Psalm 2-6.8.22
Scripture
Psalm 2:10-12
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Observation and Understanding
This Psalm, written by David, is a prophecy of the eventual rule of the Messiah (Jesus)! He gives a warning to kings to be wise and to respect the Lord, for all who take refuge in Him are blessed.
Life Application
A blessed life is a life that takes refuge in Jesus. A great application in order to do this is to pray and fast.
During our All Leader’s Meeting, Pastor Levi spoke about the importance of prayer and getting under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He also challenged and encouraged us as leaders to participate in praying and fasting with him on Monday and Tuesday in order to position ourselves to receive greater wisdom, blessing, authority, breakthrough, healing, etc.
Let us all take refuge in Jesus and see the blessings for His Kingdom overflow!
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Thessalonians 5-6.7.22
Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Observation
In Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul is finishing up his letter to the church in Thessalonica. He encourages them to stay on mission until Jesus returns.
Understanding
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. Easy, right?
I read some good explanations in the Asbury Bible Commentary:
Rejoice always – “Life lived in the power of the Spirit produces a stable and deep-rooted joy which is not a worked-up human emotion of feeling good.” So in other words, what is going on around us is not the source of our joy – God is the source of our joy. There is a difference between momentary “happiness” and true joy. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, in whatever circumstances.
Pray continually – “To pray continually means that every activity must be carried on with a sense of God’s presence.” Invite Him in to everything. Prayer doesn’t have to only be time on your knees. Invite Him in to every part of your day.
Give thanks in all circumstances – (This one is great – listen up!) “Paul commands his readers to give thanks in the midst of all circumstances, not to give thanks for all circumstances.” God doesn’t tell us to be thankful for the bad things that happen. He tells us that even in the midst of the bad things, He is still there and He still loves us. Can we believe that? Can we put our hope in Him?
Life Application
Jesus, please forgive me for my bad attitude today. I certainly wasn’t giving thanks or praying continually. And because of that, I messed up, said things I shouldn’t have, and have some apologizing to do. Help me to remember to run to you when I face challenges. Only you are my source of joy.
-Debbie Dunn
Proverbs 31-6.6.22
Scripture
Proverbs 31:10-12 NLT
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this proverb that is written, King Lemuel writes on the value of finding a virtuous and capable wife. Not much is written on King Lemuel. There are theories of who he really is or is related to, but we do know this…the teachings he writes about in Proverbs 31, was taught to him by his mother, and his mother seems to be a very wise woman.
Understanding-What does it mean?
So, who can find a virtuous and capable wife?..THIS GUY, RIGHT HERE! 😁
In this proverb, there are so many verses that give examples of the benefits of finding a virtuous, God-fearing wife. Here are a few I would like to point out:
vs. 15: “She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.”
(My wife wakes up early, makes my kids their breakfast, and has their day planned and ready to go!)
vs. 17: “She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.”
(My wife is one of the hardest and most dedicated women that I know. She manages our house’s finances, cooks the meals, helps with the kids homework, takes the kids to their scheduled events, and on top of all that?.. she serves in multiple church ministries and teaches music classes on the side! She is my Superwoman! 😍)
vs. 20: “She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.”
(My wife is compassionate and caring to those in need. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and prayers for support.)
vs. 29: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
(I am truly blessed that God has given me such a virtuous and capable woman, who is noble of character. ❤️)
Life Application
Taking time to honor my beautiful wife today.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”-Proverbs 31:30-31
Reading this chapter reminds me just how blessed I truly am. I am so thankful God gave me Michelle. She is all the things I mentioned above and more! I encourage you all to take some time today as well and honor your spouse and pray that you both may continue to grow closer to one another, as you both strive to grow closer to God.
-Moses Gaddi