Ephesians

The Added Power Of Prayer - Ephesians 6:18

10:00 AM


Ephesians 6:18

After telling Christians about each piece of the armor of God, Paul adds on another crucial part of our uniform. Prayer. And although it’s not something we wear, without it, winning any war is impossible. Why? Because prayer is our lifeline to the power of God. And as our great Commander, the instructions we receive through prayer can mean the difference success and failure. 


To be a victorious prayer warrior, Paul goes on to give us, the soldiers of God, practical applications when praying. First he tells us to pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit isn’t about the words we say. Instead it means praying according to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then carries those petitions to our Heavenly Father and lays them at His feet. But praying in the Spirit can only happen when we have a close, personal, relationship with God. 


Next Paul tells us to stay alert. Being alert includes being sober minded and watchful. (1 Peter 5:8) For the Enemy’s attacks are never ending, and his deviousness knows no bounds. But nothing stops Satan faster in his tracks then when we drop to our knees in prayer. So just like soldiers who keep their guns at the ready, we are to be ready at a moments notice to go to God with all perseverance in constant and fervent prayer. 


Paul ends by telling us the the importance of praying for the needs of other believers. I once read that as prayer warriors, we are spiritual weapons in God's mighty hand. I love that! That means we have the honor and great privilege of being part of God’s master plan. And when we pray for others, we become important, intricate, parts of seeing that plan come to fruition. Both in the world, and in the lives of other Christians.


Today I challenge you to prepare for battle. The days are growing darker and shorter before the Lord’s return. But until that glorious day, we are to be powerful prayer warriors on the battlefield of a Satan ruled world. So pray! Pray in the Spirit, in all alertness, and for the needs of the world! 


And don't forget to head over to Facebook and join the discussion. just follow the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

Acts

Laying The Groundwork Of Faith - (Lois and Eunice)

11:00 AM

 



“Ok Mother. That’s enough fussing. I have to go,” said Timothy as he grabbed a handful of dried figs for the road. “ I have everything I need and what I don’t, the Lord will provide.” “Yes , yes,” said his mother Eunice, dabbing at her tears with the sleeve of her tunic. “I just wanted to make sure you had enough warm clothes for the trip.” “He’ll be fine,” said the apostle Paul, who was waiting in the doorway. “Eunice you’ve raised a fine young man whose foundation is strong in the Lord. And because of his faith, God will use Timothy in wonderful, amazing ways. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but I know you’ve put your trust in God. So trust Him now.” 


And with that, Timothy kissed Eunice on the cheek and started out the door with Paul. They were to meet Silas, and head out on their next missionary journey. “Goodbye grandmother,” yelled Timothy, who had turned around to wave one last time. Lois, Timothy’s beloved grandmother and pillar of the family’s faith, had joined Eunice in saying farewell. “I’m going to miss that boy,” said Lois. And with a smile on her face added, “We did good with that one.”


“We did do good,” thought Eunice. And not an easy job. For Lystra was a rural Roman colony. There was no synagogue to attend, nor church to worship at. And many in their Jewish community had turned away from Lois when she and Eunice proclaimed Jesus as their Savior. Timothy’s father, a Greek, also didn’t share their beliefs or passion for Jesus. Even so, Eunice and Lois were determined to raise Timothy to know God’s Word, and to be living examples of their faith in the Lord.


Through their Christ loving groundwork, Timothy found his faith, and was growing to be a man of God. He was a well known godly influence, and highly respected by Christians in both Lystra and the surrounding areas. And it was these very Christians who had recommended Paul to lay his hands on Timothy, circumcise him, and call him to join God’s mission. When given the chance, Paul didn’t hesitate. For he had long been impressed with the sincere faith shown by both Eunice and Lois. Furthermore, the apostle had a deep affection for the young Timothy, often referring to him as “my true child in the faith.” 


Still, as proud as she was, the mama’s heart in Eunice ached as she watched Timothy walking away in the distance. “God speed my son,” she whispered. And as she closed the door she heard a little voice in the background ask, “Grandmother Lois does Jesus really love me?” Eunice went into the next room and joined Lois who was sitting by the fire with a group of children nestled at her feet. Her Timothy was in the very best of hands now, and before her were new Timothy’s ready and ripe for God’s Word. Eunice was resolved to share her faith, and give them the same foundation she gave to her son. An unshakable foundation that can be found in God alone! 


