ThinkOnIt Daily Devotions

[ThinkOnIt]

Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 NKJV

The Holy Spirit is around everywhere and not just inside a believer. He is present in our world around us. He holds things together. Without the Holy Spirit we would live in sheer chaos. But God is good and sent His Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins, convince people of His truth and to lead the believer in all truth.

Even Jesus reassured us of the Holy Spirit’s coming in John 16:7-15 NKJV: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”

Have you ever thought about how the Holy Spirit restrains? “He will convict the world of sin”, Jesus said. That conviction is a form of restraining evil. Every time you’re convicted of sin in your life, praise God for the Holy Spirit is restraining evil!

When I look back at my past life before I came to Christ, I now see evidence of the Holy Spirit in my life. He was there convicting me of sinful things, which lead me not to do them. He was guiding me towards a better path. I was completely unaware of Him at the time, but now I know He was there. God is so good! If the Holy Spirit works like that in a non-believer’s life, just imagine the power He has in a believer’s life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. Thank you for working in our lives to restrain evil and lead us back to the right path. Teach us to depend on You with each breath we take. In Your name, Jesus we ask these things. Amen.

Do you recognize the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? What about around you? As you watch circumstances unfold in the world around, know the Holy Spirit is there doing His job restraining evil and praise God!

 

[JPPT1974]

Jesus works good in our lives
In order that we may feel Him in our
Hearts and lives doing good works in us!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NKJV

God chose you for salvation. He sanctifies you by the Spirit and belief in truth. He called you by the gospel. You may have read the gospel on your own, or heard it read to you, or a friend may have told you. Maybe you stumbled across the gospel over the internet or found a cassette tape of God’s teaching in your car. However you heard it, God used it to reach you.

For me, I first heard the gospel in Saddleback Church’s Celebrate Recovery program. It was a strange idea to me at first – God came to earth in human flesh, died on the cross to pay for my sins, so I could receive forgiveness and eternal life. It took time to sink in before I understood the full meaning of it. (Not that you can be fully understood because God’s love is so immense!) It got me started reading the Bible, but couldn’t understand why I always cried while reading it. I soon found and began listening to a Christian radio station that broadcasted Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s program called “The Bible Bus”, which taught the Word of God. I also started listening to Greg Laurie’s sermons over the internet. It was here that the conversion of my heart occurred. After hearing this message of forgiven from many sources, it finally reached my heart!! In February 2000 I gave my heart to Christ. He’s filled me with His Spirit and led my heart out of captivity!

The point of telling you all this, is simple. You never know what will reach a lost soul. It could be when you put your arm around a friend to comfort them. Or maybe when you read stories to the elderly in a nursing or when you told someone about a radio program that teaches God’s Word. The medium or vehicle used is not what’s important – it’s the message! In 1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” We don’t cause people to believe in Christ, God does. However, God does use our activities to bring them closer so He can change their hearts.

Lord, thank you for leaving heaven to walk the earth as a human, so we could relate to you. Thank you for dying for our sins. Thank you for setting us free with your forgiveness. Please give us the courage to share your message of grace and hope with others today. In Jesus’ name Amen.

God wants to use you and me to reach the lost. We can do that in many ways. Are you sharing God’s message with others? If not, why?

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NKJV

This amazing God, who loved us while we were yet sinners and died on our behalf that we might live in Him, not only gives us everlasting consolation and hope by grace, but He comforts our hearts and established us in every good word and work.

He has taken care of everything that prevents us from a right relationship with Him. Look at Isaiah 61:10 NKJV: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” He made it possible for imperfect man to stand before perfect God, by clothing us with Jesus Christ’s righteousness. He loaned us the tuxedo so we could be presentable at the wedding feast. Only we never have to give the suit back, it’s ours to keep forever. His generosity knows no bounds.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your righteousness that clothes us. Thank you for comforting out hearts with an everlasting hope. May we accept your righteousness as simply as one might put on a suit. Thank you for all you have done for us. In your name, Jesus. Amen.

Have you accepted His gift of eternal life yet? If not, what’s holding you back? Slip on Jesus Christ and be confident standing before God in His righteousness.

 

[JPPT1974]

By slipping on Christ
We will never take Him off
It would be foolish of us to take
Him off now wouldn't it!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NKJV

It’s all about the Lord, isn’t it? Everything is the Lord’s. He rules over it all. He is the one guiding our hearts toward Him. He gives us our very breathe. He provides for our every need. He guards us against the evil one. We do none of this on our own.

God is faithful. He will establish you. This section of scripture reminds me of 1 Peter 5:10: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” After you have suffered a while it says. We can conclude suffering is part of growth journey. There are some things we can never learn without suffering.

