Habakkuk 3 - 4.1.26
Scripture
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3: 17-19)
Observation
Habakkuk was going through a season of suffering and disappointment and delay in seeing God’s promises fulfilled. Instead of getting discouraged, he chose to rejoice in the Lord. The fig trees did not bear fruit. The vines did not bear grapes. The olive crop failed. The fields produced no food. There were no sheep and no cattle. It was a state of complete poverty when provision failed. Yet, the prophet chose to look at God’s face and rejoice, knowing that He is faithful, and His promises would definitely come to pass, even though it is delayed.
He finds his strength in the Lord. He trusts that the Lord has made his feet like that of a deer. A deer has the unique ability to scale heights and walk on the ledges of the mountains, and confidently walk on steep dangerous terrain. The Lord makes our feet like that of a deer, so that we can scale the terrain in front of us, however hard it is. This promise is also seen in Psalms 18, where David says “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” (Psalms 18:33).
Application
Our trust in God should not be based on the benefits we receive from Him. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficulties to see if we really trust Him. Even when prayers don’t seem to be answered, and God’s promises are not being worked out, we need to trust Him. He who promised is faithful, and He will do it (Heb 10:23). The Bible says that the promise has an appointed time and will not fail - even though it delays, it will certainly come to pass (Hab 2:3). Let us be like Mary who believed what God promised her, though it was totally humanly impossible. The scripture says “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord" (Luke 1:45). Let us cling to the Lord in faith, not wavering in faith (Rom 4:20), as His word and His promises will not fail even if heaven and earth pass away (Matt 24:35).
In times of discouragement, let us strengthen ourselves in the Lord, like how David did when he lost everything and his own friends were ready to kill him (1 Sam 30:6). We have no other source of strength other than the Lord. Blessed is the man (and the woman) whose strength is in the Lord (Psalms 84:5).
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you because you love me. I love you, and I am called according to your purpose. Therefore you will make all things work together for good for me (Rom 8:24). Help me to not lose heart at discouragements. Help me to trust you, even when I don’t understand. Thank you because you are faithful. You have engraved me in the palm of your hands (Isaiah 49:16). Not even a hair of mine will fall to the ground without you knowing it (Matt 10:30-31). You have hedged me from behind and before, and laid your hand upon me (Ps 139:5). Make your way straight before my face (Ps 5:8). Set your eyes on me and guide me, and teach me the way that I should go (Ps 32:8). Be my strength. Help me to live my life everyday, setting my hope in you, and fixing my eyes on the face of Jesus, who is the author and finisher of my faith (Heb 12:2). You are my strength. Your promises to me will not fail, as your word is set in heaven forever (Ps 119:89). I will look to you alone. You have promised that those who look to you are radiant, and their faces are never covered with shame (Ps 32:8). For in the time of trouble, You will hide me in your pavilion, and in the secret place of Your tabernacle. You will set me high upon a rock. (Ps 27:5). Thank you Lord because I can trust in you. Thank you because I am your responsibility. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen
- Asha Chacko George
1 Thessalonians 3 - 3.31.26
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9
“Therefore brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
OBSERVATION: What an amazing man of God Paul was! He had such deep, genuine love for the believers at Thessalonica. He had previously warned them about the persecution they would face because of their faith.
Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on them, and when he returned to Paul, he had THE BEST NEWS to share with him; The Christians in Thessalonica had remained firm in their faith, even when they were persecuted!
Paul was elated to find out that his labor was not in vain, and that satan had not been able to tempt them to disobey God! Even after Paul had received the good news from Timothy, he longed to see them again himself because he understood how much his personal interaction would add to their faith.APPLICATION: When we make disciples, what joy it brings to our heart’s when we see them growing in their faith! More than worldly success, prosperity, position or power, THE greatest test of their faith is when they remain firm in their faith! For my grown children and grand-children; there is no greater joy to me than knowing that they are standing firm in their faith, and to see them making decisions that honor God.
PRAYER: Thank You God for the ones who shared the Gospel with me. And thank You for the love that You have put in my heart to share the Good News with others. You have called me out of darkness into Your light, and have given me everything I need to be a powerful witness for You. Thank You for helping me to stand firm in my faith to honor You, and please help me to be a godly example to the ones who are following after me. Amen
- Robin Orefice
1 Thessalonians 2 - 3.30.26
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
Observation
In this passage, Paul is writing the church in Thessalonica. He is defending the ministry of Timothy, Silas, and himself to the Thessalonians. He is expressing that all the works they do are with pure motives. God knows their hearts. God knows their sacrifice. Everything they do is to bring glory to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to share the Good News. There is no selfish ambition here. Their main purpose is not to get the people’s approval, but God’s approval.
Application
Am I concerned more about pleasing people, or pleasing God?🤔
It’s a question we should all ask ourselves. You see, anyone who calls themselves a Christian has been entrusted to do what Paul, Silas, and Timothy are doing here…and that is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We may not all be called to go overseas to do it, but we are called to do it wherever we go-(Matthew 28: 18-20). Just know that when we do that, when we try to share the light of Jesus with others, we WILL face opposition. We will face ridicule. We will face rejection. But we are to fight the good fight. We are to be good stewards with this mission that God has entrusted us with, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” -2 Timothy 3:12
But do not worry because Jesus said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
Now I don’t know about you all, but I’m trusting Jesus. I don’t want to let Him down. My focus above all needs to be more on pleasing Him, than pleasing others.
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew 10:28
Prayer
Father God, forgive me for caring too much of what others think of me, rather than caring more of what You think of me. You should be my primary focus. Please give me the strength, courage, and boldness to fulfill Your will and Your purpose in my life. Help me to take that next step of faith, get out of my comfort zone, and share with someone today, the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name I pray these things, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi