Paul’s thorn and God’s glory

Paul’s thorn and experience of God’s glory

S-2 Corinthians 12

Paul’s Vision

1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from {this,} so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

A Thorn in the Flesh

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

O- Mathew Henry commentary on these verses to follow:

• I. The narrative the apostle gives of the favours God had shown him, and the honour he had done him; for doubtless he himself is the man in Christ of whom he speaks. Concerning this we may take notice,
• 1. Of the honour itself which was done to the apostle: he was caught up into the third heaven, v. 2. When this was we cannot say, whether it was during those three days that he lay without sight at his conversion or at some other time afterwards, much less can we pretend to say how this was, whether by a separation of his soul from his body or by an extraordinary transport in the depth of contemplation. It would be presumption for us to determine, if not also to enquire into, this matter, seeing the apostle himself says, Whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell. It was certainly a very extraordinary honour done him: in some sense he was caught up into the third heaven, the heaven of the blessed, above the aerial heaven, in which the fowls fly, above the starry heaven, which is adorned with those glorious orbs: it was into the third heaven, where God most eminently manifests his glory. We are not capable of knowing all, nor is it fit we should know very much, of the particulars of that glorious place and state; it is our duty and interest to give diligence to make sure to ourselves a mansion there; and, if that be cleared up to us, then we should long to be removed thither, to abide there for ever. This third heaven is called paradise (v. 4), in allusion to the earthly paradise out of which Adam was driven for his transgression; it is called the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7), signifying to us that by Christ we are restored to all the joys and honours we lost by sin, yea, to much better. The apostle does not mention what he saw in the third heaven or paradise, but tells us that he heard unspeakable words, such as it is not possible for a man to utter-such are the sublimity of the matter and our unacquaintedness with the language of the upper world: nor was it lawful to utter those words, because, while we are here in this world, we have a more sure word of prophecy than such visions and revelations. 2 Pt. 1:19. We read of the tongue of angels as well as men, and Paul knew as much of that as ever any man upon earth did, and yet preferred charity, that is, the sincere love of God and our neighbour. This account which the apostle gives us of his vision should check our curious desires after forbidden knowledge, and teach us to improve the revelation God has given us in his word. Paul himself, who had been in the third heaven, did not publish to the world what he had heard there, but adhered to the doctrine of Christ: on this foundation the church is built, and on this we must build our faith and hope.
• 2. The modest and humble manner in which the apostle mentions this matter is observable. One would be apt to think that one who had had such visions and revelations as these would have boasted greatly of them; but, says he, It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory, v. 1. He therefore did not mention this immediately, nor till above fourteen years after, v. 2. And then it is not without some reluctancy, as a thing which in a manner he was forced to by the necessity of the case. Again, he speaks of himself in the third person, and does not say, I am the man who was thus honoured above other men. Again, his humility appears by the check he seems to put upon himself (v. 6), which plainly shows that he delighted not to dwell upon this theme. Thus was he, who was not behind the chief of the apostles in dignity, very eminent for his humility. Note, It is an excellent thing to have a lowly spirit in the midst of high advancements; and those who abase themselves shall be exalted.
• II. The apostle gives an account of the methods God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure; and this he speaks of to balance the account that was given before of the visions and revelations he had had. Note, When God's people communicate their experiences, let them always remember to take notice of what God has done to keep them humble, as well as what he has done in favour to them and for their advancement. Here observe,
• 1. The apostle was pained with a thorn in the flesh, and buffeted with a messenger of Satan, v. 7. We are much in the dark what this was, whether some great trouble or some great temptation. Some think it was an acute bodily pain or sickness; others think it was the indignities done him by the false apostles, and the opposition he met with from them, particularly on the account of his speech, which was contemptible. However this was, God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us; and this is certain, that what the apostle calls a thorn in his flesh was for a time very grievous to him: but the thorns Christ wore for us, and with which he was crowned, sanctify and make easy all the thorns in the flesh we may at any time be afflicted with; for he suffered, being tempted, that he might be able to succour those that are tempted. Temptations to sin are most grievous thorns; they are messengers of Satan, to buffet us. Indeed it is a great grievance to a good man to be so much as tempted to sin.
• 2. The design of this was to keep the apostle humble: Lest he should be exalted above measure, v. 7. Paul himself knew he had not yet attained, neither was already perfect; and yet he was in danger of being lifted up with pride. If God love us, he will hide pride from us, and keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered, to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan, which he did not send with a good design, but on the contrary, with ill intentions, to discourage the apostle (who had been so highly favoured of God) and hinder him in his work. But God designed this for good, and he overruled it for good, and made this messenger of Satan to be so far from being a hindrance that it was a help to the apostle.
• 3. The apostle prayed earnestly to God for the removal of this sore grievance. Note, Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh we should give ourselves to prayer. Therefore we are sometimes tempted that we may learn to pray. The apostle besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from him, v. 8. Note, Though afflictions are sent for our spiritual benefit, yet we may pray to God for the removal of them: we ought indeed to desire also that they may reach the end for which they are designed. The apostle prayed earnestly, and repeated his requests; he besought the Lord thrice, that is, often. So that if an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we must hold on, and hold out, till we receive an answer. Christ himself prayed to his Father thrice. As troubles are sent to teach us to pray, so they are continued to teach us to continue instant in prayer.
• 4. We have an account of the answer given to the apostle's prayer, that, although the trouble was not removed, yet an equivalent should be granted: My grace is sufficient for thee. Note,
• (1.) Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always answer it in the letter; as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love.
• (2.) When God does not remove our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives us grace sufficient for us, we have no reason to complain, nor to say that he deals ill by us. It is a great comfort to us, whatever thorns in the flesh we are pained with, that God's grace is sufficient for us. Grace signifies two things:-
• [1.] The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses.
• [2.] The good work of God in us, the grace we receive from the fulness that is in Christ our head; and from him there shall be communicated that which is suitable and seasonable, and sufficient for his members. Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified; he ordains his praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.
• III. Here is the use which the apostle makes of this dispensation: He gloried in his infirmities (v. 9), and took pleasure in them, v. 10. He does not mean his sinful infirmities (those we have reason to be ashamed of and grieved at), but he means his afflictions, his reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake, v. 10. And the reason of his glory and joy on account of these things was this-they were fair opportunities for Christ to manifest the power and sufficiency of his grace resting upon him, by which he had so much experience of the strength of divine grace that he could say, When I am weak, then am I strong. This is a Christian paradox: when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we see ourselves weak in ourselves, then we go out of ourselves to Christ, and are qualified to receive strength from him, and experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace.

