Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Timothy 1:13-14, “Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

Paul had a complete transformation in his life when God revealed His Son to him (Galatians 1:15). Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9:1 that he saw and had seen Jesus Christ, who called him to be an apostle. But previously, at the stoning of Stephen, Paul, whose name was Saul at that time, was right there, watching and congratulating the killers (Acts 7:57-60). His conversion to Christ is recorded in Acts 9. His life changed from persecuting Christians to being the first to bring the gospel to non-Jews. Paul referred to himself as the foremost sinner (1Tim. 1:15 ESV) and in the HCSB he is called the worst of them. Later, Paul is known as “the apostle of grace” (“A Man of Grace and Grit. Paul.” Charles R. Swindoll, p. 4) because God liberated Paul’s life, his credentials, to be used for His glory.

Who do you see acting “ignorantly in unbelief?” That’s an easy question to answer and name names because we live in a sinful world. But Paul’s encounter with meeting Christ changed his whole life. It was more than a pivot! I am praying specifically, for ten people, due to their unbelief in God, to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior before it is too late. Look how God used Paul who faithfully focused on the eternal no matter what the circumstances. Criticisms never sidetracked him from his focus on Christ and spreading the gospel.

Paul said he used to be an “insolent opponent” to Christianity. Synonyms for “insolent” are rude, impolite, discourteous, disrespectful, insubordinate, audacious, bold, brash, insulting, and offensive. Promoting fear through dominating manipulation and arrogance is the leading voice style they promote. Know someone like that? No matter how we are treated, we need (I need) to mirror Christ. Then, if I am reflecting Christ, I need to show mercy and grace with the faith and love I have in Christ Jesus. That has not been my natural bent. If I am reflecting and mirroring Christ, I would be a better testimony of the power of Jesus Christ’s work in my own life.

The Message states 1 Timothy 1:13-14 this way, “I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were violence and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing – didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.”

Paul had a new beginning when he met Jesus Christ. His past was the past when God gave him a new name from Saul to Paul. Do you suffer from shame of your past? If you have confessed any sin involved, then God has forgiven you and given you His grace and mercy. Do you have regrets and are burdened with guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure? Are you badgered with saying, “Oh, I am never going to make it! Or how will I ever get through this?” Stop. Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table. Repeat these words, “I am dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on Kingdom assignments, to be light in a darkened world, so others can see Jesus.” Louie Giglio, YouTube, Passion City Church sermon 5/17/21, Passion City Church, and hard copy book, Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table. It’s Time To Win The Battle Of Your Mind. 2021. W. Publishing. Be obedient. Be faithful.

What are your credentials with God? Take hold of the grace of our Lord and heavenly father, overflowing for you with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Stand firm; persevere because God is with you and is your great shepherd. If God can change a murderous man like Saul of Tarsus into a Paul who preached and taught the message of grace, you have all the credentials that you need. You are a child of the King who is one day closer to home!

Listen to Mercy, Blessed (Official Lyric Video).

1 Timothy 1:5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.”

Paul wrote 1 Timothy to “my child in the faith,” as he states in 1 Timothy 1:2. Paul wrote to give Timothy encouragement and instruction concerning issues in the church, such as false teachings and how Christians are to behave. He told Timothy to command whatever is contrary to the truth found in Scriptures and trivial and divisive myths to stop because that does not promote God’s work – which is by faith. Paul continually emphasizes that behavior should be shaped by living out the gospel. One’s beliefs and behavior should go hand in hand. Our faith should show a continual growth in holiness, from having a pure heart, as Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:22, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” What are the values that you model- what does that look like?

Paul admonished Timothy to have a good conscience. 1 Peter 3:16 states, “Having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” Honesty, having strong moral principles, trustworthiness, ethics are all definitions of integrity and are closely related to having a good conscience. Job was described as a man of integrity; he never gave up despite feeling discouraged, despairing, and not understanding his hard circumstances. His confidence in God carried him through. There is a quote from basketball coach John Wooden that applies: “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

The question I must ask myself before my head hits the pillow: How is my life reflecting and living out the gospel? What did I do correctly, and what should I have not done in my reactions, tendencies, and statements I made? What sin needs to be confessed? Has there been any anger, resentment, or offensive behavior restricting worshipping God in my prayers to Him?