(Did you know statistics show that most children first hear about God through a female family member? Lois and Eunice are great  reminders of the responsibility that we as women have in growing up the next generation. When we raise them with a strong foundation in God’s Word, we prepare them for whatever may come their way, and give to them the greatest gift of all, the Good News of Jesus Christ!)


2 Corinthians

A Spiritual Checkup {2 Corinthians 13}

12:00 PM




Monday May 11, “Walking In Wisdom”


A few years back I had to have some testing done on my heart. And although the process was worrisome and a little painful, I was rewarded with a good report from the cardiologist. “Everything looks normal”, he said as he went over the findings. “And because you got these tests done, you now know you have a healthy heart. And that’s great news. Because if your heart isn’t healthy, the rest of your body won’t be healthy either.” Our physical heart health, and the care we give it, is very important; especially as we age. But just as important is our spiritual heart health. For as Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” 

Because some members of the Corinthian church were still continuing to walk in sin after having been saved, Paul wrote a stern letter to them warning that he would soon be returning to Corinth for a third time. And this time warnings would be replaced with consequences. “I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone.” (vs. 2) So before he arrives, Paul urges now would be the perfect time for a spiritual check up. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (vs. 5) But it’s not only the Corinthians who needed to test their hearts, so do we. We too need to ask ourselves, “Is Jesus in me? Is my heart healthy?” 

So how do we go about giving our hearts a checkup? By asking the great Physician. “Search me O God, and know my heart, and see if there be any hurtful way in me. Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart.” (Ps. 139:23,24, Ps. 26:2) When we ask, through the Holy Spirit, God will show us the areas that need our immediate attention. And when He gives us His findings, it’s our job in loving obedience and repentance to examine, “everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good, and abstain from every evil.” (1 Thess. 5:21-22) Another good test of our spiritual health is the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit manifested in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us,  “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” If we are truly filled with Jesus, these fruits will flow freely from ours hearts to others. 

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lam. 3:40) One day very soon Jesus will come back. And on His final triumphant return, like Paul, the warnings He gave will turn into consequences for those who rejected His gift of salvation. Now is the time for a spiritual checkup. Time to take stock of our hearts and be sure they reflect the image of the Lord, so that we will not “fail the test” and find ourselves “disqualified”. And until that glorious day of our Savior’s coming, in the beautiful words of Paul may, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” vs. 14)



2 Corinthians 10

Quit Fighting Like a Girl {2 Corinthians 10}

12:15 PM


How are you doing these days? How have you managed during this time of self-distancing? Have you learned things about yourself? Have you learned more about our Savior during these past few months?

Did you know that there is a war of the mind going on in this world and in our lives? It is not waged by military force or nations over geographical territory but in the mind and heart of every human being. Peter knew:



The enemy’s mission is to attack and degrade all the knowledge of God and His Truths, for if He can get you to believe his lies as truth, he wins! If he can fill us with discouragement and hopelessness, he succeeds in keeping us from reaching our full potential. Now multiply this by the multitudes! This is why Paul writes:


“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”— 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV

Spiritual warfare is something that every Christian will face, but fortunately Jesus has already won every battle.  “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.”  Instead, God decided to equip us with “weapons of  warfare” to fight against the schemes of the enemy.

1.)   By filling us with the Holy Spirit,
2.)   Giving us prayer so we can be in communion with Him,
3.)   Giving us the truth of His word.

I believe F. B. Meyer put it best:
Christ counts evil thoughts as traitors not only to us, but also to Him. Like the psalmist, you may say, “I hate vain thought, not only because of the curse they bring to my heart, but for the grief they give to my King.” Their intrusion is forbidden by the double barrier of our own choice and the keeping power of Jesus. 
Let the peace of God keep the door of your heart and mind, scrutinizing each intruder and turning back the unfit. Let the Holy Spirit bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Let the faithful Savior have the keeping of the soul entrusted to Him. He is well able to keep what is committed to Him. He will not fail the suppliant whose lips are familiar with the prayer:  “Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name.”–F. B. Meyer
.
You can fight back against lies and temptation from the enemy in your own life by relying on the truth of what God has spoken to us through His word, through prayer, and through the people He has placed around you.

AND next time you see the enemy at work in the lives of those around you, you can fight against that by speaking truth, life, prayer and encouragement to them. Anything that is against what God has spoken to be true can be demolished through the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work in your life. 

We have the power to win! To be all God has ordained for us to be! And to help those around us be all they can be as well!

Blessings!

