Ez 7: 15-27

Just as far as the east is from the west, so God's wrath upon the nations will happen. Sin is sin - the absence of God. Whether we acknowledge our deeds or not, if He is not in our thoughts and deeds - we have sinned. We can say we are His, but if our actions and intentions don't reflect it we are no better than those that we "condemn" and judge. The Israelites were given much so for them much was expected. They chose to be enamoured with their wealth and sought not to build up their treasures in heaven as Jesus was telling us to do but rather create idols and worship out of the decadence. The true worshipper does it out of his poverty and his humility before a God that provides more than material wealth. The repentance that will come out of their upcoming trials will be shallow since the motives will be to preserve what they are going to miss rather than out of conviction of sin. The Psalms say, some trust in chariots but we should put our trust in the Lord our God.

Pride and false security do fall and that is my prayer for me today. May I endeavor not to place my hopes and trust in what just gets me through the day but rather what I am banking now for eternity.

Praise for today: that You my God are my refuge - a shelter in the storm.

Ezekiel 7: 1-14

Now the Lord's wrath has been spread abroad from Israel to the four corners of the world. His rage is total and His judgement is just. Like a parent whose child has been totally disobediant and defiant is faced with rage and disappointment, God is faced with a people that have totally turned their back to Him. Doom, disaster - words that we hear today as a nation and as a world that has rejected Him. Until the rain comes, one never appreciates the sunshine. I am reading the Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias and he said that when we are on the mountaintop we should take memory snapshots in our heads so that when we are in the valleys we can look to those pictures as hope and faith. How is it that we cannot keep God in the forefront of our lives? How is it that when we do have the mountaintop experience we don't give credit and praise to God but we blame and/or seek Him when the valleys are lower and seem endless.

He talks here about the rod as a means of discipline and as a punishment for the wicked. I don't know about you but when I was a child I felt the rod and felt it I did. Did it make me a worse person, absolutely not! While I didn't have to use it when I was raising my sons (not that they were perfect) they knew that their form of punishment fit the crime when meted out by Irene and/or myself. I am still a big proponent of all forms of discipline when used properly and explained in love. The reverse is true when I didn't do it correctly or was too harsh - sought their forgiveness and tried to rectify and administer justice.

Prayers for today: I am going to see the foot doctor on Tuesday morning and hopefully it won't take long to remedy this. Prayer for GG that he gets his "house " in order and that he will be able to drive out to his home base out west safely and find a place to hang his shingle. Prayers for Irene and David as they help him through this phase of his life.

Praise for today: that God protects His own! GG got home safely from Denver with his wings!

Ezekiel 6

God has spoken against the city and now He addresses the places of height (mountains and hills) and to the ravines and valleys - He will bring a sword and destroy the high places. They are the ones that house the altars and poles and of course, the people that inhabit them. We sometimes look at the hills and the landscape even when we drive or on a golf course or park and can't imagine this especially when we are in awe of the beauty of these surroundings. In God's eyes, they are no less innocent than the people that they are inhabited by and support.
The concept of remnant theology is expressed in v. 8 - so that some are spared and in v.9 and 10 will turn from their wicked ways and know that God did not bring this calamity upon them but rather themselves. They will also see His holiness and ultimately His mercies. Nevertheless, the calamity that will be brought upon them will spread near and far as they will feel the wrath of the Lord. Again, what condition have they fallen to so as to deserve and justify this wrath! Are we far from it in our society? and in our own lives? I pray that I am faithful so as to be included in His remnants as time draws near to His coming.

Prayers for today: that I may gain the time to see a podiatrist for my foot and get this solved for once and for all. That my peeps ( and that list is growing!) gets better and stays such! For my family and their trials and walks!

Praise for today: I praise Him for justice and His standards which never change!

Ez 5

Just as one would scatter ashes to remember and have closure to a person's life (if cremated), so after this year + of preparing himself, Ezekiel now has to cut off his hair and beard. A Nazarite would never cut off his locks since they were considered sacred but the Lord had different plans for this one. He was to use a sword as a barber's razor (ouch!) and then divide up his locks using a scale into three equal portions for 3 different purposes and use them three different ways. The hair would represent the extremes that the Lord would deal with Jerusalem and the most extreme would be the cannabalism of its people by themselves and the plague that would wipe out a third or more of the population. They have reached the lowest of low in the eyes of the Lord.Only when they would wipe out this generation would the Lord's anger and wrath against them subside and will God be avenged. Famine will also accompany this period of punishment.

I couldn't even fathom to what depths the Israelites had fallen to receive this sentence but it took years and years of a pattern that sunk deeper and deeper. God will not be mocked whether in that time or now. His truth and glory will shine despite our feeble and selfish ways. I am really getting into this book!

Prayers for a safe ride home for the Meister and a job well done. Also for my peeps and their issues.

Praise for today: I praise Him for being the same  - yesterday, today and forever! He alone is worthy of my praise!

Ez 4

Now the games begin. Ezekiel was told to take a brick and use it as a the symbol of Jerusalem and its siege. The next step was for him to lie on his left side for 390 days - a day for each year that they rebelled against God and then on his right side for 40 days - the seperation of Judah from the rest of the nation. The days he was to be on his right side with his bared arm he was to prophesize against Judah. All of this while being bound with ropes by God. I don't know about you, but I move alot when I am in bed trying to get comfortable for a night - I would really feel it for 390 plus another 40 days. The meal was another special ordeal. The bread was special and represented the repentance of Israel and was initially to be made using human poop as the fuel. Ezekiel protested and was able to use cow manure - I guess that's better. Either way the food was not pleasant. I just cringe every time I drive through a pasture where it just has been laid down for fertilization. During all of this time, God will also shut down the food and water supply so they too have to feel some discomfort.

In order to know someone's pain sometimes one has to go through the pain himself. This was an extreme form of "fasting" and preparing one for the task at hand. Ezekiel was a special person called for a special task. I look at him as a precursor for Christ and what he would be going through to be our true Savior.

Praise that it is Friday and that I am heading home. Prayers for my family and my peeps.

Ez 3: 16-27

For 7 days, Ezekiel sat among the exiles and he was overwhelmed. v. 17 is his charge as God's appointed watchman for the house of Israel. Ezekiel charge was not to sugarcoat the sins of Israel and to "just bring it" to them and dissuade them from their lifestyle and repent. If he wouldn't do it then Ezekiel would be held accountable for the destruction and blood of Israel. God wanted to make this "crystal clear" to Ezekiel so he stated this twice and directly. God then showed His Glory to him and and sent him out of his current place into the plains. The Spirit of God was with him and spoke to Ezekiel and made him mute until the time was ready and right for him to charge the rebellious nation.

What a charge and what a way to start a ministry! Ezekiel was truly a Son of man. I'm sure that whatever fear, anxiety and trepidation that was to come would be dispelled or measured against that time in his life when he was chosen and sanctified before God.

Hope that GG gets to fly and that he will soar with the eagles. I am praiseful that David and Irene are doing well and are enjoying their time together. I keep them all in my prayers and thoughts as the weekend approaches and we can spend some time together. Looking forward to discuss with the other elders of GFC our future and our current condition on Sat.

Praise for today: That God still loves us enough to have sent Jesus in spite of my and the world's shortcomings.

Ez 3: 1-15

STill an awesome beginning to Ezekiel's ministry! Eat the scroll! You are what you eat! The scroll tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth and it became a part of him so that he was equipped to handle any situation with God at his side. God was constantly berrating the Israelites and at the same time gearing up Ezekiel for his task. By sending him to his own people, God gave him a chance to "preach and teach and make disciples in Judea and Samaria" rather than the "outermost parts of the world". God is so disgusted with the Israelites that He feels that they are harder to reach for Ezekiel than if he were placed in foreign country given their hardness and being obstinate.

