ThinkOnIt Daily Devotions

[ThinkOnIt]

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. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NKJV

Have you heard the saying “Preach the word of God and use words, only if you have to.” Our very life should show what the gospel is all about, so everyone can see it. What does that mean? It means that we are to respond to things in this life differently. We don’t have the time and space in this article to expand on all the ways we can show it, so we’ll look at just a few:

Forgiveness
We are to forgive those who don’t deserve to be forgiven. I watched a 60 Minutes episode recently, where a woman was being interviewed who had ended up driving drunk and killing a husband and his 11 year old daughter on a snowy mountain highway one night. We’ll call her Kelly. The wife of the deceased we’ll call Stacy. Stacy had contacted Kelly in prison and offered her forgiveness. This story was so moving I was in tears while watching it. It was so tragic and yet beautiful at the same time because Stacy, who had lost her loved ones, was not bitter, but honest about her pain and gracious enough to extend God’s forgiveness to the inmate. They developed a relationship and ultimately became friends when Stacy accepted Kelly into her family. It was a beautiful picture of what God has done for us. We don’t deserve forgiveness, just as Kelly didn’t. Yet, God forgives us. Matthew 6:14 tells us “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” That is what we model for others.

Love One Another
Luke 10:27 “So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” My husband is the perfect example for this one. He not only forgave me, when he could have divorced me, but he chose to accept me and love me unconditionally. He has stood by me and offered his love, when I knew I didn’t deserve it. The only way he could love me like that is because of God pouring His love into him. Look at Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” My husband has been like Jesus to me, even though he had every right to cast me away because of my sin. Loving someone else means doing the unthinkable at times – loving them when they don’t deserve it. My husband’s actions proved his love for me and showed he was laying down his life for me, which is a good lead to the next point.

Deny Self
How many times have you be in conflict with someone because you each wanted to do something your way? Mark 8:34 “…He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Christ calls us to deny ourself. That means we set aside our fleshy desires, selfish ambitions, and pride for His sake. When we do, we are demonstrating Christ’s power with us. Laying aside our pride is a huge way to deny self. Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Let me give you an example from my life. Before I was a believer, I was a very confident person. I always knew what was right. The problem was I told people so at every turn. At the time, I thought I was being helpful, showing them how to get something done quickly or efficiently. However, when I was born again and Christ’s Spirit dwelled in me, I became convicted. I wasn’t being helpful, I was pushing my way on everyone. I wasn’t being loving, I was prideful and didn’t see it. It is hurtful to others, always telling them what to do, instead of letting them figure it out on their own. In trying to save time, I was destroying my relationships. Thank God, that’s a thing of the past!

Okay, now let’s review. You might be the only bible someone will ever read. That means we need to display Christ’s character in how we live. We do this by forgiving others when they don’t deserve it. We also do this by loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, mind and loving others. Lastly, we lay aside self for the benefit of others.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

[JPPT1974]

Amen in agreement and praise my friend!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 NKJV

Taught by God not by man but taught by God Himself through His Holy Spirit. One of the things we always prayed when opening up our bible studies, was “Lord, thank you for teaching us by Your Spirit. We are not taught by the words of man, but through your Holy Word by Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for giving us Your light to guide us.” It’s good to remember as we learn more about God, His character and His ways the Holy Spirit is the one revealing it to us. Romans 8:16 NKJV says “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”.

It’s not by our effort that we now understand. It is simply because God choose to reveal Himself to us by His Spirit. It’s much like how we’re saved. It’s not because we did anything to deserve it. We can not work to be saved. We can not earn salvation by doing good deeds. Salvation is a gift from God by grace, accepted by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8 NKJV says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”.

As we increase more and more, as Paul mentions above, our lives should reflect more and more of our Lord Jesus Christ’s character. From today’s verse, let’s look at the three examples:

1) Aspire to lead a quiet life. That’s a good goal. When the aspiration is to live a quiet life, there’s no striving to get ahead at the office, do demanding your own way or arguing your point with others. Instead, the priority is on living a quiet life, getting along with others. Doesn’t that sound peaceful? I believe when we live out what Matthew 22:39 NKJV says “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, we will be living a quiet life.