Next question – Do I have a clear conscience, or have I said or done some things that I am guilty of not showing love by valuing people I interacted with today? How did I pursue self-control, righteousness, faith, love, and peace? That seems to be my challenge currently. Therefore, did I allow the enemy a seat at my table? Guard your heart and mind with God’s truth. The enemy will try to convince you that someone else has it better than you do. You are not good enough. You are not smart enough. You are never going to make it! However, never doubt the character of God. Psalm 23:4a declares, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

J.B. Phillips New Testament states it this way of 1 Timothy 1:5-7, “The ultimate aim of the Christian minister is to produce the love which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience and a genuine faith. Some seem to have forgotten this and to have lost themselves in endless words. They want a reputation as teachers of the Law, yet they fail to realize the meaning of their own words, still less of the subject they are so dogmatic about.” Words hold power. It is one thing to know the Word of God, and it is another to live it out. Before your head hits the pillow tonight, make sure you have a good conscience, and your values are being lived out in your faith in Christ alone. This will take a lifetime to pursue and perfect as you remain steadfast and abide in God’s presence, protection, and provision, one day at a time. Love others due to having a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith that is genuine.

Listen to Casting Crowns Desert Road (Lyrics) 1/14/2022

2 Thessalonians 3:13, “As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”

Do you ever question, as you strive to grow in your relationship with the Lord and do good intentionally, if what you are doing is worth it, and does it matter to anyone? You want to be an influencer and be of benefit, but seeing the results is requiring more patience than you might have. Maybe you feel that you are the only one pulling your weight and your efforts seem useless. You are looking for immediate gratification and where is it?

David Guzik’s Commentary states: “The older King James Version has this, be not weary in well-doing. There is plenty of well-wishing in the world. Well-resolving, well-suggesting, and well-criticizing are also found in plenty. Many people are good at well-talking, but there is not enough of simple well-doing.” Doing an excellent full day’s work, working past 5:00 PM, may be necessary. Then, we have to take care of our home by vacuuming, cleaning the floors, dusting the furniture, scrubbing sinks, and doing the laundry and dishes, and be creative in making dinner; if we do them as seeking to serve God, He sees, and that is called obedience. When you give a word of affirmation, you are a well-doer. It just doesn’t have to all be done in one day. Even though we feel exhausted from the day’s responsibilities and tasks, if we remember that all we have is one day at a time and it is a provision from God, we need to thank the giver because He knows, He sees, and He is faithful.

The parallel verse of 2 Thess. 3:13, is Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” The NASV says “And let us not lose heart in doing good. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 also states, “Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The NLT states, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” That is a verse to pray when you wonder if your efforts are appreciated or not. Ask yourself, what does God want me to do today? Do that and do it intentionally and enthusiastically.

When you need more peace and quietness, draw upon Isaiah 32:17, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” True peace and quiet is not found in an extended vacation, although that might be helpful. Peace and quietness within is the result of having a righteous heart. As you confess any sin and allow the Lord to change your life, you will have the indwelling of quietness, peace, and assurance, independent of your circumstances.

The MSG says 2 Thessalonians 3:13 this way, “Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty.” It is easy to be discouraged if you don’t see any results from the fruit of your hard work. So what should then your game plan be? 1.) “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4-5. 2) Shift your thinking from impact to God. “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5b.

Do things well and to the best of your ability. Be obedient to God. Then leave the results with Him. God loves you not because of what you can do. He created you and did so in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Keep on keeping on – your efforts are not futile. Do whatever you do well as unto the Lord. God will reward. God is faithful and “will not forget your work and labor of love (Hebrews 6:10).” Well-suggesting, well-criticizing, well-talking are all dominant actions rather than liberating actions. Be a liberator by being a well-doer. Invest in eternity in your time, money, and abilities. Influence people for Christ because of what He has done for you. Live according to God’s Word, enthusiastically, intentionally, and purposefully. God will reward and will bless you for your efforts if you do it for Him. Count on the Lord’s presence, protection, and provision. Do not be weary, abide in Christ, do not lose heart. A sage woman once told me, “Linda, sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing. Be patient and do nothing right now.” I recall her words frequently. Abide in Christ. Be a well-doer liberator, and keep on keeping on doing what is right.