I love the imagery of the Spirit lifting him up (12) and carrying him to the place where he would start his ministry. There he assumed and became one with God in spirit and purpose as the hand of the Lord was upon him. Let the games begin!!!

Glad I was able to speak to GG and clarify his FB post. Hopefully he passed his oral and can put that behind him for the rest of the task at hand. Prayers for him from me daily and non-ceasing. Prayers also for David and Irene as they carry on!

Praise for today: I praise God for His gift of life in our Lord Jesus!

Ez 2

What a chapter! God, after all of the fanfare and majesty, now gets down to business! Usually when God speaks men lay prostrate and in terror. Ezekiel was in that position when he saw the likeness of God and started to hear his voice. He is called Son of man, a title that was also given to Jesus as well. Ezekiel when addressed feels the Spirit come upon him when he is given his charge to preach to Israel, a rebellious nation. God acknowledges His relationship with them as He does with us. Right from the getgo, He tells them to preach and not be afraid since He will be with him and give Ezekiel the words to say. God will provide Ezekiel the food or sustanence that he needs as well. To end this chapter, he sees a hand stretched forward with a scroll which the hand unrolled before him. On both sides of it were written words of lament, mourning and woe.

What a charge! Needless to say that this town crier won't be bringing any words of support to the Israelites - not that they deserve it. A select task for a select man. I often think and ponder about the 4Him song - A man you would write about. I use that as a lifesong and hope that I am worthy of the calling no matter what the consequences or reward.

Very enjoyable time in the chaos last night to chat and pray for GG. God is and will direct his path and never give him second best.

Prayers for the victims and the workers in Japan. Also prayers for the other missionaries that are living out the Gospel and being Ezekiel in those lands. Prayers for my peeps as well.

Praise for today: that God is just and faithful to listen and answer my prayers.

Ez 1: 16-29

This is the second half of the chapter that describes the cheribum that carries the throne of God. The details that are in the Bible still really can't describe the awe and the totality of what Ezekiel saw. The wheel concept was interesting in that they were spinning but were not there to move the vehicle and of course the materials that were thought of to construct this wheel. Needless to say, it was a sight that was breathtaking and beyond words. Ezekiel saw Jesus in His glory and that would give him the validity and the motivation to speak and be his watchman. One commentary stated that he "thought" he saw God because no one sees God (the Father) and lives but I feel a little different since this was a similar encounter to what Isaiah saw in Is. 6. Clearly, in the chapters that follow, there is a dialogue between God and man.

What I drew out of this was that this first chapter was to set the stage and gave validity to the rest of the book. God met Ezekiel at the prime of his life and at the outset of his ministry. He was a part of "prophet" school and now his vocation would be marked forever. There is nothing to speak of his morals, ideals and background other than he was a priest. God would take an ordinary man and do extraordinary things to and through him.

Prayers for my peeps today and for myself as I feel a little tired this morning before heading out to the gym. Good day at church as the retreat is coming together and we had a good prayer meeting. The weather was nice but the lack of heat at church wasn't.

Praise for today: Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!

Ez 1: 1-15

I am starting a new book delving back to the OT. When I first was called and prepared myself for becoming an elder at my church, I turned to this book as a guidepost since Ezekiel was a watchman and that is what I was called to be as well.
Ezekiel's time was during the 6th C - BC and his ministry came about the same time as Jesus in his 30th year of life. As an exile, he saw a vision and the glory and power of God. The creatures he saw in his vision were spectacular in statute but also a representation that God has power over all the earth and sees everything. If they weren't unique, the angels' appearance would not have stood out and caught the attention of Ezekiel. They were true servants and go where the Spirit led without waver. I guess the similarities of these creatures and Isaiah's (Chap 6) would be in their "coal-like" appearance yet their purposes were entirely different.
I love the OT! God has great things in store for me as I delve back into this book.

