Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States for Wednesday, 1 July 2015 - Richard Rohr's Meditation: "Presence"

Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States for Wednesday, 1 July 2015 - Richard Rohr's Meditation: "Presence"

"The contemplative, non-dualistic mind withholds from labeling things or categorizing them too quickly (i.e., judging), so it can come to see them in themselves, apart from the words or concepts that become their substitutes."
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation

Photographic image by hotblack.
"Non-Duality"
"Presence"
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
The contemplative, non-dualistic mind withholds from labeling things or categorizing them too quickly (i.e., judging), so it can come to see them in themselves, apart from the words or concepts that become their substitutes. Humans tend to think that because they agree or disagree with the idea of a thing, they have realistically encountered the thing itself. Not at all true, says the contemplative. It is necessary to encounter the thing in itself. "Presence" is my word for this encounter, a different way of knowing and touching the moment. It is a much more vulnerable position, and leaves us without a full sense of control, which is why many will not go there.
In some ways, presence is the "one thing necessary" (Luke 10:42), and perhaps the hardest thing of all. Just try to keep your heart open, your mind without division or resistance, and your body not somewhere else. Such simple presence is the practical, daily task of all mature religion and all spiritual disciplines. Once you are "present and accounted for," you grow from everything, even the problematic and difficult things. If your presence is wrong, you will not recognize the Real Presence even in the Eucharist. The Presence will be there--it always is--but you won't be. I love to say that it has been much easier for Jesus to teach bread and wine what it is than to teach humans, who always resist their deepest and simplest identity.
Ultimate Reality cannot be seen with any dual operation of the mind, where we eliminate the mysterious, the confusing, and anything scary, unfamiliar, or outside our comfort zone. Dualistic thinking is not naked presence to the Presence, but highly controlled and limited seeing. With such software, we cannot access things like infinity, God, grace, mercy, and love--the necessary and important things! I would not respect any God I could figure out with my limited, rational mind. St. Augustine said the same in the fifth century: "If you understand it, then it is not God" (Si comprehenderis, non est Deus).
Adapted from The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, pages 35, 60, 75
Gateway to Silence: God is all in all.
"As my future unfolds in the immediacy of each moment, I now know the fullness in my soul, the paradox of wanting more, and the ability to rest in having all I need." [Lee Warren, Living School student]

In the July issue of CAC's newsletter, the Mendicant:
* Read Richard Rohr's article, "The Rhineland Mystics"
* Meet a Living School student
* Learn about new CAC programs and resources
Read the Mendicant online for free!
Center for Action and Contemplation
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The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 1 July 2015

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Today please be in prayer for:

Andrew Moyer Ashland UMC Missouri River District

Emily Spearman Cannon Auburn First UMC Missouri River District

Jerry Yount Barada UMC Missouri River District

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5th Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – Green
Lectionary Readings:

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 1:1 Sha’ul had died, and David had been two days in Ziklag after returning from the slaughter of the ‘Amaleki.
17 Then David pronounced this lament over Sha’ul and over Y’honatan his son, 18 in order to teach the people of Y’hudah [not to underestimate] archery (the lament has been written down in the book of Yashar):
19 “Your glory, Isra’el, lies dead on your high places!
How the heroes have fallen!
20 Don’t speak of it in Gat;
don’t proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon;
then the daughters of the P’lishtim won’t rejoice,
the daughters of the uncircumcised won’t gloat.
21 “Mountains of Gilboa — may there be on you
no dew, no rain, no fields with good crops;
because there the shields of the heroes were dishonored,
the shield of Sha’ul was no longer rubbed with oil.
22 “From the blood of the dead, from the flesh of heroes,
the bow of Y’honatan did not retreat
or the sword of Sha’ul return unsatisfied.
23 Sha’ul and Y’honatan, loved and gracious while alive,
were not separated even in death;
they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.
24 “Daughters of Isra’el, weep over Sha’ul!
He clothed you luxuriously in scarlet
and put gold jewelry on your clothing.
25 “How the heroes have fallen in the heat of battle,
Y’honatan killed on your high places!
26 I grieve for you, my brother Y’honatan,
you meant so much to me!
Your love for me was deeper
than the love of women.
27 How the heroes have fallen
and the weapons of war perished”
Psalm 130:(0) A song of ascents. By David:
(1) Adonai, I call to you from the depths;
2 hear my cry, Adonai!
Let your ears pay attention
to the sound of my pleading.
3 Yah, if you kept a record of sins,
who, Adonai, could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you will be feared.
5 I wait longingly for Adonai;
I put my hope in his word.
6 Everything in me waits for Adonai
more than guards on watch wait for morning,
more than guards on watch wait for morning.
7 Isra’el, put your hope in Adonai!
For grace is found with Adonai,
and with him is unlimited redemption.
8 He will redeem Isra’el
from all their wrongdoings.
2 Corinthians 8:7 Just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in diligence of every kind, and in your love for us — see that you excel in this gift too. 8 I am not issuing an order; rather, I am testing the genuineness of your love against the diligence of others. 9 For you know how generous our Lord Yeshua the Messiah was — for your sakes he impoverished himself, even though he was rich, so that he might make you rich by means of his poverty. 10 As I say, in regard to this matter I am only giving an opinion. A year ago you were not only the first to take action but the first to want to do so. Now it would be to your advantage 11 to finish what you started, so that your eagerness in wanting to commence the project may be matched by your eagerness to complete it, as you contribute from what you have. 12 For if the eagerness to give is there, the acceptability of the gift will be measured by what you have, not by what you don’t have. 13 It is not that relief for others should cause trouble for you, but that there should be a kind of reciprocity: 14 at present your abundance can help those in need; so that when you are in need, their abundance can help you — thus there is reciprocity. 15 It is as the Tanakh says,
“He who gathered much had nothing extra,
and he who gathered little had nothing lacking.”[a][Footnotes:
2 Corinthians 8:15 Exodus 16:18]
Mark 5:21 Yeshua crossed in the boat to the other side of the lake, and a great crowd gathered around him. 22 There came to him a synagogue official, Ya’ir by name, who fell at his feet 23 and pleaded desperately with him, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please! Come and lay your hands on her, so that she will get well and live!”
24 He went with him; and a large crowd followed, pressing all around him. 25 Among them was a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years 26 and had suffered a great deal under many physicians. She had spent her life savings; yet instead of improving, she had grown worse. 27 She had heard about Yeshua, so she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his robe; 28 for she said, “If I touch even his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Instantly the hemorrhaging stopped, and she felt in her body that she had been healed from the disease. 30 At the same time, Yeshua, aware that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His talmidim responded, “You see the people pressing in on you; and still you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But he kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 The woman, frightened and trembling, because she knew what had happened to her, came and fell down in front of him and told him the whole truth. 34 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your trust has healed you. Go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
35 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house came, saying, “Your daughter has died. Why bother the rabbi any longer?” 36 Ignoring what they had said, Yeshua told the synagogue official, “Don’t be afraid, just keep trusting.” 37 He let no one follow him except Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan, Ya‘akov’s brother. 38 When they came to the synagogue official’s house, he found a great commotion, with people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 On entering, he said to them, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead, she’s just asleep!” 40 And they jeered at him. But he put them all outside, took the child’s father and mother and those with him, and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand, he said to her, “Talita, kumi!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 At once the girl got up and began walking around; she was twelve years old. Everybody was utterly amazed. 43 He gave them strict orders to say nothing about this to anyone, and told them to give her something to eat.

