1 Timothy 4 "Use Your Gift"

These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you.” (vv.11-14a)

God never gives a person a task without also providing him with the strength to perform it. Timothy was gifted in a variety ways, but especially for public ministry; and in this Epistle and the next, the Apostle Paul challenges him to both “stir up” his gift (v.6), and not to “neglect it” (v.14).

W. W. Dawley, referring to this truth says, “God gave Moses a rod, David a sling, Samson the jawbone of a ass, Shamgar an oxgoad, Esther the beauty of person, Deborah the talent for poetry, Dorcas a needle, and Apollos an eloquent tongue—and to each the ability to use their gift. As a result, each one of them did effective works for the Lord.”

Likewise, our heavenly Father has given at least one spiritual gift to each of us as believers, and provides us with all we need to complete the task as well (1 Cor. 12:6). Therefore, I encourage you to seek Him in prayer as to both your gift and where He is calling you to use it. 

We are all essential in the body of Christ (vv.14-27) and there is much work to be done. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, stir it up, and use it for His Glory. 

The Truth: "There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:6-7) 

1 Timothy 3 “God’s GPS”

“”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (v.16)

Today’s text describes the Bible as a spiritual navigation system for our journey through life. It has been said of this passage;  Doctrine tells us which road to travel; reproof tells us when we are off the road; correction tells us how to get back on course; and instruction in righteousness tells us how to stay on God’s road.

It is easy to take a wrong turn in life. However, making a bad decision or choice, doesn’t mean one is lost forever. Just like your GPS travel directions can recalculate another route to your desired location, so too can our spiritual navigation system put us back on the right course in life by trusting God’s Word.

The mistakes and choices that detour us from the Lord are not to be taken lightly (and you can be sure God doesn't), so much so that the moment we (as His children) veer off on our own, His Holy Spirit is gives us a warning. Definitely not like the GPS warning of “recalculating,” but He urges us to return to the Father’s way nonetheless. 

If you've drifted off course, there’s no better time than right now to heed God’s voice and return to His road. Trust Him for your course correction. Then with God's Word as your map and His Spirit as your compass, you're sure to stay on His course. God bless.

The Truth: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

1 Timothy 2 “Pray For All In Authority”

 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (vv.1-2)

Here in chapter 2 Paul encourages Timothy to be a man of prayer by praying for “all men”, sinners and saints alike. Especially, as noted in our text, “those who are in position of authority.”

I don’t know how you feel about the people in authority over you, but if you’re like most, praying for them may not be your first impulse. Yet according to our text, we are to include them in our prayers on a regular basis. While we may not have “kings” who rule over us, each of us could name someone who qualifies as, “those in authority” over our lives (i.e. government officials, work supervisors, parents, teachers, etc)

And as difficult as it is to see so much corruption, dishonesty, finger pointing, fake news, and individual agendas promoted over the greater good by some in leadership, we would all do well to remember that God is the ultimate ruler, and our hope is not in earthly “kings” but in the King of kings, who alone has power and authority over even the most powerful rulers. 

Therefore, pray for all men, and all who are in authority, for they truly need it!

The Truth: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

1 Timothy 1 “No Other Way”

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (v.15)

This statement by Paul written to Timothy is what the gospel boils down to for me. I’m a sinner, and Christ came into the world to save me. By His grace and long-suffering, I have obtained His abundant mercy and my name is written in the Book of Life, by believing on Him. 

This can’t be accomplished any other way. Yes the law is good in that it points out our sin, but only Jesus can forgive, cleanse, and bestow everlasting life. No other doctrine, no other teaching, no other way leads to heaven and our LORD.

God’s law pinpoints our problems, while God’s grace provides the solution.

The Truth: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

1 Kings 22 "How Far They Had Fallen"

“So he (Ahaziah the son of Ahab) served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.” (v.53)

Though Ahab reigned 22 years, his son only reigned two. Though his repentance was shallow, when Ahab repented after an announcement of judgment in 1 Kings 21, God relented from the immediate judgment and promised to bring judgment in the days of Ahab’s son. Ahaziah’s short reign was a fulfillment of this prophecy in 1 Kings 21:29.

Now hear in our text we see how far the kings of Israel had fallen. The book that began with a man after God’s own heart (David) sitting on the throne of a united Israel, ends with two godless kings of a divided nation.

Back in 1 Samuel 8 the people demanded, “Make us a king to judge us like all the other nations” (v.5). And here, in the final chapter of 1 Kings, we see the result of their worldly demand. In the words of the psalmist, “God gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul” (Psalm 106:15).

The Truth: “They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7)

1 Kings 21 "God's Grace To Ahab"

 So it was, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about mourning. And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house.” (vv.27-29)

God had sent Elijah (once again) with a word of judgment against Ahab and his family for the murder of his neighbor Naboth (vv.21-22). Then, when it seemed the king was beyond any positive reaction toward God, Ahab humbled himself and adopted the traditional signs of repentance (v.27).

For all his wickedness, Ahab received this prophecy of judgment exactly as he should have. He understood that the prophecy of judgment was in fact an invitation to repent, humble one’s self, and to seek God for mercy. The question is, was it only external and superficial, arising from the terror of God’s judgments; or was it sincere and serious, proceeding from the love of God. 

There must have been some genuineness of heart on Ahab's part, because God relented somewhat when He saw the king's humility saying, “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days” (v.29).

However, what is recorded here in our text of his repentance is external and ritual only. There is no one sign or fruit of his true repentance. And because of Ahab’s false repentance and continued sin, a very similar judgment came upon him in the very next chapter (see ch.22:37-40).

God honored Ahab’s initiative. This shows the power of both prayer and humble repentance. If Ahab did not humble himself in this way, then the judgment would have come in his own day. This shows that God gave the prophecy of judgment as an invitation to repentance, and God opened the door of mercy when Ahab properly responded to that invitation.

