an encouraging word or gave one.  Through the years, I have had people tell me, “You just don’t know how much what you said meant to me.”  I have often been utterly unaware that I said anything of particular significance. Still, somehow the Holy Spirit directed my words to be the right word at the right time for the right situation to produce the correct result.  I have received words of encouragement in the same manner.  Through those situations, I have come to appreciate the power of a word of encouragement.

When a person begins to succumb to anxiety, fear, frustration, or worry, it brings depression and weighs down the heart.  It is like carrying a load you cannot see but can feel and exhausts you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It will sap your strength and propel you into the darkness and, if not checked, can lead to incredibly destructive self-pity. 

David said in Psalm 94:19, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul.”  Jesus urged us in John 14 to reject a troubled heart by focusing on His promise and provision.  Encouragement is incredibly powerful because it enables a person to combat discouragement and renews a sense of worth and significance in the heart.  Encouragement helps fuel or empower a person to move out of the shadows into the light of God’s promises and purposes.  Paul instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” NIV

Always remember the times when you needed someone to give you an encouraging word and how much it uplifted your heart and spirit.  Instead of looking down on someone suffering from depression because of anxiety, remember that except for the Grace of God, which could be you, and you have been discouraged and depressed.  I never want to receive or give flattery, but I want to give and receive encouragement. 

I have had times when simply giving me a word of cheer was insufficient and needed to be slapped in the face (figuratively) with the reality of my situation.  I needed to be challenged to shake off the depression and look to the Word of God for my hope and help.  I remember once battling discouragement having a friend who would begin singing when he saw me.  It irritated me initially, but after a few times, it began to stir something inside, and as the chains of despair began to break, I could see what he was doing and rejoice with him. 

You never know the power a kind and encouraging word will have in and on a person’s life.  Therefore, remember what God has brought you out of and always have a word of encouragement for a brother or sister battling anxiety.  Your encouragement may be the catalyst that lifts them from the darkness into a new walk of victory.

Blessings as you go through this day!

Psalm 42:1-3 – “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.  2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?  3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”  NKJV

When I read passages like this and compare the heart cry of the Psalmist to the deep cries of my soul, I am moved deeply.  As I read these few verses, I cannot help but sense the incredible longing of the writer for God’s revealed and realized presence.  He was comparing his hunger and thirst for God to a deer battling the eat, longing for water to be refreshed.  He then adds that a longing has so moved him that the well of tears from within his being was like a never-ceasing fountain.  His tears have consumed him, rendering him unable to consume natural food due to his quest for God.  He cries that his inner man continually asks, “Where is your God?” 

I have experienced times of intense longing and am currently so hungry and thirsty for God that I find myself weeping on my bed in the night, crying out for His presence in a more pronounced way.  The intensity of His presence is not always consuming in our lives, and I am not sure we could survive physically if it were.  However, the consciousness of His presence is needed to overcome the assaults hurled at us by the enemy of our souls.  By the strength of His presence, we can withstand the many twists and turns life hurls at us.

God identified David as a man after His own heart, and when I read passages like this, usually attributed to David, I understand how God could so describe him.  He was a man, a leader, a king, and a warrior who had a passion for God.  David instituted worship in the Tabernacle like never before experienced, for he understood the importance of the presence of God.  He understood that we enter God’s gates and courts through worship and praise.  We invite His presence most powerfully through our worship and praise.  Additionally, through Scripture and the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know the importance of prayer as a means of communication and communion with God. 

I believe that appetites are cultivated in the natural and in the spiritual.  As we ingest His word, pray, praise, and worship, we cultivate the appetite for Him, and in so doing, we develop a hunger and thirst that motivates us to press into His presence.  In His presence, we receive strength, renewal, and restoration, enabling us to fulfill His purposes for our lives on planet earth.

If you are not hungry and thirsty for God, I suggest you develop a habit of prayer, reading the Bible, praise, and worship. Hunger and thirst will be a natural byproduct of those activities.  As we engage in those activities, our hearts become conditioned to receive His presence, and our souls begin to long for His presence. 

God bless you as you allow the Holy Spirit to make you hungry and thirsty for God.  Blessings as you move to the next steps and phases of your life on planet earth.

Acts 16:25-34 – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.”  NKJV

I have heard so many explanations on what is required for salvation that I often get frustrated that what I hear, at times, is “Jesus Plus….”  In this particular account, we find Paul and Silas and others in prison, and these two stalwarts for God were leading a Praise Service and were ministering to others who were incarcerated.  As they sang and prayed, an earthquake shook the place so hard that the prison doors opened, and their chains fell off. 

This was no typical earthquake but the work of God.  The guards had been napping, and under Roman law, they would pay a severe penalty if the prisoners escaped. Rather than face the horrific possibilities, the prison keeper prepared to commit suicide.  He would have carried out the act had it not been for Paul.

The man was so moved by what had happened that he ran to them, asking one of, if not life’s most important questions, “What must I do to be saved?”  Their response was simple, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ….”  The promise was that not only would the jailer be saved, but his house would come under God’s protection and salvation. 