John Wesley's Notes-commentary for 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Verse 1
[1] Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
Ziklag — Which though burnt, yet was not so consumed by the fire, that David and his men could not lodge in it.
Verse 18
[18] (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher. #1#
Judah — These he more particularly teacheth, because they were the chief, and now the royal tribe, and likely to be the great bulwark to all Israel against the Philistines, upon whose land they bordered; and withal, to be the most true to him, and to his interest.
The bow — That is, of their arms, expressed, under the name of the bow, which then was one of the chief weapons; and for the dextrous use whereof Jonathan is commended in the following song: which may be one reason, why he now gives forth this order, that so they might strive to imitate Jonathan in military skill, and to excel in it, as he did.
Jasher — It is more largely and particularly described in the book of Jasher.
Verse 19
[19] The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Beauty — Their flower and glory. Saul and Jonathan, and their army.
High places — Heb. upon thy high places; that is, those which belong to thee, O land of Israel.
How — How strangely! How suddenly! How universally!
Verse 20
[20] Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
Tell it not — This is not a precept, but a poetical wish; whereby he doth not so much desire, that this might not be done, which he knew to be impossible; as, express his great sorrow, because it would be done, to the dishonour of God, and of his people.
The daughters — He mentions these, because it was the custom of women in those times and places to celebrate those victories which their men obtained, with triumphant songs and dances.
Verse 21
[21] Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
Let there be, … — This is no proper imprecation; but a passionate representation of the horror which he conceived at this publick loss; which was such, as if he thought every person or thing which contributed to it, were fit to bear the tokens of divine displeasure, such as this is, when the earth wants the necessary influences of dew and rain.
Fields of offerings — That is, fruitful fields, which may produce fair and goodly fruits fit to be offered to God.
Vilely — Dishonourably: for it was a great reproach to any soldier, to cast away or lose his shield.
Cast away — By themselves, that they might flee more swiftly as the Israelites did, and Saul with the rest.
As though, … — As if he had been no more, than a common soldier: he was exposed to the same kind of death and reproach as they were.
Verse 22
[22] From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
Not back — Without effect: their arrows shot from their bow, and their swords did seldom miss, and commonly pierced fat, and flesh, and blood, and reached even to the heart and bowels.
Returned not, … — But filled and glutted with blood: for the sword is metaphorically said to have a mouth, which we translate an edge; and to devour. And this their former successfulness is mentioned as an aggravation of their last infelicity.
Verse 23
[23] Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant #1# in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Lovely — Amiable, and obliging in their carriage and conversation, both towards one another, and towards their people: for, as for Saul's fierce behaviour towards Jonathan, it was only a sudden passion, by which his ordinary temper was not to be measured; and for his carriage towards David, that was from that jealousy and reason of state which usually engageth even well-natured princes, to the same hostilities. But it is observable, that David speaks not a word here of his piety; but only commends him for those things which were truly in him. A fit pattern for all preachers in their funeral commendations.
Swifter, … — Expeditious in pursuing their enemies, and executing their designs; which is a great commendation in a prince, and in a soldier.
Stronger, … — In regard of their bodily strength, and the courage of their mind.
Verse 24
[24] Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
Daughters — These he mentions; because the women then used to make songs both of triumph, and of lamentation, and, because they usually are most delighted with the ornaments of the body here following.
Clothed you — This he did, because he procured them so much peace as gave them opportunity of enriching themselves: and, because he took these things as spoils from the enemies, and clothed his own people with them.
Verse 25
[25] How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
Thine — Which were in thy country, and (had not thy father disinherited thee by his sins) in thy dominions.
Verse 26
[26] I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
Distressed — That is, for the loss of thee. For, besides the loss of a true friend, which is inestimable; he lost him who both could, and undoubtedly would have given him a speedy, and quiet, and sure possession of the kingdom, whereas now, he met with long and troublesome interruptions.
Of women — That is, that love wherewith they love their husbands, or children for their affections are usually more ardent than mens.
Psalm 130
Verse 3
[3] If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Mark — Observe them accurately and punish them as they deserve.
Stand — At thy tribunal.
Verse 4
[4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Forgiveness — Thou art able and ready to forgive repenting sinners.
Feared — Not with a slavish, but with a childlike fear. This mercy of thine is the foundation of all religion, without which men would desperately proceed in their impious courses.
Verse 5
[5] I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
I wait — That he would pardon my sins.
Verse 6
[6] My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
They — Whether soldiers that keep the night-watches in an army, or the priests or Levites who did so in the temple.
Verse 7
[7] Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Israel — Every true Israelite.
Plenteous — Abundantly sufficient for all persons who accept it upon God's terms.2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Verse 9
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
For ye know — And this knowledge is the true source of love.
The grace — The most sincere, most free, and most abundant love.
He became poor — In becoming man, in all his life; in his death.
Rich — In the favour and image of God.
Verse 12
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
A man — Every believer.
Is accepted — With God.
According to what he hath — And the same rule holds universally. Whoever acknowledges himself to be a vile, guilty sinner, and, in consequence of this acknowledgment, flies for refuge to the wounds of a crucified Saviour, and relies on his merits alone for salvation, may in every circumstance of life apply this indulgent declaration to himself.
Verse 14
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
That their abundance — If need should so require.
May be — At another time.
A supply to your want: that there may be an equality — No want on one side, no superfluity on the other. It may likewise have a further meaning:-that as the temporal bounty of the Corinthians did now supply the temporal wants of their poor brethren in Judea, so the prayers of these might be a means of bringing down many spiritual blessings on their benefactors: so that all the spiritual wants of the one might be amply supplied; all the temporal of the other.
Verse 15
[15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
As it is written, He that had gathered the most had nothing over; and he that had gathered the least did not lack — That is, in which that scripture is in another sense fulfilled. Exodus 16:18Mark 5:21-43
Verse 21
[21] And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
Luke 8:40.
Verse 22
[22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
One of the rulers of the synagogue — To regulate the affairs of every synagogue, there was a council of grave men. Over these was a president, who was termed the ruler of the synagogue. Sometimes there was no more than one ruler in a synagogue. Matthew 9:18; Luke 8:41.
Verse 25
[25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
Matthew 9:20; Luke 8:43.
Verse 37
[37] And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
John, the brother of James — When St. Mark wrote, not long after our Lord's ascension, the memory of St. James, lately beheaded, was so fresh, that his name was more known than that of John himself.
Verse 40
[40] And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
Them that were with him — Peter, James, and John.
Verse 43
[43] And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
He charged them that no man should know it — That he might avoid every appearance of vain glory, might prevent too great a concourse of people, and might not farther enrage the scribes and Pharisees against him; the time for his death, and for the full manifestation of his glory, being not yet come.
He commanded something should be given her to eat — So that when either natural or spiritual life is restored, even by immediate miracle, all proper means are to be used in order to preserve it.