Just as the Lord responded to the humility of the most wicked, rotten king in Israel’s history, His grace will be there for you as well - if you humble yourself and repent.

The Truth: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

1 Kings 20 "The God Of All The Earth"

So it was, in the spring of the year, that Ben-Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside. Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’” (26-28)

The king of Syria, Ben-hadad, together with his great army, had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Israel and king Ahab. Since Palestine is rather mountainous, king Ben-hadad mistakenly concluded that the Israelites had been successful because their God was a god of the hills. If he could but engage them again in the valley, he was sure that he could easily overcome them.

A prophet of the Lord then spoke to King Ahab saying, “Thus says the Lord: 'Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a God of the mountains, but He is not a God of the valleys," I will therefore give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord'" (v.28). When the battle came, the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers of the Syrians in one day. But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; then a wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who were left. And Ben-Hadad fled and went into the city, into an inner chamber without protection (vv.29-30).

Thus, both Israel and the Syrians were shown that God is not limited by time or space, He is the LORD of all the earth - even in the valley of deepest testing!

 The Truth: “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22) 

1 Kings 19 "A New Hope"

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (v.4)

This mighty man of prayer – mighty enough to make the rain and the dew stop for three and a half years, and then mighty enough to make it start again at his prayer – now he prayed that he might die. Thankfully, this was a prayer not answered for Elijah. In fact, Elijah was one of the few men in the Bible to never die! 

When Elijah said "It is enough," we sense that he meant, “I can’t do this anymore, LORD.” The work was stressful, exhausting, and seemed to accomplish nothing. The great work on Mount Carmel did not result in a lasting national revival or return to the LORD. Perhaps Elijah had especially hoped that the events on Mount Carmel would turn around Ahab and Jezebel and the leadership of Israel in general. If so, Elijah forgot that people reject God despite the evidence, not because of the evidence.

When Elijah examined the apparent failure of his work, he instinctively set the blame on his own unworthiness. It was because he was a sinner as the rest of his ancestors that the work seemed to fail. Yet it was not enough for the Lord had more blessings in store for him. Elijah, was to have that wonderful revelation of God on Mount Horeb. He had more to enjoy, and the later life of Elijah appears to have been one of calm communion with his God and seems never to have had another fainting fit.

 Christians who pass through the dark tunnel of depression tend to focus on their sins, weaknesses and failures. So much so, that they may even want to die. Yet, God can use times like this to increase their awareness of His inexhaustible grace. 

Here in 1 Kings 19 we read that Elijah was despondent. He was physically and emotionally drained after fleeing from the evil Queen Jezebel. In despair, he asked God to take his life. Instead, the angel of the Lord ministered to his physical needs. Some days later, the Lord spoke to Elijah and told him that his work was not over.

When you are in despair, the first step on the pathway to new hope is to take care of your physical needs. Then listen to God's voice through the Scriptures. He will then gently point you back to His call on your life and enable you to do His work and bless others. In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself.

The Truth:: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10) 

1 Kings 18 "The LORD, He Is God"

Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there. (vv.38-40)

The prophets of Baal had passion, commitment, sincerity, devotion, and great energy. What they did not have was a God in heaven who answered by fire. Elijah’s petition had lasted less than a minute but produced spectacular results. The difference lay in the One addressed, "The LORD God," not Baal.

When the fire of God fell, its work was beyond expectation. It would have been enough if merely the cut-up pieces of bull on the altar were ignited, but God wanted more than simple vindication – He wanted to glorify Himself among the people. Therefore, the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.

At this moment, the people were completely persuaded. Asked to choose between Baal and Yahweh, there was no choice to make, obviously, the LORD was God. Tragically, this was only a momentary persuasion. This was no lasting revival in Israel. The people were decidedly persuaded, but not lastingly changed.

Just as all the people who saw this, and fell on their faces, and testified to His Lordship, so shall every knee one day bow and confess that The LORD Jesus Christ, He is God.

The Truth: For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11) 

1 Kings 17 "Elijah's Prayer Heard"

Now it happened after these things (see vv.1-16) that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?” And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, “O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives!” Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.” (vv.21-24)

We can imagine the happy days of provision in the household of the widow. Their needs were supplied by a continuing miracle of God concerning the widow's jar of oil and meal. Yet those happy days were eventually covered by a dark shadow – the sickness and death of the widow’s son. The death of the son was a double blow to the widow. Not only did she suffer as any mother who loses a child, but she also suffered as one who lost her only hope for the future. The expectation was that her son would grow and provide for her in her old age. Now that expectation was shattered. And the death of her son, the widow indirectly blamed Elijah. She more directly blamed herself and her unnamed sin. Whatever her sin was, the guilty memory of it was always close to her.

It was not the miracle of the meal and the oil (vv.15-16) that convinced the widow of Zarephath that Elijah’s God was real. It was the resurrection of her son that convinced her. Sound familiar? The son was raised and God provided for the widow on every level, not only with the miraculous supply of food, but also with the resuscitation of her son.

The heart of the gospel is built on the death and resurrection of Jesus. He proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Word of God is truth and those who believe will be raised up to eternal life with Him.

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) 

1 Kings 16 "The Wicked Pattern Continues"

 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him. Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. (vv.29-33)

Each of the previous kings of Israel walked in the wicked pattern of Jeroboam. Ahab distinguished himself in being worse than Jeroboam. His father Omri was a political and economic success for Israel but a spiritual failure. Ahab picked up where his father left off. It can be said of some sons, “He has his father’s eyes.” It could be said of Ahab, “He has his father’s lies.” He also commanded the worship of idols. “He made statutes in favour of idolatry, and obliged the people by law to commit it. (See Micah 6:16, where this seems to be intended). Furthermore, in taking Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, she led him and the nation into deep idolatry.

