May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. If there are two qualities that every single follower of Lord Jesus needs at all times, it has to be these two. Love and Steadfastness. Walking in faith requires both unconditional love (agape) for others and ongoing endurance … Continue reading Love and Steadfastness – 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Author: Wen
Faith, Strength and Protection – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. O to internalize and take this truth into my inner being, to somehow burn this verse into my heart. If only my committing it to memory would transform me into a strong trusting person. I have walked with Lord Jesus … Continue reading Faith, Strength and Protection – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Glory – 2 Thessalonians 2:14
He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is still much more than I can understand; yet, the promise is repeated and confirmed in many other places in Scripture. We will obtain the glory of Jesus Christ Himself. When He who is … Continue reading Glory – 2 Thessalonians 2:14
The War With Wickedness – Proverbs 28:4
Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them. The quickest way for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. I don’t know who said this but it certainly rings with truth. Isn't this verse at least one reason behind why God fearing men … Continue reading The War With Wickedness – Proverbs 28:4
The Face Of Righteousness – Psalms 17:15
But I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence. We behold His face in the Face of Righteousness - Jesus Christ. He has become our righteousness. (1 Cor 1:30.) All that is truly worth anything is found in the Face of Righteousness. Nothing else brings true … Continue reading The Face Of Righteousness – Psalms 17:15
Unflattering – Proverbs 28:23
Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue. This is a hard truth to learn and practice for those of us who live in fear of offending anyone, any place, at any time. (This is me). Flattery is so much easier and so much more PC. It … Continue reading Unflattering – Proverbs 28:23
The Measure for Gratitude – 2 Thessalonians 1:3
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. There are many things that cause us to be thankful for those who are sharing life with us. Kindness. Equity. Generosity. Sincerity. … Continue reading The Measure for Gratitude – 2 Thessalonians 1:3
God’s Leader – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. This is the noble, yet daunting task of any spiritual laborer or leader. Leaders are … Continue reading God’s Leader – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
It Takes One not to Know One – Psalms 14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." This is an illogical, foolish claim since to deny an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Being would require one to be that Being. In order to know that such a Person did not exist, one would have to have all of the characteristics of that non-existent Person. … Continue reading It Takes One not to Know One – Psalms 14:1
The Work of the Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. We live in a time of … Continue reading The Work of the Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
This is the Word of the Lord – Psalms 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. ‘This is … Continue reading This is the Word of the Lord – Psalms 12:6
Approved by God – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts. Why is there so much fear in us in conjunction with talking to others about the gospel? Could it be an indication that we fear man … Continue reading Approved by God – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Takers and Givers – Proverbs 21:25-26
The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. This world is filled with two types of folks in general - Takers and Givers. The working out of the desires of our heart can … Continue reading Takers and Givers – Proverbs 21:25-26
Just Do It – Proverbs 21:3
Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Doing what is right and just requires forethought and intention. It forces one to make good, godly decisions in advance in order to live in accordance with what God has called us to. It indicates a deep motivation to please our … Continue reading Just Do It – Proverbs 21:3
Self Indulgence – Colossians 2:23
Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence. It is by dying with Christ that the Holy Spirit can live within us and among us by faith and grant us the power to overcome the temptation … Continue reading Self Indulgence – Colossians 2:23
Catharsis? – Psalms 4:4
Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Author’s note: Reflecting back on this article I wrote years ago, I do acknowledge that there are times when we need to discuss out loud things within us with others who love us and can help us have discernment. … Continue reading Catharsis? – Psalms 4:4
The Joy of the Lord – Psalms 4:7
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. For the Materialist, despair is central and joy is peripheral. His 'joy' is found in things. His answers apply only to peripheral matters he believes he has proven by material processes. It is tied to this earth … Continue reading The Joy of the Lord – Psalms 4:7
Inside Out – Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. (HCSB) Every decision we make is based on the motivation of our heart. Well, maybe there are some quick decisions that flow more out of panic than motive but for the most part our motives inform the decisions we make. It’s … Continue reading Inside Out – Proverbs 21:2
Overindulgence – Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise. (HCSB) In this one verse, Father God clearly delineates the true problem with alcohol - overindulgence and abuse. Staggering begins when self control has ended. It is indicative of drunkenness and leads only to personal destruction. God gave … Continue reading Overindulgence – Proverbs 20:1
All the Treasures – Colossians 2:2-3
I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery — Christ. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. Once again we see understanding, wisdom and knowledge as key in a … Continue reading All the Treasures – Colossians 2:2-3