Also listen to Dr J Vernon McGee on this chapter

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Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

S-1 Thes 3

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

O- It is inspiring to watch Paul from a distance continue lead the churches he had planted. As he sends this letter to the Thessalonians, we see that though Paul is in Athens, he still gives great thought to the church families that he has raised, and left to continue his mission work elsewhere. What I see in Paul is a leader who deeply cares about those he has led, even those he has long since discipled, he takes the time to check in with them and provide assistance in corrections as needed, or as the Holy Spirit would lead him.  In this particular case, he does the servant leader thing and even sends Timothy his assistant at cost to himself, in order to encourage and strengthen the Thessalonians. This is truly inspirational leadership.

A- The application for me is to try to be the servant and inspirational leader that Paul was. I can see myself needing to example his servant hood at home, in that in my leadership of my family I need to place their needs above mine. At work I need to be passionate about raising leaders and teams, but recognizing their very young and inexperienced, I need to be willing to send my best to help, even if it’s at the cost to me or my staff. Specifically so it is not lost in this journal the project teams at the shipyard are like the newly planted churches. They are full of young excited leaders who have a passion to do the right thing but not always the support and experience to be successful. I must constantly be checking in with them and sending the right people down to help, and approach that helps in a servant leadership manner. 

P- Dear heavenly father thank you Lord for today’s devotion, and even helping me break out of a bit of a journaling slump. I realize that I can be hard on myself, and that I have spent daily time with you, however I can see the slippery slope of not journaling as it is part of the process for me learning and growing closer to you. I thank you Lord for your grace, Help me to give myself the correct amount of grace so that I don’t place my own expectations on myself that drive me from your purpose and plan in my life. I pray all of this in Jesus Christ name amen.

The fruit of the mouth

The fruit from our mouths

S-Matthew 12

33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35 The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. 36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

O-Jesus is lecturing to his disciples and to those listening (Pharisees)and what he is saying is there is a new tree in town. A tree that bears good fruit. You see the old fruit has it been fruitful, he speaks of the Pharisees who have things in their heart that are apart from god and as a result they not leading God’s people well. Jesus is telling them that what you speak comes from what you stored up inside of you not what’s on the exterior. If you stored up desires of this world and of the flash, or if you stored things that are not from God, when it comes time to speak for God you are not representing him well. He also gives a warning that we are to be careful with our words, that we are accountable for them, In that we will be justified by them.