The underlying message here is that sin does not go unpunished. In fact, sin becomes its own punishment. Look at the results of doing evil for these kings: constant war, numerous plotting and betrayal, rivalry, insecurity, even murder. Evil begets more evil. Any promise of happiness or pleasure is shattered by the choice to engage in wickedness. The only way to break the chain is to repent, turn from your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall (Ezekiel 18:30).

During these dark times, God’s people desperately needed a true leader, one who would follow the Word of the Lord with all his heart as king David did. A shining light is about to appear..........Elijah.

The Truth: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)

1 Kings 15 “Asa Chose Well”

 “So in the twentieth year of Jeroboam the king of Israel, Asa began to reign as king of Judah. He reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. Asa did what was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father.” (vv.9-11)

Since Solomon's fall, the royal line had been in sin. Now in Asa, there is a ray of light in Judah's line of kings! 

Asa's story here in chapter 15 is an encouraging example for two reasons. First, we see how each of us can choose our spiritual path. Even though our descendants may not have walked with God, we can by His grace. 

Second, God does not give up on His people. No matter how often the royal line had turned their back on Him, God remained steadfast in His promise to His servant David, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel’ (1 Kings 2:4).

Asa, like David his father, chose well and did what was right in the sight of the Lord. May our hearts desire be the same.

The Truth

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

1 Kings 14 “God’s Judgment Against Jeroboam”

“You have made for yourself other gods . . . you have provoked me to anger and thrust me behind your back.” (v.9)

The root of God’s judgment against Jeroboam is in His declaration against idolatry. As a result, Jeroboam's fate is disastrous: his child will die, all male descendants will be cut off, his dynasty will be destroyed, his house utterly burned, and all of Israel will be taken into exile (vv. 6-16). Although God had shown Jeroboam great grace in raising him up and giving him a kingdom, his failure was this: “You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods . . . you have provoked me to anger and thrust me behind your back” (v.9). 

Jeroboam may have had lots of military and political accomplishments (v.19), but Scripture's assessment is clear: Jeroboam was an utter failure where it counted most. His early choice of idolatry ruined everything. Jeroboam ruled twenty-two years trying to make something of himself and his kingdom (v.20), but in the end it was all misguided. What truly mattered, his walk with God, was neglected.

Today's passage highlights the importance of a heart committed to the Lord, what Scripture sometimes calls a pure heart. None of us is without sin; even David failed miserably but, he was a man after God’s own heart. May we be the same.

The Truth

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

1 Kings 13 "Jerobam's Demise"

By the word of the Lord a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering. By the word of the Lord he cried out against the altar: “Altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.’” (vv.1-3)

Jeroboam never got the picture, spiritually speaking. As we learned earlier, God brought the king face-to-face with some incredible promises. But evidently, Jeroboam did not consider God's promises worth the necessary obedience on his part. He looked the other way, plunging the northern kingdom into idolatry and false worship that would cling to them for several centuries.

Since Jeroboam rejected God's goodness, God confronted the king with the truth of His judgment through the prophecy of 1 Kings 13. But ""even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways"" (13:33). He rejected God's word and warning. All that was left was for the sentence of judgment to be carried out.

Although the king reigned for twenty-two years in Israel, nothing else he did is recorded. Jeroboam's apostasy, his departure from the truth, brought disaster on his entire family and even on the nation (1 Kings 14:15). His descendants would not even get a decent burial, and Israel itself would one day be uprooted from its land.

Jeroboam's demise, and the damage he left behind, is a graphic example of poor leadership and his refusal to follow God's word or head His warnings. Nations, like people, can be either blessed by God or allowed to suffer the consequences of their own folly. Whether you agree with the governing leadership of our country or not, pray continually for those in authority. For their success or failure will be shared by us all.

The Truth: “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

1 Kings 12 "Refusing Sound Advise"

And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king. So it happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard it (he was still in Egypt, for he had fled from the presence of King Solomon and had been dwelling in Egypt), that they sent and called him. Then Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” (vv.1-4)

Rehoboam was the only son of Solomon that we know by name. Solomon had 1,000 wives and concubines, yet we read of one son he had to bear up his name, and he was a fool. This demonstrates that sin is a bad way of building up a family. 

Solomon was a great king, but he took a lot from the people. The people of Israel wanted relief from the heavy taxation and forced service of Solomon’s reign, and they offered allegiance to Rehoboam if he agreed to this. When Solomon's son, Rehoboam, was to be crowned king, the people asked him to please lighten the burden Solomon had placed on them. God warned Israel about this in 1 Samuel 8:10-19, when through Samuel He spoke of what a king would take from Israel. After the warning, the people still wanted a king, and now they knew what it was like to be ruled by a taking king.

First he went to the elders that had advised his father. They had been a part of the success of his father and had a track record of giving good advice. They advised Rehoboam to be a servant leader. They told him that if he would indeed lighten their load, they would keep their word and serve him faithfully all their life.

Rehoboam didn't like that advise. He wanted what his father had. Why should he tighten his belt and do with less? He then sought out the advice of the young men he grew up with. They told him what he wanted to hear. He answered the people that he would be harsher than his father. The ten northern tribes drew away with Jeroboam as their leader, fulfilling the word of God (1 Kings 11:31). From this point on in the history of Israel, the name “Israel” referred to the ten northern tribes and the name “Judah” referred to the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

When seeking advise we all have a tendency to look to those who will tell us what we want to hear, and we reject the advice of those who tell us what we would rather not hear. Though age does not always bring wisdom, seek those who demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. Then go before the LORD and ask for His direction. 

The Truth: “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) 

1 Kings 11 "Solomon's Heart Turns"

"But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites—from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.” (vv.1-4)

After all the praise, admiration, and grandeur of the first ten chapters, today's reading begins with Solomon breaking a solemn command of God (vv.1-2). By explicitly disobeying God's commands about taking wives from the surrounding pagan regions (Deut.7:3-4), a slow change begins to occur in Solomon’s heart - it was no longer wholly devoted to the LORD and was turned “after other gods.”