THEN… So many times, we miss the “then” of Scripture.  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house.  They presented the Gospel, which is the Good News.  The Bible teaches that we are to repent, believe, confess, turn from sin, and be baptized. 

I once heard an evangelist tell people that because they were not crying as he deemed they should, they were not saved and had not repented.  Some incredible soldiers in the kingdom of God have testified that they had little emotion when they encountered the Lord, realized their guilt, confessed, and repented.  Most of them have declared that emotions came later but the guilt lifted at that time. 

In my own experience, had I followed the directive of this evangelist, I would have concluded that I did not receive the Lord that faithful night.  I felt as if I were walking on air.  I sensed that a heavy load was lifted from my shoulders and a peace that I could not describe or explain settled over me. 

I was not in tears but was genuinely sorry for my sin and desirous to be free from the clutches of sin.  My focus was not on heaven or hell but on my sinful condition breaking God’s heart, which broke mine.  I was guilty and wanted to go in the opposite direction in life.  I confessed my sin, repented, and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and GOD SAVED ME.  I was baptized later!  The plan is simple, and the work on the Cross is finished.  It is Jesus, not Jesus plus.  Salvation is a gift, not an earned reward.  You will never be good enough, but you can be free through His grace!

God bless you as you go through this day!

Matthew 6:9-13 – “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.  11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” NKJV

When Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray, this is the prayer that He gave them as a guide.  It is so powerful and, sadly, has become something committed to memory and frequently uttered with little thought as to what is being said.

Let us consider it briefly:

1. It begins by recognizing the Heavenly Father as Hallowed.
2. It moves to the recognition that His Will is preeminent over everything in heaven and earth.
3.  It recognizes that our daily provisions and life come from Him.
4. It recognizes and acknowledges that He is the one who can forgive.
5. It acknowledges our responsibility to forgive others, remembering our own forgiveness.
6. It seeks His help, guidance, and enablement to not succumb to temptation and to be protected and delivered from the work of evil.
7. It concludes with recognizing God’s Position, Power, and Permanence.

If that will not get your motor running, your engine is dead.  As you pray, think about what is being said, acknowledged, and requested.  As you do, you will view life differently and others with a different perspective.

May God be with you as you go through your day!  Blessings

John 17:20-23 – “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  NKJV

In 1 Corinthians 13, commonly identified as the Love Chapter of the Bible, we find the characteristics of love.  This chapter provides a powerful look into our hearts and a pattern by which we should strive to live.  As revealed in the text above, the expressed desire and prayer of our LORD Jesus was for love to prevail in the Body of Christ and that we ALL BE ONE!

The Body of Christ is not divided, yet we see division, dissension, and discord among professing followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God’s Plan is Unity of the Faith.  Jesus came to give us life, and that life was to be Abundant, and He is our common ground. The greatest hindrance to the work of the Kingdom and personal spiritual development today is Disunity. Likewise, the devil would like nothing better than to destroy the local church, especially those who seek the Unity of the Spirit. 

I ask that you consider a few specifics that will benefit our Christian walk and warfare.

• Born-again People Constitute the Body of Christ.

Every truly born-again person is a member of the Body of Christ.  I am speaking specifically about the biblical experience of the “new birth” in Jesus Christ.  It begins with repentance – “Confess and Forsake.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if any man (person) is in Christ, he is a new creature (creation); the old things have passed away, behold, new things have come.”

We read in John 3:16 about God’s love and plan.  In Romans 10:9-10 we find confession of sin, and in verse 13, the revelation that “if” we call upon His name, we will be saved.  In 1 John 1:9, we read, “For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Repentance is the full realization of one’s sin and a change of attitude, heart, and direction.  Biblical repentance involves conviction of sin, with a sense of condemnation, godly sorrow, and the forsaking of sin.  It is a 180-degree turn.

• God Extends Fellowship To All Believers.

Not just those who practice your particular brand of doctrine or preference.  God extends His fellowship to people of varying opinions about various doctrines.  He accepts them, but we often exclude them because they are not like us.  We are too often major on minors straining at gnats and swallowing camels.  The hand is not the ear, and the ear is not the eye.  We have different preferences, but we require the same air to breathe. 

• The Basis of Fellowship Is Life, Not Opinion.

It would serve us well to acknowledge and remember that all truly born-again believers have the same Spiritual Father.  That truth is the only hope we have of achieving that for which Jesus prayed, “That they all be one….”

Biblical Unity is not possible aside from Agape Love, our source of Hope and Unity.  That means our love for the Family of God will have to exceed our devotion to personal opinions and non-essentials to salvation.  Remember, Love Covers!  Love Covers!

I will tread on thin ice with some by saying that fellowship is more important than believing that you have the absolutely correct theology. Please, refrain from any thought that it is a call to compromise your convictions but realize that you might not be 100% accurate in everything. 