Sue


2 Corinthians 8

Put Your Love Into Action {2 Corinthians 8}

2:00 PM




Monday May 4, “Walking In Wisdom”

In the days of Paul, the Jewish believers in Jerusalem were hurting. Not only did a famine sweep the land, members of the church were disowned by their families, and taxes were levied against them by both Rome and the Jewish leaders. When the churches at Macedonia heard of their plight, even though they themselves were in deep poverty, they pleaded with Paul to let them help their brothers and sisters in Christ. And so they gave, “according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” (vs. 3-5) 

Not wanting to be left out of the great joy found in the privilege of supporting fellow Christians, even though the Macedonia churches had little, they gave eagerly, generously, and without having to be asked. From hearts filled with love for Jesus, and thankfulness for His saving grace, they were honored to show that same love and grace to others. And Paul calls us to do the same. “Just as you abound in everything.....see that you abound in this gracious work also.” (vs. 7) Love isn’t only something we feel, love is also something we do. It isn’t enough just to have a desire to help others. Out of the abundant grace given to us through Jesus, we need to put that love into action, not only glorifying Him, but as proof of “the sincerity of your love” for the Lord. (vs. 8) 

There is no greater example of love in action than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For, “though He was rich, yet for your sake, He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (vs. 9) Jesus has everything. He sits at the right hand of the Father, surrounded forever by the glory of God. As Ruler and Creator of all things, He has multitudes worshiping Him and singing His praises. Yet willingly, out of His great love for us, He left behind the treasures, power, and majesty of heaven. “The Lord Jesus left the magnificence and splendor of His kingdom in heaven where He is abounding in every way. He chose the limitation, suffering, and lowliness of a human body so He could personally demonstrate His great love to us.”....Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Because of His sacrifice on the Cross, because He gave all He had, because He gave His life to save ours, we as Christians are now heirs to the riches of Jesus’ great kingdom. And one day very soon our Savior will return to take us to that kingdom where we will dwell and reign with Him forever! So especially now when the whole world is hurting, give God your first and your best by putting your love in action! 


2 Corinthians 3

You May Now Kiss The Bride {2 Corinthians 3}

2:18 PM




Monday April 27, “Walking In Wisdom”

With the quarantine I’ve been able to spend some time doing one of my favorite things, watching old movies. The other night I was enjoying a romance film that had the most wonderful wedding scene. The bride wore a beautiful antique wedding dress with a delicate lace veil that covered her face. The groom was filled with love and joy as he watched his soon to be wife walk down the aisle. After a quick ceremony and the exchange of vows, the minister finally said, “You may now kiss your bride.” As the groom lifted her veil he exclaimed, “You’ve never looked more beautiful!” And indeed her face was beaming with happiness and anticipation as she transformed from bride to wife.

All of us were created, as the church, to become the bride of Christ. Yet sadly some reject this calling, and Jesus. Instead of wearing a bridal veil to be lifted by the Lord revealing a face which is a shining reflection of His glory, some choose to wear a widow’s veil barring all light from getting in. Instead of becoming transformed into Christ’s perfect image, they hide their faces in darkness and harden their minds against Him. Just like in the time of Moses. After spending 40 days and nights on Mt. Sinai receiving God’s Law for a second time, as Moses came down the mountain the skin of his face was transformed from the glory of God. When the Israelites saw how his face shone, they were filled with fear and dared not come near him. So after he had finished speaking with them, Moses wore a veil to hide the shine of God’s glory. (Ex. 34:29-35)

Like Moses, the  apostle Paul too received a great transformation. As told in the book of Acts, he was once known as Saul, one the greatest persecutors of Christians. But because of an encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, Saul was transformed into Paul, one the greatest evangelists in history. We too can receive a great transformation.  A transformation possible because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus comes into our hearts by faith, through the Spirit, “the veil is taken away”, (vs 16) and the transformation begins. For unlike the veiled faces of those who cling to the Law, choosing instead to live in darkness, Christians not only see the glory of God but become, “transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (vs. 18)

What does it mean to be transformed from glory to glory? Our God is so loving that He never wants to leave us as He found us. And so the moment we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, if we let Him, gets to work taking our sinfulness, wickedness, and brokenness, and through God’s saving grace, transforms us from a Saul to a Paul. Not to say that our transformation will come easy. For the Christian walk is a lifelong journey of growth and change. There will be times when our walk will be hard, frustrating, and painful. And days where it’s two steps forward and three steps back. But if we keep seeking God, allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. And on that glorious wedding day when Christ comes for His bride, as He lifts our veil in love, the transformation will become complete. We will be perfect reflections of His image as we dwell with the Lord forever! 