Our text says, "When Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods." Age did not make Solomon wiser. He seemed to be wiser in his youth, and old age hardened the sinful tendencies that were present in his younger days. Age and experience should make us more godly and wise, but they do not automatically do so.

This turning away did not happen overnight but rather his singular love for God was slowly replaced with other loves. A heart once devoted to the Lord had become a divided heart. Solomon's failure to heed God's explicit commands not only resulted in this divided heart but, eventually, a divided kingdom (vv. 10-11).

This is a tragic example of the power of the lust of the flesh. Because of lust, Solomon found himself in a place where he never thought he would find himself. He found himself burning incense at the altars of depraved pagan gods. He found himself at the altar of child sacrifice unto the god Molech. This is the power of lust – it can capture us in a spell, in a fog of spiritual confusion until we do things we never thought we would do.

The difference between David and Solomon was not that one was holier that the other, for they both were sinners, it was the status of the heart. David’s heart was always toward the LORD but, Solomon’s heart turned after others gods.

Today's passage reminds us that, when an earthly love replaces our love for God and we find ourselves “clinging” to other things for our full satisfaction, we need to change our priorities.

The Truth:  “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30) 

1 Kings 10 "Solomon's Wealth"

"King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings.” (v.23)

Today’s passage catalogs Solomon’s vast accumulation of material wealth, political success, and military strength. He had thriving revenue streams, a luxurious palace, and incomparable wisdom, 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses—imported from Egypt (vv. 28-29). Everything any ruler could possibly want, King Solomon had. All his blessings came from God. 

Sheba (also known as Sabea) was where modern-day Yemen is today (Southern Arabia). We know from geography this was a wealthy kingdom with much gold, spices, and precious woods. History also tells us that they were known to have queens as well as kings. This was a long trip – up to about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers). She (The Queen of Sheba) probably came as part of a trade delegation (1 Kings 10:2-5), but there is no doubt that she was highly motivated to see Solomon and his kingdom. She came to Solomon and Israel at their material zenith. The great prosperity, splendor, and wisdom of Solomon’s kingdom were internationally famous.

Verse 1 implies that Solomon's fame was only in connection with “the name of the Lord.” However, Solomon forgot this. Because of his great wealth, Solomon had reached a point where he no longer had to depend on his God for anything, which ultimately led to his downfall. 

Solomon, with all his great wisdom, should have heeded his father’s words: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

And come what may, so should we.

The Truth: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” (Proverbs 11:28)

1 Kings 9 "Solomon's Prayer Heard"

And the Lord said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.” (v.3)

Here in chapter 9 the LORD acknowledges to Solomon that He has heard his prayers and supplications. We could stop right there and get tremendous encouragement out of this passage concerning God’s ear to our prayers. However, the main focus of this passage is God’s response to Solomon’s prayers. The LORD promised to establish Solomon’s kingdom if, “he walked before Him as his father David walked in integrity of heart” (v.4).

What does this mean? Well, it certainly doesn’t mean Solomon must be perfect because David was far from it. He sinned over and over again. What it does mean is that Solomon must have a heart for the LORD and His Word, follow Him and no other, then the promise given by God to his father David would be continued through him (v.5).

This should be very encouraging to us. First of all, God hears our prayers. We may not receive an answer to our liking or in our timing but, He hears us. Secondly, we don’t have to be perfect, Jesus covered that base for us with His blood on Calvary. Finally, if our hearts are toward Him and His Word, and we do not leave Him to serve other Gods, He will be faithful to His promises toward us as well.

The Truth: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And 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 14:2-3)

1 Kings 8 "Solomon's Prayer"

"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven; and he said: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. (vv.22-23)

Solomon did not dedicate the temple from within the temple. It would be inappropriate for him to do so, because he was a king and not a priest. The Holy Place and Most Holy Place were only for chosen descendants of the High Priest. Therefore, he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. This was the most common posture of prayer in the Old Testament. Many modern people close their eyes, bow their head, and fold their hands as they pray; but the Old Testament tradition was to spread out the hands toward heaven in a gesture of surrender, openness, and ready reception.

After the completion of the temple, Solomon had the ark of the LORD brought from the city of David and placed it in, “the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim” (v.7). Scripture goes on to tell us that when the priests came out of the holy place, "the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord” (v.10-11).

Solomon then rightly recognized that which the LORD had told Moses, “I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat” (Leviticus 16:2). This physical manifestation of God’s presence here in chapter 8 not only confirmed that the LORD was with His people but also spoke to His glory and power leaving Solomon to testify, “There is no God in heaven above or on the earth below like YOU.”

As Moses, David, and Solomon all came to realize in their time, there is no God like our God, is just as true today for us in our time.

The Truth: “Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” (Psalm 86:8) 

1 Kings 7 "Solomon Sent For Hiram"

“And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyer. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work.” (vv.13-14)

Coming to the completion in the construction of the temple of God, there was only one man Solomon considered for the job, Hiram of Tyer. This man was half Israeli and half Gentile, and he was the best craftsman around. Solomon hired him to do all his work. Our text tells us he was filled with wisdom and understanding, skilled for doing any work in bronze. Therefore, to honor God, His Glory and splendor, Solomon sent for the best.

As we read through verses 17-51, it becomes very clear why Hiram was chosen. His skill and attention to detail, pointed others to God’s majesty through his work. One could not look upon the temple and not see the glory ascribed to it. Similarly, each of us has been given a talent, a skill, a measure of wisdom and understanding, which can be used to point others to His Glory as well.

Ask God to help you use those gifts and abilities to point others to the Glory of His name. 

The Truth: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.”  (Psalm 29:2)

A Veterans Day Message

 Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m., known as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Armistice Day was made a legal holiday in 1938, primarily to honor World War I veterans. The honor was extended to all veterans by an Act of Congress in 1954. In 1968, Congress approved the Uniform Holiday Bill so that Veterans Day and several other national holidays would be bumped up to a weekend to create a three-day holiday. The decision angered many veterans and the original date of November 11 was restored in 1975.