I am extremely thankful that I was able to spend time with my son (via phone) to encourage him during a "down-time" of his training. God always gives us valleys to appreciate the mountain-tops. I know that praying with him will be difficult due to his schedule in sims, still it will never stop me from praying and thinking thoughts of him.

Prayers for today: that God will heal and comfort my peeps - seeking physical and mental healing, give traveling mercies to those who are on the road (like myself later) and for those still ravaged by the tsunami. My thoughts also go out to those on the missions field - far and near, as they seek His will and be safe in a unstable world.

Praise for today: I praise Him for His steadfastness to me and my family.

2 Cor 13

What a way to end this letter! Paul is telling them that he will make his third trip (there are places that I haven't even step foot in, nevertheless three times). He was mindful to tell them of the potential pitfalls the last time he visited them. Repeat offenders and new ones will not be spared his wrath given their demands of proof that he is "in Christ". As SCC says, strength is in His power and by His weakness, but that all is for the purpose of serving.

His charge is for us to test ourselves if we are in the faith. Wow! What test is that? I suspect that part of it is our adoption of a new mindset as set forth in Phil. 4:8. Do we see, hear, taste and touch others with the mind of Christ? Are we Thomases or are we Daniels ready to act because we have confidence in Christ? Do we build up or tear down? Do we actually pray or say that we will because it sounds nice? Do we trust that our prayers are heard and answered or is it conscious clearing? Are we holy and righteous? Do we follow Micah 6:8? Unlike a blood test or an exam that GG is taking, this test is ongoing like a refiner and his end game - pure gold.

Paul tells us to aim for perfection. Why not? Isn't that our goal to be sanctified? He also prays for harmony - understandable given their situation.

Prayer for today - for those who have died, injured and have suffered in this terrible disaster. for my peeps and family and for GG who is undergoing the career tests of a lifetime.

Praise for today - that God is good!

2 Cor 12:13-21

Paul's concern for the Corinthians is so great that he is willing to visit them a third time. We may think it is easy given our modern-day ease of transportation and freedoms. Yet with Paul and his time, it is a huge undertaking. A church is not a "set it and forget it" item. Paul is willing to "spend and expend" himself for these people. He doesn't consider his status inferior as one "in Christ" and likewise doesn't consider that church "inferior" to other churches as well. The one he sent, Titus, was one who was self-sufficient and still gave so as not to be a burden and thus Paul will come with that same attitude. His concern is that they will be as vibrant and as pure a church as a "bride of Christ" should be.

I guess that means we constantly have to strive to have our house in order - whether on a personal basis or as a church to be prepared as His bride.

Prayer for today - same as prior days - peeps, GG and his travails and attitude, David and Irene.

Praise for today: That God always sends a rainbow after the rain.

2 Cor 12: 1-10

Paul is speaking of himself and the experiences that he underwent to gain his perspective in Christ. I want to be a man "in Christ" - what a huge statement! If I am in Christ then all that I gain, have and attain is through and or for Christ. As the song says, In Christ alone - I place my trust. The vision and the validity of Christ through v.4 was awesome and blessed. Paul is willing to speak the truth (God's truth) no matter who he offends or how he does it. Sometimes, I speak what I feel and hold no punches - but do I speak what I feel is the truth? and do I say it with love?

Paul also speaks of the "thorn" - many have speculated what that was but be it suffice to say that it bother him so much that he ended up asking God to take it away from him, not once but three times. I think of Moses and him striking the rock twice and was punished for it. God knew what was Paul was facing and made him stronger not by taking it away but by using it as an example to others. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I wish that as tough times and pain comes (and they will) that I may be like Paul and say "when I am weak, I am strong".

Sorry the post was late, had to take a blood test @ 6 AM before going to the gym - the thoughts here was from this morning and some from tonight.

Prayers  and praises for today - for my peeps and my attitude of being "in Christ". Thanking God for Linda and her progress versus the "C". God is good!

