Sharing our Joy! Tammy Real Southern Woman
Channel: REAL SOUTHERN WOMAN, COLLARD VALLEY COOK
Date: 2022-06-07

https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/me/view.cfm?Date=06/06&Time=pm
ESV Study Bible: https://amzn.to/3tVCGYo
ESV Charles Spurgeon Written Study Book: https://amzn.to/3tXeqov
June 6th — Evening Reading
"Are they Israelites? so am I." — 2 Corinthians 11:22
We have here A PERSONAL CLAIM, and one that needs proof. The apostle knew that His claim was unquestionable, but there are many people who have no right to the title but claim to belong to God. 
If we are with confidence declaring, "So am I also an Israelite," let us only say it after having searched our heart as in the presence of God. 
But if we can give proof that we are following Jesus, if we can from the heart say, "I trust Him wholly, trust Him only, trust Him simply, trust Him now, and trust Him forever," then the position which the saints of God hold belongs to us-
all their enjoyments we acquire; we may be the very least in Israel, "less than the least of all saints," but since the mercies of God belong to the saints AS SAINTS, and not as advanced saints, or well-taught saints, we may put in our plea, and say, "Are they Israelites? so am I. 
therefore, the promises are mine, grace is mine, glory will be mine." The claim, rightfully made, is one that yields unimaginable comfort. 
When God's people are rejoicing that they are His, what a happiness if they can say, "So AM I!" When they speak of being forgiven, and acceptable, and recognized in Jesus, how joyful to respond, "Through the grace of God, SO AM I." 
But this claim not only has its enjoyments and privileges, but also its conditions and duties. 
We must share with God's people in dreary days as well as in sunshine. When we hear them spoken of with contempt and ridiculed for being Christians, we must come boldly forward and say, "So am I." 
When we see them working for Christ, giving their time, their talent, their whole heart to Jesus, we must be able to say, "So do I." 
O let us prove our gratitude by our devotion, and live as those who, having claimed a privilege, are willing to take the responsibility connected with it.

Edited by Tammy Nichols on 06/6/22 for easy reading on the Real Southern Woman vlog.