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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries

PO Box 340004

Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Mourning or Lamenting" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday,  28 June 2015 with Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:1 Sha’ul had died, and David had been two days in Ziklag after returning from the slaughter of the ‘Amaleki.
17 Then David pronounced this lament over Sha’ul and over Y’honatan his son, 18 in order to teach the people of Y’hudah [not to underestimate] archery (the lament has been written down in the book of Yashar):
19 “Your glory, Isra’el, lies dead on your high places!
How the heroes have fallen!
20 Don’t speak of it in Gat;
don’t proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon;
then the daughters of the P’lishtim won’t rejoice,
the daughters of the uncircumcised won’t gloat.
21 “Mountains of Gilboa — may there be on you
no dew, no rain, no fields with good crops;
because there the shields of the heroes were dishonored,
the shield of Sha’ul was no longer rubbed with oil.
22 “From the blood of the dead, from the flesh of heroes,
the bow of Y’honatan did not retreat
or the sword of Sha’ul return unsatisfied.
23 Sha’ul and Y’honatan, loved and gracious while alive,
were not separated even in death;
they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.
24 “Daughters of Isra’el, weep over Sha’ul!
He clothed you luxuriously in scarlet
and put gold jewelry on your clothing.
25 “How the heroes have fallen in the heat of battle,
Y’honatan killed on your high places!
26 I grieve for you, my brother Y’honatan,
you meant so much to me!
Your love for me was deeper
than the love of women.
27 How the heroes have fallen
and the weapons of war perished”
As we read about Kingd David coming back from a victory against one of his enemies, we read of his mourning and grieiving for the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Yes, King Saul on several occassions wanted to kill David, but David would not lay a hand upon King Saul because of King Saul being God's anointed. Yes, David was anointed by Samuel, God's Prophet, to replace King saul, David refused to kill King Saul. David lamenting for the death of Saul and Jonathan saying that the might have fallen and how he loved Jonathan as a brother even greater than any women. David even shared that King Saul disinherited Jonathan from his rightful inheritance because of King Saul's sin against God. The lesson we have from this lamenting of David is that never be joyous over the death of one's enemies because they could have returned to God and become friends rather than enemies. We see the call of God for reconciliation and retstorative justice, not retributive justice where we take revenge and gloat over our enemies death. Yes, this is hard speicfically if there are deaths of people who are innocent and people kill them because they are the wrong king of people we should seek restorative justice. As we seek to live out God's Holiness for all people, we come to take and eat the Body of Jesus and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to receive God's merciful grace to give to all other people. We come to receive singint the Hymn "Ready to suffer grief or pain" by Author: A. C. Palmer
1. Ready to suffer grief or pain,
Ready to stand the test;
Ready to stay at home and send
Others if He sees best.
Refrain:
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.
2. Ready to go, ready to bear,
Ready to watch and pray;
Ready to stand aside and give
Till He shall clear the way.
Refrain:
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.
3. Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and mind;
Ready to stand where He sees fit,
Ready HIs will to find.
Refrain:
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.
4. Ready to speak, ready to warn,
Ready o’er souls to yearn;
Ready in life or ready in death,
Ready for His return.
Refrain:
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.
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Gary Lee Parker