Veterans Day, a day to honor those who served in all American wars, is often confused with Memorial Day, a day of remembrance to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This may be due to the fact that, at 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb of the unknown soldier, the nation's tribute to its war dead.

"We must remember that many who served in our military never lived to be called veterans. We must remember many had their lives changed forever by experiences or the injuries of combat. All veterans are examples of service and citizenship for every American to remember and to follow." -- President George W. Bush, Oct. 30, 2001

Thank you to all who made the decision to serve and have placed themselves in harms way to uphold our freedoms. May God continue to bless our soldiers, veterans and our Nation.

Matthew 6 "Seek First God's Kingdom"

 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (v.33)

This choice – to seek first the kingdom of God – is the fundamental choice everyone makes when they first repent and are converted. Yet every day after that, our Christian life will either reinforce that decision or deny it. However, if one must worry, we are told in verse 34 to, "worry only for the things of today." 

Most of our worry is over things that we have absolutely no control over anyway, and is therefore foolish as well as harmful. Jesus reminds us of the importance of living for the present day. It isn’t wrong to remember the past or plan for the future; to some degree both of those are good. Yet it is easy to become too focused on either the past or the future and to let the day and its own trouble be ignored. 

I believe God wants us to remember the past, plan for the future, but live in the present. I pray that he will give us all the strength to do just that. 

The Truth: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)

1 Kings 6 “Solomon Began The Work”

 “And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.” (v.1)

The four hundred and eightieth year: This marking point shows just how long Israel lived in the Promised Land without a temple. The tabernacle served the nation well for more than 400 years. The prompting to build the temple was more at the direction and will of God than out of absolute necessity. This was also when the actual construction began. Solomon probably started to organize the work right away. There is some evidence that it took three years to prepare timber from Lebanon for use in building. If Solomon began the construction of the temple in the fourth year of his reign, he probably started organizing the construction in the very first year of his reign.

Yet the work was carefully organized and planned even before Solomon became king. 1 Chronicles 28:11-12 tells us, “Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule, its houses, its treasuries, its upper chambers, its inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat; and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries for the dedicated things.” 

The writer of 1 Kings never tells us exactly where the temple was built, but the writer of 2 Chronicles tells us that it was built on Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1), the same place where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac and Jesus would be crucified (on another part of the hill).

Back in 1 Kings 5:5, we saw how Solomon purposed to build the temple. Now we see him actually beginning the work. Many people, including myself, at one point or another have said, “I’m going to do this” or “I’m going to get involved in that.” We’ve purposed to do something but have never begun the work. 

As Solomon has rightly shown us, we must both purpose and begin, if we are going to complete the work God has for each of us to do. 

The Truth: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)

1 Kings 5 "Jews And Gentiles Build The Temple"

"And Hiram (the Phoenician king of Tyre) sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which you sent to me for: and I will do all you desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.” (v.8)

King Solomon had purposed in his heart to, “build a house unto the name of the LORD his God" (v.5). But he recognized that his people were chiefly employed in husbandry, and in feeding cattle. They were not skilled in mechanic arts, in the cutting down of trees, and the hewing of timber. Therefore, he hired the best woodcutters in the region from king Hiram of  Tyre, a gentile.

Although it is true that king Hiram reached out to king Solomon first (v.1), probably wanting to keep a close political/economic tie with king David’s son, it was Solomon who took advantage of their expertise and abilities. He also created a trade partnership which benifited both parties and lasted for many years.

This speaks to us in a very practical way. While some might say we must stay within the body to “get the job done," wisdom dictates, there is often a time and place to seek expert help outside the body of Christ from nonbelievers. And in so doing, benefit from others knowledge and expertise.

The Truth: “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) 

1 Kings 4 “God’s Faithfulness”

“Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.” (v.20)

First Kings 4 demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His promises. In the description of Solomon's kingdom, Scripture uses language that echoes the promises God made long ago. 

The people, “as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (v. 20), speak of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22. The vast borders of the kingdom, echo God's promise of land in Genesis 15. Finally, the abundance, peace, and exaltation of Israel (vv.22-28), match up with God's promises to Israel in Deuteronomy 28. 

Yes, 1 Kings 4 shines as a banner of God's faithfulness and stands as proof to all, that He is faithful.

The Truth: “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

1 Kings 3 "Solomon Given Great Wisdom"

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (vv.5-9)

This remarkable visitation from God happened to Solomon in a dream. This is one of the more significant dreams in the Bible. In it, God asks Solomon, "What shall I give you?" God seemed to offer Solomon whatever he wanted. This wasn’t only because Solomon sacrificed 1,000 animals (v.4); it was because his heart was surrendered to God, and God wanted to work something in Solomon through this offer and his response.

Before responding to God’s offer and asking for something, Solomon remembered God’s faithfulness to both David and now to Solomon himself. He then comes to God in great humility, knowing his inadequacies and the difficult tasks of leadership he faced, he asked God for "an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil" (v.9). Wow! Solomon already understood that a key component of leadership is wise and just discernment. A quality lacking in many leaders today.

Our text goes on to say God was pleased by what Solomon asked for, in that he knew his great need for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. God was also pleased by what Solomon did not ask for, in that he did not ask for riches or fame or power for himself. Therefore God not only answered Solomon’s prayer, He also answered it beyond all expectation. Though Solomon did not ask for riches and honor or a long life, but God gave him those anyway. (vv.10-15). 

Then Solomon awoke: It was a dream, but it was at the same time also a message from God. God answered Solomon’s prayer and made him wise, powerful, rich, and influential. His reign was glorious for Israel. At the same time, his end was tragic. We can fairly say that Solomon wasted these gifts God gave him. Though he accomplished much, he could have done much more – and his heart was led away from God in the end (1 Kings 11:4-11).