1 Corinthians

A Holy Orchestra {1 Corinthians 14}

4:00 PM





Monday April 20, “Walking In Wisdom”


Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. The apostle Paul himself tells us, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts.” (vs. 1) But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. (vs. 12). 

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence inside us. And with Him comes at least one spiritual gift chosen specifically by God for each believer. It may not be the one we want, but it’s definitely the one God wants us to have. And each gift God bestows, He does so with the intent of us using our gifts to bless others. As Peter tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. “ (1 Peter 4:10) For what use is a gift that only benefits the holder? Like in Paul’s example of the gift of speaking in tongues.

“Originally seen at the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the ability to speak diverse languages was given so the early church could spread the gospel all around the world. (Acts 2:4) But many of the believers in Corinth were imitating other religions by babbling meaninglessly. What they were doing was neither of the Spirit nor edifying to other believers. Rather, they were trying to show off their ‘super spirituality’.”....Dr. Charles Stanley 

Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone.(vs. 18) But even he said, “I desire to speak five words in my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (vs. 19) He knew the value of a few words understood by many, rather than thousands understood by none. Paul also didn’t seek his own glory. Instead the apostle taught how each of us, with our individual gifts, are a valuable part in making up the body of the church. Like a holy orchestra, individually we make pleasing music, but together under God, the great Conductor, our solos become a beautifully unified musical symphony! 

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (vs. 33,40) Paul finishes by giving us guidelines to follow when coming together as the church. As we all play an important role, Paul tells us that with the maturity of adults, we let each person participate in sharing their gifts in an orderly and respectful fashion. “The goal of coming together as a church is not to be entertained, nor even to be “pleased” with a “blessing.” We gather for edification, for the spiritual building up we need to live lives that glorify Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. As Paul said in Ephesians 4:12, the goal is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Our Christian lives are lived on the outside, and we come to be strengthened, built up, and equipped when we come together as a church family. ; all with the mindset of edifying the church and each other. “....David Guzik

“We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:6-8) Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139:14) And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our great Conductor as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear! 



1 Corinthians

A Free Slave {1 Corinthians 9}

3:00 PM


Monday April 13, “Walking In Wisdom”


The church of Corinth, established by Paul, was in the middle of a busy metropolis in the southern part of Greece. Surrounded by religions of idolatry and an immoral culture, the young church struggled from being corrupted by the pagan society in which they lived. When Paul learned of their conflicts, including church members practicing behaviors that were hurting fellow believers in their faith walk, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians. And in it he let them know that although we may have the right to do something, doesn’t mean we should. 

“It was for freedom that Christ sets us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1) As the perfect fulfillment of the Law, with His death the Lord freed us from the bondage of living under a set of rules. Yet because we are all in various stages of our spiritual growth, what we feel free to do or not to do means different things to different people. Paul says that we need to respect these differences. Instead of saying, “I’m not about to give up my right to do something because a fellow Christian with a legalistic view gets hurt feelings about it.”, say, “Out of love it is better to limit my own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to falter.”

Paul knows of what he speaks. As an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, Paul was entitled to certain rights specified by God as written in the Law of Moses. But instead of claiming these rights, he voluntarily laid them aside for a greater reward. “What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. I do all things for the sake of the gospel so that I may become a fellow partaker of it” (vs. 18-19, 23) Paul thought it a great privilege to be able to serve the Lord. And although he never compromised his convictions, he was more than willing to put his comfort, needs, opinions, and rights behind those of others, all to grow God’s kingdom.

“You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13) There is a quote by C. S. Lewis which says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The covid-19 pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in people. As Christians this is our chance to put our love for others and Christ into action. And as one of the fruits of the Spirit, that love dictates we think more of others than we do ourselves, gladly laying aside our rights so that others may better know Jesus. And we can do so with joy, knowing the great reward of the “imperishable crown” awaiting us. (vs. 25) A crown which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).


1 Corinthians

What Do You Do When Fears take Hold of You? {1 Corinthians 2}

10:00 AM

Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2

What are you afraid of right now?
If we fear the future, we're afraid of the unknowns; losing loved ones, friendships, jobs. Will the kids walk away from their faith?

What about our possessions? Our homes? Our health? Will we have enough money for the kids college, or retirement?

What about rejection? Or worse, failure? "What if I try and fail and people see me as who I really am?" Does it surprise you that the Apostle Paul dealt with some of these same fears?