In my own journey, I had to suffer the consequences of poor choices. I had many expectations in life, none of which came out the way I envisioned. I was disappointed most of the time. Then, again, I believe most perfectionists are disappointed constantly. It’s a sad condition to live in. As I became more critical of others and cynical about life, I resented everyone and I allowed bitterness to take up residence in my heart. I didn’t handle things well before and it brought me more pain, than I ever imagined.

During times of suffering, God is there, eager to show himself faithful, loving and kind. All He asks is for us to turn to Him, trust Him and He will lead us out of the difficulty, whatever it may be. I can say He was there for me. When I finally could stand no more of my life, sobbing in the shower one morning, I prayed “Jesus, I’ve messed up my life! Help me! The bible says You died for my sins and rose again to give me a new life. Please come into my life and give me a new life. Amen.” I didn’t know how my life could ever be good again, but a wonderful peace came over me anyway. He was there waiting for me to turn to Him. He was faithful to answer my prayer.

Lord, thank you for wanting to come into our lives and heal us from our poor choices. Thank you for your faithfulness to answer our prayers. Thank you for dying for our sins and rising again to give us a new life in Christ Jesus. Amen.

God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. The bible teaches us this, but the Spirit of God living in us, confirms it in our own lives. He did for me. He will for you. Are you trusting God today? If not, ask Him to convince you how good He is. He will not disappoint!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9 NKJV

Paul was not a burden to anyone. Neither should we be. Everyone must work, just as Paul worked. We are responsible for ourselves. It’s nobody else’s job. There’s plenty of NKJV scripture addressing laziness.

Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 19:15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 13:4The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligentshall be made rich.

Proverbs 15:19The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the uprightis a highway.

We can also apply these scriptures to our spiritual walk. If we become lazy in our relationship with Christ or rely on other’s to feed us spiritual food, we run the risk of spiritual poverty and hunger. We must be diligent in our own study of God’s Word. As mentioned earlier we each are responsible for ourselves. This applies to our spiritual welfare as well. What does scripture say about being wise? It says scripture makes simple folks wise and tells us how to be wise if we listen to it. Look at the next two NKJV scriptures:

Psalm 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.

Lord, thank you for making us wise through your perfect Word. Help us to avoid being lazy in any capacity. Enable us to hear your instruction and be wise. Amen.

How are you doing with your walk? Are you relying on someone to feed you spiritual food? Are you diligent in your quiet times and studying God’s Word? If not, why? What’s stopping you?

 

[ThinkOnIt]

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 NKJV

Have you ever watched the t.v. program called “Survivor”? They take 16 people and put them on a deserted island for 39 days to see who will endure all 39 days without being voted off or going crazy in the process. When I read today’s scripture verse, it reminded me of an episode where one young man and two young women were not pulling their own weight around camp. They had no problem eating the food other’s had gathered or caught. They did not help with any of the real work, like searching for wood, carrying water to camp, fishing, or gathering coconuts. All they did was sit in the little hut, snuggle together and gossip about the rest of the players on the island.

Have you ever known someone who was like that? They are always eager to criticize, never willing to help anyone and always thinking about themselves. I don’t know about you, but I don’t especially like being around people like that. Do you ever feel like that?

However, Matthew 22:39 NKJV tells us to “Love your neighbor as yourself” so my attitude toward people like anything but loving. Colossians 3:23 NKJV tells us to do everything as if we’re doing to or for the Lord. That’s great advice. When we apply this advice, we are more willing to do anything for the Lord, even scrubbing floors, doing laundry, paying bills, going to work, or being loving towards others you don’t feel like loving.

Father, forgive us for having the wrong attitude towards people. Help us love them as you love us. Teach us to “work in quietness and eat our own bread”. Enable us to being willing to do all things as if they are for You. In Jesus’name Amen.

Are you a busybody, unwilling to work? Are you criticizing others for their lack of work? Ask Jesus to help change your attitude toward others and focus on your own walk with the Lord.

 

[JPPT1974]

As in the Nike commercial used to say
"Just do it!"

 

[ThinkOnIt]

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 NKJV

For me, these verses are so clear and straight forward. Continue to do good, no matter what happens. If anyone doesn’t obey the Word, don’t hang around them, so they may be ashamed. But don’t consider them an enemy, but admonish them as a brother.

There are times when we stray from the truth we know. Your friends may be pleading with you to come back to what is right. When we do stray, there are many lessons being taught to us.

1) No matter how spiritual you think you are, you can fall just like the rest of them. Solution: Stay in God’s Word daily and stay in fellowship with other believers, who will help you be accountable. Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

2) Everyone is tempted. No one is ever free from temptation. Just because you’re tempted doesn’t mean you have to sin. You still have a choice to obey God. Solution: Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

3) Don’t let a slip up keep you from continuing in faith. You’re on a journey where there are many forks in the road. You have to make choices along the way. Some choices will be good ones, like reading God’s Word. Other choices will not be so good, like skipping church or bible study. Solution: Don’t be discouraged by your slip up. We all make mistakes. We all have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23 NKJV). Ask God for wisdom to make better decisions and He will give it to you.

