"By What We Do and Say"2 Corinthians 12:5-6
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say or because of these surpassingly great revelations.

Thoughts for Today:As humans, we have a tendency to want others to think highly of us. So what do we do? Whenever we have the opportunity, we tell our family, friends and acquaintances all about our greatest achievements. So whether it's a victory in our latest tennis match, how far we hit a drive on the golf course, or the high grade we received on a math final -- the experiences and life stories we relate are how we would like others to evaluate us. (Most of which are cast in the most favorable light possible). But not Paul. In fact, his approach was exactly the opposite. He said, "Don't evaluate me or my ministry based on what I've been boasting about, rather judge it on what you've seen me do."

If most people had an experience similar to Paul's (taken up to the "third heaven"), they would want to share their revelations of the after-life with everyone they met. Why? Because it would make just about anyone feel "special". Not Paul. He didn't want the Corinthians to base their opinions about him on some mystical incident, but rather on how he lived with them on a day-to-day basis. Why? Because he didn't want anyone to think more of him than was warranted by what they saw him do and say.

Questions to Ponder:How do you evaluate yourself? Is your description consistent with your actions? Do you consider yourself faithful? What are some of the things you've done in the last month to demonstrate your faith? Are you generous? What specifically are you giving -- how often and to whom? Over the last week, have your thoughts, words and deeds been in harmony with what you profess to believe? What will you do today to resolve any conflicts?

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​"Is it the Lord, or Satan in Disguise?"2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light

Thoughts for Today:What image of Satan do you have in mind? Some people have the idea that he is half-human and half-animal -- his body red, with horns, hooves and a long forked tail. Yet, the Bible tells us that he is an angel of light. Therefore, if he would make himself visible to us, he probably would be of breathtaking beauty.

And it's the same way Satan brings sin into our lives -- he sells us on the benefits -- the glory, recognition we deserve, self-fulfillment, the pleasure to be experienced, or knowledge to be obtained. What he doesn't show is the cost. But Satan is also deceptive. Sometimes his way seems to be toward a higher plane of existence, perhaps even a hidden path to greater and deeper spirituality. This is the issue Paul addresses in our passage today. Any gospel preached that revels in the wisdom of man and secret teaching, rather than the glory and simplicity of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, is nothing more than Satan masquerading as an angel of light.

Questions to Ponder:Have you ever been deceived by false teaching? How do you know? How well do you know the Bible? Do you accept what you hear or do you open the Word of God to read it for yourself? I can't tell you how many times I've heard something preached and thought, "Wow, I didn't know that," and then opened my Bible only to discover a verse was either misquoted or taken out of context. Will you take responsibility to confirm the teaching you have heard?