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    Posted by Dion Todd
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The Thorn

  • By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:7 WEB

    Paul the converted Christian hunter wrote a lot of the New Testament, but had a thorn in the flesh. He does not say what it was. It may have been lust, or a critical spirit, or headaches, or bad eyes (Galatians 4:15). Whatever it was, it bothered him and he wanted to be free of it. Paul asked the Lord three times to take it away but the Lord told him 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Paul continued to minister while the thorn was still there.

    The grace of God is like oil that smooths the gears of life. It makes things fall into place and can make you be at the right place, at the right time, saying the right things and knowing all the right answers. When the Lord herded me into my own computer repair business, it seemed like they almost fixed themselves. Often when I touched them, they suddenly started working correctly.

    Grace can make things seem easy, but when the grace lifts, things become difficult and it can be a sign to move on. Later, when the Lord decided to put me in the ministry, the computer business dried completely up and became a living nightmare. It seemed like trivial things like burning a disk could take half a day, where it used to take a few minutes. The grace was gone, and it was time to move on.

    Having problems and thorns will not stop God from using you. If you are walking with something today that will not leave, and you cry out to the Lord repeatedly, but still it is there, don't give up. Know that His grace is sufficient to get you through this day, and He will still use the imperfect and weak to show His power, with all their flaws, just as He continued to use Paul.

    Prayer: Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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27 comments
  • 1
Marc Duphily
Marc Duphily

Amen!

July 27, 2016
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles

Prayer: Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen! Thank you for this reminder to stay focused no matter what thorn may be in my side. His grace is more than sufficient for me when I keep my focus where it needs to be... both eyes on God and his goodness, knowing his plans are better. Father thank you for Pastor Dion and Sylvia for all they to for your Kingdom. Please keep them always in your favor and under your protection. In Jesus name Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome

thank you  father  for  your  mercy  and  grace  it  is welcome  always   thank you  for  this  day  and  all that  is  amen

 

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Jim Jarrell
Jim Jarrell

This is the most important message most mordern day Christians can hear! God does not always make us perfect, but He can even speak through a donkey. Too many church goers need to stop being so critical.

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Diane Casey
Diane Casey

Amen!!!! Thank you Jesus.

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio

A blessing in this word...Amen ♡

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

MY LORD GOD thank you for the graces and blessings you have given me today.  They are sufficient to get me through the day.  Please let me know how can I be of service to you today.  I love you and trust you MY LORD GOD WITH ALL MY HEART.  iN THE NAME OF jesus christ I pray  Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Padyedited: July 27, 2016

1 Corinthians 1:27New Life Version (NLV)

27 But God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong.

 

God enables who He chooses, it is not how "perfect" we are, He uses the imperfect to do amazing things.

He uses us as we are.

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Joseph Adams, Jr.
Joseph Adams, Jr.

AMEN

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Rebecca Adkins
Rebecca Adkins

I really liked reading your description of GRACE. I read it a few times to absorb it; getting better and gaining the wisdom. Lord, put me in the right place at the right time today. Great words, Pastor.

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann

Amen thank you so much for this devotional it really spoked to my heart, It answered some questions I had on my mind thank you again pastor Dion! Ps I  pray for your ministry everyday and I hope its growing in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, Have a super great day God Bless you and yours!! sincerely Scott Riegelmann your brother in Jesus.

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulusedited: July 27, 2016

Amen! Thank you Father for your Grace is sufficient and perfect. Thank you for loving me always! Show yourself Strong in my life. So that I can always do your will and always fight the good fight in Jesus name Amen!

 

I have a thorn or two; I'm trusting God to use me even with the thorns , so that I can do God's will and show the world God's Glory!!

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, brother!

July 28, 2016
  • 2
Heide Garner
Heide Garner

thank you great devotion .

July 27, 2016
  • 2
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord

Another inspiring message. Thank you Pastor Dion.What a blessing to know that God can use anybody !! even me !!Thank you Father for your grace and love. Amen

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese

Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!

July 27, 2016
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝

Amne!! Thank you Pastor Dion for your daily devotion. :-) 

July 28, 2016
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams

Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you Pastor Todd!  Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Yes and Amen.

July 28, 2016
  • 1
Michael Arrington
Michael Arrington

Thank you for your words today Pastor Dion.  Blessings to you and Sylvia.

July 28, 2016
  • 1
Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke

Amen, your Grace is all I need my Lord. Thank you pastor Todd for this wonderful inspirational devotion, Gid bless you sir

July 28, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh

Amen.Thank you Father for showing me your Grace when I have cried out to you,and needed you so much,and at all time when I call upon you. Forgive me for the times I have tried to do things my way and in my own strength.Help me to listen to you clearly and to do the things you are leading and guiding me to do.To do your will. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Thank you Pastor reminding me of Gods word.

July 29, 2016