Good Morning Truth Seekers! The older folk use to sing, " It is another day's journey and I'm glad" I am grateful to God for waking me up this morning, and letting me see another day! I hope you are grateful to God for all that he does! February was a flash! I hope you are enjoying your time with the Lord!
Exodus 27-28 is a continuation of the Lord God instructing the people on how the worship center should be equipped. The altar of burnt offerings was going to be a place of bronze. A place were sacrifices would be made unto the Lord. Even in this it is critical to follow the commands of God for He knows best in all things. There would Aaron the priest would minister in his garments shaped by the Lord to give Him dignity and honor. God does not leave anything to chance. Are you approaching God with honor, and with a sacrifice of your time, talent, or treasure?
Philemon is one chapter about Paul asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back as if he were Paul. Paul speaks of his love and respect for Onesimu and ask his owner to receive him back as a brother in the Lord. Paul is asking him to let by gone be by gone; if he owes you anything or wronged you charge them to Him(Paul.) In other words treat him as you would me regarding these matters. Paul writes with faith that it will be done. I pray that I could receive such a commendation from another as this. I hope that you in your respective place are being useful.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Exodus 25-26:2 Thessalonians 3
Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 25-26 is about the Lord establishing a place to worship for His people. Chapter 25 verse two says to receive an offering from each man whose heart prompts him to give. Many forget that we should never take an offering but receive it. And here again, God only wants money from those who want to give it. Never should an offering be given begrudgingly. I always say if your heart is God's then your money will always follow. Most people do not have a money problem, but a heart problem. The worship place was to be aligned just as God instructs. Why? Because he is God.
2 Thessalonians 3: Is the final chapter in this short letter. It is still encouraging and includes a warning about those who are idle. My grandmother use to say, "An idle mind is the devil's work place" Paul writes to stay away from people who will not work, and will not live right. I say these are free loaders. Do not forget Paul is speaking to the church, and I am going to assume he means if they will not help with the mission they should not be allowed to eat off of it either. We have too many people who want a return without investment. God has given everybody a special gift and therefore, everybody ought to be doing something for Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 3: Is the final chapter in this short letter. It is still encouraging and includes a warning about those who are idle. My grandmother use to say, "An idle mind is the devil's work place" Paul writes to stay away from people who will not work, and will not live right. I say these are free loaders. Do not forget Paul is speaking to the church, and I am going to assume he means if they will not help with the mission they should not be allowed to eat off of it either. We have too many people who want a return without investment. God has given everybody a special gift and therefore, everybody ought to be doing something for Jesus.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Exodus 23-24: 2 Thessalonians 2
Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 23 deals with laws regarding justic and mercy. We get morality beyond the ten commandments. God teaches us or commands us to be honest, do not be persuaded to do wrong, do not lie in witnessing, do not show favoritism. Help even your enemy, do not mistreat the poor, do not accept a bribe, do not wrongly accuse the innocent..
Chapter 24 seals the covenant between God and his people. The deal was sealed in blood v 8. God delivered the commands to the people by way of Moses, but in person by way of 72 elders, Aaron, Nabihu and Abihu.
2 Thessalonians 2 speaks to correcting the erroneous information regarding the coming of the Lord. There was a rumor that Paul had written another epistle and had said the rapture had occurred already. Paul writes that certain things would have to happen first and one of them would be the antichrist would come and then the Lord Jesus would appear to defeat him. However, for those who failed or refused to believe in Jesus would follow the antichrist and he would ultimately lead them to destruction. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to hold fast to what they believe and know to be true. I want to encourage each of you to know God for yourself. This is why reading the word of God is so important that we are not mislead by anyone.
Chapter 24 seals the covenant between God and his people. The deal was sealed in blood v 8. God delivered the commands to the people by way of Moses, but in person by way of 72 elders, Aaron, Nabihu and Abihu.
2 Thessalonians 2 speaks to correcting the erroneous information regarding the coming of the Lord. There was a rumor that Paul had written another epistle and had said the rapture had occurred already. Paul writes that certain things would have to happen first and one of them would be the antichrist would come and then the Lord Jesus would appear to defeat him. However, for those who failed or refused to believe in Jesus would follow the antichrist and he would ultimately lead them to destruction. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to hold fast to what they believe and know to be true. I want to encourage each of you to know God for yourself. This is why reading the word of God is so important that we are not mislead by anyone.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Exodus 21-22: 2 Thessalonians 1
Good Morning Truth Seekers! Today is Ash Wednesday! It is the first day of Lent. Lent is the forty day period before Resurrection Sunday and is used by many to sacrifice or consecrate themselves in response to the sacrifice Jesus made.
Exodus 21-22 is about restitution. Twenty one focuses on human property and primarily deals with the value of life relative to how it ends. An eye for an eye, life for life, unless it was an accident. Then restitution is made with the owner and the custodial party. Likewise when it comes to property. The owner is entitled to restitution or double if someone is caught stealing or kills his livestock and or baby. These laws are civil and help us to see that even in these matters we should follow the laws and precepts of God.