The Truth: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (1 John 5:14) 

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7)

 

1 Kings 2 "David's Charge To Solomon"

Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the LORD may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ (vv.1-4)

David, son of Jesse – Israel’s greatest king, apart from the Messiah – recognized that he was but a man and shared the common destiny of all the earth. Knowing he would soon pass from this life, David gave a final charge to Solomon his son, “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways.” 

Here David is instructing Solomon to obey God and His Word above all else. Since Solomon was a man of faith, David called him to act upon that faith in obedience. King David also referred Solomon to God’s commands as, “written in the Law of Moses” (v.3). Thus signifying the importance for him to study and know God’s Word.

David had a general reason to exhort Solomon to obedience, but he also had a specific reason, bases on a specific promise of God. God promised David that as long as his sons walked in obedience, they would keep the throne of Israel. This was an amazing promise. No matter what the Assyrians or the Egyptians or the Babylonians did, as long as David’s sons were obedient and followed God with all their heart and with all their soul, God would establish their kingdom. He would take care of the rest.

We may envy the sons of David because they had such a promise, but we have a similar promise from God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things shall be added to us. God promises that if we put Him first, He will take care of the rest in our life as well. 

A wise man will walk in God's ways, study and know His Word, that he may succeed in all that he does and wherever he turns.

The Truth: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

1 Kings 1 "God Rules In The Kingdom Of Men"

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” (v.5)

The opening chapter of 1 Kings presents us with a kingdom in transitional crisis. King David was old and feeble, yet as he neared death he was remarkably unconcerned about the future of his kingdom. Seizing the moment, David's son Adonijah took matters into his own hands and declared himself the new king.

While the kingdom teetered on the edge of disaster, Nathan informed Bathsheba of the situation and devised a plan to rouse David from his indifference. Informing David of the breaking news and reminding him of his promise to Solomon, Nathan and Bathsheba called David to action. The weak and silent David depicted in the first half of the chapter now issued multiple commands (vv. 28-37). As a result, Solomon was anointed king. The city rejoiced, and Adonijah and his cohort submitted to Solomon's reign and disaster was averted.

From one perspective, the fate of the kingdom hinged on Nathan and God seemed out of sight. But as we often find in Scripture, when God is not out in the open, He is often working behind the scenes. God had promised that He would establish David's kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13). In 1 Kings 1, Nathan acted, but the broader context of Scripture tells us that God was at work fulfilling His promises.

We need to remember that God rules over the kingdoms of earth. He raises up leaders and brings them down, whether in politics or in the church. Sometimes it's necessary to replace an ineffective leader, but we must pursue that option only after careful thought and earnest prayer for God's direction. We should never become part of a move that serves the ambition of some power-hungry person instead of honoring the Lord who rules over all. –D C Egner

The Truth: “The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.” (Daniel 5:21) 

2 Thessalonians 3 “The Lord Is Faithful”

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (vv.3-5)

Here in chapter 3 Paul is telling the people of Thessalonica, whether men have faith or not, the Lord is faithful. This was the basis of Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to establish and guard them/us from the evil one. God promised to keep Satan on a leash. He will not allow any temptation to become too great for us (1 Corinthians 10:13), and will not allow Satan to do whatever he wants with us (Luke 22:31-32).

Paul goes on to say, "we have confidence in the Lord concerning you." That they ( the Thessalonians) would follow through and be obedient to God’s Word, "that you do and will do the things we command you." This shows that God’s work of establishing and guarding them/us is done, in part, through His appeal to our will in obeying His Word. He (God) doesn’t just pour spiritual maturity and stability into us. He works it in us, through our cooperation with His will.

Therefore, this short scripture should encourage us as well that; 1) the LORD is faithful, 2) He will not allow us to be moved from Him, and 3) He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength, but will enable us to both bear it and make a way for our escape.

Yes He is faithful, even when we are faithless.

The Truth “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

 

Ezra 6 "So It Was Written - Let It Be Done"

"Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon. And at Achmetha (house of books) in a palace, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: “In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: ‘Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt.”

Chapter 5 ended with the people of Jerusalem and Judah appealing to king Darius to, “let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter” (v.17.)

As we see from our text here in chapter 6, no record was found in Babylon of Cyrus’ decree. But, three hundred miles away in a library in the palace of Media a scroll was found that contained it. Not only that, specific instructions were recorded in that decree as to its location, construction, financial appropriations, and the projects protection from the very accusers who stood before king Darius. Thus, because the Word was heard, the project was completed, and even financed by their accusers.

We too can defeat our accuser with God’s WORD. Satan, who would love to keep us in a state of guilt and shame because of our faults and short comings, must yield to God’s WORD. Therefore, claim the command of the King of kings, recorded in His WORD, “It is written, I am forgiven” and move forward in the work He has for you to complete.

The Truth

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

2 Thessalonians 2 “Stand Firm”

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (vv.1-4)

Here in chapter 2 Paul addressed questions raised by his first letter, where he instructed the Thessalonians about the catching away of the church (The Rapture) to be with Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Paul clearly wrote of the return of Jesus, but the wording in verses 1-2 implies a difference between the coming and our gathering.

Many Christians believe that the second coming of Jesus will be in two phases. First, He will come for believers, both living and dead, in the “rapture” (as described clearly in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), and the second phase He comes with His church, to judge a rebellious world (Revelation 19:11-21). This is completely consistent with other passages of Scripture that indicate that there must be two aspects of Jesus’ second coming, and the aspects must be separated by some appreciable period of time.

Apparently, a misunderstanding of Paul’s teaching (or an incorrect application of it) had caused the Thessalonians to be shaken in mind and troubled. Here Paul used a strong wording, speaking of both a sudden jolt (shaken in mind) and a continuing state of upset (troubled). Their fears centered on the idea that the day of Christ had already come. The Thessalonians were not afraid that the day of Christ was coming, but that they were in it.

