Saturday, January 31, 2015
He Is Faithful
2 Thessalonians 3:3
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
Simply put, He Is “faithful” and His faith, His strength is what we need in this life. True faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit and we are to bear the fruit of faithfulness. It is His faith that will “protect you from the evil one.” Human faith can be commendable, but to be right with God and safe from harm, we need faith in “the Lord.”
The Truth
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (Galatians 5:22)
Thursday, January 29, 2015
The Apostasy Comes First
2 Thessalonians 2:3
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the rapture) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,"
Before Jesus returns, there will be an "apostasy," an unprecedented falling-away from the Lord; greater and more extensive than ever before. In the midst of this falling-away, "the man of lawlessness" (the man of sin, the antichrist) will be revealed. However, the "rapture" of the church, will not happen until after the "man of lawlessness" (Verse 3), the antichrist is revealed.
Therefore, watch the times and the seasons that you may be ready for His return. May we all be found going about our Fathers business.
The Truth
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’[c] spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:15-20)
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the rapture) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,"
Before Jesus returns, there will be an "apostasy," an unprecedented falling-away from the Lord; greater and more extensive than ever before. In the midst of this falling-away, "the man of lawlessness" (the man of sin, the antichrist) will be revealed. However, the "rapture" of the church, will not happen until after the "man of lawlessness" (Verse 3), the antichrist is revealed.
Therefore, watch the times and the seasons that you may be ready for His return. May we all be found going about our Fathers business.
The Truth
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’[c] spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:15-20)
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Righteous Judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:9-10
"These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He shall come on that Day to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed."
Who will be punished? Those who know not God nor obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.8). When will they be punished? On the DAY of His return with His mighty angels (v.7). Why? Because God is a righteous judge who will recompense with tribulation on those who trouble His children (v.6).
The Truth
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God." (Hebrews 10:31)
"These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He shall come on that Day to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed."
Who will be punished? Those who know not God nor obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.8). When will they be punished? On the DAY of His return with His mighty angels (v.7). Why? Because God is a righteous judge who will recompense with tribulation on those who trouble His children (v.6).
The Truth
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God." (Hebrews 10:31)
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Not Appointed To Wrath
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”
Meaning, the wrath that should come down on us was poured out on Jesus Christ when He took our place on the cross. Therefore, we (believers) are not ordained for the wrath of the Lamb but for salvation. Whether we live in Christ or have passed in Him, we will all live together again at His return.
The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”
Meaning, the wrath that should come down on us was poured out on Jesus Christ when He took our place on the cross. Therefore, we (believers) are not ordained for the wrath of the Lamb but for salvation. Whether we live in Christ or have passed in Him, we will all live together again at His return.
The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Monday, January 26, 2015
The Coming of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Simply put, Jesus is coming, and He will call those who believe to be with Him in heaven. In regard to the timing of this Rapture, we as believers may disagree but, one thing all believers can agree on without reservation or argument is, Jesus will return and gather His Church to Himself forever.
Be ready.
The Truth
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Simply put, Jesus is coming, and He will call those who believe to be with Him in heaven. In regard to the timing of this Rapture, we as believers may disagree but, one thing all believers can agree on without reservation or argument is, Jesus will return and gather His Church to Himself forever.
Be ready.
The Truth
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Trials and Afflictions
1 Thessalonians 3:3
“That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
Trials are a part of life. Being a Christian does not exempt one from appointments with problems.
Peter said, “Don’t think it strange concerning the fiery trials that come your way. For they are sent to test and purify your faith.” (1 Peter 4:12) In other words, hey stuff happens but trust in God. While trials do not make us or break us, they do reveal what’s inside our hearts by how we react.
Lord give us the right perspective and strengthen us along the way.
The Truth
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
“That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
Trials are a part of life. Being a Christian does not exempt one from appointments with problems.
Peter said, “Don’t think it strange concerning the fiery trials that come your way. For they are sent to test and purify your faith.” (1 Peter 4:12) In other words, hey stuff happens but trust in God. While trials do not make us or break us, they do reveal what’s inside our hearts by how we react.
Lord give us the right perspective and strengthen us along the way.
The Truth
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
The True Word of God
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
Simply put, the Bible does not contain God’s Word; the Bible is God’s Word and it will change any person who spends time in its pages.
The Truth
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
Simply put, the Bible does not contain God’s Word; the Bible is God’s Word and it will change any person who spends time in its pages.
The Truth
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Simple Faith
1 Thessalonians 1:8
"For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything."
The Thessalonian Christians had a pure, simple, wonderful faith in the Lord that others saw and then wanted to have that kind of faith, too. As a result, many people in that city, both Jews and Gentiles, dramatically turned away from worshipping "idols" and placed their faith in the "living and true God."
