Daily Bread 12-18-18

2 Corinthians 12:14 

   Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

ref. - 2 Co 13:1 - This is the third time I am coming to you.  In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

           Ac 20:33 - I have coveted no mans silver, or gold, or apparel.

         What the world needs today is more Apostles and less beggars. God has provided us with some, but not many. These are men that are not interested in what the people can do for them but what they can do for the people.  Paul was not concerned about making a living or being supported by the people.  He knew that he would be taken care of without worry of these things.  He did not go into a place thinking, I wonder what they can do for me?, He went into a place with the good news of the gospel of God in Jesus Christ, knowing that he would provide for the people.  Like was said, before, there are very few of these people today. When we look around us let us ask ourselves this; do the ones who are leading us need our money or our services to survive or do they provide for themselves? We all know what the word of God says about a willing heart and that they would be provided for, but would these men survive without coming to us for aid? Do they ask us for money for themselves or does it go to providing facilities and services to help us to continue in our journey? Like I said, there are very few that actually live by faith. Most will go without so that we will see them and feel emotion towards them and give them what they need. Glorified beggars and exactly opposite of what the word of God instructs.  It says when we fast, or go without, we mustn't disfigure our faces so that the world knows that we are without. No, we must freshen up, liven up, and appear as if we are not without. It is then that the true blessings of God will come upon us for our sacrifices. But in this scripture Paul was reassuring the Corinthians that he was not there for what they had, but he was there for them.  Their souls were his interest. Their salvation was his interest. Their spiritual growth was his interest.  He was not there for carnal things nor was he bringing carnal things. He was bringing them the word of God and the will of God so that they would be filled with all of the capabilities to fend for themselves spiritually and to provide for themselves. Just as Peter said to the crippled beggar, Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. So do the few apostles that are left come to us with the good news of the gospel and the food for our souls.  The same spirit that was in Paul can be in us as well.  When we go into a Church or we go to a Church function it should not be to receive carnal things or money or support, it should be to feed or be fed off of the word of God, using our abundances to help others and to help ourselves along the way. We should be looking for spiritual enlightenment and not carnal gain. Yes, it takes money to live, but it also takes a willing heart and mind to persevere an go work for that money. This is not our goal, this is just another necessity that comes with life on this earth.  But our main focus, and the only focus that we need to be looking for when the apostles come, is to benefit spiritually from what gifts they have been given by God and to be able to draw ever closer to that wonderful savior that we have in Jesus Christ.  If they are not out for what you have, but there to give you what God has given them, listen and pay attention. It will help you just as Paul helped thousands and thousands of souls along his way.  Not the child laying up for the parent, but the parent for the child...........let that sink in and hear what God has for you today.  Have a great day!!!