I wanted you to read this passage from the Amplified Bible, for it gives you a better sense of Paul's emotion,
As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; For I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (utter dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 AMP)
The moment Paul is describing here is when he first visited the town in Corinth. You can read about that time, and God actually coming to visit Paul in the night to reassure him in Acts 18:1-11.

Does it comfort you to know that Paul was fearful? The man, who was probably the greatest Christian of our time, and certainly the greatest missionary. The one who wrote most of the New Testament dealt with fear? It does me!

We honestly don't know if this was only at the beginning of his ministry or if this was something he always had to deal with! Could this fear, dread and the propensity to experience great trembling be the thorn in the side Paul asked the Lord to remove in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9?

Fear is a universal problem! We all deal with fears at times. Fear can come on like a wave  and take us down almost before we're fully aware of what happened. The word fear is used 441 times in the Bible and afraid 167. There are also words such as: dread, frightened, terrified and faint.

Fear can be defined as the complete state of anti-God. God is farthest from you when your heart is filled with fear. Think on this! Fear is completely relying on your own resources and suddenly realizing they aren't adequate enough to sustain you. Look back at what you fear most and take a look at who are you relying on to meet that need.

Now look to what the writer of Hebrews shared in Hebrews 13:5-6,
 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Most assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? 
Let me ask you, if God promises us five times in verse 5 alone to never leave fail or forsake us, who moved away when fear grips us? Not God! He keeps His promises and Paul knew this, if not then, he experienced it throughout the rest of his life.

James knew it as well, which is why he wrote, So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you..." (James 4:7-8 AMP)

 Take your fears to Jesus! Turn and lay them all out at His feet. Cast all of your cares upon Him and He will sustain and help you, for He would never allow His children to fail, fall or be moved.(1Peter 5:7AMP)

Blessings!
sue

2 Thessalonians 3

In The Meantime {2 Thessalonians 3}

3:36 PM





Monday March 30, “Walking In Wisdom”


Something is in the air. Can you feel it? Bible prophecy is being fulfilled at record speed before our eyes. Believers who may have put God on the back burner are seeking Him with renewed interest. Even the secular world has become enthralled with Armageddon and the last days. With the volatile climate in which we currently live and the signs all around us, how can we help but wonder if we are indeed living in the end times.

Throughout the ages, Christians have debated the timing of the rapture, the second coming of Jesus, the tribulation, and the millennial kingdom. In the case of the church at Thessalonica, false teachers were giving reports that “the day of the Lord“ (2 Thess. 2:2), in which Christ returns for His church, had already come, leaving the Thessalonians behind. I can just imagine their discouragement and the heaviness of their hearts thinking they missed the rapture. But Paul reassured them in his letter that although the return of Jesus is indeed imminent, the Lord had not yet come. And in the meantime, there are some things we need to be doing.

“Pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.” (vs. 1,2) The war of the Enemy against God’s people raged just as strong in Paul’s day as it does in ours. Satan and his minions will stop at nothing to prevent the spread of the gospel. Yet Paul knew prayer is a mighty armament in our spiritual arsenal saying, “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (2 Cor. 10:4) And so he calls us to pray. Pray that the Word of God will spread like wildfire across the world no matter the opposition, resulting in multitudes of people being saved. For when the gospel has been “preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14)

“We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.” (vs. 4) Some Thessalonians thought that the soon return of Jesus meant there was no need to continue to work. Instead they sat in idleness “acting like busybodies” (vs. 11), content to live off the generosity of fellow Christians. Paul said not only was this wrong, but warned not to associate with such people; yet regarding them not as an enemy, but as a fellow brother or sister in Christ who needs restoring. (vs. 15) “Follow our example”, Paul says, (vs. 7) and every day until Jesus comes back, continue faithfully working for the kingdom of God. A teaching Jesus Himself gave in the parable of the “Ten Minas”, (Luke 19:11-26) 

“The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. May God direct your hearts into the love and steadfastness of Christ.” (vs. 3,5) While they waited for the catching away of the church, Paul knew the Thessalonian believers would need both the strength and grace that can only be found in Jesus. And so he admonished them to fearlessly continue obeying God’s Word and keep moving forward on their spiritual walk. For as Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Do not fear, I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My mighty righteous right hand.” 

