Proverbs 30-6.3.22
Scripture
Proverbs 30:5-6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. “
Observation-What does it say?
This chapter was written by Agur, son of Jakeh and he wrote this to Ithiel. I studied several commentaries on who these people were and there were differing opinions. While others say that he was a man in Solomon's time, some say that Agur could have been Solomon himself. Others say that Agur was not even the author's real name, but spoke of the character of this man as a collector, who collected the wise sayings of others. Whatever the case, we know that what was written was inspired. This chapter are prophecies from God that were passed on to Ithiel, who was either Agur's child or a student. In the above verse, Agur was teaching Ithiel that the source of all wisdom and truth is found in the word of God.
Understanding-What does it mean?
God's Word is flawless. It is perfect. That's why nothing more should be or needs to be added to it. Adding to it would indicate that there is a flaw in it, but it is flaw-LESS.
Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in Scripture, as well as the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses, speaks all about the word of God and loving His commands.
2 Timothy 3:16-17-"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Here at DSC, the Word of God is our Source of all Truth and our lives are based on what it says, not what our emotions say. It is why we post SOUL Journals every day and encourage every one to do the same. Being in God's Word is a discipline that is vital to every Believer's life.
Life Application
In order to experience the transforming power of God's Word in our lives, we must read it, study it and apply it.
As James says in ch. 1:22-24, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect Word. Thank You for men and women of faith who have and are dedicating their lives to read it, study it and apply it in their personal lives. I pray that if we are living a life contrary to Your Word, that You would bring us back to the Truth. I pray we would continually meditate on Your Truth instead of the lies that the enemy and the world throws at us. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. (Ps. 119:105). Please continue to direct our paths through Your Word and may we submit to its Truths. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Thessalonians-06.02.22
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 NIV
“You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you HIS gospel in the face of strong opposition.”
OBSERVATION:
Paul and Silas visited the Church in Thessalonica to SHARE the Gospel—after—being persecuted and released from prison in Philippi for sharing the Gospel. As was their custom upon entering a town, they went to the Jewish Synagogue to show the Truth from the Old Testament that Jesus of Nazareth is the Promised Messiah.
Paul taught Three Saturdays. In this short span of time some of the Jews, many gentiles, and some leading women of the city were converted. That started a HUGE backlash among the non-believing Jews and a subsequent riot erupted. The believers were being accused of trying to overthrow Caesar. A serious accusation that came with a death penalty. This did not dissuade their faith. However, with the impending danger and persecution, the new believers felt it was best to usher Paul and Silas safely out of town at nighttime. (Precept Austin and Warren Wiersbe)
UNDERSTANDING:
The FAITHFUL Steward
What Does it Mean to BE a Faithful Steward?
A Steward “owns” Nothing, but possesses AND uses everything that belongs to The Master.
AND, One Day—every steward must GIVE an Account of their stewardship.
IF they are found Un-faithful—they will suffer.
“Jesus also said to His Disciples:
There was a certain Rich Man who had a Steward,
and an Accusation was brought to HIM that this man was wasting HIS goods. So, HE called him and said, “What is this I hear about you?
GIVE an ACCOUNT of your STEWARDSHIP, for you can NO longer be a Steward.” (Luke 16:1-2 NKJV)
The Message of The Gospel is a Treasure that God has Entrusted to us as Stewards. We must not Bury it. We Must Invest it—SO it will MULTIPLY and Produce Spiritual Dividends to God’s Glory.
Some May Think they only need to protect the Gospel from those who would change it. BUT, we must SHARE it. Otherwise, we protect it in vain.
May I carefully consider Jesus Parable of The Talents: (Matthew 25:14)
Three servants were given a portion of gold (talents) from the Land Owner. Two INVESTED what they had been given and Doubled their Portion.
One BURIED what he had been given. A Long time passed until the Land Owner returned for the servants to give an “account” of their “Stewardship”.
The Two Servants that had Invested their portion were REWARDED abundantly. The One Servant who buried his portion was called “Wicked and Lazy” and “Everything he had was taken from him”. (Matthew 25: 26-28)
LIFE APPLICATION:
BE a Faithful Steward
Faithfulness is the Most Important quality in a Steward!
Lord Jesus,
The last word you spoke to your Disciples before you ascended into the sky was ONE command; GO make Disciples. You are returning one day. And we will need to give You an “Account”. Forgive me for the years I wasted as a believer, burying my portion. Thank you for your deep Love for us. Thank you for Your Love to bring this desire to my heart and our church’s heart to share your Good News. We Love you and desire what You desire. May I be a faithful steward to the One thing you entrust us with. Thank you for your faithfulness to guide and direct my path. In Jesus Name I pray.
Jesus Said:
“Look, I say to you,
raise your eyes and LOOK at the fields and see, they are white for harvest.
Already the reaper is receiving his wages and he is gathering fruit for eternal life;
so that he who plants and he who reaps may rejoice together. (John 4:35b-36)
Tina L Kudelka
1 Thessalonians 1-6.1.22
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 6-8 NIV
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ……You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,”
Observation-What does it say?
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter, with his companions and co-workers Silas and Timothy. It was written to the Thessalonian church, as they took notice of their faith and were giving thanks for the church.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The faith, labor, love and endurance of the church was a model to other believers and became known everywhere! Also, it was in the midst of severe suffering! They maintained their joy, which was given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Life Application
The best compliment for us as a church body is being known for our faith in Jesus and being thanked for our good deeds in the Lord, no matter the circumstances.
DSC, let’s be like the Thessalonian church, where our faith in the Lord, our labor prompted by love and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ becomes a model to other believers and known everywhere!
-Michelle Gaddi