Psalm_28

Scripture - What stood out?

Psalm 28

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.

Observation - What does it say?

A psalm of David, calling to God for help as he reminds himself who God really is - merciful, strong, his fortress, his praise and his savior.

Understanding - What does it mean?

As we continue moving forward in this strange strange year I am reminded by king David of who is in control of doling out both mercy and justice. In a time where confusion, chaos, anger and hate seem to swirl about uncontrollably David reminds us who is responsible for paying evil what it is due.

I understand the need for order and law in our society, I just wish we weren’t so consumed by it. Or the need to have power over people. I would rather imagine a world where we are consumed instead with knowing God over everything.  As Jeremaiah writes in 9:24 “but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?

I once heard a preacher by the name of Ravi Zacharias preach on a very difficult topic and he ended his message with this (I am paraphrasing) ”Let God be the judge and executioner. He has asked you and I in His service to love others. And that is what we ought to do.”

Lord I am not sure where I stand on anything anymore. But may I never forget,

That You love me.

And that I need to share that love with others. No matter what.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

-kenneth lee

1 Thessalonians_5

Scripture-‭‭

 

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:12-13‬

 

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is giving his final advice to the Thessalonians. This advice includes honoring their spiritual leaders by showing them respect and love, living peacefully with one another, being patient with everyone, encouraging one another, staying away from evil, taking care of those in need, to always be joyful and thankful in all circumstances, always strive to do good for one another, and to never stop praying.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Are you a wing or a weight?

 

I heard a podcast where a pastor asked his congregation that same question. Basically are you a person who encourages others, who helps those in need, and helps lifts their spirits to becoming the person God calls them to be? Or are you the person who brings negativity, who is constantly complaining, criticizing, and weighing others' spirits down?

 

As God’s people we are called to be light and salt to this world. The world (especially now), is a very dark and dreary place to be in. So we as God’s people should be shining our lights out there. Go reach out to your church family. Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ, pray for them, and see if they have a need that you can help them with. Go out into your workplace, neighborhood, and community. Be praying for them to come to know Christ. Look for opportunities to be a light or a wing in their lives. Don’t be a weight that weighs people down. Be a wing to lift them up! Be part of the solution, not the problem.

 

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”-‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:11

‬ ‭

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬

 

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬

 

Life Application

 

Seek someone out today that you can bring encouragement to! ☺️

 

The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It has the power to build up, or tear down. How will you choose to use it?

 

As for me, I want to take this time to honor our Pastors at DSC. The Holy Spirit really highlighted the verse I chose to journal on this morning for this specific reason. Thank you Pastor Warren for your gentleness. You are so loving and caring towards the people God put you responsible for. Thank you Pastor Levi for your work with our youth. I’m confident knowing that Justin and you are building a strong foundation in our youth. Helping them build their faith to ready them for the “grown up world”. I look forward to the times my girls can benefit from that group. Finally, I want to thank Pastor Gary. Thank you for your leadership and for being a mentor to my wife and I. I know you have to make difficult decisions for our church family, and that not everyone will be pleased by them. But with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you make those tough decisions to try to help grow our church not only physically (in numbers), but most importantly spiritually. Thank you for being a Pastor who not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk. So thank you all for all you do to make DSC a church which our family is proud to call home. You all have played vital roles in helping my family and I grow in our walk with God. Love you all!

 

-Moses Gaddi

1 Thessalonians_4

Scripture 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12  Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 

Observation-What does it say?

 

The Apostle Paul continues writing to the Thessalonian church and addresses their Christian walk. He urges them to continue to love one another, but to also make sure that their daily life wins the respect of outsiders. 

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Paul is telling the church that their lives are a walking testimony. 

 

He begins chapter 4 by talking about sexual immorality and the importance of controlling our own bodies and living a pure/holy life. Then he goes on to talk about love for each other (specifically speaking to loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ). Finally, he speaks about being a hard worker and leading a life that wins the respect of outsiders. Life Application Does our daily lives lead others to praise Jesus or does it lead others away from Him? 

 

Daily life is not just about church ministry. It also means at home, when no one is looking. How is our love for others, servant's heart and integrity when no one is looking and when we aren't rewarded in this world for it? 

 

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.  And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” -Hebrews 6:10-12 “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.” -1 Corinthians 15:58 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 Dear Lord, I pray that my daily life would win the respect of outsiders and that my good deeds would lead others toward Your throne of grace and a personal relationship with You. Amen.  -Michelle Gaddi