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Up at 4am
Sobbing from self-hatred & guilt & despair
Texting tony, confessed everything
Hemp mess meltdown
Mom flower digging
SHE WONT STOP CALLING i can't stop crying i am so tired and hungry
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I STRUGGLE SO MUCH WITH THIS=
‼️‼️‼️The noun rendered “lightness” in English versions carries the idea of a mind that is easily swayed, superficial, or undependable. It is not mere cheerfulness but a lack of moral weight—a disposition that treats serious matters with casual indifference or vacillating inconsistency.
Paul denies that his change of travel plans arose from capricious motives. By contrasting “lightness” with the divine “Yes” confirmed in Christ, he asserts that the messenger’s integrity must mirror the message of God’s unwavering faithfulness.
First-century travel was vulnerable to weather, finances, and opposition. False teachers in Corinth seized upon Paul’s unavoidable adjustments to cast doubt on his apostolic credibility. In Greco-Roman rhetoric, consistency of character (ethos) authenticated a speaker. Paul therefore treats accusations of “lightness” as threats to the gospel itself, not merely personal slander.
⭐‼️‼️Integrity of Witness: The gospel announces a God who is “Yes” in Christ; inconsistency in His servants distorts that revelation.
‼️‼️ If he had this shifting and variable intellect (so said his enemies), what dependence was to be placed in such an apostle?
‼️‼️‼️‼️...It seems that the false apostles had insinuated, that as the apostle had not kept his word in coming to them as he had promised, that he was not to be depended upon in his ministry; that he might as well contradict himself, and deceive others in the one, as well as in the other
⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️The antithesis is between his intention of travelling to see them, and the doctrine itself. The external change of that intention for good reasons infers no inconsistency in the doctrine. In the mean time, Paul shows, that those who are light [fickle] in external matters are wont to be, and to appear to be, light also in things spiritual... Contradictories have no place in Theology.
"But God does not deceive, by whose protection it was possible that our word, by which we preached his gospel to you, should not waver, but should always be like himself.”
The verse should be rendered, But God is faithful, because (faithful herein, that) our preaching to you proved itself to be not yea and nay. Whatever you may say of my plans and my conduct, there was one thing which involved an indubitable "yea," namely, my preaching to you. In that, at any rate, there was nothing capricious, nothing variable, nothing vacillating... The Corinthians talked of his "yea" and "nay" as though one was little better than the other, and neither could be depended on; well, at any rate, one thing, and that the most essential-- the Gospel-- was as sure as the faithfulness of God.
....He means that God will answer for him against the charge of fickleness by the power and blessing (benefit) which will attend his presence. Hence the meaning is: faithful is God (in this:) that our speech, etc.
‼️‼️Providence over Planning: Human plans remain contingent, yet they must be formed with gravity before God, free from fickle self-interest.
⭐‼️Sanctification of Speech: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’”; Paul models this ethic, resisting both rash promises and careless retractions.
⭐‼️Shepherds and missionaries are called to transparent accountability; unforeseen changes require forthright explanation lest “lightness” be imputed.
⭐‼️Strategic flexibility is not opposed to spiritual steadfastness. Plans may shift, but commitment to Christ’s people and purposes must not.
Chrysostom highlighted Paul’s refusal to invoke divine sovereignty as an excuse for unreliability, stressing that true apostles “fear to seem fickle even in small matters.” Reformers likewise cited this verse to commend plain dealing and to warn against equivocal vows.
Believers today face calendars crowded with commitments. The solitary New Testament occurrence of this term reminds the church that gospel credibility demands earnest deliberation, truthful scheduling, and humble acknowledgment of God’s overarching direction. Followers of Christ resist the spirit of “lightness,” knowing that kingdom work rests upon the Rock who never vacillates.
‼️‼️‼️Equivocal vows refer to vows that are ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations. They are characterized by their doubtful or uncertain meaning, and can be misleading or deliberately vague.
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics:
Ambiguity: Equivocal vows have multiple possible meanings or can be understood in different senses.
Uncertainty: Their meaning is not clearly defined or determined, leaving room for doubt or questioning.
Potential for deception: Equivocal language can be used intentionally to mislead, evade commitment, or avoid taking a clear stance.
Legal implications: In legal contexts, equivocal statements or opinions can lead to differing conclusions and may be exploited through loopholes.
In simpler terms, an equivocal vow is a promise that isn't straightforward. It could be a vague statement or one that is worded in a way that allows the person making the vow to interpret it differently later on.
The word ἐλαφρια elaphria (from ἐλαφρός elaphros) means properly lightness in weight. Here it is used in reference to the mind; and in a sense similar to our word levity, as denoting lightness of temper or conduct; inconstancy, changeableness, or fickleness. This charge had been probably made that he had made the promise without any due consideration, or without any real purpose of performing it; or that he had made it in a trifling and thoughtless manner.
‼️‼️‼️Sometimes one, sometimes the other; that is, variableness and uncertainty and inconstancy in my counsels and actions, that none could depend upon me, or know what to expect from me?
I solemnly protest, that, as the God whom I serve is faithful; our word to you — On this and other occasions, and the doctrine we have preached to you; was not yea and nay — Wavering and uncertain; but that my behaviour and testimony have been always uniform, invariable, and consistent with my professions
Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons.
‼️‼️‼️‼️Do I purpose according to the flesh - In such a manner, as may suit my own convenience and carnal interest. Do I form plans adapted only to promote my own ease and gratification, and to be abandoned when they are attended with inconvenience? The phrase "according to the flesh" here seems to mean "in such a way as to promote my own ease and gratification; in a manner such as the people of the world form; such as would be formed under the influence of earthly passions and desires, and to be forsaken when those plans would interfere with such gratifications."
a headstrong, self-willed spirit which will either do things, or not do them as pleases, without giving any reasons.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️the phrase is designed to denote the ready compliance which an inconstant and unsettled man is accustomed to make with the wishes of others; his expressing a ready assent to what they propose; falling in with their views; readily making promises; and instantly, through some whim, or caprice, or wish of others, saying "yea, nay," to the same thing; that is, changing his mind, and altering his purpose without any good reason, having no accordance with any fixed principle or settled rule of action... to affirm a thing at one time and deny it at another; to promise to do a thing one moment and refuse to do it the next.
THIS IS MY EXACT PROBLEM!!!!!!
Was I guilty of levity? namely, by promising more than I performed.
He denies “using lightness” in planning, underscoring integrity in leadership.
Who would have been so charitable to them, as to have excused them, by saying: They spake [sincerely] according to their present intentions and resolutions, but they were hindered by the providence of God; but if Paul fails, they will interpret it to be from the lightness and inconstancy of his mind: so charitable is the world to its own; so uncharitable to those who are not of the world, but by God called out of the world.
did I not [actually] say, I would come to you shortly, if the Lord will?
did I purpose after the manner of carnal men, who make no conscience of their word, who promise and deny both in a breath? ...should there be in me such a spirit as to speak a thing with my lips which my heart doth not agree to?
truth and steadiness are things which do highly commend a Christian, especially him who is a minister of the gospel.
did I use lightness in my resolutions and promises? did I act rashly, unadvisedly, and without consideration? did I promise certainly that I would come, without annexing any condition to it?
‼️‼️‼️do l purpose according to the flesh= do I consult myself? my own interest and advantage? do I seek the gratification of any carnal affection, as covetousness, ambition, or vain glory? &c.
⭐‼️when I have purposed anything, have I resolved upon it in my own strength? have I thought it lay in my own power to effect it? when all actions are weighed by God, and all events are at his dispose; man appoints, and God disappoints; and who can help these things?
‼️‼️‼️ has there appeared such contradictions in my words, and such inconstancy in my conduct, that my "yeas" are "nays", and my "nays" are "yeas?" that I say one thing at one time, and another at another time, or both in the same breath? that I should say one thing, and mean another, on purpose to deceive, and change my mind and conduct without any reason?
‼️‼️‼️‼️what sinister end could have been obtained, if I had come as I purposed, or is answered by my not coming?
Worldly men will rashly promise anything, and change their purpose constantly.
did I then behave thoughtlessly? Was this proposal of mine made without duly taking thought for its execution?
...so that I let myself be guided by the impulses of human nature sinfully determined, the immoral purpose of the flesh... merely after my own pleasure to say and to do the one or the other”
The diplasiasmus ναὶ ναί and οὒ οὔ is not without reason, but quite accords with the passionate excitement of the moral consciousness; whereas afterwards, where his words go on quietly with a glance towards the faithful God, the bare ναὶ καὶ οὔ is quite in its place.
⭐⭐‼️His argument is that, although the details of his original plan had been altered, yet in spirit and purpose it was unchanged; there is no room for any charge of inconsistency or fickleness. His principles of action are unchangeable, as is the Gospel which he preaches.
according to the flesh] i.e. ‘Are they the decisions of my human will, which is subject to change through caprice, or are they decisions made according to the promptings of God’s Spirit, and, as such, removed out of the region of human inconstancy of purpose?’
⭐⭐‼️ regard the Apostle as denying that he was infirm of purpose, and as reminding the Corinthians that he had but one definite end in view which he was resolutely bent upon attaining, namely, the ministering to them the Spirit of Jesus Christ. To this one purpose all minor plans and resolutions must give way.
⭐‼️‼️...are not my plans of necessity mere human plans, and therefore liable to be overruled by God's will? ...my purposes are necessarily mere human purposes, and therefore my 'yes' and 'no' can be only 'yes' and 'no' when I make a plan. My 'yes' or 'no' may be overruled by the Spirit, or even hindered by Satan, and that more than once."
...it cannot be inconsistency or levity on his part to alter plans which are liable to all the chance and change of ordinary circumstances.
Am I inconsistent? or, are my purposes merely carnal purposes, in order that my "yes yes" may be, as far as I am concerned, no better than "no no" - like the mere shifting feebleness of an aimless man?
‼️‼️‼️Was he playing the part of a trifler and deceiver by raising expectations he never meant to fulfil?
to be or show oneself double-tongued, i. e. faithless, wavering, false... that with me should be found both a solemn affirmation and a most emphatic denial, i. e. that I so form my resolves as, at the dictate of pleasure or profit, not to carry them out
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⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️ As God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay." It was our purpose to come to you, but it was changed in the spirit of the gospel, and just as certainly as the preaching of Christ in this gospel was "yea," just so certainly was our conduct in this matter in the "yea" of the gospel, i.e. truthful and reliable. All God's promises were made to be kept, and they are "yea" in Christ and we are "yea" in Him! The response of the Church is "Amen," and it glorifies God through our instrumentality. All is in the Spirit of Christ - our preaching, promising, and living!
God has made us firm and strong in Christ, has given us the unction of His Spirit, so that while Jesus of Nazareth was by distinction the Anointed, and received the Holy Ghost without measure, He has taken us, apostles and believers, unto Himself, and conferred on us the gifts of grace. We are "sealed;" the mark is evident that we belong to Christ, and this "earnest" or pledge is "in our hearts."
= hearts that are SINCERE & SIMPLE & SINGLE!!!
His teaching and its results were proofs beyond question that he was anointed to his work, and these believers were the acknowledgment, the "Amen," that certified the fact.
These Judaizers were striking at his apostleship, and the true issue between him and them turned on this point. What did they care about the assurance that he was coming to Corinth? This was a small matter. The main thing with his opponents, in their fiery zeal, was to overthrow the power of his ministry among the Gentiles by heaping contempt on his character and conduct. St. Paul saw this clearly, and hence his line of argument, he appealed to his ministry, to its fruits, most of all to the fact that the "yea" here was "yea," and the "Amen" of all converted souls was the endorsement of its success. And having met these slanders precisely in the form they were designed to affect him, he proceeds to tell the Corinthians why he had failed at the time to make them a visit. Hoping that his letter would lead them to see their grievous errors and induce them to repent and amend, he bad deferred the journey to Corinth... had he not asked them to decide whether he should come to them "with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness"? In this spirit of tender conciliation he had waited to see the issue.
Was not the case very clear? In what stronger light could it be put? There was the testimony of conscience, the seal of God, the unction and the earnest, the yea and the Amen; and here, last of all, the calling on God to testify against him if he had been untruthful.
This idea of the faithfulness of God is the argument which Paul urges why he felt himself bound to be faithful also. That faithful God he regarded as a witness, and to that God he could appeal on the occasion.
‼️‼️‼️ He adds this lest they might think his DOCTRINE was changeable like his purposes (the change in which he admitted in 2Co 1:17, while denying that it was due to "lightness," and at the same time implying that not to have changed, where there was good reason, would have been to imitate the fleshly-minded [proud & stubborn, unwilling to yield or admit powerlessness] who at all costs obstinately hold to their [ego-serving] purpose [rather than be inconvenienced, lose face, or submit to God's overriding Will at the total surrender of their own]).
It is very observable, how careful this great apostle was to clear himself from any imputations of levity and falsehood; and it should teach us to be careful to maintain our reputation in the world for truth and steadiness.
Paul states that he felt himself bound to maintain the strictest veracity for two reasons: Jesus Christ always evinced the strictest veracity; and God was always true to all the promises that He made; and as he felt himself to be the servant of the Saviour and of God, he was bound by the most sacred obligations also to maintain a character irreproachable in regard to veracity.
...the preaching respecting Jesus Christ, did not represent him as fickle, and changeable; as unsettled, and as unfaithful; but as true, consistent, and faithful. As that had been the regular and constant representation of Paul and his fellow-laborers in regard to the Master whom they served, it was to be inferred that they felt themselves bound sacredly to observe the strictest constancy and veracity [as His disciples & servants].
But in him was yea - Was not one thing at one time, and another at another. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. All that he says is true; all the promises that he makes are firm; all his declarations are faithful. Paul may refer to the fact that the Lord Jesus when on earth was eminently characterized by truth. Nothing was more striking than his veracity. He called himself "the truth," as being eminently true in all his declarations. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life;" ...he is called "the faithful and true witness." In all his life he was eminently distinguished for that. His declarations were simple truth; his narratives were simple, unvarnished, uncolored, unexaggerated statements of what actually occurred. He never disguised the truth; never prevaricated [spoke evasively]; never had any mental reservation [saying other than what he thought]; never deceived; never used any word, or threw in any circumstance, that was suited to lead the mind astray. He himself said that this was the great object which he had in view in coming into the world. "To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth;" John 18:37. As Jesus Christ was thus distinguished for simple truth, Paul felt that he was under sacred obligations to imitate him, and always to evince the same inviolable fidelity. The most deeply felt obligation on earth is that which the Christian feels to imitate the Redeemer.
