1 Timothy 1-6.13.22
Scripture
1 Timothy 1:15-17 NLT
“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this letter that Paul writes to Timothy, Paul expresses his gratitude for God’s mercy. How God can use someone as sinful as him, (a person who used to persecute Christians), and through their belief in Jesus, now turn their life around, and use their life for good, and use it to build God’s Kingdom, all while glorifying God? Only through the grace of God is this possible!
Understanding-What does it mean?
🎶Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!🎶
It’s a song we have all heard. It’s a song usually sung at memorial services. But have you ever took the time to listen, I mean really listen to the lyrics?
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see
It’s the gospel message in lyrical form! This is the song that immediately came to mind when I read the verses I chose to journal on this morning. Paul is essentially telling Timothy, telling the world even, about God’s AMAZING grace. It’s how God’s grace allows sinners like you and me, to have a relationship with a holy God, because of our faith in Jesus Christ. And it’s because of our faith in Jesus, we are no longer lost, but we are found. We are no longer blind, but now we can see. We no longer wander this world aimlessly, but instead are now filled with purpose. We are no longer dead in our sins, but we are now forgiven and have eternal life through Christ Jesus! Now that’s exciting! Now that’s Good News!
Life Application
Share the Good News with someone today.
Father God, thank You for being so gracious and kind. Thank You for wanting a relationship with someone as sinful as me. I know I’m not perfect, but I know you’re working that through me each and every day I follow You. Help me God to share this AMAZING gift, the Good News of Your love and Your grace with someone today. Give me the boldness and the courage to speak Your Words over their life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi
2 Thessalonians 3-6.10.22
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:11-13
We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul was addressing an issue among some in the church in Thessalonica - idleness. In the Matthew Henry Bible Commentary, Henry says, "It is probable that these persons had a notion (by misunderstanding some passages in the former epistle) concerning the near approach of the coming of Christ, which served them for a pretence to leave off the work of their callings, and live in idleness." In other words, Jesus is coming back soon, so we can just coast until then.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Jesus has saved us! But that is not the end of the story. He gave us a calling - to go out and make Him known. He doesn't want us to rest until the whole world knows about His love for them. Matthew 9:35-38: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are we being spiritually idle, concerned only for our own salvation? Or will we accept our calling and get to work?
Life Application
Lord, change my self-centered heart and fill me with Your compassion for those that are harassed and helpless, sick and in need of You. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Your goodness with those I come in contact with. No more excuses - I'm too shy, that's not my gifting, others will do it - and help me, and all of us, to walk in our calling to know You and make You known.
-Debbie Dunn
Psalm 3-6.9.22
Scripture
Psalms 3:3-4 NIV
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”
Observation
David prays and worships God after he fled from his son Absalom.
Understanding
David here uses language that is both figurative and literal; here he’s fleeing from his son’s rebellion. What he’s saying here is something that was actually happening. He was being physically threatened by an army. But also, he speaks from a figurative perspective. He knows that God will be his shield and protect him in all circumstances, not just physical attacks, but the spiritual attacks on him as well.
Life Application
We need to trust God in all circumstances. David comes forth in his time of need and he brings praise to God. He knew how good and perfect he was; he knew God would protect him. It’s not something that only applies to David, it applies to us too! When we face trouble, when we face hard times, we need to truly bring our troubles to God, so he can help us, as he hears our prayers, brings us comfort, and helps us in our times of need.
-Anakin Cerda