Listen to Casting Crowns Only Jesus (Lyrics)

2 Thessalonians 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

What is your core need right now? Do you need wisdom, direction, encouragement, physical or more emotional strength, or what about patience with endurance and perseverance? Maybe a combination of them all? Paul prayed for the Thessalonians to be directed to “the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” The Message says it this way, “May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance.” The New Living Translation version says, “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

I have recognized some of these needs recently, while having Covid. If you have gone through this, you know what I am talking about. My hope was set each day in arriving at day five, and then day ten, having the end of this in sight. I came to the realization, after meditating on 1 Thess. 3:5, that it was another means of God teaching me about the love of God and His sure grip on my life from knowing His presence, protection, provision, and the patience of Christ. Patience is not one of my strong points. Yet I have witnessed His expression of tender and gentle love for me when I need His guidance, have a craving, longing, or deep want of some kind, and acknowledge His patience. As Isaiah 55:11 NIV states, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” What a great verse to pray!

We all go through various seasons of life. We all revel and enjoy the mountain top experiences. But the barren wilderness episodes leave us wanting to escape and long for a breakthrough. We want to look like the well-watered flowers one sees at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, or the Botanical Gardens in La Mirada. We want spiritual maturity to be present in us automatically, like turning on the microwave to reheat a plate of food. Stability, perseverance, endurance, patience, God works in us through our cooperation with His will in our obedience to His Word. David prayed in 1 Chronicles 29:18, “Keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.”

We all are needing to exercise patience in being ready for Christ’s return with courage and consistency as this world is not our permanent address. This is where our happiness is found and where we will find God’s love made perfect. Until then, each of us is here for a reason: to glorify God and to share Christ’s message of salvation. Jon Courson has said in his NT Commentary: “The only way we can have the patience of Christ is by waiting for Him, knowing we’ll soon be with Him. I have observed that the most peaceful, patient, and contented people are those who truly live in the expectation of Jesus’ return.”

Love and patience, endurance – being steadfast, essential qualities needed more and more for spiritual stability and strength, just as the Thessalonians needed. “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thess. 3:5 NIV. Come, take His hand.

Listen to the Healer (Official Lyric Video) by Casting Crowns. 12/3/21.

2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”

Paul uses the word “But” in the beginning of verse three. “The Cambridge Dictionary states that we use but to link items which are the same grammatical type. But is used to connect ideas that contrast.” Paul had just stated that not all have faith. He contrasts how the unbelievers lack of faith is in contrast to God’s faithfulness in guarding them against Satan’s schemes of attacking them (Luke 22:31-32). In Jesus’s High Priestly prayer in John 17:5, Jesus prayed “ . . . keep them from the evil one.” The Lord is faithful in His protection, provision, and presence. Think about how God has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you recently, and in the past.

When we see God’s faithfulness in action, it confirms, strengthens, brings about, fulfills, executes, puts in place, and validates God’s character. It establishes us to stand strong and to stand firm. Acts 3:16 states, “And his name – by faith in his name – has made strong.” Then in Romans 16:25, Paul summarizes, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you” and in 1 Thessalonians 3:13, “establish your hearts.” Then in Colossians 2:7, we read, “Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

When I successfully handle a problem within my job or acquire new business, it helps establish my role and reputation within my industry and acquiring my personal sales goals. Training in sports requires hard work, endurance, and stamina to become stronger and more physically adept at winning. An established athlete’s training goals help push them to a whole new level. Achieving success takes effort and determination to boost their confidence in upcoming competitions. Think about the word “establish.” How is God establishing you in your role within your family, friends, ministry, and work? Who is God using to help nurture and come along beside you? Who could use your wisdom and knowledge learned to coach or mentor? Do you realize you have influence right where God has placed you?