2 Cor. 11: 16-33

In this section, Paul goes after his opponents. In doing so, he declares himself a fool but one who has gone through the pain and torture for the Gospel - unlike his detractors. He blasts the Corinthians (v. 20) and lets them know that they have been the ones duped. What makes those false teachers and prophets so special that they would be able to dupe them? I guess it's proximity and the fact that Paul has been in prison but still his enbondment is because of the Gospel and his suffering and pain has been a result of his faithfulness and endurance. Paul's concern, while deep for the Corinthians, runs deep for all the churches and is an example to all of us. We should not be myopic in our viewpoint and our focus. We all fight the fight together since we serve the same God.

Prayers for my peeps and for GG in training. For direction for my church and for myself in steering GFC's future.

Praise for today: that the Son will shine and His name be praise.

2 Cor 11:1-15

Paul speaks here of trying to keep the Corinthians pure as the Bride of Christ and that is his end. He wants them to indulge him at this point of the letter so that he may get his point across. It seems that outsiders are coming with "credentials" and were attempting to lead them astray with means that would not ultimately point them to Christ. Part of his concern was his own lack of presence there and what he felt was his inability to be eloquent. He did appeal to them based upon his knowledge and his zeal for them. Sometimes we are like that, looking for the glitz and the sensual appeal rather than the substance. We want to hear and see someone who is charasmatic rather than one who is time-tested and speaks the truth in love. v. 4 should be a litmus test for us to gauge how we should be drawn to the preacher of the Gospel. The passage ends with a charge and an indictment against those who don't preach Christ and Christ alone.

Today, I am praying for GG and his flight back West. I know that the road is still uphill for him but I trust that our Lord will guide his footsteps and make sure his paths. Thanks to Irene for getting him to airport at such an early hour. I am also praying for the tsunami victims in Japan and now the effects that are coming west to HI and the  US mainland.

Praise for today: That the rains have stopped and the Son will shine!

2 Cor 10: 12-18

Often times we use ourselves as a measuring stick. In doing so, we claim some semblance of being a standard - mostly as a "positive" thing since we rarely if ever deem ourselves wrong or substandard. Mostly this is done in the workplace, especially if we have attained some level of competence or "expertise" in a certain area. The Corinthians were addressed here on several fronts as we should be as well when it comes to spiritual issues. They lacked the smarts and the experience to teach and to pontificate where they shouldn't and sometimes we too have crossed that border. Pride is a huge factor and was and still is a "deadly seven sin". I pray that as I get older I can only boast in Christ and Christ alone.

Prayer for today: for the rains and the devasting effects the flooding could affect - for the people and their property. For my peeps and their families - recovery, stability and rest. For my flyboy and the teacher and especially the payroll specialist...

Praise for today: I praise Him even through the storms knowing that He is in control.

2 Cor 10: 1-11

An interesting passage especially since this is point in time when Paul has been forceful in his assessment of the Corinthian church and he rarely minces words. After all, he is speaking in the Spirit of God and his letter in its entirety is part of the canon that we now call the Bible. On the surface, it seems that he speaks out of a spirit of weakness and/or timidity - sign that this letter is faulty or lacks the power that is necessary to "make the cut". On the contrary, Paul speaks here with controlled authority and by (what commentaries call) "the meekness and gentleness of Christ". This is the characteristic that Christ is known for (Matt 11:29) and so we should give Paul some lee-way. Paul does say that (as he started this letter) that he will be forceful when he needs to be and his yeas and nays are given non-wavering and with authority. Thus his statement in v.6.

He does point out in v.7 in ways that are similar to Isaiah that man's ways and thoughts are not on par with God's and that is due to our lack of understanding and incomplete obedience (v.6). Paul doesn't hide behind his letters and we too should be bold in our actions which speak louder (good or bad) than our words. We can say but if we do not do, our lives will be an antithesis of what Christ is (wow! big words!)

I am writing this today later than usual but still feel the need to blog and to continue in His word. It was a long day today but if you ever get on my FB you can see that this has been a long but rewarding week.

