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| March 11, 2002, Monday 2 Corinthians It is a known fact that there is a secular joy and a Christian joy. Secular joy which lasts for just a moment and the Christian joy that endures even through the harshest conditions. Christian joy is a joy that is based on the secure, assured, and absolute truth of who and what is believed. There are also two forms of sorrow. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2 Co 7:10). These two sorrows are drastically different; one resulting in salvation and the other to death. The godly sorrow works to salvation because of the forgiveness and mercy that God manifests to those who believe. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). There is a possibility of cleansing and renewal that is non-existent with worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow relies on the security of the world and the happiness that the world offers, which is nil and fleeting. Godly sorrow relies on the continued and true belief that God forgives and a sinning, sorrowful man in repentance can return into the precious joy of the Lord through the repentance that godly sorrow produces, "For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him" (2 Chr 30:9). .......... "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Co 10:5). I must bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. My knowledge is limited, indeed, it is a God given gift. How dare I use this gift of knowledge and intelligence to imagine and reason against the Giver? "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Co 3:19). Things begin to take precedence in my mind as I happily journey through my life. But the end, the goal, will always be the same: service and praise to God here on earth and eternally in paradise. Every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God must be cast down. What exalts itself against my faith in God? That must be cast down. There is nothing that deserves to be there competing for my attention for God. Bring captive those thoughts and intents before God. Allow God to shape my thoughts and intents and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my temple, I will be able to act and think according to the will and pleasure of God. Then will I be blessed as a faithful servant and child of God. Casting down, I will rejoice in God's presence. *end of excerpt* |