We all fail many times. But God is faithful, and we can have confidence in His presence, protection, and provision. Keep on being “steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have broadsided you.” 1 Thess. 1:3 MSG. Live in the light of Christ’s return. Are you finding yourself in a “but God” moment that you are experiencing out-of-control harsh circumstances? Are you praying for a breakthrough? Keep a journal of your thoughts. Write down all the impossibilities and hand them over to God. Right here is an up-and-coming “But God” moment. God wants obedience even when we don’t get it. He wants us to trust Him and live out Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” God is in control, and He is faithful. Remember how He remembered Noah and saved his family and animals in the ark during the flood, parted the Red Sea, calmed the storm with the waves going over the boat (Matt. 8:24-26), and protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? God wants obedience and for us to act on whatever amount of faith we have. No matter what is going on, remember “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thess. 3:3.

Listen to We Are Messengers Faith Sees Best In The Dark (Official Lyric Video) October 14, 2021.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.“

Who has asked you to pray for them? Have they asked more than once? Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray for him and those that were with him on eight different occurrences. He told them to pray for the success of the gospel in people accepting, without any hindrances, their need for Christ. Secondly, he asked for prayer to “be delivered from wicked and evil men.” “Acts 17:5 describes them as “lewd fellows of the baser sort” who tried to get Paul in political hot water by saying he advocated Caesar’s overthrow.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament. What is significant is that Paul didn’t ask for success in debating the opposition. He only asks to be delivered from them.

Paul asked for prayer that the Word of the Lord may speed ahead, to run freely without any delays, difficulties, and deterrents. “Paul’s prayer request makes us wonder how often the work of God’s Word is hindered by our prayerlessness.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary.

Throughout last year it was impressed upon me the importance of prayer and praying the Scriptures for my family and friends. God has promised that His Word will not return to Him void, as it says in Isaiah 55:11, and “shall accomplish what He pleases and will prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” So, if I take this promise in faith, as I pray Scriptures for my children, spouse, loved ones, and co-workers, I am asking God to perform His promises and work his power, for His glory. Here are a few examples that I have prayed for myself and others:

Psalm 119:92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before, and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.

Psalm 90:17, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” Establish my work. Establish _________ work.

Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” No matter what ____________ is planning, let your purpose win out.

Proverbs 23:4, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.” “Do not let __________ be worn out trying to get rich; keep ___________ from trusting their own cleverness.” Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, by Jodie Berndt, page 218.

Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” May my words in my response be just right and skillfully spoken, so You, God, will be pleased, so even those against me (my enemies, Prov.16:7) will be at peace with me.

Paul and his ministry team experienced fierce struggles, just as we have invisible powers against us daily as well. The primary defense is prayer which activates our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-19). Praying the Scriptures helps overcome bitterness, fears, unforgiveness, anger, discouragement, and every stronghold that hinders our character and integrity and shapes our desires for obedience with strategy straight from God’s Word. That is how one finds their ultimate breakthrough plan of action to be put to use for your marriage, friendships, relationships, ministry, workplace role, and where your purpose in life is intended in glorifying God in praying the Scriptures. You are right where God intends you to be and to use you for His glory.

Listen to Second Opinions Lyric Video by Casting Crowns, January 13, 2022.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”

On Monday morning, I was sitting at my desk, looking out the window that faces our front courtyard, and I was able to watch the sunrise. The orange colors in the sky were magnificent above the roofline of the next-door neighbor’s house. But it dissipated after only a few minutes. Seeing the beauty of God’s creation happened quickly and became a memory of that sunrise. The vivid orange rays in the sky were gone, and the sky became light blue, and fifteen minutes later, there was a cloud cover over the daylight. It reminded me that when Christ returns, it will happen quickly, just like this sunrise.

The people in Thessalonica had a continual fear and were upset – alarmed, centering around the idea that the day of the Lord had already come. A false claim had gone out to the Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord had already happened, and they somehow had missed the rapture. Paul is writing to correct that confusion and urged them to stand firm (2 Thess. 2:15) to the teachings of the truth.