4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1

San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States

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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Outward Signs"" for Wednesday, 1 July 2015 - Scripture: Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.
14 Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; 15 and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.
And be thankful — 16 let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. 17 That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.[Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)]
For the last six years, my husband and I have been teaching in a bilingual school in the northeast part of Thailand. The plain silver cross I wear has given me a connection to Thai Christians, despite the language barrier between us. One heartwarming experience was hearing a voice in the local marketplace say in hesitant English, “Are you a Christian? I am too. God bless you!” Unexpectedly, I was connected to another person by warm Christian fellowship that enveloped me and made me thankful for God’s goodness and encouragement.
While I was glad to be recognized as a Christian by my cross, I would rather be identified as a follower of Jesus by my actions and by the way I conduct my life. Too often I fail to live up to the teachings of Christ in my everyday life. However, as I study the Bible, pray, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, I trust that with God’s help, I will become more like Jesus and show his love and compassion in my life.
The Author: Margaret Anne Martin (Otago, New Zealand)
Thought for the Day: How do I show God’s love to those around me?
Prayer: O God of all the world, help us each day to follow your teachings faithfully and to show — through the way we live — that we belong to you. Amen.
Prayer focus: THE PEOPLE OF THAILAND____________________________

Contact Information

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Wichita KS 67207

316-686-0600

800-745-2350

info@greatplainsumc.org 

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Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Loving Our Neighbor" for Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Loving Our Neighbor" for Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Today's Reflection:
Recently, I met a woman named Bertha, a Guatemalan woman with AIDS. She was talking about how people with HIV and AIDS are alienated from society. “Even the church can cause great damage to those struggling with AIDS,” she said. She quietly told me about a single mom in El Salvador who went to a church for comfort. Upon hearing of her situation, the priest warned the entire community to “beware” of this woman. Consequently, the woman left the village. Bertha explained that some women who are stigmatized choose suicide.
Bertha’s story broke my heart. It caused me to question my own actions. How do I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, embrace those who are suffering with AIDS? How can I bring comfort and hope for those who are sick and in need of care? In Galatians, Paul calls us to bear one another’s burdens, not to discriminate against those who are struggling or different from us. We are called to act with loving kindness, without judgment, showing the love of Christ in all we do.[Prayers for Encouragement (from Pocket Prayers series)]
From page 29 of Pocket Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV and Aids, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Other Serious Diseases. Copyright © 2007 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Do you avoid anyone because he or she is different from you? Consider reaching out to him or her instead.
Today’s Scripture:
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.[Psalm 48:1-2, NRSV]

This Week: pray for those who cannot take time to rest.

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Did You Know?

In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers, call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.

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Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember: Thomas (July 3).
Thomas
July 03

We can identify with the apostle, Thomas. He wears his heart on his sleeve and shows what he is thinking and feeling as he listens to Jesus and takes seriously all that his master says. Thomas pledges himself ready to die with Jesus (John 11:16), and is unafraid to admit, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" (John 14:5)
He is the only person in all of scripture who addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" Of course, he said it after the Risen Christ responded to his need to touch ("Unless I ...put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.") Thus, the Doubting Thomas nickname and image. His detractors forget that he did not wallow in doubt, but once he saw the Risen Christ, dedicated his life to telling that good news. Couldn't we also call him "Thomas the Believer?"
Church tradition says Thomas traveled extensively as a missionary and was martyred in India. When Portuguese first landed in India in the early 1600 they found the Mar Thomas Church where a Christian community called themselves "St. Thomas Christians."
If Thomas had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Sage. Thomas is remembered on July 3.
This image is Thomas the apostle, Russian icon from first quarter of 18th cen. Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Russia.
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Lectionary Readings:

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Isra’el came to David in Hevron and said, “Here, we are your own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Sha’ul was king over us, it was you who led Isra’el’s military campaigns; and Adonai said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Isra’el, and you will be chief over Isra’el.’” 3 So all the leaders of Isra’el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Isra’el. 4 David was thirty years old when he began his rule, and he ruled forty years. 5 In Hevron he ruled over Y’hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra’el and Y’hudah.
9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
Psalm 48:(0) A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korach:
2 (1) Great is Adonai
and greatly to be praised,
in the city of our God,
his holy mountain,
3 (2) beautiful in its elevation,
the joy of all the earth,
Mount Tziyon, in the far north,
the city of the great king.
4 (3) In its citadels God
has been revealed as a strong defense.
5 (4) For the kings met by agreement;
together they advanced.
6 (5) They saw and were filled with consternation;
terrified, they took to flight.
7 (6) Trembling took hold of them,
pains like those of a woman in labor,
8 (7) as when the wind out of the east
wrecks the “Tarshish” ships.
9 (8) We heard it, and now we see for ourselves
in the city of Adonai-Tzva’ot,
in the city of our God.
May God establish it forever. (Selah)
10 (9) God, within your temple
we meditate on your grace.
11 (10) God, your praise, like your name,
extends to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12 (11) Let Mount Tziyon rejoice,
let the daughters of Y’hudah be glad,
because of your judgment [on the enemy].
13 (12) Walk through Tziyon, go all around it;
count how many towers it has.
14 (13) Note its ramparts, pass through its citadels,
so that you can tell generations to come
15 (14) that such is God, our God forever;
he will guide us eternally.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows. 3 And I know that such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, God knows — 4 was snatched into Gan-‘Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter. 5 About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant. 7 Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited. 8 Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; 9 but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me. 10 Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.
Mark 6:1 Then Yeshua left and went to his home town, and his talmidim followed him. 2 On Shabbat he started to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They asked, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom he has been given? What are these miracles worked through him? 3 Isn’t he just the carpenter? the son of Miryam? the brother of Ya‘akov and Yosi and Y’hudah and Shim‘on? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 But Yeshua said to them. “The only place people don’t respect a prophet is in his home town, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 So he could do no miracles there, other than lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of trust.
Then he went through the surrounding towns and villages, teaching.
7 Yeshua summoned the Twelve and started sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them, “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick — no bread, no pack, no money in your belt. 9 Wear shoes but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place; 11 and if the people of some place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, then, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”
12 So they set out and preached that people should turn from sin to God, 13 they expelled many demons, and they anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

John Wesley's Notes-commentary for 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Verse 2
[2] Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
Shalt feed — That is, rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, Psalms 78:70,71. This expression, he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory, but for the good of his people; whom he ought to rule with all tenderness, and to watch over with all diligence.
Verse 3
[3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
A league — Whereby David obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised obedience to him.