A-The application for me is to recognize that I still have some things, if not many things called stored up inside of me that are not from God. In order for me to bear good fruit in my words I must find in Callaway those things inside of me from which I draw words that are not of God or represent him in anyway. Examples that come to my mind are the anger or hate that I have stored inside of me from different has to experiences in my family, at work or at school, or in my friendships and interactions with others. I seem to harvest some anger when I am feeling disrespected or belittled. I often times do so without correctly perceiving for understanding person‘s intentions or words. I am on the journey now to continue to read myself of these past experiences, as well as changing those things that I treasure from things of this world to things that are of him for God.

P-dear heavenly father thank you for this morning‘s devotion, I pray that you continue to do a good work in me. I am praying Lord that you would help me to find a way to read myself of the feelings of anger and disrespect that occur when speaking with certain people.I pray all of this in Jesus Christ name amen.

speaking humbly, writing boldly

Writing boldly, speaking softly

S-2Cor10

1 Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! 2 I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

7 You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 9 for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting beyond our measure, that {is,} in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

O-I almost got lost in Paul‘s dissertation here, not because it was it clear, but because I feel it mimics my own reality. What Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth is about who he is. Since Paul has established the church in Corinth, left, and sent letters back giving guidance I.e. 1 Corinthian’s.Here in second Corinthians we see Paul needing to explain to the people of Corinth that while he is with them he may appear humble and meek, yet in letters bold and pressing. His truth is that he is both , both kind and compassionate, and at bold in demanding. Paul goes on to explain this boldness doesn’t come from himself, therefore is not arrogance, but his strength comes from the Lord and therefore is righteous.

A-The application for me is to live a life like Paul, to be a leader like Paul, and to be a servant of Christ like Paul. I see Paul’s boldness in myself, not yet perfected, yet building into a Christ center leader who boldly can speak the truth, in love. The mistakes I’ve made in the past have been to expect people to recognize who I am and who I represent. When disrespected, or minimized I respond and elevate from my place of boldness to a place of anger in retaliation. It is this behavior I must stop, and follow Paul‘s example. Paul does two things in hears about things that upset him, he writes a letter in boldness impresses in direct me harshly at times but is able to prelude and post script it in a way that the corrected receive the correction in love. For me I must continue to practice my skills of articulating my thoughts in writing, more than reacting with my words in speech.I myself so follow Paul’s example and when in person, with kindness and love.

P-Dear heavenly father, thank you for today’s lesson, may it be sealed to my heart. I pray Lord that you would continue to help transform my heart and mind in to Jesus’ image, and particularly help me to pause when confronted with things that upset me help me to respond meekly and with love. But I also ask that you would continue to develop my writing skills so that I may communicate with boldness And righteousness.

Love’s characteristics

Love’s characteristics

S-1Cor13

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

O- Paul’s definition of love, and therefore God‘s definition of love is the only one that counts. Now this verse is not the definition of love, as much as the characteristics of God‘s love. God‘s love is kind, and is not jealous.  He does not need to brag for he created the entire world, he is not arrogant because he can do all things, he does not act unbecomingly because he is the king of kings, he does not seek his own, all things are his to give. He is not provoked, and has infinite grace for those that wrong Him. He celebrates when his truth’s are proclaimed, his love has born the weight of our sin, and yet still believes in and has hope in us. He endures our child like behaviors.

A-Application for me, as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, is to every day try and be more and more like Christ. That means I must learn to love like Jesus loves. I will know how I am doing by the characteristics of my own actions.  If faced with having to wait I will know I’ve loved well when I can do so patiently. If while I am being required to be patient I am not unkind or jealous in my actions or thoughts, I will know I am loving well. I will know I am loving well when I don’t feel the need to boast in my accomplishments or falsely have confidence beyond my ability. I will know I am loving well when I am not seeking my own glorification, but God’s glory. I will know I am loving well when even though I’m provoked to take action in response to someone’s wrongdoing, I take no action. I know I am loving well when I see unrighteous  things happen to my enemies, and I don’t internally celebrate, but instead proclaim and celebrate the Gods truth.  I will know I am loving well when there is evidence that I am able to bear all things that are not from God, believe all things that are from God and put my hope in him completely, so that I might endure all the circumstances that I am placed in, and still glorify God.

P-Dear heavenly father, thank you for your love, and showing me what true love is. Lord my prayer today is that you would continue to do a good work in me, transforming my heart and my mind and my soul to be more like Jesus each and every day. Lord I pray that you would heal the scars and wounds from my own sins, and past hurts that are preventing me from loving others like you do. I pray all of this in Jesus Christ name amen.

