Like to Brag?

1 Corinthians 1:27-29, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
 
Never brag. At least, do not ever boast in your intelligence or your strength or your resources. Human wisdom, might, and riches are fleeting. They are here today and gone tomorrow. No matter how much you may have of one or all of them, you cannot retain wisdom, might, and riches forever. There is something, someone really, in which to glory, the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. Depend on the steadfast love, the pure justice, and the perfect righteousness of Jesus. Then go ahead and brag (v. 31). Glory in the Lord, the source of everlasting wisdom, power, and redemption.

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When Broken is Better

Psalm 34:17-18, “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
 
Today’s devotional passage calls to mind Mark 2:17 where Jesus taught that those who are well have no need of a physician, only those who are sick. He was not teaching that there are some who are independently righteous and have no need of Him. He taught that only those who recognize their condition will seek the cure. Jesus promises that when a humble heart cries out to God, He will hear and deliver. Which is why I love to sing Rock of Ages:
 
“Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.”
 
Broken before Jesus is better, because only He can – and will – make you whole.

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The Power of Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:8-9, “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
 
Paul wanted his affliction removed. He repeatedly prayed that way. It remained. God never offered an explanation, but He did make a promise. “My grace is sufficient.” God’s grace enables His strength to be made perfect through our weakness. There will be times when God does not remove affliction. Instead, He gives grace so that the affliction works for rather against the believer. Believers live on grace rather than explanations. God’s grace will provide for our every need when needed. God’s grace is sufficient to save us from our sins and sustain us in our suffering. Our feelings change. Trust the promise of…
 
God’s
Riches
Available at
Christ’s
Expense.
 
God’s truth is timeless. His promises never change. His grace is always sufficient. It’s the power of weakness.

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