Prayer for today (actually tomorrow): that we can get the place cleaned and turned around before we head back up north. Also for traveling mercies for both of us and hooking up with GG and Dave for dinner tomorrow night. It will be good to see GG before he heads off West since his schedule will not be as flexible to come back East as much as we want him to. Still praying for my peeps.

Praise for today: that He is faithful in the little things as much as He is in the grander things.

2 Cor 9

The actions and sentiments that the Corinthians had toward giving and serving were extremely impressive. So much so that Paul continues his letter in this chapter emphasizing it. He uses them as an example to the Macedonians. What if we were the same in our zeal for our own church and in our walk? I heard a sermon yesterday about what we need to do to go the next step. Do we love as Jesus loved? Are we generous as He was? Do we care as He does? Do we give of ourselves cheerfully? or sacrificially?

We are not all called to do all things for the Kingdom, but we are called to do our part (v. 9 -11). We give, it is a form of thanksgiving. I recall the song which says to "give thanks with a grateful heart". If we can't give out of our gratitude, how can we give then?

Prayers for today: for my peeps (near and far) - may God shower them with healing and blessings.
Praise for today: That He gave to us first so that we have an example to return that gift.

2 Cor 8: 16-26

I guess after researching this passage, several points come to light. First, Paul was concerned that the fund-raising that was to occur was done properly and with God's intention and approval. Second, that there would be no mis-appropriations of funds - that the funds would suit God's rather than man's purposes. At times, they are diametrically opposed so TRUST is the key element.

This trust was extremely important especially if this was to be model for churches and especially this particular one. 1 Cor 16 ended with an appeal for fundraising. Let's face it, no one likes to fund raise. I know to me, it's the least appealing aspect of doing God's work. We all flip the channels or chuck the snail mail appeals no matter how creative it is - yet the "show must go on". It was imperative that Paul got this right so to this end, Titus and a "respected" colleague (or church member) would work towards this end. Titus was not sent by Paul but went under his own initiative - key point!!!!  So the main point here is that integrity and initiative work hand-in-hand to achieve this goal. This adds to the integrity of the endeavor. I just pray that we as stewards of God's assets whether on a personal or on a corporate level treat our choices with the same tenor as did Paul with the Corinthians.

So far, we have had a good vacation. I love baseball and I love this weather even more. You can't shovel heat and trapising around in shorts and a t-shirt ain't all bad! Glad to see that GG is progressing well in his endeavors - got a chance to chat and pray with him late last night and looking forward to seeing him on Wed night. Still glad to see that he has the right attitude and perspective in this gig. Also happy to see that Dave's alma mater glided easily to take the A-Sun conference and will be better seeded in March Madness.

Another day of warmth, although it may rain later - going to see the NYY at Houston in Kissimmee later. Decent dinner at Olive Garden last night even though the wine wasn't worth it.

Prayers - that God will heal my peeps! And for rest and love for those that GG has to say goodbye to! Also for the presentation of the Cambodian STM at GFC today!

Praise for today: That He is my Savior and the blessed assurance that He is mine and that He is using this blog as a platform to reach others.

2 Cor 8: 1-15

This is a passage that many use to encourage others to give and give generously. I once heard it say that if you examine a person's checkbook ledger or nowadays their charge receipts, you will see where there heart is. We can say that we care but until we put our monies where our mouth is we merely make it lip-service.  I look at this aspect of our walk as an equal part of every other aspect of my walk - do I pray, do I read and study His Word, am I kind, think noble thoughts and remain pure. But... Jesus stressed giving and giving sacrificially. The rich, young man in Matt 19 comes to mind as well as Matt 6: 19-24 but perhaps for me the greatest indictment of our "generousity" will come in Matt. 25 :31-40.

One cannot force another to give - that comes from the heart and having the heart of God. I know that for some it comes easily, for others it's much more difficult. Sometimes I see it as basic as needs v wants and am I willing to do without so that others can just do and be. I know that in this economy and the way that gas prices are escalating moment by moment, there is much less disposable income around for everyone yet the needs of others remained undaunted and unfulfilled. I know I can't do everything but maybe one dollar at a time.