2) To mind your own business. Oh, how difficult that it for some who like to gossip. My pastor once taught us an easy way to tell if you were involved in gossip: If you not part of the problem or the solution, you shouldn’t be talking about it. That’s pretty easy. If it’s not your problem and you have no part in the solution, keep your mouth shut. Oh, by the way, trying to pass on the juicy details as prayer request still counts as gossip! The scripture that comes to mind regarding this point, is Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

3) To work with your own hands. You demonstrate your commitment to supporting yourself and your family. The bible says those who are lazy shouldn’t eat. That means each one must pull his/her own weight. We all need to work.

Why do we need to understand all this? Each of us are living, breathing bibles. We are Christ’s witnesses to the world. When those on the outside look at your life, they should see Christ. Every day we’re alive, we should be growing in Christ-like character. As we examine our walk, we look for ourselves to see Christ in our own life. If we can’t see Christ, stop and ask what’s lacking? Am I depending on my efforts to understand God? Or am I relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to me? Am I aspiring to live a quiet life, minding my own business, working with my own hands? If not, why?

 

[shlama]

Thank you, for preaching God's Word.

GBU

 

[ThinkOnIt]

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NKJV

No reason for sorrow that’s what the bible teaches regarding the death of our loved ones who believe in Christ. This doesn’t mean we won’t be sad and miss them terribly when they’re gone. But it does mean we don’t have to be overwhelmed with grief, sorrowing about their fate because we know where believers go after this life over – directly into the arms of Jesus!

I didn’t always have this attitude towards death. Early in my walk with the Lord, a co-worker friend of mine was battling cancer. She was young, vibrant, cheerful, helpful and always friendly. While she was with us, I often shared with her what I was learning about the God. She had shared with me she was saved, but at the time it did not reassure me. I wanted to know for sure. When she died, I went to her funeral and I’m ashamed to say, I wasn’t joyful that she was now with the Lord. Rather I was sorrowing and would not receive the comfort that others tried to give me at the time.

Examining what God’s Word says about this topic helped me understand. Let’s take a look at some of the verses I studied.
2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” This verse couldn’t be any clearer. If we’re in our body here and now we are absent with the Lord. On the other hand, if we’re absent from our body, we are in the presence of the Lord.

Philippians 1:21 NKJV “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, this was Paul’s motto for his life. We live to please the Lord. We die to please the Lord as well. For when we die, we go to Him. When we see Him face to face in heaven, all our questions will be answered. Every doubt we ever had, will no longer exist. There will be no more pain, no more tears, He’ll wipe them all away! If we could fully grasp this, surely we would rejoice when our beloved enter into His Kingdom! How great that day will be!!

Our God is so good and He knows what each of us needs to go through, in order to know Him on a deeper level. This experience brought me to a deeper realization that even when I want to know for certain if someone is saved or not, it’s not my responsibility to ensure they are saved – it’s God’s. I am called to share God’s message of love and what the Lord has done for me and leave the rest to God. He knows our hearts. He knows who are His.


Now, I have a deeper faith in God and trust He will save those who put their trust in Him. How about you? Are you trusting Him? Are you rejoicing when a loved one go to be with Him?

 

[JPPT1974]

Only faith and trust in Jesus
Will work with and in through us!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NKJV

The Lords return will be a spectacular thing. He will descend from heaven again, but this time with a shout heard all over the world! His voice will carry so much power and authority it will be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before. Every person on the earth will see and hear this happen.

Think about those who are still alive when the Lord comes (and it could be you and me!). They’ll get to see it all. Not only will they witness this event first hand, they’ll be part of the unfolding scene. It says in today’s verse those “who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”. The people of faith who died before the Lord’s return, will be with Him when He comes for the rest of us. Some family reunions get pretty high, on alcohol, when they’re together. None have gotten this high before! This reunion will be flying high in the sky with our Lord, Jesus Christ holding us up! Talk about a family reunion!