Part of the "package" received in Christ, is an inner certainty of His return to this earth. Therefore, no matter how bad life may get, we trust in Jesus, the one "who rescues us from the wrath to come."
So, you see, there is a "happy ending" for those who believe in the Lord.
The Truth
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
"For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything."
The Thessalonian Christians had a pure, simple, wonderful faith in the Lord that others saw and then wanted to have that kind of faith, too. As a result, many people in that city, both Jews and Gentiles, dramatically turned away from worshipping "idols" and placed their faith in the "living and true God."
Part of the "package" received in Christ, is an inner certainty of His return to this earth. Therefore, no matter how bad life may get, we trust in Jesus, the one "who rescues us from the wrath to come."
So, you see, there is a "happy ending" for those who believe in the Lord.
The Truth
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Choose To Rejoice
Habakkuk 3:17-18
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food;
Though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no heard in the stalls- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation.”
Yes, those who know and trust the Lord can rejoice—even in poverty! How you say? By rejoicing in Him and not in circumstances. Happiness depends on happenings but Joy depends on Jesus. Yes, God tries our faith sometimes - that we in turn may try His faithfulness.
By keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, not on our circumstances, we live above the shadows of fear and bask in the sunlight of faith. Even though we, like Habakkuk, may have a long list of troubles, faith's answer to disappointment must always be: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation.”
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. (Psalm 97:12)
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food;
Though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no heard in the stalls- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation.”
Yes, those who know and trust the Lord can rejoice—even in poverty! How you say? By rejoicing in Him and not in circumstances. Happiness depends on happenings but Joy depends on Jesus. Yes, God tries our faith sometimes - that we in turn may try His faithfulness.
By keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, not on our circumstances, we live above the shadows of fear and bask in the sunlight of faith. Even though we, like Habakkuk, may have a long list of troubles, faith's answer to disappointment must always be: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation.”
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. (Psalm 97:12)
Monday, January 19, 2015
Live By Faith
Habakkuk 2:4b
“But the righteous will live by his faith.”
Here God is telling Habakkuk, “you will live,” by faith. You won’t always have solutions to your problems, answers to your questions but “your going to live by faith.” You won’t always know what I am doing or how I am working but “you will live by faith.” Encouraging words to Habakkuk then and to us today, no matter what we may be going through.
Spurgeon described faith this way, “Faith is an act continued and persevered throughout the entire life of man; what breath is to the body, so faith is to the soul.” This means faith is not a one time thing - here today and gone tomorrow. No, it is deeply engrained into our lives and is as much a part of us as our very breath.
So breathe deep, trust in God and know that He has a plan, He is working, He sees you, He knows you and what you have need of and, that all things are working together for good.
The Truth
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
“But the righteous will live by his faith.”
Here God is telling Habakkuk, “you will live,” by faith. You won’t always have solutions to your problems, answers to your questions but “your going to live by faith.” You won’t always know what I am doing or how I am working but “you will live by faith.” Encouraging words to Habakkuk then and to us today, no matter what we may be going through.
Spurgeon described faith this way, “Faith is an act continued and persevered throughout the entire life of man; what breath is to the body, so faith is to the soul.” This means faith is not a one time thing - here today and gone tomorrow. No, it is deeply engrained into our lives and is as much a part of us as our very breath.
So breathe deep, trust in God and know that He has a plan, He is working, He sees you, He knows you and what you have need of and, that all things are working together for good.
The Truth
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
Friday, January 16, 2015
There Is No Healing
Nahum 3:19
“There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually.”
Nineveh had been weighed the in balances of time and was found wanting. Her doom deserved as her people slid into; cruelty, carnality, immorality, witchcraft, drugs, stupidity, homosexuality. So far removed from the days of Jonah 150 years earlier, that all who heard of her destruction applauded.
But for the grace of God, there go we as a nation.
The Truth
“There is a coming day in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise; the elements shall melt with fervent heat; and the earth shall be burnt up.” (2 Peter 3:10)
“There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually.”
Nineveh had been weighed the in balances of time and was found wanting. Her doom deserved as her people slid into; cruelty, carnality, immorality, witchcraft, drugs, stupidity, homosexuality. So far removed from the days of Jonah 150 years earlier, that all who heard of her destruction applauded.
But for the grace of God, there go we as a nation.
The Truth
“There is a coming day in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise; the elements shall melt with fervent heat; and the earth shall be burnt up.” (2 Peter 3:10)
I Am Against You
Nahum 2:13
“Behold, I am against you” (Nineveh), says the LORD of hosts, “I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall be no more.”
“I am against you.” Terrifying words. These are the very words of the LORD to any and all who reject the word of His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, keep sharing the gospel as He leads for our Lord is; patience, kind, long suffering, not willing that any should perish.
The Truth
“If God is for us who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31)
“Behold, I am against you” (Nineveh), says the LORD of hosts, “I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall be no more.”
