The pastor's thoughts for the week
Hello Church,
This week I have been reflecting on Paul's thorn in the flesh. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul shares with us both his struggle with and the victory within his thorn in the flesh.
This week I have been reflecting on Paul's thorn in the flesh. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul shares with us both his struggle with and the victory within his thorn in the flesh.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
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for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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It's no secret that I have what I consider to be a thorn in my flesh. If you happen not to know, my thorn in the flesh comes in the form of Psoriatic arthritis which brings with it many other physical and mental health struggles. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not looking for sympathy here, I am just being transparent and honest with my church family about what I struggle with. I have attached a few really good short articles about my thorn in the flesh just in case anyone would like to know more about what your pastor struggles with. I often reflect on this passage in 2 Cor. 12 to find encouragement and to be reminded that this thorn in my flesh is there for a purpose. Paul reminds me that God has in His infinite wisdom deemed it sufficient for me to bear this burden. I have to trust that God knows what's best for me. This thorn in the flesh, like Paul's, keeps me humble. It has caused me to be much more sensitive to others struggles whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. God has used this thorn in the flesh in my life to teach me so much and grow me in my faith. He has taught me how to draw strength from the well of life giving water. He has taught me how to cope with and manage life with this thorn in the flesh. There will be days when I just can't go. I am thankful for my family and my church family for understanding and being patient with me in those times. In my weakness He is made strong, Paul says! The goal is for Christ to be glorified and honored, not Pastor Ray. If in this disease He is glorified then so be it. His will be done and far be it from me to rebuke it! Lord help us to view all of our circumstances in this light, in our weakness He is made strong!
Thank You and God Bless,
Pastor Ray
Thank You and God Bless,
Pastor Ray
special eventPastor Ray returns to the pulpit
as Guest Speaker at Lake Gaston Baptist August 13th, 2023 |
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Watch
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Sermon from Sunday, 4/14
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Wednesday night
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Part 1 - "Why do I need to be saved?"
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