Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About

Written By Betty Predmore

2 CORINTHIANS 11: 16-33

(September 10)

Well ... if they are going to talk about you, you just as well go ahead and give them a reason, right??

If the blabbing won't stop, you better join in and make your own point.

Do you think that Paul, on a normal day, would stoop to either of the above? Most likely, not. But this is not a normal day. Today, Paul is ANGRY! And we all know we can say and do things when we are angry that we wouldn't on a "normal day". (Whatever that is)

Paul is angry that these "falsies" have IMPRESSED and DECEIVED the believers in Corinth. He set about to reestablish his credibility and authority.

He started by listing the trials he had endured in his service of Christ: "Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea."

He adds to this, saying: "I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not."

Little did he know, but he would go on to endure even more. Paul sacrificed his life for the gospel. That is something the false teachers would never do.

Despite all the trials he faced, he continued to take on the daily burden of concern for the churches. He worried about how they were doing. Although he doesn't like to boast, if he has to, he feels it necessary to boast about his weaknesses, giving praise to God in all things.

You wouldn't find the false teachers boasting about their weaknesses. Instead, they would be boasting about their knowledge, their abilities, etc. No glory went to God, only to themselves.

So, with all the talking they did about themselves, Paul wanted to really give them something to talk about ... the power of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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