Paul's Thorn In The Flesh.

The Thorn in the flesh, is people.


You usually heard it said like this; "so and so, is a thorn in my side"
or a 'thorn in my flesh'.

Scripture backs that up because if you look at the first time it was used
it is the book of Numbers. Where GOD warns the children of Israel, to remove the wicked people from their lands or they would become thorns in your side.

'But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. Numbers 33:55

So they are still people.

But what people were Paul's thorn?

If you remember from your studies of Paul's life, it seemed that everywhere he went, there were revivals and revolts. There were an on going group of what the

Bible calls 'judaizers', who constantly followed Paul around and questioned and water down the GOSPEL. See Galatians 2:11-21

Its always people that are 'thorns in our flesh'.
And being a thorn, its a small thing (or small group) but making a big stink, a big problem.


-eric

What I Learned From My Regurgitated Gift!

Interesting...

We had loads of fun, at our Christmas Fellowship last weekend.

But one of the highlights, was this 'game show' idea, using the old 'gift exchange' game.

We had questions on, what else, but Christmas and when correct answers were given, that allowed you to take a wrapped (but generally regurgitated gift).

Or of course, you could take someone elses gift instead. Usually you ended up feeling happy, (that someone actually took your junk) and relief (knowing you didn't have to take the most embarrasing thing home with you).

You kind of had to be there, and if you were there, you know what I mean.

But the LORD spoke to me the next day, about my gift I got.

It was a package of sponges and a candle type decorative church building.
Not your usual gift, but what is 'usual' about a Regurgitated Gift Exchange anyway?

Here is what the LORD said to me:

"Its time for us (us believers of GRACE, and the SPIRIT OF GOD) to clean house"

I listened and said "please more LORD"...

The KING continued; "Its time to, restore the natural beauty of this house, bring out the best decorations, and throw out the garbage, turn on the lights..."

[Note: we as GOD'S children are the 'house of GOD'.]

"Its time to rekindle the passion of your first love, Its time to see the former glory and desire your own taste of that glory.

Its time to open the doors, and open the curtains and let my people flow freely in and out of MY kingdom and most importantly for your sake allow MY SPIRIT full access and control of MY house!

Can't you see that this a is holy jealousy?
I insist on having you, because you belong to ME and it is only I that can sustain you in the days to come, its only I that can heal you, its only I that can make you flourish. I have created you, I have sought you, I have purchased you, I have poured out MY very life for you.

Now is the time.

Judgement and House Cleaning is here!

I will destroy the intelligent of the intellegent and I will be her wisdom.
I will destroy the pride of the house and restore the glory.
I will destroy the false leadership and yet again lead MY people, into victory.
I will destroy the greed and love of money and put MY love, MY power back in her.

Do not settle for the worlds best.
Do not settle for the synagogue of satan.

Only desire the SPIRIT, Only desire LOVE."

Thus says the LORD!

Amen


Here are the scriptures:

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:17


But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Hebrews 3:6