10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-13
How should we treat others? Who should we respond to those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ? Paul’s letters deal with this subject extensively. Here are three practices from 1 Thessalonians 2 that will help us behave towards others well.
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
How should we share the good news of salvation. Paul answers this question in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. As Christians, we should share the gospel……………………..
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
What are some marks that should be evident in the life of Christ’s church? Let’s examine a few today. And may God bless His church!
1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Luke 6:1-5
Who is Jesus? That question is important and needs to be answered by everyone. We will examine a characteristic attributed to Jesus in Luke 6 today.
**Jesus is Divine
Within the span of two chapters in Luke, Jesus makes two extraordinary claims that only God Himself could make: the authority to forgive sins and lordship over the Sabbath. These weren’t vague references but clear declarations of His divinity that the religious leaders understood all too well.
This truth is foundational to our faith: Jesus is fully God and fully man. From His birth to His ascension, He never ceased being God. While His glory was veiled in human flesh during His earthly ministry, His divine nature remained intact. He is, was, and always will be God.
Dear Christian, are you serving the Lord? Are you willing to serve through your local church and your daily life? What often separates service from non-service is a willing heart in the life of the believer. God will use us for His glory if we are willing to serve.
The Word of God reveals several important truths in regards to service for the Christ-follower. Let us examine a few today.
The Bible encourages us to serve. We are commanded to serve the LORD with gladness in Psalm 100:2 and in other passages. Christians are exhorted to serve as Jesus did. (Matthew 20:28)
Believers are equipped to serve as well. Paul tells us that we are all given spiritual gifts that are to be used in service to the church. (1 Corinthians 12:11) Are you seeking to discover and use your gifts to build up the body of Christ?
God enables Christians to serve as He works in and through us. The Scriptures tell us for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) There is a measure of mystery to how God works in our lives. We will not comprehend all that God is doing at times. But, we can rest assured that He will enable us to serve in our local context.
We are encouraged to serve. God has equipped us to serve. And the Lord has enabled us to serve. May we commit to serving Christ the rest of lives!
9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright–words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments,For this is man’s all.14 For God will bring every work into judgment,Including every secret thing,Whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
What should we do based on Solomon’s teachings? After all, he searched high and low and far and wide for meaning and purpose in life. What did he finally learn about these matters and what is his final wisdom for us?
The entirety of this book is distilled in three simple and powerful life lessons. Here they are.
**Fear God! Have a healthy respect for the power, person, and preeminence of God at all times. He is God, we are not.
Fearing God in this manner requires a relationship with Christ. He gave His life to for us so that we may be forgiven, restored, and reconciled to God. We show our respect and fear for God by believing His Word and trusting Him for salvation.
**Keep his commands! Solomon declares obedience to God as the “whole duty of man.” We are called to be surrendered to God day by day. Our obedience springs from our salvation. After all He has done for us, we can seek to obey Him.
**Finally, live with a realization that we will stand before God in judgment. Our lives are not our own. Every person who has ever lived will not escape His judgment. Whether good or evil, all acts that take place will be judged by God. We are all accountable to Him.
The book ends with these three lessons. As we conclude, may we take a moment to give thanks for Jesus. Without Christ, we are hopeless, our lives have no lasting value, and life and death are meaningless. But through Christ, we have hope for the future. We have hope for heaven. And we have meaning and purpose that lasts. “To God be the glory, great things he has done.” (1 Samuel 12:24)
I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
Psalm 119:48
The Enduring Nature of God’s Word
In a world where trends come and go, and human philosophies rise and fall, the Word of God stands firm. As Isaiah 40:8 declares, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” No matter how much opposition it faces, the Bible remains unshakeable and continues to change lives across generations.
The Bible is far more than a religious text – it’s a living, active force that God uses to purify, persuade, prepare, and protect us. It’s our roadmap for life, our source of strength, and our connection to the heart of God. As we make Scripture a central part of our daily lives, we open ourselves up to its transformative power.
So, let’s embrace the challenge to not just read the Bible, but to let it read us. Let’s allow its truths to penetrate our hearts, shape our thoughts, and guide our actions. For in doing so, we’ll find ourselves growing ever closer to the God who speaks to us through its pages, becoming more and more the people He created us to be.
May we echo the psalmist’s heartfelt cry: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). Let’s make God’s Word our daily bread, our constant companion, and the foundation of our lives. In its pages, we’ll find wisdom for every situation, comfort for every sorrow, and inspiration for every day. The transformative journey awaits – will you take up the challenge and dive deep into the life-changing power of God’s Word?
2 While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain; 3 In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look through the windows grow dim; 4 When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low; 5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets. 6Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well. 7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 12:2-8
The Preacher warns us one last time to live wisely because death will come to us all. These verses are filled with metaphors that detail the brevity and sure end of life……
In the day when the keepers of the house tremble,
And the strong men bow down;
When the grinders cease because they are few,
When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low;
For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets.
Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed,
Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well.
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
These metaphors represent fading human vitality and life’s end. Youth fades, bodies break down, spirits fail, and death comes to all.
Thanks be to God for our salvation. These events will transpire in our lives. We possess everlasting life and a place in heaven. Death will not be the end for us. Rather, it will be the fulfillment of all that God has promised us. Death awaits, but Christ will be with us every step of the way and will lead us home.
God is just. His justice is spoken of frequently in Scripture. There is coming a day when Christ will judge the world in holiness and righteousness. In that day, every wrong will be made right. On the Day of Judgment, every injustice will be corrected. Here are a few thoughts about God’s justice.
Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Psalm 37:28 For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
Psalm 101: 1 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice, To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
Luke 18:7 Now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?
Let us be thankful for our God who will is just and pure. Thank you for reading this post. May God bless you all!
1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Solomon’s conclusions are outlined in these final verses of this book. The core message of these verses is to live wisely every day. Why? Let’s examine chapter 12.
Solomon’s first lesson in this chapter reminds us to live according to Godly wisdom in youth and beyond. Life has a limited duration, and youth is a temporary phase. We should always live for Christ.
A verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 anchors this point in a New Testament context. It reads Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Paul’s teaching has application for all young believers, not just young preachers. Our young people should be examples to a lost and dying world by how they treat others, how they talk, and how they show love. Obviously, we are all to be examples no matter our age. But, these passages emphasize Godly living for youth no matter the situations they face.
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