1 Corinthians 1

Exactly one years ago today, I ran across the following verse. It made such an impact on me that I spent some time in it:

1 Corinthians 1:31 (Amplified Bible) So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord.

Paul is referencing:

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

23. This is what the Lord says:
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24. but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the Lord, Who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the Lord.

I like the way the Amplified Bible explains the first part of verse 24. To know and understand the Lord is to know Him personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing His character.

Paul references Jeremiah again in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord," For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Two years ago, these scriptures made a big impression. Why? Because God was working one of His Great Miracles and showing me who I was in Him. This is described in the series The Fighting Man. I had grown up without a sense of self-esteem. One of the telling characteristics of someone with this chink in their armor is a tendency to boast. I was really good at it, too! :)

Well, I have learned that it is best to boast in the Lord. Why? Because He has done all the work!

• He did the work on the cross so I could have a relationship with Him again.
• He created me as His vessel for His use and to further His work.
• He reveals the work that needs to be done in me.
• Hedoes all the healing.
• He changed me from the inside out, removing old habits, readjusting thought processes, refining me like silver
• He reveals Himself to me, personally.

Notice the keyword here? HE. The Great I AM. The Almighty God. So who am I?

I will describe to you, who I am.

I am His. And that is all I can boast about.

How about you? Do you understand and know the Lord? Personally? Do you recognize His character? Is He the center of your being?

May God bless you with a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation that you may get to know Him better.