For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. (2 Corinthians 1:13-16)
Today's Morsel: When I was in the army, we would always receive these letters telling us what our retirement and social security benefits would be if we stayed in the army for twenty or more years. But now it seems like they want to take those benefits away. David wrote that God daily loads us with benefits. He wrote, "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalms 103:1-5); "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah" (Psalms 68:19). Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that in his confidence he was minded to come unto them before, that they might have a second benefit. Paul had been with them and preached the gospel before, and they had received it which was their first benefit; but now he desired to come again and water it so they could have a second blessing. I'm sure many of you have had ministers come to your church and minister the gospel, and it was a message that you had never heard before, and it was a blessing to your soul. Well, this was a benefit from God. And afterwards, you heard that same minister was coming again to minister and what they preached the second time blessed your soul, too. You now received a second blessing or benefit from God. You see, God knows the things we have need of. It's always good to be at church; at every service, at every special event. You never know when God is going to pour out that second benefit upon you.
Sing: Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Thought for Today: A benefit is just a blessing in disguise (Parker).
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