2 Thessalonians 2 - 3.12.24

SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 14

“ But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

OBSERVATION:  Paul begins this chapter by spelling out some key points to the second coming of Jesus from verse 1 – 12. Then in verse 13 he begins with some encouraging words on how to stand firm through it all. He begins with giving praise to God because we are loved by the Lord, and He chose us as firstfruits. How wonderful to know we are considered so special as the firstfruits. In gardening, the first fruits are very significant. When you’ve spent so much time and effort in preparation for the fruit, watering, pulling weeds (don’t get me going about the weeds!), then the blooms appear in Spring and your heart is so happy. Once the fruit matures, there are so many emotions that go into seeing it ready and ripe. There’s a sense of such excitement and viewing that first fruit as so very special. As believers, we are set apart and chosen first by the Lord. That’s how God looks at us! In Ephesians 1:4 it says “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”

Paul continues in the second half of verse 13 with “to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”  The Holy Spirit continues to work on us and helps to sanctify us. The sanctification process is something internally – not necessarily externally – that comes from first believing the salvation message in faith  and then the Holy Spirit begins the sanctification process to transform us. Some of the sanctification from the Holy Spirit comes from the gentle prodding, guiding us down life’s path, and leading us in a closer walk with Jesus. I am so thankful that the Lord continues to work in me, through faith, to consistently mold (sanctified) me to be more like Christ. Through this process, we can all stand firm and be encouraged through anything – even the end times!

Paul concludes this section to say “that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He brings it full circle: we were called firstfruits, chosen, have salvation through faith, the Holy Spirit sanctifying us, all with the end result of reaping the “glory” at his Second Coming. We get to share in all the glory of His Return, and ultimately in Heaven.  Cue “Oh Happy Day”!!

APPLICATION:  When I think about how God chose me, my mind explodes with love and gratitude for His saving grace. It’s hard to reconcile His perfect love with my imperfect life. I am so unworthy yet He chose me and you as firstfruits. Thinking about the depth of His love instantly brings me joy!  His love is so overwhelming!  Seeing His great love for me only increases my desire to bow down at his feet and follow Him.

PRAYER:  Thank you, Lord, for choosing me as your firstfruit – so special and called apart from other fruits. My heart is overflowing with love for you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit that continues to sanctify me, day by day, from the inside out to become more like Jesus. Help me Lord to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s moving in my life - whether it be in words or actions. Search my heart and lead me in your path. Praise you, Lord, for everythig! And like a crescendo with cymbals, my heart is overflowing as I look forward to share in the “glory of our Lord Jesus.” In Jesus Name - Amen!

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 94 - 3.11.24

Scripture 

Psalm 94: 17-19

17 Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. 18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Observation

Here is a breakdown of this Psalm, according to David Guzik’s commentary on enduringword.com:

-Recognizing God as judge of the earth (vs. 1-3)

-Recognizing the rebellion of the wicked (vs. 4-7)

-Rebuking the senseless rebels (vs. 8-11)

-Consolation for God’s people-they will never be cast off (vss. 12-15)

-Comfort for God’s people-God will help them. (vss. 16-19)

-Cover for God’s people-God is their defense. (Vss. 20-23).

Application

God will always provide comfort to us in our greatest time of need. Always run to Him first! 

God’s love is unfailing and He always provides comfort and help for His people. As we run to Him completely for comfort and safety, we in turn would be able to comfort others in need, with the same comfort we have received by Him.

One of my favorite verses (it is actually one of my life verses) is: 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As we draw comfort from the Lord, who in turn can we comfort with the same comfort we have received from Him? 

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You that You are always with me. I am truly dependent on You for everything and am unable to do anything without You by my side. Thank You for the comfort You have shown me in the past and that You continue to show me in times of need. Thank You for the restoration of joy through Your Word and Your love that continues to lift my head. May I always point others to You in their times of need as well. I love You Jesus. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

1 Thessalonians‬ 5 - 3.8.24

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“

‭‭Observation:

Paul is giving a final message to the Thessalonians. He stresses 3 things after talking about Jesus’s return and listing a bunch of do’s and don’t’s. All of those are good, for example honoring those who are serving. 

The three things are:

😍To Rejoice-feel or express great delight. Not some of the time, but always. 

🙏🏻Then pray continually -not just when you have a need, but stay connected with God seeking his plan and guidance throughout your day. 

🙌🏻 Finally give thanks in all circumstances. Boy, there are times it is hard to be thankful. However, when we look we can always find a reason. No matter what God is walking us through the situation it may be hard to be thankful for with us. That is a huge reason to give thanks. 

Paul says all of these things are God’s will for us, not suggestions or a good thing to do.  

Application:

How do I rejoice always? This is the hardest one for me. I still could use some work on praying continually and giving thanks. I know how important God’s best is and the way to discover it and walk it out is prayer. Also, the last few years I’ve learned the benefits of gratitude and God has helped me learn to look for the good in all. I can usually find something. But to walk around delighted in everything. 🤷🏼‍♀️

However, God just dropped the answer in my heart. I’m not delighting in my circumstances, I’m delighting in Him!

I can walk around with joy knowing He’s with me. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Thank you for the incredible truth that I always can be delighted and have reason to rejoice because you are with me. Please help me walk in this joy that can flow to others as I go throughout my day.

Please help me not fret, but pray. May I not move forward, make a decision, or do something without first seeking your will and your hand. Then, I can give thanks in all things because I have the assurance you are with me and am moving in my life and those around me.  Thank you for the incredible joy you give!

You are listening and want to reveal your plan. I am so grateful you are always by my side! Amen

Pastor Gary led a new song at the District Gathering. Since then I have been hearing it on the radio, KLOVE 100.3 and my Alexa music. It goes perfectly with these verses. Here’s a YouTube link:

https://youtu.be/f2oxGYpuLkw?si=opEZ9Cvpv6yOi_zY

- Cindy Howard