⭐⭐‼️Proof of the unchangeableness of the doctrine from the unchangeableness of the subject of it, namely, Jesus Christ. He is called "the Son of God" to show the impossibility of change in One who is co-equal with God himself.
The Son of God, that Christ, whom both I, and other ministers of the gospel, have preached to you, is not uncertain and unconstant, one thing at one time, and in one place, another thing at another time, and in another place. He was only one and the same, unchangeable; though preached by different preachers, his doctrine was always certain and uniform, and consistent with itself; and our conversation ought to be suitable to him and his doctrine.
our preaching of the Son of God is confirmed as true in Him (that is, through Him; by the witness of the Spirit which He has given, and of which miracles were only one manifestation of His confirmation, and that a subordinate one.
These ministers being mentioned by the apostle with himself, shows his humility in putting them on a level with himself; and his modesty and candour in not monopolizing the Gospel to himself, but allowing others to be preachers of it as well as he: and his design herein seems to be for the confirmation of the Gospel, and to show that he was not singular and alone, and could not be blamed by them, without blaming others; and chiefly to express the harmony and unanimity of Gospel preachers. The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, agreed in all the doctrines and truths of the Gospel; so did the apostles themselves; and so all faithful dispensers of the word have in all different times and places agreed, and still do agree; which serves greatly to corroborate the truth of the Gospel.
The Son of God, the subject-matter of the Gospel, was no uncertain conception, sometimes affirmed and sometimes denied. The preaching of Him was the constant affirmation of a truth, an unchangeable blessing vouchsafed in Him to mankind.
in him the everlasting" yes" has proved itself valid, and still continues to be a changeless affirmation.
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1645 elaphrós (from mikros, "least, little," J. Thayer) – properly, of little weight (light); (figuratively) easily managed (carried) because easy to bear (move with).
Cognate: 1644 elaphría (from 1645 /elaphrós, "least, little/small") – properly, of little weight (light), used only in 2 Cor 1:17.
levity (figuratively), i.e. fickleness of mind
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ἐλαφρόν portrays a condition of lightness—something that is not oppressive, crushing, or weight-bearing. Scripture uses the term to contrast what humanity experiences in the present with what Christ provides and with what God promises for eternity... God exchanges heaviness for ease, burden for grace, temporal hardship for eternal glory.
Jesus speaks to an audience wearied by Pharisaic legalism and life’s oppressive realities. By calling His burden ἐλαφρόν, He declares that relationship with Him is fundamentally different from religion without Him. The imagery assumes two oxen under one yoke; the stronger carries the weight while the weaker benefits. Christ shoulders the load, making discipleship sustainable rather than crushing.
Paul juxtaposes ἐλαφρόν with “eternal weight of glory.” The present pressures of ministry—beatings, imprisonments, slander—are labeled “light” only when measured against endless glory. The verse teaches perspective: suffering is not denied but relativized by eternity. Affliction becomes not merely tolerable but productive; it “is producing for us” an outcome of inestimable value... everlasting glory renders current suffering light by comparison.
Christ’s atonement relieves sin’s weight.
In Evangelism: Present the gospel as liberation from the weight of guilt and performance.
Offer Christ’s yoke, not additional regulations.
Sanctification reframes trials as purposeful, not punitive.
Suffering saints: Reorient outlook from the immediate to the eternal, enabling perseverance with hope.
Eschatology guarantees that any present “lightness” or “heaviness” is temporary.
Strong’s Greek 1645, though rare, functions as a theological pivot: what seems weighty in human experience becomes “light” in Christ, and what is truly weighty—eternal glory—is secured by Him. Believers are thus invited to labor under a yoke that liberates and to endure present afflictions with eyes fixed on the incomparable, everlasting reward.
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Ask these questions when making decisions regarding questionable practices–things not mentioned in the Bible as being either right or wrong:
-Does it glorify God?
-What is your motivation for wanting to do this?
-Is it necessary?
-Does it promote spiritual growth?
-Is it an enslaving habit?
-Is it a compromise?
-Will it lead to temptation?
-Does it give the appearance of evil?
-Does it violate your conscience?
-How will it affect others?
Recognize that the peace of the Holy Spirit is your guide. For decisions not specifically dealt with by Biblical command, principle, or example, the peace of the Holy Spirit is your guide. When you make a decision regarding a questionable practice or life situation and you do not have peace in your spirit, continue to seek the Lord. Do not act until you have the peace of God confirming your choice.
Make wise decisions. Ask God for wisdom to make good decisions each day, and He will give it (James 1:5).
If you make a bad decision, do not give up in despair. Many people in the Bible strayed from the will of God but returned to fulfill their destinies: The prophet Jonah; the Apostle Peter; John Mark; and King David are some key examples. If this happens to you, admit your failure, repent, determine where you got off course, and correct your errors. Then seek God for new direction and act upon it.
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Today's devotional hitting me like a shotgun to the ribs
Love is the beginning of everything. You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us. God created us because He wanted a people to love, and we are the recipients of His great love. In 1 John 4:9, John tells his readers that the primary way God showed His love toward us is through Jesus. Even while we were considered enemies of God, He sent Jesus to earth on our behalf. While Jesus was on earth, he lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God. His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God.
God now gives us His love freely. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love, and there's nothing about us that deserves His love. This is why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7).
Love is our greatest responsibility in life. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. But the basis for all of this is the love of God through Jesus. John tells us in 1 John 4:7-8 that those who truly know God will also love others. Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people.
We should never deny someone something we've been freely given. And since we have freely received love from God, we should also freely give love to others.
Jesus has already purchased your freedom with His life. Now, you can share His great love with others!
Consider some simple yet sincere ways you can love the people around you. Then think of one or two concrete things you can do this week to show love to someone in your life.
Sometimes simply spending time with people is the best way to love them. There might also be someone you know who needs encouragement, or help meeting their needs. How will you show God's love to someone today? Let His Spirit guide your actions and words.
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Take The First Step
Day 1
I truly believe that we all deserve to find freedom and healing in life, but I’ve also learned that it requires the hard work of recovery.
Through my own experience of suffering, God could do for me what I was incapable of doing for myself.
For many years I struggled with multiple issues: self-hate, an eating disorder, addictive behaviors, relationships, and financial problems—all while calling myself a Christian. I tried so many things to change my behaviors and get free. I even went to the altar every Sunday to get prayed over.
What was wrong with me? Why didn’t God want to heal me? No matter how many times I went to church or learned scriptures, I still struggled with self-destruction, exhausted from wearing a mask, and pretending I was okay.
What I eventually learned was that, from growing up in addiction and abuse, my heart had a lot of deep, hidden wounds that needed to be healed. It would take a lot more than getting prayed over. When you have deep pain from neglect or abuse, you just can’t say be healed in the name of Jesus.