“I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3) We all look forward to the glorious day when Jesus comes to take us home. But until He returns, “do not weary of doing good” (vs. 13), keep looking up, “because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28), and “May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” (vs. 16)


1 Thessalonians 3

You’ve Got This! {1 Thessalonians 3}

4:00 PM



Monday March 23, “Walking In Wisdom”


One of the things I admire most about Paul is his heart. For as passionate as he was about Jesus, he was equally passionate about those he led to the Lord. And like a father who loves and cares for his children, Paul was there to teach, strengthen, and reassure young believers as they grew in their faith. He knew that as important as is the ministry of spreading the gospel, so is the ministry of encouragement.

The meaning of encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. The members of the Thessalonian church were facing serious opposition from the Jews. And they needed all the encouragement Paul could give. So how did Paul spur them on in their Christian faith? 

  1. Paul Sacrificed-Timothy was dear to Paul. And even though it meant Paul being left alone in Athens, he was willing to suffer discomfort in order to inspire others. And so he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in order to, “strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.” (vs. 2)

  1. Paul Prepared-Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12) Knowing that tribulations can cause new believers to become discouraged in their faith, Paul made them ready by previously warning them, “that we were going to suffer affliction.” (vs. 3) 

  1. Paul Rejoiced-Nothing is more comforting than seeing fellow believers grow in their faith walk. Paul delighted in the positive reports given to him by Timothy saying, “What thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account.” (vs. 9)

  1. Paul Prayed- We all need the prayers of others offered to God on our behalf. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that God would, “Establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (vs. 13)

“God has designed the Christian life as a community event, not a solo endeavor.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

As the days grow shorter until the glorious return of Jesus, times will continue to get worse before they get better. (2 Tim. 3:1-5, Luke 21:11, Matt. 24:7) And in the current climate of fear and hysteria in which we find ourselves, we all need the love, support, confidence, and hope from fellow Christians. Ephesians 6:18 commands us, “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the Lord’s people.” So today and everyday, be an encourager! Be willing to sacrifice for others, share God’s Word abundantly, rejoice in fellowship, and pray that we all will abound in love and be grounded in holiness! ( vs. 12-13)



Acts 18

When Things Don't Go as Planned! {Acts 18}

10:00 AM

Today's Scripture: Acts 18


Has God ever called you to do something for Him? Anything! It could be working the nursery, or teaching Sunday School. Perhaps He's called you into full time ministry, or to begin a new ministry!

If so, some of you may have been thrilled at the time and some of you may have reacted more like Moses (Exodus 3-4) Gideon, Jonah ...(there's more) and me; who required more persuading. BUT the important thing IS -- we all came around to seeing things God's way...eventually.  
That is of course, until things don't seem to go how we believed they would or should have! Here's a perfect example that took place at the beginning of Paul's ministry in Acts 18:6-11,
"When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.  Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.  And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”  And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."
I'm sure Paul believed that all would openly welcome him and thank him profusely for coming and enlightening them into the Truths of Gospel, and then they'd all beg him to sit down and teach them until they were all great biblical scholars!

Don't we tend to do the same? I know I do! If I'm going to sacrifice my time and talents the very least they can do is appreciate all I've done for them! Right? I mean, right? Don't we as wives and moms feel that way? They better thank me up and down and offer to clean up the kitchen for me after I've slaved over the meatloaf!

The truth is however, if we are looking for recognition and even gratitude from the world we are setting ourselves up to be disappointed. I've had to learn this over and over again in the school called, LIFE.

Paul described this time in more detail in his first letter to the church in Corinth:
As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you." (1 Corinthians 2:1-3 emphasis mine) 
The Lord first showed me this passage long ago when He called me to lead women Bible studies, for that is the LAST thing I ever intended to do... EVER! It took six weeks for Him to convince me that I hadn't heard Him incorrectly, and that He definitely intended to use me in such a way. I took incredible comfort in knowing that both Moses (Ex. 3) and Paul were also frightened at one time, yet went on to allow God to use them in amazing ways. It was then that I surrendered to His will for me.

Only, over the years of ministry, I've been hit with waves of disappointments. Mostly because circumstances hadn't turned out the way I thought they would; women failed to show up, others failed in doing what they had committed to do, some even fought against me a time or two. And there were times I, like Paul was ready to "shake out my garments" and be done with them and the ministry! That's when the Lord would come and have to remind me again just Who I was ultimately serving.

Paul also goes on to to explain to the Corinthians what I sometimes need to be reminded about myself,
And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." - (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 emphasis mine)
He is the One in charge, not I, and all the Lord requires of me is to be a willing vessel; emptied out so that He can come in and take charge!
Blessings,
Sue