Nov 10: Matthew 4, Jeremiah 19, Psalm 89
Nov 11: Matthew 5, Jeremiah 20, Psalm 90
Nov 12: Matthew 6, Jeremiah 21, Psalm 91
Nov 13: Matthew 7, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 92
Nov 14: Matthew 8, Jeremiah 23, Psalm 93
Nov 15: Matthew 9, Jeremiah 24, Psalm 94
1 Timothy___1
Scripture
1 Timothy1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is giving his testimony of the grace and mercy the Lord has shown him in his life. He also shares the Good News of Christ’s testimony and gives all the honor and glory to God for who He is!
Understanding-What does it mean?
We must not forget where we came from.
No matter how much influence Paul was blessed with, he remained humble by remembering God’s grace and mercy upon His life and being grateful for it!
Life Application
During last Sunday’s livestream, Pastor encouraged our church to post something everyday on social media that we were grateful to the Lord for.
I will write my personal version of the first part of Paul’s testimony, since it is focused on thanksgiving to the Lord.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, that He has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. Even though I was once very depressed and hopeless, a victim of my circumstances, who put guys on the throne of my life instead of Jesus, fell into the looks, worldly success and comparison trap and was very prideful, I was shown mercy. The grace of our Lord Jesus was poured out on me abundantly! To God be the honor and glory forever!
What are you grateful to the Lord for this morning? Please post it in the comments section and on social media!
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm_30
Scripture:Psalm 30:11-12You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.Observation:David is sharing his heart in song - speaking to the unchanging nature of God.Understanding:My heart has been heavy for weeks. It’s interesting because there is a just as much a sense of unity between some as there is divide among others. But, if I’m hones, I’ve been more on the wailing side than dancing. In times like this, it’s helpful to be reminded of God’s nature, of His heart towards His children, of a heart that loves bigger and greater than any human heart can. Life Application: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7For more verses or guidance on how, go here ->https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/bible-verses-about-worry-how-to-cast-your-cares-on-him-in-the-midst-of-troubleRei
2 Thessalonians 2
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Observation-What does it say? This second letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica came only several months after the first. He wrote it with the intention of clearing up questions left from the first letter, primarily concerning Christ’s return. The second chapter discusses a great rebellion against God, which will be headed by the “lawless one.” Before this time there are forces opposing evil, but when this day comes these will be no more. Victory will then come when Christ appears. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith until the day of his return.
Understanding-What does it mean? Sometimes, I think I may be the luckiest guy in the world. Generally speaking, there is nowhere I would rather be than at home. This has mostly to do with the people who are there to make it the best place in the world to be. In comparison to some families mine is still quite young, Jen and I have only been married for twelve years. But, we have already outlasted the national average by about four years. Either way I still love spending time with her and our boys. When I am away from home, I have faith in her that she will still be there when I come home. But, how did I come to this faith in her? It was through spending time with her that I have come to know her heart and the little things that make her tick.
Similarly, how do we hold strong to a faith in Christ in the face of the adversity the world throws at us? Much like I have faith in Jen, our faith in Christ grows through getting to know Him. Getting to know him, having a secure relationship with him comes through prayer and time spent reading His words to us, the Bible. With all the uncertainty in the world, it could be easy to give up all hope. However, God has promised to carry us through the uncertain time. We need only to meet with Him to receive the peace he brings.
Prayer, though, is more than just asking God for things. C.S. Lewis explains it this way, in his essay The Efficacy of Prayer, “Prayer is either a sheer illusion or a personal contact between embryonic, incomplete persons (ourselves) and the utterly concrete Person. Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine. In it God shows Himself to us. That He answers prayers is a corollary—not necessarily the most important one—from that revelation. What He does is learned from what He is.”