“I am against you.” Terrifying words. These are the very words of the LORD to any and all who reject the word of His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, keep sharing the gospel as He leads for our Lord is; patience, kind, long suffering, not willing that any should perish.
The Truth
“If God is for us who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31)
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
He Knows You
Nahum 1:7
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
Simply put, you are SAFE in Him. Trust in the Lord and He will be your stronghold in the day of trouble.
The Truth
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
Simply put, you are SAFE in Him. Trust in the Lord and He will be your stronghold in the day of trouble.
The Truth
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Monday, January 12, 2015
Beware of Intellectualism
Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Here the Apostle Paul warns against intellectualism - of the philosophy and psychology the world values - the snare of man, made by man and not after Christ.
Do not be led astray, “philosophy and empty deception” fill this planet. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The Truth
"God is not dead."
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Here the Apostle Paul warns against intellectualism - of the philosophy and psychology the world values - the snare of man, made by man and not after Christ.
Do not be led astray, “philosophy and empty deception” fill this planet. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The Truth
"God is not dead."
Speak With Grace
Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
When speaking to others, we are to extend the grace of God (that was given us) through seasoned words to the people around us. By doing this, we will deepen and enrich the lives of others by the graceful words the Spirit leads us to say.
Lord help me here. Amen.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Look Up
Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
In other words, have your priorities straight. Consider what drives your thoughts or what consumes them. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (other) things SHALL be added to YOU.” (Matthew 6:33) In other words, live for heaven and you will enjoy life.
Life is too short to be consumed with work or money or the accumulating of material positions for, “ where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
The Truth
“ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
In other words, have your priorities straight. Consider what drives your thoughts or what consumes them. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (other) things SHALL be added to YOU.” (Matthew 6:33) In other words, live for heaven and you will enjoy life.
Life is too short to be consumed with work or money or the accumulating of material positions for, “ where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
The Truth
“ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Look To The Lord
Micah 7:7 “Look To The Lord”
“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”
Here Micah is saying, when the world around you is disappointing (v.6) - there is One who you can count on, One who will hear you, One who will befriend you and be completely faithful to you, our GOD.
Colossians 1:28
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
We all need the wisdom that comes from God. According to this verse, it is possible for us all to be “complete in Christ.” The Holy Spirit, through the Bible, teaches truth; pray for understanding and you will for God intends that we all will be, “complete in Christ.”
“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”
Here Micah is saying, when the world around you is disappointing (v.6) - there is One who you can count on, One who will hear you, One who will befriend you and be completely faithful to you, our GOD.
Colossians 1:28
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
We all need the wisdom that comes from God. According to this verse, it is possible for us all to be “complete in Christ.” The Holy Spirit, through the Bible, teaches truth; pray for understanding and you will for God intends that we all will be, “complete in Christ.”
Monday, January 5, 2015
Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man. What is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
He (God) wants us to be just in the way we treat others, to be kind toward them, and to “walk humbly with Him,” which is to say: TRUST in Him, love Him, and prefer His will over our own.
Through our text, Micah reduces the six hundred and thirteen rabbinical commandments to just three; do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Our Lord later reduces them down to just two; Love God and love your neighbor.
The Truth
“You shall love the Lord your God will all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment, and the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 23:37-38).
“He has told you, O man. What is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
He (God) wants us to be just in the way we treat others, to be kind toward them, and to “walk humbly with Him,” which is to say: TRUST in Him, love Him, and prefer His will over our own.
Through our text, Micah reduces the six hundred and thirteen rabbinical commandments to just three; do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Our Lord later reduces them down to just two; Love God and love your neighbor.
The Truth
“You shall love the Lord your God will all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment, and the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 23:37-38).
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Micah 5:2 "Little Among The Clans of Judah
"But as for you, Bethlehem (Ephrathah), too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." (v.2)
Here, the prophet Micah, inspired by God, pinpoints the site where the Messiah would be born, 700 years before the event. It would not be Rome, nor Athens, or Jerusalem but in the little town of Bethlehem – home to shepherds, the outcasts of the religious elite. This birthplace speaks volumes of our Lord’s personality and priorities – topics for deeper consideration and study.
Here, the prophet Micah, inspired by God, pinpoints the site where the Messiah would be born, 700 years before the event. It would not be Rome, nor Athens, or Jerusalem but in the little town of Bethlehem – home to shepherds, the outcasts of the religious elite. This birthplace speaks volumes of our Lord’s personality and priorities – topics for deeper consideration and study.
In our text we also see the glorious prophecy (which was fulfilled by Jesus Christ) that the One Ruler of Israel (although He would be born in Bethlehem), His goings forth are from eternity past. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). This means from the very beginning, Jesus was there - from Genesis to Revelation.
There simply was never a time when the Jesus did not exist.
The Truth: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6)
The Truth: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6)
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