We also have much confusion and distractions during our current political issues, government, and the ongoing pandemic (Covid, Delta variant, Omnicron, new virus surges), health status, and false teachers of our day. Could this be Satan’s ploy of filling people’s minds with fears of guilt, shame, frustration, and failures? But God is still in control and is omniscient. Nothing is a mystery to Him. According to His timeline, he knows all past, present, and future events. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul states, “And then the lawless one will be revealed, who the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.” Jesus is coming back soon and is one day sooner than yesterday. Paul gives reassurance to these believers that are in contrast to people who have rejected the gospel because they chose to believe in Christ and to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior; they will go to spend eternity with the Lord when He returns just as He said. That gives us courage, strength, hope, and peace, and to be ready at any moment. We need to encourage one another to pray constantly, think on what is true, stand firm in our faith, be aware of false teachers, and to thank God for His comfort, grace and help during difficult circumstances. Let it be known.

Question to ask, “How am I being distracted from knowing and experiencing God’s presence today? How has the Lord shown me His grace, mercy, and love throughout my day, so I can, in turn, show it to others?” That beautiful sunset I saw on Monday morning disappeared in the blink of my eyes. When Christ returns, it will be like that, and it is one day sooner than yesterday. Shalom.

Listen to Danny Gokey sing Jesus People (Lyrics) 8/24/21.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Do you ever wonder if anyone is praying for you as you go about your day? My mother faithfully prayed for me when I was in my early twenty’s and told me so. Her faithful prayers for me bore fruit and helped influence my life with a stronger faith in the Lord. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were prayer warriors for the believers in Thessalonica and other cities. They were in collaboration for the cause of Christ. They had an alliance, a partnership, in their joint effort of furthering God’s kingdom and doing what is right and good as Christ would. Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, “And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Use this verse to pray into the lives of your loved ones.

Who has been laid on your heart to pray that they will be considered worthy (Greek: Axios) of God’s calling upon their life in reflecting God’s character, “of the Christian walk as it should be (W.E. Vine. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).” Paul describes in Ephesians 4:1-3 what this walk should look like in glorifying Jesus in us and us in Him. “I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility, and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” That says, in a nutshell, what our Christian walk should look like. Which is the most challenging to you – humility, gentleness, or patience?

We all have those circumstances in life in relationships with others that trip us up. So if I am obeying and living out the calling of God upon my life, making me worthy (Greek, kataxioo) of the kingdom of God (1 Thess. 1:5), how am I making God visible in my connections? Self-control must be engaged to fight off triggers that are like kryptonite to our influence upon others. We must be aware daily what encounters are hijacking us emotionally. Being a solution-based thinker based on our identity in Christ needs to be present in our emotions. What are the triggers that trip you up?

The Message puts it this way, “Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time – pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master. Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.” That is the answer. That is the key. Pray that God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be and do and make you worthy of the kingdom of God. Fully listen when you are interrupted. Then ask questions as Jesus did in collaboration for what is right and good so you can properly pray God’s purpose will be accomplished in those we love, and for oneself in living holy lives moment by moment. Remember, Jesus is present, and gives protection and provision. Honor His name. Don’t miss it.

Listen to Jon Reddick – God Turn It Around (feat. Matt Maher) [Official music video]. 7/30/2021.

2 Thessalonians 1:5, “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.”

How many difficult circumstances and or battles, have you gone through this past year? You may not be persecuted for your faith, but you know what a season of suffering is like. Paul is telling the Thessalonian church, that the fact that they are being persecuted is proof that they are a part of the kingdom of God. Paul experienced first-hand persecutions and suffering for his faith at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. He told the same to Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Paul had grit. Despite being kept in prison unjustly, he continued to give thanks to God because of his secure and glorious future. Paul taught that God says we will fight battles and face difficulties. But we have a future reward, a living hope (1 Peter 1:3-9), and by God’s power, He guards us through our sustaining faith by His presence. We are promised our future reward (Matthew 5:10-12) is great in heaven when God will judge and adjust inequalities and matters of injustice will be reversed. Persecutors will be punished, and the persecuted will be rewarded (Philippians 1:28).