Yesterday was a good day -weather was good, the baseball game was fun and the dinner at Raglan Road was pretty good as well. The best company I could have made it good as well. Looking forward to today and Game 2 of 5.

Prayers: still for the same.

Praise for today: that God has given me the means to help others, may I respond generously and sacrificially.

2 Cor 7: 2-16

Paul speaks here of several emotions that have surfaced due to circumstances that have occurred during the writing of this letter. He speaks of his own troubles as was normally the case during his travels. He speaks of Titus and the joy and comfort that he brought. Titus was comforted by the Corinthians and that in turn gave comfort to Paul.v.8 tells us that Paul while he was regretful that the 1st letter caused some angst he didn't regret sending it - God's truth needs to be told and faced. v10 is the natural and pure way by which we have come to the faith - any other way will not be grounded in Christ. I know that those who do care have taken me aside and have rebuked and encouraged me over the years - for that I am grateful.
I wonder if one (like Paul) can say that they have complete confidence in me... What a statement to make, something to strive for...

Prayers for today: that I may truly rest this week and enjoy the company of my wife without distractions. I also remain steadfast for those who are ill and troubled.

Praise for today: for my traveling mercies and the awesome weather in my home away from home.

2 Cor 6:14-18 & 7:1

Perhaps the passage used most AGAINST "missionary" dating and marriage. I have seen cases where marriages have survived when "unequally yoked" and Christian marriages fail. There is no substitute for each person of the marriage wanting to make the marriage work and putting 100% into it. I have heard things said how marriages should be but each situation is different. I know that for me, the last 4+ years have been radically different that the past 26 years of marriage. I live two states away during the week and just come home on weekends. I don't know if that has attributed to my marriage being stronger or weaker since I look forward to seeing my bride and my sons during that time. I do know that I look forward to the weekends more and don't take that for granted.

Financially, this has been trying as well, but God has been extremely generous in what I make and so it has been bearable. So that has not been as big an issue for us as it would for others in similar shoes.

Back to the passage... I think that the essence of the passage stems from each person not trying to change the other into their mindset or to fit their mold but rather to point the other to Christ and let Him have His way with that person. It does start with that person (me) wanting and striving to be more like Him and encouraging and being a light to others. That will reinforce and stabilize the heart of the other and hopefully in turn point the other person to do the same. It comes with first becoming pure in heart and then our motives are not for ourselves or even at times our spouse but rather to be a servant to Christ.  I am so happy that I have been supported in my walk by my wife and hopefully I have supported hers.

Prayers for today: That God will direct GG in his next phasewhile he waits for his next step @ GLA. Prayers for my peeps who are sick (Dismukes, KK, Roy Smith, U. Ralph and others) and their healing by the Great Physician. Traveling mercies for Irene and myself to FL.

Praise for today: I thank the Lord that GG passed with flying colors and awaits his next step. I praise Him for His steadfastness toward me and my family.

2 Cor 6:1-13

I always wondered what Paul meant by "not receiving God's grace in vain". I guess he means that we who are blessed and paid for with a price should and must not just take and not give. It's God hearing and doing on our behalf and that is what we must do as well. To be God's eyes and ears and then His hands, feet and heart is what I think Paul means.
I have never gone through the hardships and the joys for the Gospel the way that Paul and the other apostles in those times have. Yet the bottom line is that if and when we do, are we willing to be rejoicing.? It seems that Paul is encountering the Corinthians as a "one-way"street. By him revealing what he has gone through was not to brag but rather to show them that there is a God that it is worth it all to suffer and be persecuted for. Still very good passage for me this morning...

Prayers: for my peeps and GG and his exam this morning. You know who you are that I am praying for you and I am praying for our God to rain down His blessing and healing powers on you!

Praise for today: for this passage! I will rejoice with and for Him who died for me!