Why talk about when the Lord comes back? What’s the big deal? I came to know Christ through crisis. As a result, it was hard for me to think about heaven and what it would be like when Christ came again. All of my thoughts were spent on my current pain and trying to find a way out of that pain. However, as the Lord began to heal, it was as if a veil was lifted and my eyes could now see beyond the pain. Slowly and consistently, He began teaching me about eternity.

Now, after almost 6 years of walking with Christ, I rejoice as thoughts of heaven pass through my mind. What a blessing, to be freed from the pain and able to see the wonderful future the Lord has in store for us after this life is over! Look at the last part of today’s verse: “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” Oh, what comfort they are!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-7 NKJV

As believers, we are no longer living in darkness. God’s marvelous light has come into our lives. We have the Holy Spirit living in us guiding along God’s pathway and revealing the things to come.

Having this light means certain responsibilities. Today’s verse reminds us we are not of darkness but rather we are sons of light and sons of day. Therefore we do not live our lives on “auto-pilot”, instead we are to watch and be sober. We are discern the time and watch for signs of His coming.

The disciples asked Jesus what the signs were of His coming. Here’s what Jesus said in Matthew 24:4:14 NKJV “And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Verse 6 hits home for me in today’s day with us being in Irag, the concern over Iran and North Korea. But it’s not the end not. We’ve seen famines, pestilences and earthquakes all around the world, but that’s just the beginning of sorrows Jesus says. Therefore, be watchful and sober minded, not disturbed by the things that are happening. Know Christ is seated on the Throne of God. He rules over all of this. He will bring us safely out of it in His timing.

In the meantime, we continue to be obedient to what God has called us to do. Continue steadfast and faithfully sharing His message of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with others, until He comes to take us home.

 

[JPPT1974]

We need to spread love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and glory to others as we are doing that for God!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 NKJV

Have your wits about you. Apply common sense. Be sober minded. What do all of these saying have in common? They all speak of using your mind. Here again in today’s verse the Bible is instructing us to use our minds by being sober and by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

God has given us several pieces of armor to use. Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV explains:“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

We are reminded that it’s the Lord’s power we are to be strong in and when we put on the whole armor of God, we are able to stand against the enemy. Look at Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. What a powerful verse! This one should be tucked away in our minds and hearts. When trials come, we should take it out and mediate on it. That’s what the last verse of today is saying to do – edify one another.

What does edify mean?

• American Hertige Dictionary says edify means: To instruct especially so as to encourage intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement.
• Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary says: to build, construct; to establish

When we edify one another, we encourage our faith, help build a solid foundation on God’s Word and establish an immovable stance against anything trying to weaken our faith. Remember the tools God has given us to over come our enemy and use them!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
NKJV

There’s a lot to cover in today’s verse. However, we’re going to focus on just a few related items.

Pursue what is good
We are told in 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Also in Romans 12:9 NKJV “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” In everything, we are to be wise considering whether a thing is good or not.

Test all things
The Bereans, after hearing Paul’s teaching, searched scriptures to verify what they hear against the Word of God. Acts 17:11 NKJV “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” We’re called to do the same thing. Don’t believe everything you read or hear, but check it out against God’s Word. I heard a quote the other day that explains this: “The best way to determine if the stick is crooked or not is to lay a straight stick next to it.” God’s Word is our straight stick.

Hold fast to what is good
In order to hold fast to what is good, one must know what is good. Jesus teaches us only God is good in Mark 10:18 NKJV “So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” In the Old Testament, the Lord tells us to hold fast to Him alone. Deuteronomy 10:20 NKJV “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name.”

Lord God above, You are all we need. Help us be wise in all things, testing them out through Your Word. Help us cling to what is good and run from anything that would draw us away from You. In Jesus name Amen.