I needed help. What worked for me was seeing a trauma therapist, going to recovery programs, and spending time with God. And God brought people into my life to love me where I was at. People who understood trauma and could support me through the healing process.
I needed to surrender all the pain buried inside my heart to God, who patiently waited for me to trust Him.
In the beginning, it was tough to trust God, because of all the people who had hurt me. It was hard to believe God even cared. I had to learn how to feel my feelings, even ones of anger, and start trusting God with them.
Work toward trusting God enough to surrender every area of your life to him. Remember it is a process. Change won’t happen overnight.
You are not alone. He is with you on this journey.
Reflection
Take time to sit quietly for a few minutes. Ask God to show you the deep pain in your heart that you need to surrender to him.
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King of glory, Lord of power and might, cleanse our hearts from all sin, preserve the innocence of our hands, and keep our minds from vanity, so that we may deserve your blessing in your holy place.
Nourish your people, Lord, for we hunger for your word. Rescue us from the death of sin and fill us with your mercy, that we may share your presence and the joys of all the saints.
The Lord looks on those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The Lord is our help and our shield.
In him do our hearts find joy.
We trust in his holy name.
May your love be upon us, O Lord,
as we place all our hope in you.
2 Corinthians 1:8–11 records Paul’s testimony of extreme affliction in Asia. Verse 9 reads: “Indeed, we felt we were destined to die, so that we would not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” By calling their peril an ἀπόκριμα (“death sentence”), Paul frames the experience as more than a passing hardship; it was a decisive judgment that stripped away self-reliance and turned the apostles wholly to the God of resurrection.
I shall not die, but live,.... Not that he should never die, David knew he should; but that his present afflictions would not issue in death; or he should not die by the hands of his enemies, he sometimes feared he should; but now believed he should live, as he did, to a good old age: he knew he should live spiritually and eternally, and not die a second death; and so may all true believers and members of Christ say. Yea, these words may be considered as the words of Christ; who, though he came into the world to die, and did die for the sins of his people; yet he knew he should not die before his time, nor should he continue long under the power of death; but should live again, and live for evermore, and not die; death should have no more dominion over him; see Psalm 16:10;
and declare the works of the Lord; the wonderful appearances of God in a providential way, and all his marvellous works of grace; as David did, and as all the people of God more or less do; and which is the end of their living; not to eat and drink, and gratify their carnal senses, but to glorify God, by declaring what he has done for themselves and others. So the Messiah declared the name of God, his nature, perfections, mind and will, word and works, among his brethren in the great congregation, Psalm 22:22.
Dependence on God. The perceived sentence pushed Paul and his companions to rely “not on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” The apostle interprets life-threatening trials as providential instruments cultivating trust (Romans 5:3–5).
2. Resurrection Hope. By invoking “God, who raises the dead,” Paul unites present deliverance with future resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:14). The believer’s ultimate vindication is anchored in Christ’s empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).
3. Intercessory Partnership. Paul credits the Corinthians’ prayers for contributing to their rescue (2 Corinthians 1:11). The scene underscores the church’s communal participation in God’s redemptive actions.
The solitary use of ἀπόκριμα in Scripture serves as a vivid reminder that what appears to be the final word against God’s people never is. The Lord who raises the dead reserves the true verdict for Himself, transforming sentences of death into testimonies of life that magnify His grace and strengthen His church.
They would employ the new life granted them in "declaring God's works"
It is not its own strength that avails for Israel's exultation of victory, but the energy of the right hand of Jahve. Being come to the brink of the abyss, Israel is become anew sure of its immortality through Him. God has, it is true, most severely chastened it (יסּרנּי with the suffix anni as in Genesis 30:6, and יהּ with the emphatic Dagesh, which neither reduplicates nor connects, cf. Psalm 118:5, Psalm 94:12), but still with moderation (Isaiah 27:7.). He has not suffered Israel to fall a prey to death, but reserved it for its high vocation, that it may see the mighty deeds of God and proclaim them to all the world.
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They are happy whose life is blameless,
who follow God’s law!
They are happy who do his will,
seeking him with all their hearts,
who never do anything evil
but walk in his ways.
You have laid down your precepts
to be obeyed with care.
May my footsteps be firm
to obey your rulings.
Then I shall not be put to shame
as I heed your commands.
I will thank you with an upright heart
as I learn your decrees.
I will obey your statutes;
do not forsake me.
How long, O Lord, will you forget me?
How long will you hide your face?
How long must I bear grief in my soul,
this sorrow in my heart day and night?
How long shall my enemy prevail?
Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,
lest my enemy say: ‘I have overcome him’;
lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.
As for me, I trust in your merciful love.
Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:
Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,
singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20).
God made all men prisoners of disobedience, that he might show mercy to them all.
Happy indeed the man whom God corrects! So do not refuse this lesson from the Omnipotent: for he who wounds is he who soothes the sore, and the hand that hurts is the hand that heals.
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Strong’s Greek 1505, εἰλικρίνεια, denotes transparent purity of motive—an inner reality that stands the searching light of God’s presence. It is not mere honesty before people but singleness of heart before the Lord, free from the admixture of self-interest, duplicity, or pragmatism.
⭐⭐‼️Sincerity is linked to & paired with “truth” as the “unleavened bread,” and contrasted/ opposed to the "leaven" of “malice,” “wickedness,” and profit-driven preaching.
⭐⭐⭐The church, in her sacramental life, is called to purge “old leaven” continually, lest subtle forms of self-seeking infiltrate worship, discipline, or teaching... grace produces integrity, not expediency. Hypocrisy masks self-interest; sincerity unmasks Christ.
⭐⭐⭐ ‼️The unleavened bread of Exodus 12:15 typified separation from corrupting influence... The church is a cleansed community celebrating continual fellowship with Christ. The Lord’s Supper, echoing Passover, demands self-examination. The “feast” is genuinely kept only when hearts are free of hidden leaven.
2 Corinthians 2:17 sets sincerity over against commercialized ministry: “For we are not like so many, who peddle the word of God for profit… we speak before God with sincerity.” Authentic preaching is measured by the purity of motive before the divine audience. Motive precedes method. A polished message without sincerity of heart is merchandise, not ministry.
Paul’s defense of his apostleship centers on transparent conduct. Modern shepherds gain lasting trust not by charisma but by sincerity proven in trials. All evangelistic effectiveness in mission flows from authenticity. A message of uncompromising truth must be delivered by messengers of uncompromised motive.
⭐“do nothing in pretense." Cultivate daily transparency before God through Scripture-shaped self-examination. Encourage prayer for pure motives in service, remembering that Christ will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will disclose the motives of men’s hearts”
εἰλικρίνεια captures the shining purity God desires in His people—a disposition wrought by grace, assessed by conscience, displayed in conduct, and essential to faithful ministry. Wherever the gospel produces hearts free of duplicity, Christ is plainly seen and His word advances without hindrance.
"in simplicity and godly sincerity" ("godly honesty and singleness," "a plain, single mind"), and without any carnal wisdom that is begotten of selfish intellect, and under the control of grace determining the matter and manner of his preaching
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Sobbing from self-hatred & guilt & despair
Texting tony, confessed everything
Hemp mess meltdown
Mom flower digging
SHE WONT STOP CALLING i can't stop crying i am so tired and hungry
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I STRUGGLE SO MUCH WITH THIS=
‼️‼️‼️The noun rendered “lightness” in English versions carries the idea of a mind that is easily swayed, superficial, or undependable. It is not mere cheerfulness but a lack of moral weight—a disposition that treats serious matters with casual indifference or vacillating inconsistency.
Paul denies that his change of travel plans arose from capricious motives. By contrasting “lightness” with the divine “Yes” confirmed in Christ, he asserts that the messenger’s integrity must mirror the message of God’s unwavering faithfulness.
First-century travel was vulnerable to weather, finances, and opposition. False teachers in Corinth seized upon Paul’s unavoidable adjustments to cast doubt on his apostolic credibility. In Greco-Roman rhetoric, consistency of character (ethos) authenticated a speaker. Paul therefore treats accusations of “lightness” as threats to the gospel itself, not merely personal slander.
⭐‼️‼️Integrity of Witness: The gospel announces a God who is “Yes” in Christ; inconsistency in His servants distorts that revelation.
‼️‼️ If he had this shifting and variable intellect (so said his enemies), what dependence was to be placed in such an apostle?
‼️‼️‼️‼️...It seems that the false apostles had insinuated, that as the apostle had not kept his word in coming to them as he had promised, that he was not to be depended upon in his ministry; that he might as well contradict himself, and deceive others in the one, as well as in the other
⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️The antithesis is between his intention of travelling to see them, and the doctrine itself. The external change of that intention for good reasons infers no inconsistency in the doctrine. In the mean time, Paul shows, that those who are light [fickle] in external matters are wont to be, and to appear to be, light also in things spiritual... Contradictories have no place in Theology.
"But God does not deceive, by whose protection it was possible that our word, by which we preached his gospel to you, should not waver, but should always be like himself.”
The verse should be rendered, But God is faithful, because (faithful herein, that) our preaching to you proved itself to be not yea and nay. Whatever you may say of my plans and my conduct, there was one thing which involved an indubitable "yea," namely, my preaching to you. In that, at any rate, there was nothing capricious, nothing variable, nothing vacillating... The Corinthians talked of his "yea" and "nay" as though one was little better than the other, and neither could be depended on; well, at any rate, one thing, and that the most essential-- the Gospel-- was as sure as the faithfulness of God.
....He means that God will answer for him against the charge of fickleness by the power and blessing (benefit) which will attend his presence. Hence the meaning is: faithful is God (in this:) that our speech, etc.
‼️‼️Providence over Planning: Human plans remain contingent, yet they must be formed with gravity before God, free from fickle self-interest.
⭐‼️Sanctification of Speech: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’”; Paul models this ethic, resisting both rash promises and careless retractions.
⭐‼️Shepherds and missionaries are called to transparent accountability; unforeseen changes require forthright explanation lest “lightness” be imputed.
⭐‼️Strategic flexibility is not opposed to spiritual steadfastness. Plans may shift, but commitment to Christ’s people and purposes must not.
Chrysostom highlighted Paul’s refusal to invoke divine sovereignty as an excuse for unreliability, stressing that true apostles “fear to seem fickle even in small matters.” Reformers likewise cited this verse to commend plain dealing and to warn against equivocal vows.
Believers today face calendars crowded with commitments. The solitary New Testament occurrence of this term reminds the church that gospel credibility demands earnest deliberation, truthful scheduling, and humble acknowledgment of God’s overarching direction. Followers of Christ resist the spirit of “lightness,” knowing that kingdom work rests upon the Rock who never vacillates.
‼️‼️‼️Equivocal vows refer to vows that are ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations. They are characterized by their doubtful or uncertain meaning, and can be misleading or deliberately vague.
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics:
Ambiguity: Equivocal vows have multiple possible meanings or can be understood in different senses.
Uncertainty: Their meaning is not clearly defined or determined, leaving room for doubt or questioning.
Potential for deception: Equivocal language can be used intentionally to mislead, evade commitment, or avoid taking a clear stance.
Legal implications: In legal contexts, equivocal statements or opinions can lead to differing conclusions and may be exploited through loopholes.
In simpler terms, an equivocal vow is a promise that isn't straightforward. It could be a vague statement or one that is worded in a way that allows the person making the vow to interpret it differently later on.
The word ἐλαφρια elaphria (from ἐλαφρός elaphros) means properly lightness in weight. Here it is used in reference to the mind; and in a sense similar to our word levity, as denoting lightness of temper or conduct; inconstancy, changeableness, or fickleness. This charge had been probably made that he had made the promise without any due consideration, or without any real purpose of performing it; or that he had made it in a trifling and thoughtless manner.
‼️‼️‼️Sometimes one, sometimes the other; that is, variableness and uncertainty and inconstancy in my counsels and actions, that none could depend upon me, or know what to expect from me?
I solemnly protest, that, as the God whom I serve is faithful; our word to you — On this and other occasions, and the doctrine we have preached to you; was not yea and nay — Wavering and uncertain; but that my behaviour and testimony have been always uniform, invariable, and consistent with my professions
Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons.
‼️‼️‼️‼️Do I purpose according to the flesh - In such a manner, as may suit my own convenience and carnal interest. Do I form plans adapted only to promote my own ease and gratification, and to be abandoned when they are attended with inconvenience? The phrase "according to the flesh" here seems to mean "in such a way as to promote my own ease and gratification; in a manner such as the people of the world form; such as would be formed under the influence of earthly passions and desires, and to be forsaken when those plans would interfere with such gratifications."
a headstrong, self-willed spirit which will either do things, or not do them as pleases, without giving any reasons.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️the phrase is designed to denote the ready compliance which an inconstant and unsettled man is accustomed to make with the wishes of others; his expressing a ready assent to what they propose; falling in with their views; readily making promises; and instantly, through some whim, or caprice, or wish of others, saying "yea, nay," to the same thing; that is, changing his mind, and altering his purpose without any good reason, having no accordance with any fixed principle or settled rule of action... to affirm a thing at one time and deny it at another; to promise to do a thing one moment and refuse to do it the next.
THIS IS MY EXACT PROBLEM!!!!!!
Was I guilty of levity? namely, by promising more than I performed.
He denies “using lightness” in planning, underscoring integrity in leadership.
Who would have been so charitable to them, as to have excused them, by saying: They spake [sincerely] according to their present intentions and resolutions, but they were hindered by the providence of God; but if Paul fails, they will interpret it to be from the lightness and inconstancy of his mind: so charitable is the world to its own; so uncharitable to those who are not of the world, but by God called out of the world.
did I not [actually] say, I would come to you shortly, if the Lord will?
did I purpose after the manner of carnal men, who make no conscience of their word, who promise and deny both in a breath? ...should there be in me such a spirit as to speak a thing with my lips which my heart doth not agree to?
truth and steadiness are things which do highly commend a Christian, especially him who is a minister of the gospel.
did I use lightness in my resolutions and promises? did I act rashly, unadvisedly, and without consideration? did I promise certainly that I would come, without annexing any condition to it?