Paul then goes on to assure them, “that day will not come unless the falling away comes first.” The ancient Greek wording for falling away indicates a rebellion or a departure. Bible scholars debate if it refers to an apostasy among those who once followed God, or a general worldwide rebellion. In fact, Paul may have both in mind, because there is evidence of each in the end times (1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 4:3-4). Nevertheless, Paul’s point is clear: “You are worried that we are in the Great Tribulation and that you missed the rapture. But you can know that we are not in the Great Tribulation, because we have not yet seen the falling away that comes first.” 

Also, the man of sin must be revealed: Before the Great Tribulation can be identified with certainty, a particular person – known as the man of sin, – must be revealed. Paul’s point is clear: “You are worried that we are in the Great Tribulation and that you missed the rapture. But you can know that we are not in the Great Tribulation, because we have not yet seen the man of sin … revealed.”

The man of sin, when he exalts himself, will demand to be worshiped as God (see Revelation 13:1-6). He will set himself up as God in the temple at Jerusalem (Revelation 13:14-15 and Matthew 24:15, 21, 29-31). This is the ultimate blasphemy that results in certain judgment, the abomination of desolation spoken of by both Daniel and Jesus.

Clearly, the man of sin is Satan’s imitation of the true Messiah. Yet in the end, the man of sin can only show himself that he is God. The coming of Jesus and the judgment of God will make it clear that the man of sin is not God at all. 

Paul concludes this chapter with an exhortation to the Thessalonians to “stand fast” and “hold” to what they were taught “by word or our epistle” and not to be deceived. 

Good advise for us as well in these trying times to “stand firm” on God’s Word not man’s. For it is only God’s Word that can enable us to stand fast under the weight of our present tribulation, and the weight of our coming glory.

The Truth: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

2 Thessalonians 1 “Early Church Grows In Faith”

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and in the afflictions that you are enduring. Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.” (vv.3-6)

Here in our text we see that Paul was giving thanks to this young church for their growing faith, and for their increasing love for one another (v.3). Paul also recognized their steadfastness in the afflictions they were enduring (v.4), as it set the righteousness of God on display (v.5). This faith and love, thriving in the midst of persecutions and tribulations, made Paul boast of the Thessalonians to other churches.

God’s righteous judgment was at work among the Thessalonians (v.5), beginning at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17), and purifying them as followers of Jesus. The good result – showing them worthy of the kingdom of God – was manifest evidence that God was good in allowing them to suffer the persecutions and tribulations (v.4).

We usually think that God is absent when we suffer, and that our suffering calls God’s righteous judgment into question. Paul took the exact opposite position and insisted that the Thessalonians’ suffering was evidence of the righteous judgment of God. The fires of persecution and tribulation were like the purifying fires of a refiner, burning away the dross from the gold, bringing forth a pure, precious metal.

The same holds true for us. Trials, tribulations are a part of life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” The trials of life are not meant to weaken us, but to strengthen us, refine us, and purify us. Therefore, when they come, know that the testing is evidence that you are worthy of the kingdom of God. 

The Truth: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

1 Thessalonians 5 “Keep Watch”

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (vv.1-2)

Since Christ's ascension, there's been no shortage of predictions of the year—or in some cases, the very hour—of His return. Today's reading cautions against such efforts (vv.1-3). On the other hand, believers are to be encouraged by the certainty that the Lord is coming back for His own, even if all the details of that glorious event aren't as clear as we might wish.

Paul warns that Christ’s Second Coming will come suddenly and without fanfare. Jesus’ return will be preceded by a period of divine judgment that will take the world by surprise. The phrase “the day of the Lord” appears throughout Scripture, especially in the Old Testament prophets, in contexts that speak of judgment.

This “day,” really refers to a series of events that includes Christ’s return and final judgment. It will come like a thief who breaks in while the homeowner is asleep. People will believe they are in a position of peace and safety, even as destruction comes upon them (v. 3).

Jesus warned that the timing of His second coming would be like the days of Noah: “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, right up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt. 24:38-39).

For the Christian that day is fulfillment of all things hoped for, for the non-Christian a day of wrath. As Peter put it, "We need to be looking for and hastening the coming of the day of the LORD for we look for a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:12). Therefore, keep watch. 

The Truth: “Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt. 25:13)

1 Thessalonians 4 “Abstain From Sexual Immorality”

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from sexual immorality." (v.3)

Today’s Scripture emphasizes the importance of sexual morality. According to verse 3, one of the most important aspects of holy living is to “avoid sexual immorality.” The word used in the New Testament text refers to a wide range of sexual sin. Abstaining from sexual immorality is a matter of God’s will. It is God who defines what constitutes immorality, not the culture.

God’s standard of morality demands that we control what we do with our bodies. We are not to live like animals, driven only by instinct and appetite. Paul describes an ethical landscape in which the moral practice of believers is distinct from that of the surrounding culture.

This reminder is especially timely for Christians today who are being pressured to redefine sexual standards so that practices that the Bible describes as sinful are considered morally acceptable. God expects those who belong to Christ to behave differently. Serious social and spiritual consequences are in store for those who disregard God’s ethical standard. On a social level, human relationships are damaged when people are wronged and taken advantage of through sexual sin. Spiritually, Paul warns: “The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins” (v. 6). These standards are not merely Paul’s. Those who reject them are really rejecting God (v. 8).

Therefore, abstain from sexual immorality, know how to possess your own body in sanctification, and honor, love one another with a brotherly love, lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work with your own hands, comfort one another in the hope of His return. In this way we distinguish ourselves from the surrounding culture.

The Truth: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

1 Thessalonians 3 “Love One Another”

 “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you.” (v.12)

A church is more than the number of its members, or a state-of-the-art building. Whether your church has stadium size crowds or just a few in attendance, numbers are not what God uses to measure success. He looks at the heart of the church.