2 Thessalonians 1 is a greeting with admiration and praise to the church at Thesselonica. Paul continues to praise the church for steadfastness, and encourages them to stay the course for in due season they will reap the benefits of eternity.
Exodus 21-22 is about restitution. Twenty one focuses on human property and primarily deals with the value of life relative to how it ends. An eye for an eye, life for life, unless it was an accident. Then restitution is made with the owner and the custodial party. Likewise when it comes to property. The owner is entitled to restitution or double if someone is caught stealing or kills his livestock and or baby. These laws are civil and help us to see that even in these matters we should follow the laws and precepts of God.
2 Thessalonians 1 is a greeting with admiration and praise to the church at Thesselonica. Paul continues to praise the church for steadfastness, and encourages them to stay the course for in due season they will reap the benefits of eternity.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Exodus 19-20 1 Thessalonians 5
Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 19-20 The Israelites move to the Desert of Sinai, and it is where they would get the laws of God. In verse 5 god said that, if they obey him and keep the covenant, then they would be His treasured possession. God wanted an intimate relationship with his people and was going to speak to Moses so they could hear. He commanded them to take three days to get ready. Abstain from sexual pleasures and set their hearts on God. He delivers the 10 commandments to them as a foundation for the other laws. Do you know them?
1 Thessalonians 5 continues to be about encouragement. Paul encourages them to continue to live like children of light. Because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. He further encourages them to build each other up, and to respect those who work hard and those who are their spiritual leaders. Hold them in highest regard in love because of their work. I think that the saints need to be reminded of all of these things. Loving and respecting one another. In other words live like we are a member of the family of God.
1 Thessalonians 5 continues to be about encouragement. Paul encourages them to continue to live like children of light. Because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. He further encourages them to build each other up, and to respect those who work hard and those who are their spiritual leaders. Hold them in highest regard in love because of their work. I think that the saints need to be reminded of all of these things. Loving and respecting one another. In other words live like we are a member of the family of God.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Exodus 16-18: 1 Thessalonians 4
Good Morning Truth Seekers! It is a glorious morning. The sun is shining and the Lord is still on the throne. I hope you walk with God today! Exodus 16-18 are huge amongst the stories of old. God provides manna from on high. But what we often miss or overlook is that Israel ate manna for forty years. He also provided water out of a rock and provided strength for the battle. I am encouraged by the fact that when God has authority for us, he provides all that we need. He knew that the people needed bread, meat and water. He knows what you need too. Will you allow him to lead by being obedient? I do not want to overlook Jethro's guidance to his son in law, and please note the names to describe the experiences; Meribah means quarreling, and Massah means testing.
1 Thessalonians 4: Paul reiterates the expectation that those of the faith should live a life of holiness not worldliness. He specifies controlling our fleshly desires, and not living like those who do not know God. This speaks to transformation. More specifically, our lives should change constantly toward a life prescribed by God. Again, live such a life that will not take away from the cause of Christ. Lastly, when Christ returns those who died in the Lord will rise first, and then those who are still alive will be called up and caught up afterwards. We do not know when that will be; so live like it is today.
1 Thessalonians 4: Paul reiterates the expectation that those of the faith should live a life of holiness not worldliness. He specifies controlling our fleshly desires, and not living like those who do not know God. This speaks to transformation. More specifically, our lives should change constantly toward a life prescribed by God. Again, live such a life that will not take away from the cause of Christ. Lastly, when Christ returns those who died in the Lord will rise first, and then those who are still alive will be called up and caught up afterwards. We do not know when that will be; so live like it is today.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Exodus 14-15:1 Thessalonians 3
Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus is an important part of the history of Christianity. It tells the story of God who remembers his promise to Abraham and delivers. Chapter 14 verse 4 says that God was going to get glory for Himself by over powering the Egyptians. I believe that God never shares His glory. Meaning he wants it to be clear that it is He that does the doing? In verse 13 he says, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will deliver you today...14 The Lord will fight for you, you only have to be still." What a wonderful God! My prayer is to know God in this way, and for you too. Chapter 15:26 tells us to listen to the voice of God, and do right in his eyes and we will not suffer diseases he put upon the Egyptians. I realize that following God is two parts; listening and then doing what is right. Go and do likewise.
1 Thessalonians 3: Paul gets an encouraging report from Timothy about the faith of the saints at Thessalonica and he responds with encouragement to them. Paul writes that he has a life full of joy to know that they are standing firm in their faith even during a time of persecution. This is what should happen in the family of faith, we should live in such a way that it encourages one another. How is your life? Will it encourage anyone?
1 Thessalonians 3: Paul gets an encouraging report from Timothy about the faith of the saints at Thessalonica and he responds with encouragement to them. Paul writes that he has a life full of joy to know that they are standing firm in their faith even during a time of persecution. This is what should happen in the family of faith, we should live in such a way that it encourages one another. How is your life? Will it encourage anyone?
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