2 Thessalonians 2 - 5.16.23

SCRIPTURE:  2 Thessalonians 2:3,4  "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.  He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming to be God Himself."

OBSERVATION:  Paul wrote to the Thessalonians regarding Jesus' return, and how He would bring deliverance from persecution for the believers and judgement on the persecutors.  Just before Christ's second coming, "the man of lawlessness" will arise.  He will be Satan's tool; the anti-Christ.  Paul told them what to look for before Jesus returns:  Evil will grow worse and a man will emerge who will represent Satan, actually working "false miracles, signs, and wonders.” (verse9).  

The secret power of lawlessness is already at work, but the man of lawlessness has not been revealed.  God will allow this to happen in order to show people and nations their sinfulness, and to show them by bitter experience the true alternative to the lordship of Christ.  (footnotes: NIV Life Application Bible).  This lawless one will use many displays of power through signs and wonders to deceive many, and his powers will come from Satan.  He will use his power to lead people away from God and toward himself.  The believers in Christ don't need to fear the evil times because God has given us everything we need to be able to stand firm in our faith, starting with the awesome power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, and the protection that comes from applying the armor of God, which He gives to every follower of Christ.  

When Paul wrote to the Church in Thessalonica about this, he did not foresee that there would be at least another two thousand years before these end time events would take place.  

APPLICATION:  Paul was not just writing to instruct the church at Thessalonica.  The letters he wrote are also preparing us today, and are reminding us about the importance of standing firm in our faith, and being ready at any moment.  God has positioned each and every one of us here today for such a time as this.  We have heard the Good News and have accepted God's gift of salvation, and now it is our duty as Christ followers to share that Good News.  Paul's letter is a call to continued courage and consistent conduct.  We are able to stand strong, even if we are persecuted for our faith because we know that God will vindicate the righteous who endure, reward our endurance, and punish the wicked.  (1 Thessalonians 1:5-12).

PRAYER:  Since Paul wrote those letters, we are now 2,000 years closer to the time of Jesus' return, and I pray as we wait that we will remain strong in our faith.  I pray we will not be afraid when we see evil increase because we know that God is in control, no matter how evil the world becomes.  I pray the Lord will guard us from Satan's attacks.

I pray we will rely on God's strength and endurance, and that we will never give up wanting to do what's right in His eyes, and that we will have the will and the desire to live responsibly before Him until that glorious Day Jesus returns.

- Robin Orefice

Jeremiah 1 - 5.15.23

Scripture

Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Observation

God speaks to Jeremiah and anoints Jeremiah as His prophet. God tells Jeremiah that He will use him to speak to kingdoms and nations on His behalf. Jeremiah feels that he is too young, and unqualified for this task. But God encourages Jeremiah that He is with him wherever he goes. He will protect him, and He will give Jeremiah the words to speak to the kingdoms and nations.

Application

God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called.

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You ever notice that God operates in unconventional ways? I mean he uses a stuttering man who hates public speaking, like Moses, to lead the nation of Israel out of captivity from the Egyptians. God uses a small shepherd boy like David to defeat a nearly 10 foot tall warrior like Goliath. Or God uses someone like Paul, a man who once sought out to persecute Christians, and even killed them, to be one of His main apostles to help build His church that we know today. The reason I believe God uses people like this is to display just how mighty and powerful He is. Because there is NO WAY, and I mean NO WAY, that these people could ever do these things on their own! But only through the power of His Holy Spirit, and His unfailing grace can we accomplish all these things and more.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”-Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭

So what is God calling me to do? What possible excuse can I have for Him? Am I willing to say “yes” to God’s calling and see the awesome things He can do? Because at the end of the day, I know God cares more for my availability, than my ability. Am I open to be available to whatever He calls me to do?

Let me share with you all a quote I read today that goes perfectly with this journal:

“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” -Neal A. Maxwell

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to partner with someone like me, to help accomplish Your mission. I know I’m not much, but with Your Holy Spirit working through me, I know You can accomplish great things. May You give me the strength and courage to be bold, and open to whatever You may call me to do. May it further Your Kingdom, and bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Psalm 61 - 5.12.2023

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Psalm 61:2-3

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

King David calling out to God in a time when he did not feel strong. His heart was fading. And he was at the “ends” of the earth, perhaps feeling as if on a cliff’s edge, prepared to fall away. As the king clings to life here on earth he calls out to God, “lead me to the rock (!)”.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

I think that as a person who has believed in Christ for years now I tend to get down on myself, just a smidge, when I take inventory of my spiritual walk and I am not at the point where I believe to be. While David calls out to God in a situation that may have been a lot more dire than mine, the principle remains. When you are down and out, when you are feeling faint, in your weakness, what is the most encouraging thing you can be saying?

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Today, when I falter, when I fall, when I feel like I am on the edge of a cliff I will cry out in prayer, “Lord, please hear me! Lead me to Your rock! For you are greater than I, and you are my safehouse. You are the strength I need against any enemy!” I pray that this may be my prayer, my natural reaction to when the world has me feeling down.

In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee