"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD!"

 The prophet, Habakkuk wrote a relatively short message, compared to Isaiah and some of the other "major" prophets ... even most of the other "minor" prophets, but the message he brought to God's people bears the power of the Spirit to encourage those who believe to "live by faith!" 

Habakkuk begins with a "complaint" to the LORD, his God.  "How long shall I cry for help, and You do not hear?  Or cry to You, 'Violence!' and You do not save?"  It is almost as if the prophet is living today!!  God's answer was to tell Habakkuk that HE was going to send the Chaldeans (Babylonians), a desperately wicked people with an overpowering army filled with evil, to bring judgment on His own people, Judah.  Thousands would be killed, the temple would be destroyed and nearly all the rest would be taken into captivity in a foreign land.

When Habakkuk heard God's plan he was astounded!  How could a holy God permit such evil to take place?  Surely this would not happen!  But God gives to Habakkuk the truth that several hundred years later would be quoted by the Apostle Paul in explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ:  "The righteous shall live by his faith!" (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17).  God was telling Habakkuk that those who would be saved spiritually would be those who believed His promises, who trusted in Him and who did not lose hope, for HE would save them.

Habakkuk then prayed, "O LORD, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2).  All of this was pointing ahead to the coming of Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin for all who would believe ... all whom God had chosen to be His.  The mark of a true believer is "living by faith," enduring trials and suffering in this world, all the while believing in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  One day we will live by SIGHT, but now we live by faith!

God taught the prophet Habakkuk a lesson we who know Him need to learn today.  Throughout 2020 God was with His people and was and is working to accomplish His purpose to bring judgment on some, while bringing hope and salvation to those who believe in Him.  In spite of what we SEE, evil will not win!  Whatever happens this week, evil will not win.  Judgment is coming upon our nation and the world ...  of that we can be certain.  How?  When?  Only God knows. But our testimony must be the same as that of Habakkuk:

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.  God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer's; He makes me tread on my high places!" (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

May you have a truly blessed new year as you live by faith and as you rejoice in the Lord, your God!!

"Behold, I am doing a new thing!"

 Turning the calendar into a new year is not like waving a magic wand and seeing everything suddenly change from what it was just 24 hours ago, but when GOD says He is doing a "new thing" it is worthy of taking note.  So it was in the days of the prophet Isaiah, as God brought His judgment on Israel for their idolatry and other sins.  Israel would soon be destroyed by the Assyrian armies and scattered throughout the nations of the world.  Judah would not be far behind, as the Babylonians would destroy the temple and take the people into captivity for seventy years.  Things couldn't look much worse for those who were supposed to be God's chosen people!  What about the promises God had made to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob?

Ah, but God was not finished.  The people could not know that even this was all part of God's plan to reveal the stubborn, sinful, rebellious nature of mankind in order to usher in what the New Testament writers would later call "the day of salvation."  Yet, in the midst of what many may have thought were the worst of times, God spoke through Isaiah to those who were given "ears to hear."  He said,

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise" (Isaiah 43:18-21).

Though WE may be overwhelmed by the circumstances all around us, God never is!  To know the sovereign God who reveals Himself in His Word, the Bible, is to understand that this "new thing" was and is His plan to save those who believe in Jesus Christ, those from every people, tribe, nation and tongue whom He has chosen for Himself, who will be born again by His Spirit, who will confess their sins, trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for forgiveness, and then live to testify that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of our Father in heaven!

All who believe in Jesus today are part of the fulfillment of what God promised to do in the days of Isaiah.  We have seen and are seeing prophecy fulfilled in our day and we know that God is with us to accomplish His purpose until Jesus comes!  

As you head into this new year there is one way to live with hope each day and that is to know what God is doing.  The true Church is a gathering of faithful followers of Jesus Christ who have one goal in mind:  to glorify the God who created us for His glory and to give thanks for His salvation as we proclaim His truth to the world around us.  Some will be given ears to hear, most will ignore or reject the Gospel we proclaim, but God will accomplish His purpose no matter what mankind attempts to do to stop Him or to stop us.  Our goal must be to remain faithful to our calling, for God says,

"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!" (I Peter 2:9).

Make it your goal in this new year to be an active part of Christ's Body, to be part of the "new thing" God is still doing in the world today.  If you live nearby Allendale, Michigan, we invite you to join us at Lighthouse Community Church.  If not, familiarize yourself with our website and watch online and learn and grow with us.  Form a small group around you and study God's Word together.  Order "... the end." by emailing me at pastorsteve@lighthouse-ministries.org and see what God's Word tells us about the events leading up to and surrounding the return of Jesus Christ.  We have other resources available for Bible studies as well.

