-
Christian Devotional – September 12, 2017
Discretion and understanding. Reading Proverbs 2:11-22 we see that these two things are what will help us to stay on the right path. We always have a choice in what we do, but as we’ve seen in these verses, there are evil people who are constantly trying to get us to follow them instead of Christ. We need both discretion and understanding to be able to resist and instead follow the path of righteousness. When we look at our life, would those two words characterize our decisions? If not, we need to come before God and repent and seek His wisdom so we can only move in the way that…
-
Christian Devotional – September 11, 2017
If…. then. These types of statements can be found throughout the Bible as God shares with us our responsibility for action and obedience. In Proverbs 2:1-10, we see a lengthy listing of an “if…. then” statement. Solomon lists several ways in which we are to show ourselves devoted to God. We are to be seeking after him, desiring to be more like him. Only as we follow through on these things will we find the results of the statement, which is that God will have an answer for us. God indicates that we will be able to discern righteousness and that wisdom will enter our hearts. For every time that…
-
Christian Devotional – September 10, 2017
There are two types of people calling to us. Reading Proverbs 1:8-33 we see both of them compared side by side. We have those people who are leading us toward evil and we have the one who is leading us toward wisdom. The comparison is very easy to see and the warning is clearly laid out. However, what I had not seen before is the fact that we must choose one or the other. If we do not actively choose wisdom, then we are by default choosing to follow after the evil. There is no middle ground and no “part way” choice. Will we choose to follow wisdom? Will we…
-
Christian Devotional – September 9, 2017
Wisdom. How do we get wisdom? What is wisdom? These are questions that have plagued people for Generations. In the Book of Proverbs, we find many answers to address these questions and several others. We’re going to start working our way through the Book of Proverbs, so that we can understand what is wisdom and how can we have wisdom in our lives. Reading Proverbs chapter 1, verses 1 through 7, we see that wisdom is certainly something that lots of people want to have for lots of different reasons. In verse seven, Solomon writes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. As we start our…
-
Christian Devotional – September 8, 2017
Peace. In 2nd Thessalonians chapter 3, verses 14 through 17, Paul is wrapping up his letter to the people and he wishes them peace. Not just any kind of Peace, but peace from the Lord because the Lord is peace over all things. If we are not seeking after and dwelling in the peace of Jesus Christ, we are not experiencing true peace. Only Jesus Christ is able to offer us the peace that passes all understanding. This is the peace that even in the midst of the storm, we can know and feel, the assurance that Christ is with us and he is carrying us through every situation that…
-
Christian Devotional – September 7, 2017
Entitlement. In 2nd Thessalonians chapter three, verses 6 through 13, we see an interesting statement by Paul. Paul continues to tell the people of Thessalonica the importance of maintaining discipline and acting in a way that represents Christ. He points to himself and his followers as an example of that while he was there with them. Then he goes on to say that the work that people do is of importance and they should be rewarded for their work. However, if they don’t work, then they shouldn’t receive anything. This speaks directly to the sense of entitlement that so many people have in today’s society. If someone has the ability…
-
Christian Devotional – September 6, 2017
Love and steadfastness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 we see Paul emphasize these two characteristics as ones the people should pray for and strive for. God is continuing to move among the people, but Paul knows that the people need to continue to display God’s love and to do it consistently, or with steadfastness. So as Paul prays for them, as they pray for themselves, he directs them to pray for these two things so that God will grant them. What do we pray for? Often my prayers are filled with requests for healing and other “things” that I want to do. Am I praying to love as God loves and…
-
Christian Devotional – September 4, 2017
Gratitude. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Paul reminds the people of the importance of being grateful to God for all the things that they are around. Paul even tells them that he is grateful to God for them. Often, it’s easier to be thankful for things, but in this verse Paul is thankful for people. When we look at our lives and the people in our lives, are we thankful to God for the people that are in our lives? God has allowed people to be a part of our life to continue to help us to grow, to encourage us, to strengthen us, to push us, and ultimately to give…
-
Christian Devotional – September 2, 2017
Do we recognize truth? In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, we see that at some point in the future, God is going to allow a deceiver to have free reign to try and deceive as many as he can. Interestingly, the people will have their eyes closed to truth unless they have the truth living in them. Jesus Christ is described in John 14:6 as the way, the truth, and the life. Only those who have Jesus as an active ljving part of their lives will be able to see this deceiver for what he truly is. Do you have the truth? Does Christ live in your heart and life so that…
-
Christian Devotional – September 1, 2017
Do we ever feel we’ve been left out? The people of Thessalonica felt that way. As you read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6 we see that they fear that Christ has already returned and they have been left behind. Paul shares with then that their hope and faith have not been in vain. Christ has not yet returned and they can continue to live in hope of his triumphant return. Also, they need to continue to share so that others are ready when Christ actually does return. Are we ready for that day and are we sharing with others so they will be ready, too?