To wrap this up, we are to pursue God, test all things and hold fast to God alone. How’s it going for you? Are you pursuing God? Are you checking out what you hear to see if it aligns with God’s Word? Are you clinging to the Lord?

 

[JPPT1974]

We all need to flee from being
Tempted by Satan and lusts!
God will help us if we lean on Him!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:23-28 NKJV

God is the one who sanctifies us. It is by His power, His love, His mercy and worked through His Spirit that we are set apart for Him. When God gets a hold of your heart, you’ll never be the same. There are changes that take place.

You might not do the same things you used to. For example, you may find it uncomfortable to watch R rated movies or hang out with friends who are getting drunk all the time. You might find your thoughts on certain subjects have changed. For example, before you might have believed living with someone who wasn’t your spouse was okay. After Christ came to live in you, you realize sex outside of marriage is sin. Notice what 1 Peter 4:4 NLT says “Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you.”

These are all outward symptoms of an inward change of heart. The disciples were charged with turning the world upside down because of their beliefs. Acts 17:6 NKJV “….These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Are our beliefs causing others to think about their own fate? If not, why?

 

[ThinkOnIt]

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 NKJV

The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV arelove, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Thessalonians had many of these fruit visible in their walk with the Lord. Look at what Paul says in today’s verse.

Their faith was growing exceedingly. How do you know when someone’s faith is growing? way to tell is how quickly they turn to God in prayer. Just the other day, I was explaining to my 12 year son, how God proves Himself real to me through answering my prayers. If we don’t pray, we’re not giving God the opportunity to answer us and then how can He make Himself real to us? Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” I’m not saying that’s the only way God does things. However, I’ve found turning God and acknowledging Him in prayer is definitely how He increased my faith, little by little with each answer He provided.

The Thessalonians’ love for others was apparently very noticeable as well. How do you recognize love in someone’s life? Rather than us guessing what love is like, let’s look at how the Bible defines of love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Does it mean they had all these things evident in their lives? We don’t know. But we do know that they suffered because of persecutions and tribulations. Notice the first element of love described above is about suffering and kindness. So it’s quite possible, they handled the trials appropriately – without blame, rudeness, or taking revenge.

Patience was obvious through all the trials they endured. Patience is mentioned in both the fruit of the Spirit list and in love’s definition. They had patience as they endured the difficult times in life. Patience is a result of living out of the Spirit, instead of walking in the flesh. I don’t know about you, I always seem to fail when I “try” to have patience. The harder I try to be patient, the harder it is to reach patience. That’s because it’s not something we can do on our own. We need the Spirit to guide us into patience. If you find yourself lacking in patience, stop and do a quick inventory of yourself. Do you see the fruit of the spirit or attributes of love in your life? If not, drop everything and pray. Ask God to humble your heart, show you where you’re trying to take control in your life and ask Him to help you depend whole heartedly on Him. Then rest knowing our God is good and will answer your prayers that are aligned with His will.

The Thessalonians exhibited faith, love and patience that were evident to everyone around them. Are you seeing faith, love and patience in your life? If not, turn to the Lord, acknowledge Him and He will show you what needs adjusting in your life.

Lord, thank you for loving us and taking the penalty of sin away from us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit to guide us back to you. Help us live by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Let us acknowledge you in all our ways, so You will direct our paths. In Jesus’ precious name we ask these things. Amen.

 

[JPPT1974]

Isn't it great that Jesus took away the penalty
From our sins so that we wouldn't have to
Do it ourselves despite being sinless and perfect
He did it for us because we weren't good but
That He loved us enough to do so!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

JPPT1974 - you know it! Romans 5:8 He died while we enemies of God (a loose paraphrase) is one of my all time favorites!! Choose the death on the cross because of HIS love for us, before we even existed!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NKJV

The righteousness of God is sometimes difficult to understand. When that conflict occurs, we need to remember, He is God and we are not. We do not know the full picture otherwise we’d side with God every time. In the verse above, it tells of God’s vengeance on those who refuse Him. The punishment for denying the Lord during our life time, will mean “everlasting destruction” when we do see Jesus Christ in that Day.