January 1st, 2021 ... "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!"

"When people go their own way ..."

Watching people imagine they are "free," when in reality they are in slavery to their own sinful, foolish, rebellious nature, is painful.  Having lived in the United States all my life and having experienced the many freedoms we enjoy ... freedoms that have been paid for by the blood of many and given to us by the grace of God ... I hate what is happening in our nation as people reject and ignore the truth God reveals in His Word and have nothing with which to replace it but their own ignorance and self-centered thinking.

The prophet, Jeremiah wrote the following during a time when God was bringing His severe judgment on the nation of Judah ...

"Thus says the Lord, 'Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'  But they said, 'We will NOT walk in it!' I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!'  But they said, 'We will NOT pay attention.'  Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.  Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.'"  (Jeremiah 6:16-19).

There is just no way around the fact that the sovereign God of the universe IS judging and MUST judge the United States of America.  In one sense it is a helpless feeling to sit back and watch as the Word of God and His righteous laws are rejected, even by many in the church in these days, yet it is also a call to stand firm on God's truth and to continue to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, pointing people to Jesus Christ.  This is the only place to find hope as you live in this world every day.

It would be far easier to "give up," to "throw in the towel," to let people go their own way ... but those of us who know God's grace in Jesus Christ understand that He has revealed His mercy and grace to us so that we may be His instruments to call others to Himself before the final judgment comes.  The "sound of the trumpet" was used to call people to worship and also to call the army to battle.  When the people of God gather together the trumpet must be sounded and those who have been given ears to hear will pay attention while the others will continue to go their own way. 

Are YOU listening?  Are you searching for the "ancient path," the good way, the only way to draw near to God ... through faith in Jesus Christ?  FAITH, for the true believer, is an action word!  Faith believes and faith motivates us to serve in the army of our King, Jesus Christ!!  The trumpet is being sounded!  We are engaged in the battle and we know victory will be ours.  We WILL overcome and Jesus  will reign over all the earth.  Let this be your hope today as you walk the narrow road that leads to life!!

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, I am compelled from within to begin, as much as possible, to post a daily blog in order to do one thing: to proclaim the kingdom of Jesus Christ! Here at Lighthouse Community Church we have a mission statement that declares the following: "We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over all things; glorifying and enjoying God, now and forever." I begin here because in our current circumstances it has become obvious that most people do not believe this and that even many of those within the visible church do not understand the implications of this statement. We read in Philippians 2:9-11 that there will come a time when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." As one who by God's grace believes Jesus Christ IS Lord, it is my privilege to acknowledge this NOW, willingly and joyfully. And in doing so I proclaim my belief that there is no authority in heaven or on the earth that is higher than HIS authority. That means, in our current circumstances, what it has always meant, that all human authority is UNDER the authority of Almighty God and now of His "Anointed One," the Messiah, the Christ, the KING over all the earth, Jesus!! Therefore, I and all true believers, enlightened and empowered by the very Spirit of Christ, are commanded to proclaim His Lordship and to stand firm against those who would seek to usurp (to steal) His authority for their own purposes. Someone called our church this morning and asked if we were open. YES! Then they asked if we were requiring masks. NO! You may wear one if you decide you want to wear one, but we will not require them. Then they asked if we were singing. How sad is it that anyone would have to ask if the church, God's people gathered together to worship the KING, is singing!!! YES!! We are singing His praises!! What has happened in the past ten months is that the enemy of Christ and His Body has used government to silence the church and to bring Christians into submission to the authority of man ... for our safety and for our good, of course. But this is a lie! People are dying without loved ones at their side, people are living without being able to see their loved ones, whether in nursing homes or shut in their own homes. People are losing their businesses and eventually their homes because they are commanded not to work or they will be fined or even imprisoned. The list goes on, and where it stops is complete reliance on the government for "salvation," for deliverance from this "plague" called "COVID." Now we are told that we must continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance and restrict our movement even after a vaccination, for a year ... or two ... or ... JESUS IS LORD!! We are being told that loving our neighbor, respecting our neighbor, caring about our neighbor requires wearing a mask and standing six feet apart and staying home as much as possible and not traveling and not getting together with family. My friends, this is HATE, not love, as our neighbors grow weary and depressed and anxious and fearful and live without hope because they do not hear us proclaiming the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not begin or end with "God loves you," it begins with "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!" And it ends with, "JESUS IS LORD ... over EVERYTHING!" When the Governor of a state, or anyone else, restricts in any way your devotion to Christ or your obedience to Christ and tells you what you MUST do, even if it becomes a law, you must declare, "Jesus Christ is Lord!" God tells us that HE has created human government as HIS servant, to execute justice. Period. All human government is UNDER the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Those in the church SHOULD know this, but most do not seem to understand it, believing instead (because this is what they have been taught) that we are supposed to "turn the other cheek" and blindly obey the authority of the government that GOD has placed OVER us. "We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over EVERYTHING!" I will be sharing more about this and other truths from God's Word in the coming days and weeks, Lord willing. In the meantime, I have completed my second book, entitled simply, " ... the end." In it is God's Word, quoted on virtually every page, brining together the Scriptures that point to the events leading up to and surrounding the return of Jesus Christ. If you would like to receive a copy, along with a study guide, email me at pastorsteve@lighthouse-ministries.org. The cost is $15 for one book and $10 for a Study Guide. Shipping in the U.S. is $5.00. If you are anywhere else in the world, the cost is $25 for both plus shipping. You may pay online through our website at lighthouse-ministries.org. Just send me your address. The days ahead will bring many opportunities to testify to the truth. Be sure you know and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord ... over EVERYTHING!!!