‼️‼️‼️do l purpose according to the flesh= do I consult myself? my own interest and advantage? do I seek the gratification of any carnal affection, as covetousness, ambition, or vain glory? &c.
⭐‼️when I have purposed anything, have I resolved upon it in my own strength? have I thought it lay in my own power to effect it? when all actions are weighed by God, and all events are at his dispose; man appoints, and God disappoints; and who can help these things?
‼️‼️‼️ has there appeared such contradictions in my words, and such inconstancy in my conduct, that my "yeas" are "nays", and my "nays" are "yeas?" that I say one thing at one time, and another at another time, or both in the same breath? that I should say one thing, and mean another, on purpose to deceive, and change my mind and conduct without any reason?
‼️‼️‼️‼️what sinister end could have been obtained, if I had come as I purposed, or is answered by my not coming?
Worldly men will rashly promise anything, and change their purpose constantly.
did I then behave thoughtlessly? Was this proposal of mine made without duly taking thought for its execution?
...so that I let myself be guided by the impulses of human nature sinfully determined, the immoral purpose of the flesh... merely after my own pleasure to say and to do the one or the other”
The diplasiasmus ναὶ ναί and οὒ οὔ is not without reason, but quite accords with the passionate excitement of the moral consciousness; whereas afterwards, where his words go on quietly with a glance towards the faithful God, the bare ναὶ καὶ οὔ is quite in its place.
⭐⭐‼️His argument is that, although the details of his original plan had been altered, yet in spirit and purpose it was unchanged; there is no room for any charge of inconsistency or fickleness. His principles of action are unchangeable, as is the Gospel which he preaches.
according to the flesh] i.e. ‘Are they the decisions of my human will, which is subject to change through caprice, or are they decisions made according to the promptings of God’s Spirit, and, as such, removed out of the region of human inconstancy of purpose?’
⭐⭐‼️ regard the Apostle as denying that he was infirm of purpose, and as reminding the Corinthians that he had but one definite end in view which he was resolutely bent upon attaining, namely, the ministering to them the Spirit of Jesus Christ. To this one purpose all minor plans and resolutions must give way.
⭐‼️‼️...are not my plans of necessity mere human plans, and therefore liable to be overruled by God's will? ...my purposes are necessarily mere human purposes, and therefore my 'yes' and 'no' can be only 'yes' and 'no' when I make a plan. My 'yes' or 'no' may be overruled by the Spirit, or even hindered by Satan, and that more than once."
...it cannot be inconsistency or levity on his part to alter plans which are liable to all the chance and change of ordinary circumstances.
Am I inconsistent? or, are my purposes merely carnal purposes, in order that my "yes yes" may be, as far as I am concerned, no better than "no no" - like the mere shifting feebleness of an aimless man?
‼️‼️‼️Was he playing the part of a trifler and deceiver by raising expectations he never meant to fulfil?
to be or show oneself double-tongued, i. e. faithless, wavering, false... that with me should be found both a solemn affirmation and a most emphatic denial, i. e. that I so form my resolves as, at the dictate of pleasure or profit, not to carry them out
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⭐⭐⭐‼️‼️‼️ As God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay." It was our purpose to come to you, but it was changed in the spirit of the gospel, and just as certainly as the preaching of Christ in this gospel was "yea," just so certainly was our conduct in this matter in the "yea" of the gospel, i.e. truthful and reliable. All God's promises were made to be kept, and they are "yea" in Christ and we are "yea" in Him! The response of the Church is "Amen," and it glorifies God through our instrumentality. All is in the Spirit of Christ - our preaching, promising, and living!
God has made us firm and strong in Christ, has given us the unction of His Spirit, so that while Jesus of Nazareth was by distinction the Anointed, and received the Holy Ghost without measure, He has taken us, apostles and believers, unto Himself, and conferred on us the gifts of grace. We are "sealed;" the mark is evident that we belong to Christ, and this "earnest" or pledge is "in our hearts."
= hearts that are SINCERE & SIMPLE & SINGLE!!!
His teaching and its results were proofs beyond question that he was anointed to his work, and these believers were the acknowledgment, the "Amen," that certified the fact.
These Judaizers were striking at his apostleship, and the true issue between him and them turned on this point. What did they care about the assurance that he was coming to Corinth? This was a small matter. The main thing with his opponents, in their fiery zeal, was to overthrow the power of his ministry among the Gentiles by heaping contempt on his character and conduct. St. Paul saw this clearly, and hence his line of argument, he appealed to his ministry, to its fruits, most of all to the fact that the "yea" here was "yea," and the "Amen" of all converted souls was the endorsement of its success. And having met these slanders precisely in the form they were designed to affect him, he proceeds to tell the Corinthians why he had failed at the time to make them a visit. Hoping that his letter would lead them to see their grievous errors and induce them to repent and amend, he bad deferred the journey to Corinth... had he not asked them to decide whether he should come to them "with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness"? In this spirit of tender conciliation he had waited to see the issue.
Was not the case very clear? In what stronger light could it be put? There was the testimony of conscience, the seal of God, the unction and the earnest, the yea and the Amen; and here, last of all, the calling on God to testify against him if he had been untruthful.
This idea of the faithfulness of God is the argument which Paul urges why he felt himself bound to be faithful also. That faithful God he regarded as a witness, and to that God he could appeal on the occasion.
‼️‼️‼️ He adds this lest they might think his DOCTRINE was changeable like his purposes (the change in which he admitted in 2Co 1:17, while denying that it was due to "lightness," and at the same time implying that not to have changed, where there was good reason, would have been to imitate the fleshly-minded [proud & stubborn, unwilling to yield or admit powerlessness] who at all costs obstinately hold to their [ego-serving] purpose [rather than be inconvenienced, lose face, or submit to God's overriding Will at the total surrender of their own]).
It is very observable, how careful this great apostle was to clear himself from any imputations of levity and falsehood; and it should teach us to be careful to maintain our reputation in the world for truth and steadiness.
Paul states that he felt himself bound to maintain the strictest veracity for two reasons: Jesus Christ always evinced the strictest veracity; and God was always true to all the promises that He made; and as he felt himself to be the servant of the Saviour and of God, he was bound by the most sacred obligations also to maintain a character irreproachable in regard to veracity.
...the preaching respecting Jesus Christ, did not represent him as fickle, and changeable; as unsettled, and as unfaithful; but as true, consistent, and faithful. As that had been the regular and constant representation of Paul and his fellow-laborers in regard to the Master whom they served, it was to be inferred that they felt themselves bound sacredly to observe the strictest constancy and veracity [as His disciples & servants].
But in him was yea - Was not one thing at one time, and another at another. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. All that he says is true; all the promises that he makes are firm; all his declarations are faithful. Paul may refer to the fact that the Lord Jesus when on earth was eminently characterized by truth. Nothing was more striking than his veracity. He called himself "the truth," as being eminently true in all his declarations. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life;" ...he is called "the faithful and true witness." In all his life he was eminently distinguished for that. His declarations were simple truth; his narratives were simple, unvarnished, uncolored, unexaggerated statements of what actually occurred. He never disguised the truth; never prevaricated [spoke evasively]; never had any mental reservation [saying other than what he thought]; never deceived; never used any word, or threw in any circumstance, that was suited to lead the mind astray. He himself said that this was the great object which he had in view in coming into the world. "To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth;" John 18:37. As Jesus Christ was thus distinguished for simple truth, Paul felt that he was under sacred obligations to imitate him, and always to evince the same inviolable fidelity. The most deeply felt obligation on earth is that which the Christian feels to imitate the Redeemer.
