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) 

Colossians 2 “Walk In Him”

 "Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (v.6)

What does it mean to “walk in Him?” The apostle Paul said this in Galatians concerning his walk, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (v.6). Meaning, Paul no longer lived for himself. He lived by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave His life to change his.

The Christian walk is a process of growth in which we advance from one stage to the next: from spiritual infancy to maturity; from milk to strong meat; from being rooted in Christ to being firmly established. We may want to be grown up all at once, but we must learn to take one step at a time. That's how spiritual growth occurs.

If we will be led by Him, there will not only be deliverance from our old life, and its bad habits, but He will produce in us the fruit of holy living which will please God and refresh others.

Therefore, “Walk in Him.”

The Truth: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Colossians 1 "Delivered From Darkness"

“He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (vv.13-14)

In Colossians 1, Paul wrote to people who had come to know Jesus Christ and whose lives showed evidence of their faith, but whom he had never seen. After assuring them of his prayers for them, to know God’s will, and to please Him (vv.3-12), Paul used a powerful word picture to describe what God had done for them all: “He has delivered you (us) from the power of darkness and conveyed you (us) into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (vv.13-14).

Meaning, in Christ, we have been rescued! He has taken us from danger to safety; from one power and destiny (Satan and the pit), to another (Jesus and heaven); from death to life. But is that deliverance permanent? Does this mean, “once saved, always saved?” Can one now do whatever they want and be assured of salvation?

Paul speaking of being reconciled in Christ states, “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister” (vv.21-23).

Wow, that’s a pretty big “if” to consider. While each of us has been rescued from darkness, and would never consider open rebellion against God, there were (and are) false teachers/doctrines that slowly took (and still take) many off course, away from the hope of the gospel and faith in Jesus. So Paul warns them here of such heresies that were sprouting up concerning the nature of Jesus, that they might remain steadfast and continue in the faith.  

We are all justified through the blood of Christ once we have accepted Him as LORD. From there we are all responsible for our own santification of becoming more Christ like. 

But what happens if we stumble, drift away or be lead from the faith?  Let's look at Peter. Peter, during the arrest and questioning of Jesus, denied Him, and walked away from his ministry and went back to fishing - Did he loose his salvation? No! But he was not where he was called to be. He was called to be a fisher of men. 

So, sometime during the weeks after Jesus' Resurrection our LORD showed Himself to Peter and the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1) and ate with them. During their time together He restored Peter through a series of questions. Three times Jesus posed the question to Peter,"Do you love Me?" Most likely to parallel the Apostle's three earlier denials (John 21:15-17). All three times Peter answered "Yes LORD."  And three times Jesus responded with the command, "Feed My Sheep." By this Jesus made him the rock upon which the church was built. He did not have to recieve Christ again, nor did he need to be  baptised again, he just needed to get back into the game.  

So many people today need to do just that. But they are decieved into thinking they have lost their salvation. Not so. You are still His child. Repent and come home, just like Peter.

The Truth: "All we like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his ouw way; but the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) 

Philippians 4 "The Exhortation And The Promise "

"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." (vv.6-7)

Be anxious for nothing is a command, not an option. Paul wrote that everything (by prayer and supplication) are proper subjects of prayer. There are not some areas of our lives that are of no concern to God. These two aspects of prayer Paul speaks of here (prayer and supplication) are similar, but distinct. 

Prayer is a broader word that can mean all of our communication with God, but supplication directly asks God to do something. Many of our prayers go unanswered because we do not ask God for anything. Here God invites us simply to let your requests be made known to Him. He wants to know.

Yes God already knows our requests before we pray them; yet He will often wait for our participation through prayer before granting that which we request. Adding thanksgiving to our prayers guards against a whining, complaining spirit before God when we let our requests be made known. 

Notice than when we prayerfully do this His promise is that, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." We will be at rest in our minds, and relieved in our hearts that He is working all things out in His timing for us.

Therefore, let your requests be made known to God and enjoy His peace.

The Truth: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives give I unto to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Philippians 3 "Heavenly Citizenship"

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (vv.20-21)

The scriptures tell us in 1 John 3:2, “When we see Jesus, we shall be like Him”. Not only will our bodies be changed to be like His, but all things will be subdued, put in order, made right. No more sickness, no more death, all tears will be wiped away, and we shall be reunited with those who have gone before us in Christ.

Yes we as Christians still eagerly await the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – for He will solve every problem, answer every question, and right every wrong. But, the bottom line here for us brothers and sisters as we journey through this life and while we wait on the return of our LORD is to, “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (v.14). For we are Stewart's of the “good news,” the heavenly treasure of “citizenship” through Jesus Christ our LORD. Therefore, share the wealth every chance you get.

And, that the closer we can live our lives by His example, the closer we draw near to heaven while here on earth.

The Truth: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7)