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He was a man after God’s own heart. A mighty warrior and a valiant king. He stood down to no man, and his enemies trembled at his presence. With the Spirit of God upon him no opponent stood a chance. Yet, in light of all this, the man who God chose to be ruler bore the wonderful title—The Sweet Psalmist Of Israel.

The God Fearing Believer

When Solomon was taking over the kingdom from his father David, God said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon’s humble plea was met with abundance as God showered him with a wealth of discernment. Throughout Scripture when men and women cry out to God for help He shows up, makes a way, and makes the most inadequate adequate for His work at hand.

As the Apostle Paul brings his final Corinthian letter to a close, we get one last glimpse into the heart of this tender apostle. Over the span of two lengthy letters we’ve seen him open up his life with transparent humility and a heart of reconciliation. Through his prayers, his words of endearment, and his unique ending to this final letter, the Apostle Paul gives us a godly example for all to follow after.

Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to chase after this one thing. Its pursuit is costly and trying, yet it leads to a life of joy and a peace that passes all understanding. In one way we’ve attained it, and yet in another way it’s a lifelong pursuit. The Prophets spoke about it, the Apostles proclaimed it, and Jesus modeled it perfectly for us all. May the Lord help His church to pursue this one thing until the day we all see the Lord.

As the Apostle Paul begins to bring his second letter to the Corinthians to a close, he gives one final plea. He hopes to visit in peace, but by all appearances it looks like he may have to come in judgement. Though he’s admittedly weak, he’s strong in the power and authority in Christ. If the Corinthians will but humble themselves and do a real and necessary examination of their lives, Paul’s hopeful they’ll come to their senses and find a true and lasting relationship with Christ.

Servanthood is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Jesus taught this to His disciples and modeled it for us all. In Christ’s church, building up His body is of primary importance. Christ’s servants, who build up His body, and model true repentance are a force to not be reckoned with. May the Lord use His people to do His will and His work in these last days.

The Apostle Paul admitted to the Corinthians he was a fool. They drove him to it and so he confessed it. The man that poured his life into them concedes to the point they had driven home with him. But what he concedes may not be what they had in mind. This self proclaimed foolish spender was actually the one they should have been commending all along.

At the end of the Apostle Paul’s life, he was able to look back at all the high’s and lows, the trials and tribulations, the set backs and breakthroughs and say the words, “I Have Fought The Good Fight.” By God’s Spirit and through His power we’ll be able to echo the same words. The struggle is not always easy but it’s always worth it in honor of our King.

Taking care of our hearts is vitally important. Eating healthy, exercise, and getting good sleep can help combat the epidemic of heart disease. Yet even more important than this is caring for our spiritual hearts. The heart is the seat of our soul and mind, of our thoughts and affections, and must be continually submitted over to the Lordship of Christ. In the battlefield of life, by God’s abundant grace, we can find victory and maintain healthy hearts that thrive through obedience to God

The Apostle Paul was pressed into a corner by the Corinthians and their false teachers. What he responds with is nothing short of a masterclass on the credentials of a true Apostle of Christ. What Paul didn’t want to do, has led to an example of transparency and humility for all generations of believers to follow after.

Throughout almost every New Testament book the authors warn about spiritual deception. As the truth marches forward the enemy is lurking in the shadows ready to make his move. In his second letter to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul gives us insight into the deceivers who were leading the early Christians astray, and what their end would be when all was said and done.

Lessons from Israel of old and from the Plymouth Pilgrims help us to live out our Christian lives in 21st century America. With all the blessings we have from God and all the freedoms bestowed by Him may God help His people remain humble and grateful before Him..

The Corinthian church found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. They were giving an ear to false teachers and closing themselves off to the Apostle Paul. They began to drift more and more from the truth of Christ. Through love, logic, and reason Paul attempts to bring them back to reality. He painstakingly labors to show them the great contrast of a minister of the true gospel and a minister who peddles the word of God for selfish gain.

Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself in many ways. He’s Lord, King, Shepherd, Savior, Redeemer, and Father. In a nation with a fatherless epidemic, more than ever our nation needs to return to God the Father through Jesus our Lord. May God bless the faithful fathers who sacrifice everyday for their families, and May He raise up more dad’s who are willing to humble themselves and follow the will of our Father in heaven.