⭐⭐‼️Proof of the unchangeableness of the doctrine from the unchangeableness of the subject of it, namely, Jesus Christ. He is called "the Son of God" to show the impossibility of change in One who is co-equal with God himself.
The Son of God, that Christ, whom both I, and other ministers of the gospel, have preached to you, is not uncertain and unconstant, one thing at one time, and in one place, another thing at another time, and in another place. He was only one and the same, unchangeable; though preached by different preachers, his doctrine was always certain and uniform, and consistent with itself; and our conversation ought to be suitable to him and his doctrine.
our preaching of the Son of God is confirmed as true in Him (that is, through Him; by the witness of the Spirit which He has given, and of which miracles were only one manifestation of His confirmation, and that a subordinate one.
These ministers being mentioned by the apostle with himself, shows his humility in putting them on a level with himself; and his modesty and candour in not monopolizing the Gospel to himself, but allowing others to be preachers of it as well as he: and his design herein seems to be for the confirmation of the Gospel, and to show that he was not singular and alone, and could not be blamed by them, without blaming others; and chiefly to express the harmony and unanimity of Gospel preachers. The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, agreed in all the doctrines and truths of the Gospel; so did the apostles themselves; and so all faithful dispensers of the word have in all different times and places agreed, and still do agree; which serves greatly to corroborate the truth of the Gospel.
The Son of God, the subject-matter of the Gospel, was no uncertain conception, sometimes affirmed and sometimes denied. The preaching of Him was the constant affirmation of a truth, an unchangeable blessing vouchsafed in Him to mankind.
in him the everlasting" yes" has proved itself valid, and still continues to be a changeless affirmation.
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1645 elaphrós (from mikros, "least, little," J. Thayer) – properly, of little weight (light); (figuratively) easily managed (carried) because easy to bear (move with).
Cognate: 1644 elaphría (from 1645 /elaphrós, "least, little/small") – properly, of little weight (light), used only in 2 Cor 1:17.
levity (figuratively), i.e. fickleness of mind
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ἐλαφρόν portrays a condition of lightness—something that is not oppressive, crushing, or weight-bearing. Scripture uses the term to contrast what humanity experiences in the present with what Christ provides and with what God promises for eternity... God exchanges heaviness for ease, burden for grace, temporal hardship for eternal glory.
Jesus speaks to an audience wearied by Pharisaic legalism and life’s oppressive realities. By calling His burden ἐλαφρόν, He declares that relationship with Him is fundamentally different from religion without Him. The imagery assumes two oxen under one yoke; the stronger carries the weight while the weaker benefits. Christ shoulders the load, making discipleship sustainable rather than crushing.
Paul juxtaposes ἐλαφρόν with “eternal weight of glory.” The present pressures of ministry—beatings, imprisonments, slander—are labeled “light” only when measured against endless glory. The verse teaches perspective: suffering is not denied but relativized by eternity. Affliction becomes not merely tolerable but productive; it “is producing for us” an outcome of inestimable value... everlasting glory renders current suffering light by comparison.
Christ’s atonement relieves sin’s weight.
In Evangelism: Present the gospel as liberation from the weight of guilt and performance.
Offer Christ’s yoke, not additional regulations.
Sanctification reframes trials as purposeful, not punitive.
Suffering saints: Reorient outlook from the immediate to the eternal, enabling perseverance with hope.
Eschatology guarantees that any present “lightness” or “heaviness” is temporary.
Strong’s Greek 1645, though rare, functions as a theological pivot: what seems weighty in human experience becomes “light” in Christ, and what is truly weighty—eternal glory—is secured by Him. Believers are thus invited to labor under a yoke that liberates and to endure present afflictions with eyes fixed on the incomparable, everlasting reward.
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Ask these questions when making decisions regarding questionable practices–things not mentioned in the Bible as being either right or wrong:
-Does it glorify God?
-What is your motivation for wanting to do this?
-Is it necessary?
-Does it promote spiritual growth?
-Is it an enslaving habit?
-Is it a compromise?
-Will it lead to temptation?
-Does it give the appearance of evil?
-Does it violate your conscience?
-How will it affect others?
Recognize that the peace of the Holy Spirit is your guide. For decisions not specifically dealt with by Biblical command, principle, or example, the peace of the Holy Spirit is your guide. When you make a decision regarding a questionable practice or life situation and you do not have peace in your spirit, continue to seek the Lord. Do not act until you have the peace of God confirming your choice.
Make wise decisions. Ask God for wisdom to make good decisions each day, and He will give it (James 1:5).
If you make a bad decision, do not give up in despair. Many people in the Bible strayed from the will of God but returned to fulfill their destinies: The prophet Jonah; the Apostle Peter; John Mark; and King David are some key examples. If this happens to you, admit your failure, repent, determine where you got off course, and correct your errors. Then seek God for new direction and act upon it.
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Today's devotional hitting me like a shotgun to the ribs
Love is the beginning of everything. You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us. God created us because He wanted a people to love, and we are the recipients of His great love. In 1 John 4:9, John tells his readers that the primary way God showed His love toward us is through Jesus. Even while we were considered enemies of God, He sent Jesus to earth on our behalf. While Jesus was on earth, he lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God. His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God.
God now gives us His love freely. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love, and there's nothing about us that deserves His love. This is why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7).
Love is our greatest responsibility in life. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. But the basis for all of this is the love of God through Jesus. John tells us in 1 John 4:7-8 that those who truly know God will also love others. Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people.
We should never deny someone something we've been freely given. And since we have freely received love from God, we should also freely give love to others.
Jesus has already purchased your freedom with His life. Now, you can share His great love with others!
Consider some simple yet sincere ways you can love the people around you. Then think of one or two concrete things you can do this week to show love to someone in your life.
Sometimes simply spending time with people is the best way to love them. There might also be someone you know who needs encouragement, or help meeting their needs. How will you show God's love to someone today? Let His Spirit guide your actions and words.
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Take The First Step
Day 1
I truly believe that we all deserve to find freedom and healing in life, but I’ve also learned that it requires the hard work of recovery.
Through my own experience of suffering, God could do for me what I was incapable of doing for myself.
For many years I struggled with multiple issues: self-hate, an eating disorder, addictive behaviors, relationships, and financial problems—all while calling myself a Christian. I tried so many things to change my behaviors and get free. I even went to the altar every Sunday to get prayed over.
What was wrong with me? Why didn’t God want to heal me? No matter how many times I went to church or learned scriptures, I still struggled with self-destruction, exhausted from wearing a mask, and pretending I was okay.
What I eventually learned was that, from growing up in addiction and abuse, my heart had a lot of deep, hidden wounds that needed to be healed. It would take a lot more than getting prayed over. When you have deep pain from neglect or abuse, you just can’t say be healed in the name of Jesus.