The apostle Paul planted an important church in Thessalonica, the capital city of Macedonia. He showed his desire for the church members there when he wrote: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all . . . so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness” (vv.12-13). With these words, Paul showed us two important characteristics vital for a successful body of believers—love for one another and holiness. 

In the words of the prophet Micah: “do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). Any church doing this will be successful in His service. When I look around at our small fellowship I think to myself, we are so lucky. We have a very special love for one another and to all who come our way. Our hearts and minds are constantly being feed that we may be established in holiness that we may serve Him and others. We are more than just a gathering of people on Sunday. We are a tight knit community willing and able to serve our King and one another. It's beautiful! 

The Truth “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) 

1 Thessalonians 2 “Paul’s Comfort”

“But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” (v.7)

We all recognize the need for special care of the young in many areas of life, including new Christians. Here in our text, the apostle Paul described how he and his associates treated the new believers in Thessalonica: “We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” (v.7).

Paul and his co-workers, Silvanus and Timothy, were spiritual parents to God’s family in the Thessalonian church, and spoke of exhorting, comforting, and admonishing them “as a father does his own children” (v.11). Like all Christian mothers and fathers, Paul desired that his spiritual children would grow up to reflect God’s glory, but sometimes this called for correction.

Bible commentator Albert Barnes wrote, “Those who minister the gospel should be gentle, tender, and affectionate… What is wrong we should indeed oppose—but it should be in the kindest manner toward those who do wrong.” In other words, we are to correct the sin but love the sinner, applying the correction with love. That’s not easy, especially among those we know best.

For C. S. Lewis, it seemed impossible until he remembered: “There was a man to whom I had been doing this all my life—namely myself!” So natural to treat ourselves differently than others. I for one want to be guilty of lovingly treating others as I treat (judge) myself.

Jesus was always the perfect balance of "grace and truth" (John 1:14). One example was how He treated the women caught in adultery whom the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him to judge. His response to her after all her accusers left was,”Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). In saying, "Go and sin no more," Jesus was not speaking of sinless perfection. He was warning against a return to sinful lifestyle choices. His words both extended mercy and truth.

May we all Be quick to extend His grace to others and slow in our condemnation. 

The Truth: “Let Him who is without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7) 

1 Thessalonians 1 “A Great Testimony”

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (vv.5-8)

Here at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church he is recounting to them that, wherever they went (Paul and his companions), they were finding a great testimony of the church concerning their sound conversion from idols to the true and living God. Paul seems to refer to all whom he had met, or had heard of "in all places" he had visited who said anything about the Thessalonians, “they” were unanimous in bearing testimony to their conversion.

This was no resolution on their part, but a true conversion. They turned from serving and worshipping the gods of the gentiles (Pluto, Mercury, Jupiter, etc) to serving the one living and true God by; embracing and professing His Gospel, submitting to His ordinances, and walking according to His Word. And, became a witness to all in Macedonia, Achaia, and in every surrounding area (vv.7-8). Paul stated of them that, "Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything" (v.9b). 

Wow! What a great testimony. As a Christian, we all have a conversion story to tell, ua life we once lived in service to ourselves. How we turned from a life of selfishness to a life of servanthood, from a path of unrighteousness to a one rich in mercy and great love. May the church be known for its love and grace towards others, for submitting to God and His Word, and may we be that witness to all around us, that our faith in God speaks for itself. 

The Truth: “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Colossians 4 “Christian Graces”

 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (vv.2-6)

Here in chapter 4:2-6, Paul gives us three very important "Christian graces," pray earnestly, walk wisely, and speak gracefully.

In verses 2-4 the encouragement is not to make room for prayer, because it is obvious that they did so, but to continue in it. How? individually, collectively as the men of the church, and corporately as a church body. Paul also requested prayer for himself, for divine appointments to share "the mystery of Christ" even through he was in chains.

Walking in wisdom (v. 5), simply means making godly decisions. What you do affects your witness, so do what is right! CH Spurgeon said, "A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree, the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching." So may God help us all to "walk our talk."

Finally, when speaking to others (v. 6), 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. Lecturing, berating, condemnation or pulling rank, does not extend grace nor give anyone reason to receive our words. But listening, choosing our words carefully, and saying them with love and seasoned with salt (enough to get into the heart), this will minister to all who hear and see us.

"Tart words make no friends: spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a Gallon of Vinegar." (Benjamin Franklin 1744 )

The Truth: "He said unto her, 'Woman, where are your accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?' She said, 'No man LORD.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'" (John 8:10-11)

Colossians 3 "Forgive As God Forgave You""

 “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (v.13)

An unforgiving spirit is often the last emotional fortress we yield to the power of God. Even as Christians, we may cling to anger and bitterness, feeling that those who have wronged us should suffer for their offenses. But when we realize how much God has forgiven us, we are compelled to extend mercy to others. The Bible urges us to "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; . . . even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do,"

Here in chapter 3, Paul is teaching the brethren in Colossi to, "Put on the new man.” In verses 12-17, he speaks specifically of the “characteristics” of the new man – one of which is forgiveness, and the importance of forgiving one another. The seriousness of which becomes very clear in the light of God’s willingness to forgive us, by sending His Son to the death of the cross. Therefore, we can be absolutely certain that God takes forgiveness of sin very seriously.

The apostle goes on to say in this chapter to, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." The Greek word means arbitrate. Whenever there is a doubtful issue to be decided, and by one course your peace may be disturbed, and by another it may be maintained, choose the things that make for peace, whether for yourselves or others. Let God’s peace act as umpire.

And so we forgive those who have wronged us, even though it may be difficult. Holding a grudge can only due your spirit harm, hinder your prayers (1 Peter 3:7), and even your own forgiveness from the Lord (Matthew 6:14). Therefore forgive one another.

The Truth: "For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)