Verse 9
[9] So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
Millo — Which seems to have been the town-hall or, state-house, near the wall of the city of Zion.Psalm 48
Verse 1
[1] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
The city — In Jerusalem.
Mountain — In his holy mountain.
Verse 2
[2] Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
The joy — This is spoken prophetically, because the joyful doctrine of the gospel was to go from thence to all nations.
The city — Of God, who justly calls himself a great king.
Verse 3
[3] God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
Known — By long experience.
Palaces — Possibly he may point at the king's palace and the temple, which was the palace of the king of heaven; which two palaces God did in a singular manner protect, and by protecting them, protected the whole city and people.
Verse 4
[4] For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
The kings — Either those kings confederate against Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:1, or the Assyrian princes; whom they vain-gloriously called kings, Isaiah 10:8.
Passed — In their march towards Jerusalem.
Verse 5
[5] They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
Saw it — They did only look upon it, but not come into it, nor shoot an arrow there - nor cast a bank against it, 2 Kings 19:32.
Marvelled — At the wonderful works wrought by God.
Verse 6
[6] Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Fear — At the tidings of Tirhakah's coming against them, 2 Kings 19:9, and at that terrible slaughter of their army, verse 2 Kings 19:35.
Verse 7
[7] Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Breakest — Thou didst no less violently and suddenly destroy these raging enemies of Jerusalem, than sometimes thou destroyest the ships at sea with a fierce and vehement wind, such as the eastern winds were in those parts.
Verse 8
[8] As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. /*Selah*/.
Heard — The predictions of the prophets have been verified by the events.
Establish — God will defend her in all succeeding ages. And so God would have done, if Jerusalem had not forsaken him, and forfeited his protection.
Verse 9
[9] We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Thought — It hath been the matter of our serious and deep meditation, when we have been worshipping in thy temple.
Verse 10
[10] According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
So — Thou art acknowledged to be such an one as thou hast affirmed thyself to be in thy Word, God Almighty, or All-sufficient, the Lord of hosts, and a strong tower to all that trust in thee.
Righteousness — Of righteous actions; by which thou discoverest thy holiness.
Verse 11
[11] Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Judgments — Upon thine and their enemies.
Verse 12
[12] Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Tell — He bids them mark well her towers, bulwarks, and palaces, with thankfulness to God, when they should find upon enquiry, that not one of them were demolished.
Verse 13
[13] Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
Tell it — That they may continue their praises to God for this mercy, by which they hold and enjoy all their blessings.2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Verse 2
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
I knew a man in Christ — That is, a Christian. It is plain from 2 Corinthians 12:6,7, that he means himself, though in modesty he speaks as of a third person.
Whether in the body or out of the body I know not — It is equally possible with God to present distant things to the imagination in the body, as if the soul were absent from it, and present with them; or to transport both soul and body for what time he pleases to heaven; or to transport the soul only thither for a season, and in the mean time to preserve the body fit for its re-entrance. But since the apostle himself did not know whether his soul was in the body, or whether one or both were actually in heaven, it would be vain curiosity for us to attempt determining it.
The third heaven — Where God is; far above the aerial and the starry heaven. Some suppose it was here the apostle was let into the mystery of the future state of the church; and received his orders to turn from the Jews and go to the gentiles.
Verse 3
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
Yea, I knew such a man — That at another time.
Verse 4
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
He was caught up into paradise — The seat of happy spirits in their separate state, between death and the resurrection.
Things which it is not possible for man to utter — Human language being incapable of expressing them. Here he anticipated the joyous rest of the righteous that die in the Lord. But this rapture did not precede, but follow after, his being caught up to the third heaven: a strong intimation that he must first discharge his mission, and then enter into glory. And beyond all doubt, such a foretaste of it served to strengthen him in all his after trials, when he could call to mind the very joy that was prepared for him.
Verse 5
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Of such an one I will — I might, glory; but I will not glory of myself - As considered in myself.
Verse 6
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
For if I should resolve to glory — Referring to, I might glory of such a glorious revelation.
I should not be a fool — That is, it could not justly be accounted folly to relate the naked truth.
But I forbear — I speak sparingly of these things, for fear any one should think too highly of me - O where is this fear now to be found? Who is afraid of this?
Verse 7
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
There was given me — By the wise and gracious providence of God.
A thorn in the flesh — A visitation more painful than any thorn sticking in the flesh. A messenger or angel of Satan to buffet me - Perhaps both visibly and invisibly; and the word in the original expresses the present, as well as the past, time. All kinds of affliction had befallen the apostle. Yet none of those did he deprecate. But here he speaks of one, as above all the rest, one that macerated him with weakness, and by the pain and ignominy of it prevented his being lifted up mere, or, at least, not less, than the most vehement head ache could have done; which many of the ancients say he laboured under. St. Paul seems to have had a fresh fear of these buffetings every moment, when he so frequently represses himself in his boasting, though it was extorted from him by the utmost necessity.
Verse 8
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Concerning this — He had now forgot his being lifted up.
I besought the Lord thrice — As our Lord besought his Father.
Verse 9
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
But he said to me — ln answer to my third request.
My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses rather than my revelations, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me - The Greek word properly means, may cover me all over like a tent. We ought most willingly to accept whatever tends to this end, however contrary to flesh and blood.
Verse 10
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Weaknesses — Whether proceeding from Satan or men.
For when I am weak — Deeply conscious of my weakness, then does the strength of Christ rest upon me.Mark 6:1-13
Verse 3
[3] Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Is not this the carpenter? — There can be no doubt, but in his youth he wrought with his supposed father Joseph.
Verse 5
[5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
He could do no miracle there — Not consistently with his wisdom and goodness. It being inconsistent with his wisdom to work them there, where it could not promote his great end; and with his goodness, seeing he well knew his countrymen would reject whatever evidence could be given them. And therefore to have given them more evidence, would only have increased their damnation.
Verse 6
[6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
He marvelled — As man. As he was God, nothing was strange to him.
Verse 7
[7] And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1.
Verse 8
[8] And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
He commanded them to take nothing for their journey — That they might be always unincumbered, free, ready for motion.
Save a staff only — He that had one might take it; but he that had not was not to provide one, Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3.
Verse 9
[9] But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Be shod with sandals — As you usually are. Sandals were pieces of strong leather or wood, tied under the sole of the foot by thongs, something resembling modern clogs. The shoes which they are in St. Matthew forbidden to take, were a kind of short boots, reaching a little above the mid-leg, which were then commonly used in journeys. Our Lord intended by this mission to initiate them into their apostolic work. And it was doubtless an encouragement to them all their life after, to recollect the care which God took of them, when they had left all they had, and went out quite unfurnished for such an expedition. In this view our Lord himself leads them to consider it, Luke 22:35: When I sent you forth without purse or scrip, lacked ye any thing?
Verse 10
[10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
Matthew 10:11; Luke 9:4.
Verse 12
[12] And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 9:6.
Verse 13
[13] And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
They anointed with oil many that were sick — Which St. James gives as a general direction, James 5:14,15, adding those peremptory words, And the Lord shall heal him - He shall be restored to health: not by the natural efficacy of the oil, but by the supernatural blessing of God. And it seems this was the great standing means of healing, desperate diseases in the Christian Church, long before extreme unction was used or heard of, which bears scarce any resemblance to it; the former being used only as a means of health; the latter only when life is despaired of.