"The Bible does NOT teach Socialism!"

Jesus said, "I will build my CHURCH!" (Matthew 16:18).  He said, " ... the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for MANY" (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples (of Jesus) of all nations, baptizing them INTO (into a relationship with) the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

According to Ephesians 1:20-23, God "seated Him (Jesus Christ, true God and true man, the Messiah, the Savior and Lord of those who believe in Him) at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as Head over all things TO THE CHURCH, which is HIS Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."


Last Saturday, June 30th, a full-page article was placed in a local newspaper, signed by more than sixty "elder" retired clergy and educators who had gotten together and written a "Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis."  They declared the belief that "the soul of the nation and the integrity of faith are now at stake."  What followed was an attack on President Trump and those who may support him or his policies (though neither he nor his followers were mentioned directly).  It was what was presented as the role of the Church that disturbs me the greatest, the idea that the Bible promotes what can only be labeled as "socialism," the establishment of a rule of government called "democracy" where "mob rule" establishes policy and where there is no unchangeable standard of right and wrong.  What makes this all the more disturbing is that it is those who claim to know Christ and to believe in the Bible who are promoting a society where most of the Bible is ignored!

There is not room in this somewhat brief blog post to address all the inaccuracies and and twisted Bible verses in the article, but let me point out a few.  The first is the basis for the rest:  the idea that "The church's role is to change the world through the life and love of Jesus Christ."  A verse that was quoted was John 13:35, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  First of all, Jesus was talking to those who were His disciples, and secondly, nowhere in the Bible are we told that our mission as disciples of Jesus is to change the world; in fact, God tells us the world will get worse before Jesus returns and that His people will be persecuted.  The Bible says that a "counterfeit gospel" will continue to attract followers, but we who are truly disciples of Jesus must teach all that HE has commanded.

The article refers to Galatians 3:28, a very popular and often misinterpreted verse of Scripture today, in support of the teaching that the entire human race is one in Christ:  "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  Of course, verse 29 is left out:  "And IF you are Christ's, THEN you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" (the promise that "whoever calls on (believes in) the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).  The role of the Church, the true and one Body of Christ that is made up of every true believer, those who have been born again by His Spirit ... the role of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel, calling some out of darkness and confirming the judgment of God regarding those who reject His offer of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ.  We will NOT change the world!  This world and all who do not know Jesus Christ are destined for God's judgment.  That is why, in love, we proclaim Jesus and the cross, calling people to repentance and faith as the only way to be saved from the judgment to come.  This is our task, this is our role.

In addition to that, we are called to be salt and light, not by telling everyone, "God loves you," but by calling them to confess their sin, repent and believe in Jesus Christ.  God says, "take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).  That is part of the role of the Church in society.  Telling people who have not repented and believed that God's loves them and that they are "children of God" in their present state of rebellion is a lie and it leaves people in their state of deception and spiritual death and darkness.  That is NOT love!

The article calls for racial justice and that is a biblical principle.  It calls for respect and equality for all races and for men and women alike.  These things are good and right.  It calls for justice for the poor and vulnerable and for strangers, and once again, God's Word speaks of the treatment of others as a testimony to who we are as followers of the Christ.  This, however, is where the authors go astray from sound biblical teaching once again.  No mention is made of the most vulnerable, the unborn, who are killed by the millions in our nation.  Instead, the clear reference is to the present "system" in our nation that oppresses people of different races by denying healthcare to the poor and cutting taxes for the rich.  These are slanted views which, if spoken by individuals, they have the right to say, but in speaking for the Church are inappropriate and lack accuracy and biblical support when declaring that "budgets are moral documents."

It is said that, "Protecting the poor is a central commitment of Christian discipleship, to which 2,000 verses in the Bible attest."  What is the Church called to do for the poor?  What does it mean to BE poor?  There are a lot of reasons for poverty and the Church is called to touch the lives of people with the Gospel and to lead people to Christ.  As people come to Christ they find new meaning, new purpose, new direction and along with that comes new life and a new family (the Church) and new opportunities.  The article confuses the role of the Church with the role of the government and in so doing promotes a type of "democracy" that leans toward and actually promotes socialism.  The whole point of Acts 2-4 was that IN THE CHURCH there were none that had needs because they shared with one another.  This is where the "love one another" comes into focus.  It is the work of the Spirit in the children of God who are disciples of Jesus Christ.  The Church is called to be an "oasis" in the midst of the desert of human misery and spiritual death.  Here is where you find "living water" and "bread from heaven."  Here is where you find Jesus.  The world can't be and won't be changed without believing in and confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord!!

Christians can and should be involved in the political arena, seeking to promote godliness and truth ... GOD's truth.  It IS the role of the Church to speak, but we must be sure that what we speak is what God has revealed in His Word as truth.  It IS the role of our government to protect its citizens and to promote justice.  The current debate about immigration is another example where choosing a few verses and making them fit what you want to say does not rightly present God's truth.  Leaders in the Church must be careful how we apply God's Word to our present situation and circumstances.  The authors of the article declare, "We reject domination rather than stewardship of the earth's resources, toward genuine global development that brings human flourishing for all of God's children."  This is a dangerous statement, even though it sounds appealing to many.  When the true "Antichrist" comes, he would have no trouble signing on to the idea that we all just need to get along ... just leave out the cross, repentance and forgiveness.  Just make Christianity one of many "good" religions and Jesus one of many "good teachers."

Quoting the Bible, quoting Jesus, talking about the ills of society and the leaders of our government, but not offering Christ and the new heaven and earth is NOT the message of the Bible.  It is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Preaching the Gospel and applying the truth of the Lordship of Christ as disciples of Jesus is our true calling.  Apart from repentance and faith in Jesus Christ there will be no "new world."  The problems in our society are many.  Christians are called to be salt and light and to influence our culture for good.  We do that best when we fulfill our calling to preach the Gospel and to call people to be disciples of Jesus Christ, to acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord, and to obey ALL that He teaches in His Word.

I call those who signed on to this letter to consider our calling, to be engaged in the lives of those who need Jesus Christ, as all of Jesus' disciples are called to do, and to preach the Word rather than misapply a few verses to make political points.  Interestingly, I will be preaching on what it means to "love our neighbors" this Sunday!  I pray for wisdom to speak what God reveals in His Word ... nothing more ... nothing less.  May God alone, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the one true God, our Creator, "who loved the world in this, that He gave His only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should not perish but have eternal life" ... may HE be praised by those who know Him and who love Him, for it is by His grace alone that we have been saved and that we have a message to proclaim:  the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  May we be about our Father's business!!

"Stand firm!"

"Therefore, my beloved brothers (and sisters), be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain!"  - I Corinthians 15:58

I have been thinking for a while that I need to revive my blogposts as we continue to see the world around us spiraling out-of-control ... out of OUR control ... and as people move farther and farther away from the truth of God's Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Today is the day!!

The verse above speaks a word of encouragement to those who are being faced with the daily struggles of life and especially to those who are engaged in the spiritual battle for truth, for hope, for peace, for joy, for LIFE!!  This is not a game we are playing or something you and I can do "part-time."  As soldiers in Christ's army we wage war every day against the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms and we must put on all the armor God puts at our disposal (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Discouragement is a temptation that must be met with faith based upon the truth.  Yesterday morning I sent the verse above to my two grandsons who are serving at camp this week.  I encouraged them to memorize it.  By the end of the day I needed to read and trust these words for myself.  Receiving some news that disturbed my soul, my spirit was down and I thought of how so many people say they are "depressed."  But while I let myself go there for a moment, I realized that what I am really feeling is more anger ... an anger that arises out of a deep sadness when relationships are severed that I was counting on being solid and steadfast.

Then I remembered these words, spoken to those who are "beloved" by God Himself.  Paul had just finished speaking about the resurrection of the body and our victory over the grave.  He says in verse 57:  "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"  I have that victory, and if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ you have that victory!  Nothing can take that away.

It is in that context that Paul writes, "Therefore, my beloved brothers (and sisters ... in Christ), be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Why does he say that?  Because sometimes it is going to FEEL like it is in vain, and during those moments, those periods of time, you and I who know the KING who is seated at the Father's right hand must remember that He is at work in us and through us for His glory.  It is the LORD whom we serve!

There is a hymn that asks, "Who is on the Lord's side?"  So long as God gives me breath I will say, "I am!!"  I pray that you will join me!!

"It's all about GOD!"

Day #328

Scripture Reading:  II Corinthians 9 - 10 ...

Paul commends the believers at Corinth for their “eagerness to help” (9:2) as he encourages them to get prepared to give an offering for their fellow believers who are in need.  Sadly, some have taken the words of Paul in Chapter 9 and developed an entire "theology" around the idea that if you "sow seed into the kingdom," meaning, MONEY, God will give you more MONEY back.  There are so many things wrong with that interpretation that it's hard to know where to begin, but what is important is this:  Your life and mine were intended to be about God and His glory.  Anything that makes people look at US must cause us to point out that it is NOT us, it is GOD who is the Giver.  This is the intention of Paul's words, inspired by the Spirit of God, in these chapters.

It is true that Paul was strongly encouraging them to be generous; and it is also true that God was speaking through Paul when he wrote, "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (9:6).  Obviously, he was speaking about giving an offering, but it was not ONLY money that he was talking about.  Remember what he said in chapter 8, verse 12:  "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one HAS, not according to what he does NOT have."  Thus the instruction that "each man should give what he has decided in his HEART to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7-8).

God doesn't NEED your gifts and mine.  WE need to give more than God needs to receive.  We need to learn that all we have is God's and if we don't use it for Him we are missing an opportunity to testify that we are assured that HE will provide what WE need.  If we hold back, we are trusting in ourselves, in our things, and by doing so we are missing GOD!!  So Paul adds, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (9:9). God wants you to see Him as your Provider so that you will live by faith, whether you have plenty or little.

He goes on in verse 10:  "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God!" (9:10-11).  Did you hear that??  Your giving will result in thanksgiving to GOD!  He says the same again in verse 12 and again in verse 13 and again in verse 15.  People will give thanks to God, they will praise God, and they will give thanks WITH us for God's "indescribable gift" (9:15).  God's indescribable gift is His constant and amazing grace ... grace that opens our eyes and opens our hearts and opens our hands ... grace that brings freedom from the bondage that enslaves so many.  It's called HOARDING and it KILLS people, from the inside out.

God gave His SON that we might live in His presence and enjoy His goodness now and forever.  He wants us to share in the joy of giving.  Our "harvest of righteousness" is being what God calls us to be and doing what God calls us to do!  In Acts 3 Peter and John see a beggar who wants money from them.  Peter says, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6).  Sometimes giving people money is the appropriate thing to do.  At other times helping them get on their feet, get a job, and change their lives is better.  But at all times pointing them to the God from whom every good and perfect gift comes is essential.  Everybody needs Christ!  This is why Paul goes on in Chapter 10 to boldly defend his ministry.

There were those who were speaking against Paul and his companions, questioning the fruitfulness of their ministry.  What were they looking for?  Were they counting numbers, there weren't that many.  Did they think the lives of the people were not being improved?  That wasn't the most important thing.  Some today proclaim a message of prosperity and promise physical healing and a better life.  God has promised to be with us, yet He has told us that life will not always be easy.  Paul boldly declares that we do not live by the standards of the world (10:3).  We don't measure "success" with the same yardstick.  It is our goal to set people FREE from the spiritual bondage of sin!

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (10:3-4).

This ministry, this life ... your life and mine, is about knowing Christ, loving Christ and serving Christ, for the glory of God.  It’s not about an easy life or about possessions.  Paul was not concerned about what other people said about him ... only what GOD said about him.  "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (10:18).  You may be able to convince yourself that you are doing what you should and others may come along and boast about you and make you feel good, but all of that may actually lead you away from God. Any time you or I seek glory for ourselves, we are stealing from God.  "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (10:17).

Life, REAL life, is all about God.  I am here to serve Him.   He took upon Himself a human nature, going to the cross to save me from myself.  I need Him and by the power of His Spirit I am born again and through faith in Jesus Christ I have a new life!!  And now my new life ... is all about God!!

"My Father in heaven, all that I have is a gift from you.  Lord, help me to use my life to glorify You.  I thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son and for Your amazing grace that brings me into Your presence and gives me LIFE, eternal life with You in the glory of the new heaven and earth.  Tear my heart away from anything in this world that pulls me away from You, so that I may find my joy in GIVING, as YOU have given to me.  In Jesus' name, Amen"