I believe that the greatest sin and hindrance in the Church is Disunity.  The problem of building walls and barriers and infighting among various elements of Christianity does far more harm and alienates more than virtually anything else.  God hates the sowing of discord among brothers. Having the right spirit is as important, if not more important, than making accurate decisions.

The Bible is so strong on Disunity and Discord that it says, “MARK THEM which cause divisions.” (Romans 16:17). The devil will never defeat the local church from the outside.  I conclude that Romans 16:17 says to mark one group of people, and Philippians 3:17 says to mark another group.  The first group is those who cause division, and the second group is those who set the right example.  Mark them both but avoid the first and flock to the second.   You can choose your attitude.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Hebrews 13:15-16 – “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  NASB

Each year on Christmas Day, it has been my heart’s desire and practice to set aside some time to reflect on God’s Gift to mankind and His goodness to my family and me during the year.  I have had numerous people ask me to participate in a specific time to pause all festivities and engage in a time of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Lord on this special day.  All that is good and worthy of involvement and consideration, yet I have one more thing to suggest.

On this day, the Day after Christmas, called Boxing Day in many parts of the world and celebrated in various forms, including giving to the poor and needy.  After you have opened all your presents and enjoyed the festivities with family and friends, I suggest that you take a moment to evaluate your blessings and determine to share something with those less fortunate.  I hope that you have already done this before Christmas Day, but if you have not, I encourage you to consider an endeavor that the Bible makes clear is pleasing to God and something that He routinely blesses – – Giving to the Needy. 

Maybe you received something that you do not need.  Rather than returning or exchanging it for something for yourself, consider taking it or the refund and doing something for those who did not have the wherewithal to celebrate this day with gifts for their children or family. They may need food, clothing, or shelter, and your contribution, regardless of how small, would make a meaningful difference in their lives today. Perhaps you do not know of anyone in that condition or situation, but I would suggest that your church does some of the local charities that are worthy and honorable, or maybe friends, family, or neighbors do.  Ask, and you might be surprised how near to your physical local the needy are.

I am not trying to shame anyone into doing something but simply suggesting that we count our blessings and then consider the possibility of giving a blessing to someone who is not as fortunate or blessed as we are today. It will be an excellent catalyst into the coming year, propel you to even greater heights in your spiritual journey, and may even be a significant factor in your financial development in the coming year.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us, so we are not going to stamp out poverty and need, but we can be aware of it and minister to it when it is revealed to us and within our ability to do so. 

May God bless you and provide you with a joyous and happy New Year!

Today many are celebrating with family in the warmth of their homes, opening presents and preparing to partake of the holiday feast prepared or being prepared.  Sadly, there are others alone, cold, penniless, and destitute.  Some of them have lost all hope.  I ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers and if you have not already, plan to help someone in need, if not today, soon.  Christmas is about Love, Caring, and Giving, and how better to manifest the Spirit of Christmas than by reaching out to someone in need?

I only offer this poem below that I wrote 17 years ago when I encountered parathyroid cancer and experienced a work of God the surgeon called a miracle.  As I sat in my truck at lunch praying and reading scripture, I felt a warmth cover my body and knew in my heart that God had removed the remnant of cancer. 

I had undergone surgery, but it did not appear that all had been removed.  A second surgery was planned, and about two weeks before the surgery, this experience occurred when the PTH and calcium levels were checked. They had gone from the high to the low side of the normal scale. 

The doctor said, “This does not happen medically.”  He then said, “I think we know who did this.”  We proceeded with the second surgery to repair some things and check everything; from that day to this, all have been normal.  Each Christmas, I remember the rich blessing of life that God has given me, and I give Him all the praise.

I give this poem as my gift and pray that God grants you a most joyous Christmas.  As I bid you adieu for the day, I depart shouting – – M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S!!!

TWILIGHT AND MIDNIGHT CHRISTMAS…

When we are young, and life is like a flowering tree

We think only of the moment; what’s in it for me?

Christmas is a time of anticipation.

Youthful joy and full of expectation

What will we get? What can we do?

It’s all about me and little about you.

Then in our teens, those rebellious years.

We bring to our parents exquisite joy and rivers of tears/

Christmas is a time of anticipation

Youthful joy and full of expectation.

Why can’t I go off with my friends and see

What this world can offer me?

Then as young adults with children of our own

We are now parents, and the worry to us belongs.

Christmas is a time of our children’s anticipation

Waiting to see if we fulfilled their every expectation.

If you fail, this you will hear, “But I wanted the latest and hottest fad

I didn’t get it now; I am mad.”

Then come the twilight years.

You are alone to face all your fears.

Children and grandchildren are grown with families of their own.

It’s Christmas, and you are alone,

Forgotten, it seems, with no one to share

Life’s little joys for no one does care.

Remember this in your Christmas of twilight.

As you turn inward and are filled with the darkness of night.

It’s not the specific day that makes it so dear

It’s not even the time of the year.

It’s that your family has set one day aside.

To join you and celebrate Christmas there by your side.

© Roy Beaird – 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Peace on Earth, Good Will To All… MAY 2023 be joyous, productive, prosperous, and powerful!