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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries

PO Box 340004

Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Being Anointed" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday,  5 July 2015 with Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Isra’el came to David in Hevron and said, “Here, we are your own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Sha’ul was king over us, it was you who led Isra’el’s military campaigns; and Adonai said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Isra’el, and you will be chief over Isra’el.’” 3 So all the leaders of Isra’el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Isra’el. 4 David was thirty years old when he began his rule, and he ruled forty years. 5 In Hevron he ruled over Y’hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra’el and Y’hudah.
9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
After the death of King Saul, the tribe of Judah anointed David as there King even though he was anointed some 11 years earlier by the Prophet Samuel. Apparently, there were some Israelites that felt a son of Saul should be king instead of David this Shepherd boy. The People of his own tribe realized that even while Saul was King, David led the armies of Israel into many victories over their enemies. King David reigned three years in Hebron until the whole nation of Israel made David the King of all Israel for 37 years more or a total of 40 years before David died. In this Time of His reign he built up many buildings in Jerusalem or what is known as the City of David except a permanent Temple because God would not allow him to because of much blood he shed in making Israel a great nation. How do you understand his own tribe to proclaim him King after Sul was dead? How do you understand the rest of Israel proclaiming him King some three years later? How do you respond to the current anoint pastor of your church as well as the past anointed pastor of your local church? Many people who have been called into ministry of God's and have been anointed by for His ministry have not received the anointing of the church and their leaders, but this does not remove God's anointing. The anointing of God is forever and leads the person into fulfilling their call in God's way and timing. Yes, even the people who are called to allow the church to begin to fully include people who are differently abled within the Church as laity or clergy. We come to receive God's anointing of His Grace, Love, and Mercy as we come and eat His Body and Drink His Blood through the participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive His anointing singing the Hymn "The Anointing" by John P. Kee
Verse 1:
I asked the Lord one day for direction
and He showed me the way that I must go.
And now that the Lord has appointed me,
I’m so very glad He anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Verse 2:
The love of God is so good,
that’s how I know my call is so pure.
The Lord, He has appointed me,
and there’s no doubt He’s anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Bridge:
If your yoke is not broken
and your burdens are hard to bear,
your yoke can be destroyed,
take your burdens to God 
and leave them there, leave them there.
Vamp:
The anointing
Ending:
The anointing makes a difference in my life.
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Gary Lee Parker

4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1

San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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The Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 1 July 2015 "God Pause Daily Devotion" Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

The Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 1 July 2015 "God Pause Daily Devotion" Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows. 3 And I know that such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, God knows — 4 was snatched into Gan-‘Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter. 5 About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant. 7 Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited. 8 Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; 9 but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me. 10 Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.[Complete Jewish Bible]

I was raised to be a strong, independent woman. I don't just believe—I know—that I can do anything. In the first few years of my marriage (okay, still) I struggled to let my husband help me with anything. But, as I tried to do all things and be all things for all people at all times and never require any help, I found myself stressed and exhausted. Through some sage counsel I began to ask my husband to do things for me, not because I couldn't do them, but because it brought him joy to help me. I slowly realized that in allowing him to help me I was happier, less stressed and had more to give. Paul had to learn a similar lesson, that when he put his trust, hope, and strength in God he was stronger and more effective in his ministry. In our culture this is not an easy concept to understand. We need to grow in awareness that in putting our trust and strength and hope in God we are stronger, we are better, we are more hopeful.
God, help us this day and every day to put aside our need to be independent and self-made, and to put our trust and faith in you to lead us and guide us, to lighten our burden and to increase our joy. Amen.
Jennifer Beil
St. Timothy Lutheran Church,
Portland, Ore.
Master of Divinity , 2008
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.
3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows—
4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.
5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me,
7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.
8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.[New Revised Standard Version]
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