The power of prayer and its importance has been impressed upon me these past few months of 2021. I have noticed that most of my prayers have been about avoiding troubles or getting a family member or myself out of a problem. I am searching for an out! It might be a relationship problem that I wish I could insert a do-over. Or, within my work, a situation has gone wrong, and we have another conflict again. I want a quick fix. Then there are the constant political and Covid scenarios. I want to run away, but there is nowhere to go. This is life. Yet is that how I should be praying – focusing mostly on avoiding problems? My brain wants a simple and quick solution. David stated in Psalm 25:15, “My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.”

When we abide, linger, sit, remain, in God’s presence we always have His presence with us. His grace is sufficient. God is my shield, my deliverer, my comforter. He is full of compassion, and His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote in her newsletter on 12/28/21, “My dad always said the real test of a leader is not the way you handle the issues you know are coming – it’s rising to the moment in a crisis you can never plan for.” This is an example of living into our calling with God’s provision, protection, and presence.

Did you know that a diamond takes a tremendous amount of time under pressure over many years and many geological processes to form? The formation of natural diamonds requires very high temperatures and pressures (Geology.com, How Do Diamonds Form?). That is why Peter talks about our faith being purified, in 1 Peter 4:12, by fiery trials. Then James tells us to “Count it all joy when you go through these trials.” So for me to shine more like Christ, like a diamond, the stresses of life will produce Christlike qualities from the lessons He teaches me through them in the end. So my prayers are slowly changing to, OK God, show me Your presence in this. Guide me in Your presence and righteousness as I look for Your coming at any time. Then as I place my faith, trust, and rest in You, will come peace that goes beyond anything I can understand.

Dear reader, know that God counts you as having worthiness, a purpose right now, as well as when you enter into God’s glorious kingdom. Have you fully embraced God’s calling on your life? Bask in His presence. Forget your blunders, mistakes, and move on. Rest in the fact that you have worthiness right now besides the moment your future entrance into Heaven takes place.

Listen to Natalie Grant – Who Else (Official Lyric Video) 6/17/2021

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, “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 faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.”

Paul gave words of affirmation to the people in the church in Thessalonica for the growth in their faith and love for one another. Paul and his coworkers could see their prayers (1 Thessalonians 3:12) for these people were being answered by their steadfastness and faith growing abundantly. The HCSB version uses the phrase “your faith is flourishing” despite the continued and severe persecutions they were experiencing. Paul and his team were so proud of them that they boasted to other churches about their commitment to the Lord and love for each other. They were models of living out their increasing and flourishing persevering faith and love for each other despite unjust and unfair persecutions. They were survivors. However, Paul is not commending them here for their hope, only faith and love, because they had become confused, idle, and disorderly with the excuse of waiting for Christ’s return. Paul’s intended message was misinterpreted and misunderstood when he had taught about Christ’s imminent return. Paul addresses this in his letter of 2 Thessalonians, in correcting the church in Thessalonica, concerning the timing of end times.

Question for myself: Is my faith growing vigorously while undergoing a trial? Am I doing all I can and then a little more as these people Paul was ministering to in the church in Thessalonica had done? How is the tone of my voice? Does it escalate in volume, or does it go softly and quietly? Think of how Jesus responded to his critics in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Then in verse 46, He said, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same?” Then in Luke 6:27-28, “But I say to you who hear, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” I must admit that is not my natural reaction, but that was how Jesus responded to his persecutors. In both of those verses, Jesus said, “But I say to you.”

The people in the church of Thessalonica had strong fellowship together. They had made great strides in their spiritual development in remaining steadfast in their faith, and their love for one another was growing stronger. We find fellowship and like-mindedness in desiring to grow in our relationship with the Lord within our local church body of believers. It is still needed for us today to belong to a local church, a body of believers that are shepherded and taught the Word of God. We need each other to help us to fulfill our calling in life. No church is perfect. But we need fellow Christians cheering us on when we feel discouraged, weak in our faith, and need to feel their love regularly. We all have times when we want to give excuses, and we say, “Yes, but look at what they did to me?” Then we need a Christian sister or brother reminding us, “No, but Jesus says to you . . . “As Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Sit still and be quiet for a few minutes. What words do you hear Jesus saying to you for today? Do it. Share it. See how inventive you can be in encouraging love, faith, and hope, as you see signs that Christ’s return is drawing near.

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