I needed help. What worked for me was seeing a trauma therapist, going to recovery programs, and spending time with God. And God brought people into my life to love me where I was at. People who understood trauma and could support me through the healing process.
I needed to surrender all the pain buried inside my heart to God, who patiently waited for me to trust Him.
In the beginning, it was tough to trust God, because of all the people who had hurt me. It was hard to believe God even cared. I had to learn how to feel my feelings, even ones of anger, and start trusting God with them.
Work toward trusting God enough to surrender every area of your life to him. Remember it is a process. Change won’t happen overnight.
You are not alone. He is with you on this journey.
Reflection
Take time to sit quietly for a few minutes. Ask God to show you the deep pain in your heart that you need to surrender to him.
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King of glory, Lord of power and might, cleanse our hearts from all sin, preserve the innocence of our hands, and keep our minds from vanity, so that we may deserve your blessing in your holy place.
Nourish your people, Lord, for we hunger for your word. Rescue us from the death of sin and fill us with your mercy, that we may share your presence and the joys of all the saints.
The Lord looks on those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The Lord is our help and our shield.
In him do our hearts find joy.
We trust in his holy name.
May your love be upon us, O Lord,
as we place all our hope in you.
2 Corinthians 1:8–11 records Paul’s testimony of extreme affliction in Asia. Verse 9 reads: “Indeed, we felt we were destined to die, so that we would not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” By calling their peril an ἀπόκριμα (“death sentence”), Paul frames the experience as more than a passing hardship; it was a decisive judgment that stripped away self-reliance and turned the apostles wholly to the God of resurrection.
I shall not die, but live,.... Not that he should never die, David knew he should; but that his present afflictions would not issue in death; or he should not die by the hands of his enemies, he sometimes feared he should; but now believed he should live, as he did, to a good old age: he knew he should live spiritually and eternally, and not die a second death; and so may all true believers and members of Christ say. Yea, these words may be considered as the words of Christ; who, though he came into the world to die, and did die for the sins of his people; yet he knew he should not die before his time, nor should he continue long under the power of death; but should live again, and live for evermore, and not die; death should have no more dominion over him; see Psalm 16:10;
and declare the works of the Lord; the wonderful appearances of God in a providential way, and all his marvellous works of grace; as David did, and as all the people of God more or less do; and which is the end of their living; not to eat and drink, and gratify their carnal senses, but to glorify God, by declaring what he has done for themselves and others. So the Messiah declared the name of God, his nature, perfections, mind and will, word and works, among his brethren in the great congregation, Psalm 22:22.
Dependence on God. The perceived sentence pushed Paul and his companions to rely “not on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” The apostle interprets life-threatening trials as providential instruments cultivating trust (Romans 5:3–5).
2. Resurrection Hope. By invoking “God, who raises the dead,” Paul unites present deliverance with future resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:14). The believer’s ultimate vindication is anchored in Christ’s empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).
3. Intercessory Partnership. Paul credits the Corinthians’ prayers for contributing to their rescue (2 Corinthians 1:11). The scene underscores the church’s communal participation in God’s redemptive actions.
The solitary use of ἀπόκριμα in Scripture serves as a vivid reminder that what appears to be the final word against God’s people never is. The Lord who raises the dead reserves the true verdict for Himself, transforming sentences of death into testimonies of life that magnify His grace and strengthen His church.
They would employ the new life granted them in "declaring God's works"
It is not its own strength that avails for Israel's exultation of victory, but the energy of the right hand of Jahve. Being come to the brink of the abyss, Israel is become anew sure of its immortality through Him. God has, it is true, most severely chastened it (יסּרנּי with the suffix anni as in Genesis 30:6, and יהּ with the emphatic Dagesh, which neither reduplicates nor connects, cf. Psalm 118:5, Psalm 94:12), but still with moderation (Isaiah 27:7.). He has not suffered Israel to fall a prey to death, but reserved it for its high vocation, that it may see the mighty deeds of God and proclaim them to all the world.
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They are happy whose life is blameless,
who follow God’s law!
They are happy who do his will,
seeking him with all their hearts,
who never do anything evil
but walk in his ways.
You have laid down your precepts
to be obeyed with care.
May my footsteps be firm
to obey your rulings.
Then I shall not be put to shame
as I heed your commands.
I will thank you with an upright heart
as I learn your decrees.
I will obey your statutes;
do not forsake me.
How long, O Lord, will you forget me?
How long will you hide your face?
How long must I bear grief in my soul,
this sorrow in my heart day and night?
How long shall my enemy prevail?
Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,
lest my enemy say: ‘I have overcome him’;
lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.
As for me, I trust in your merciful love.
Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:
Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,
singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20).
God made all men prisoners of disobedience, that he might show mercy to them all.
Happy indeed the man whom God corrects! So do not refuse this lesson from the Omnipotent: for he who wounds is he who soothes the sore, and the hand that hurts is the hand that heals.
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Strong’s Greek 1505, εἰλικρίνεια, denotes transparent purity of motive—an inner reality that stands the searching light of God’s presence. It is not mere honesty before people but singleness of heart before the Lord, free from the admixture of self-interest, duplicity, or pragmatism.
⭐⭐‼️Sincerity is linked to & paired with “truth” as the “unleavened bread,” and contrasted/ opposed to the "leaven" of “malice,” “wickedness,” and profit-driven preaching.
⭐⭐⭐The church, in her sacramental life, is called to purge “old leaven” continually, lest subtle forms of self-seeking infiltrate worship, discipline, or teaching... grace produces integrity, not expediency. Hypocrisy masks self-interest; sincerity unmasks Christ.
⭐⭐⭐ ‼️The unleavened bread of Exodus 12:15 typified separation from corrupting influence... The church is a cleansed community celebrating continual fellowship with Christ. The Lord’s Supper, echoing Passover, demands self-examination. The “feast” is genuinely kept only when hearts are free of hidden leaven.
2 Corinthians 2:17 sets sincerity over against commercialized ministry: “For we are not like so many, who peddle the word of God for profit… we speak before God with sincerity.” Authentic preaching is measured by the purity of motive before the divine audience. Motive precedes method. A polished message without sincerity of heart is merchandise, not ministry.
Paul’s defense of his apostleship centers on transparent conduct. Modern shepherds gain lasting trust not by charisma but by sincerity proven in trials. All evangelistic effectiveness in mission flows from authenticity. A message of uncompromising truth must be delivered by messengers of uncompromised motive.
⭐“do nothing in pretense." Cultivate daily transparency before God through Scripture-shaped self-examination. Encourage prayer for pure motives in service, remembering that Christ will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will disclose the motives of men’s hearts”
εἰλικρίνεια captures the shining purity God desires in His people—a disposition wrought by grace, assessed by conscience, displayed in conduct, and essential to faithful ministry. Wherever the gospel produces hearts free of duplicity, Christ is plainly seen and His word advances without hindrance.
"in simplicity and godly sincerity" ("godly honesty and singleness," "a plain, single mind"), and without any carnal wisdom that is begotten of selfish intellect, and under the control of grace determining the matter and manner of his preaching
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