Facing my giants

Facing my giants

S-Job 32

Elihu in Anger Rebukes Job

1 Then these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God. 3 And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men his anger burned.

6 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

7 “I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom.

8 “But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 “The abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may elders understand justice.

10 “So I say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell what I think.’

11 “Behold, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, While you pondered what to say.

12 “I even paid close attention to you; Indeed, there was no one who refuted Job, Not one of you who answered his words.

13 “Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; God will rout him, not man.’

14 “For he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your arguments.

15 “They are dismayed, they no longer answer; Words have failed them.

16 “Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and no longer answer?

17 “I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion.

18 “For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me.

19 “Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

20 “Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.

21 “Let me now be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man.

22 “For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.

Galatians 5

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

O-The Lord has shown me through these two different yet connected passages in scripture how I am to process and handle circumstances I find myself in. Like Job I am in the midst of a great trial of circumstances in which those around me would advise me different than the Spirit of God that is within me.  And like the Galatians  I am to take Paul’s advice to walk by the Spirit and not by the desires of my flesh.  Circumstances have me leading in an organization in which dysfunction reigns and the politics run deep and dark. God I believe is calling me to be the light in the circumstance. And much like Job, I understand that externally, the situation may seem simple and easy.  The decision to choose to follow the three (Sliger, Otis, Gibson) satisfies the flesh but it’s not Gods way. it’s a great battle at a whole other level in which God‘s victory is available, if not inevitable.  There is even an Elihu (Gianokokos) who wants to rebuke the three and support me in Gods plan here at Puget.

A-so what is the application then that I am to take away from this scripture.?! Well the process of devotion is not where I come up with a plan but where the Lord helps me understand his application. What His spirit in me is telling me is to continue to proceed down with Job and path with the Paul passion and boldness.  Enough said.

P-dear heavenly father thank you for your Holy Spirit guiding me and leading me. I thank you for your power which is perfected through Christ in me. I pray Lord that you would help me guard against my fleshes reaction and response to the circumstances I am in, and that you would help me stay tuned to your Holy Spirit as both my comforter, peace giver, and direction finder.  I pray all of that in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Feeling under attack all around you

S -psalm 120

1 In my trouble I cried to the Lord, And He answered me.

2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, You deceitful tongue?

4 Sharp arrows of the warrior, With the burning coals of the broom tree.

5 Woe is me, for I sojourn in Meshech, For I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long has my soul had its dwelling With those who hate peace.

7 I am for peace, but when I speak, They are for war.

O- My observation at first is that I can relate with the Psalmist here, who is likely David.  Often times in our relationship with the Lord, and living in the world we are amongst great blessings, followed by great trials.  David speaks of how he responded to these trails first by crying out to the Lord to deliver him from the people trying to bring harm to him.  Often times it’s to escape what others intend to harm us with, in this case Sharp arrows burning coals these were likely actual and spiritual battles David faced.  David proclaims he is for peace,  not passivity.   He seeks the peace that comes from God and not the passivity that goes along with following mans ways.

A-The application for me is to look at my situation at work and at home and apply the wisdom of this song to those situations. At home I am facing what feels like a trial with my mom with regard to our relationship and our communication with each other. While I deeply love my mother I know there are scars from my past that come from her, and which are not from God.  It is these things that I am trying to rid myself of that cause the greatest tension between her and I.  When I realize God has changed within me, because it only takes a conversation with her to upset me when I hear words from her that drive me back to the way I was before Christ. I confess my response is passionate and often times angry, but as in the song I feel like the lies my mom speaks, this is the manner in which she has always communicated with me and others, are the arrows in which I am trying to avoid, yet draw out the fight instinct in me, when in my heart I only seek peace with her.  At work, a similar response is elicited from me when coworkers, subordinates, and even superiors speak to me in the manner in which I feel I am being belittled or pushed into a cornerIn which I feel my morals and values, as well as analysis would have me avoid. The common denominator in these two circumstances is  me.   I know there is a lie deep in me which God can reveal and heal.  

P- Dear heavenly father, thank you for today’s message through your servant David. I confess I have this ugly mess inside of me from my past, I confess also that I am a new creation in Christ. However the scars of the past still affect my attitude and actions at times.  Lord I pray for healing and untangling of this broken mess from my past. Whether that be the scars of my father, and mother, or scars of growing up and learning that there are lies and bullies out there.  Lord also help me to have your perspective on situations and not my own, which can be colored by my past scars and anger. Lord I know you are with me and I am thankful for all that you have done in my life for me, and so that I might serve you for the rest of my life. I pray all this in Jesus Christ name,amen.