What does that stir in you? Do you shudder at the thought of people you love, who have not accepted Christ yet, being “punished with everlasting destruction”? What about others you don’t know? Does it bother you at all they may be going to a place of torment?

Believers, these verses should affect you immensely. If not, you may want to stop, think and pray about why it doesn’t affect you. Jesus Christ equipped and commissioned us to share His good news with the world.

Equipping
Acts 1:8 NKJV “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea andSamaria, and to the end of the earth.”When God calls us, He also ensures we have everything we need to carry out that calling. Notice in Acts 1:8 how power is combined with the Holy Spirit. His Spirit now dwells within us giving us the power we need to live for Christ, fulfilling all He has desired for us to do.

Commissioning
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

What does He want us to do? I think it’s pretty clear from the Matthew verse above. He wants us to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to observe all the things Christ commanded us.

How do I make a disciple? First off, you begin by asking God to lead you to someone who wants to grow in the Lord. Next, you might keep your eyes and ears open for people around you that show signs of wanting to know the Lord more intimately. You, then, might strike up a conversation with them about the Lord and begin a relationship with them. Maybe you invite this person to a bible study for deeper look at God’s Word. As your relationship grows with this person, so does your conversation about the Lord and over time both of you will grow in your walk with the Lord.

Regarding the baptizing, while I have not personally baptized anyone, I usually leave that to my church pastor’s to do. Although, scripture indicates that we all can baptize when we’re called to. Remember, Philip and the Eunuch? He baptized the Eunuch besides a road in the middle of the desert. There’s nothing magical or sacred about baptism that only certain people within the church may perform it. It’s simply an outward symbol of the change that occurs within the heart. It’s an external declaration you now belong to Christ.

About teaching others what the Lord commanded us, this one is easy as long you, yourself are following His commands. We lead by example. We are role models for all who want to know what it means to be a Christian. Those on the outside are watching us to see if really believe all that we say about the Lord. We also teach through bible studies, and one on one mentoring. Start with living out His commands, like “Love the Lord with all your heart and Love your neighbor as yourself” and whether you go on to teach bible study or not, you are still teaching others about the Lord with your life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the courage to activate the power You have given us by Your Holy Spirit. Let us obey Your commands and make disciples, baptize them and teach them Your ways. In Your precious name, Jesus we pray these things. Amen.

Let’s review. The Bible is very clear there is a place of torment for those who refuse, deny and reject the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also clear that we, believers, are giving power to carry out God’s call in our lives to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to observe all His commandments. May we go on to share God’s Good News with those around us for His Glory and His Kingdom.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NKJV

How do we know God will count us worthy of our calling? Since I don’t think he’s referring to our salvation here, it may be directed more at how we use choose to our gifts, talents and resources.

Let’s read the story of the talents in Matthew 25:14-29 NKJV:““For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

We each are given certain gifts, talents, abilities, resources, etc and we are expected to put those to good use. God wants us to use those things to further His kingdom. No matter we’ve been given, it should be applied to kingdom building purposes. We certainly don’t want to be found like the lazy servant in the story!

Dear gracious Lord, thank you for giving us special abilities, talents and resources to be used for your kingdom. Lead us this day how we may expand your kingdom and use our resources for your purposes instead of for selfish gain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How are you using your talents for God’s glory? Are you using it wisely and bearing godly fruit? Or are you hiding your talents out of fear? If you’re not using them, ask God to reveal it and heal your wounds so you can start building God’s Kingdom

 

[JPPT1974]

We need to use it for God's good glory
And will and not ours but His!

 

[CindyisHis]

I've read a few of your devotions, they're wonderful! Hope you have them published. I would ask one thing of you, if it isn't too much trouble. Would you please use a larger font to post them? 'Tis hard on my eyes!