Lord, we thank you for your beautiful forgiveness when we make poor choices. We ask you us wisdom to make better choices. Draw us close to you that we might not sin against you. May your Word dwell in us richly and guide us along your path. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 NKJV

Have you ever known someone who appeared godly but you weren’t quite sure if they were or not? I once knew a woman who appeared godly. She not only read the Bible, but she knew many scriptures from memory. Whenever we spoke, she always brought scripture into the conversation. On the surface, those things sound okay, don’t they? However, there seemed to be something dark going on. Something I couldn’t point my finger on. I started noticing how her use of scripture always seemed to fit her situation, as though she was interpreting God’s Word to justify her plight.

The Bible teaches us that some will stray from the truth and turn to idle talk. What is idle talk? You could say anything which doesn’t build up and edify yourself or others in the truth would be idle talk. Discussions that cause doubt rather than building up your faith may be another example. Ephesians 4:29 NKJV “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Today’s scripture says some will want to be teachers of the law, yet not understanding what they say or the things which they affirm. Look at what the Bible says about the religious folks in Paul’s day. Romans 17:21 NKJV: “Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?” Paul was pointing out they may have been confident they were teaching truth, yet they hadn’t really applied what they taught to their own lives. That’s being hypocritical. We have to be careful to apply what we learn from the Bible into our lives. Otherwise, it won’t be beneficial others.

Everything we do or say should be done to build up faith, either our own or someone else’s. Therefore, when we speak let it not lead to disputes, doubt or cause conflict among our fellow believers. Secondly, what we learn from the Bible must appear in our lives. We can not encourage another in truth, if we haven’t first applied that truth in our own life.

Lord, thank you for giving us the words of truth. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. May we take your truth and integrate it in our life to become the light and witness for you, which you called us to be. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 1 Timothy 8:11 NKJV

Have you heard it said before that the Ten Commandments were given that we might see our own sinfulness? It’s true. Let’s look at a story in Matthew 5:16-22 NKJV to illustrate:
“Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

This story teaches us many things.
1) Jesus clearly says NO ONE IS GOOD except GOD. That means you and me. I don’t know about you, but this was a tough pill to swallow when I was first made aware of it. My mother always taught me “as long as your good, all will be well”. Yikes! Jesus says I’m not good – red alert, warning, danger!!! But wait, the story continues….

2) Jesus says keep the commandments and the young ruler asks which ones. Can you believe it? He’s looking for a short cut. Which ones? Isn’t it clear we’re supposed to keep all TEN?!? So Jesus abbreviates the list. I’m not sure why He chose these commandments, unless perhaps the root of this guy’s problem lies within one of these. The young ruler insists he has kept the law.

4) Jesus points out the guy is still missing something. Jesus wanted the young ruler’s heart. But the young ruler was too wrapped up in his possessions to give his heart to Jesus. After being told what was needed, the young ruler decided it was too high a price and walked away sorrowfully. How tragic to miss the opportunity to be with Christ over temporary material possessions!


Ready for the good news?
The Law was given to guide us towards Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the laws requirements for us. Matthew 5:17 NKJV “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

When we ask Christ to forgive our sins and come into our life, the law’s requirement (wages of sin is death) is fulfilled. Christ died to pay for our sins. Christ rose from the dead to give us new life in Him. A new life ruled by Christ not by the law.

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? Why not? What are you waiting for? He’s ready and able to wash away your sins, take away your guilt and make you whole.

Lord, thank you for taking on our penalty of sin and making it possible for us to be right with you through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Thank you for fulfilling the law’s requirements for us, that we may know you and have an abundant life in you. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[JPPT1974]

We can't go to heaven for being good
Only Jesus Christ through God can get us there.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:12-13 NKJV

Oh how this verse speaks to me personally. As I read, I can easily put my name in this verse. It might go something like this:

Elizabeth thanks Christ Jesus our Lord who has enable me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a hater of God, mocker of those who believe and disobedient to His ways; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Years ago, my husband and I used to have conversations about religion. We’d say things like, “religion is for the weak” or “religion is a crutch”, etc. Oh how foolish we were! Now, having been born again with God’s Spirit living in us, we are so grateful He has enabled us to believe the truth. We are weak and we do need a crutch – Jesus Christ who enables us to live rightly before God and grants us eternal life when we believe on Him. It is through Jesus we have strength, but we have to humbly accept Him. That’s hard for some. It took me 32 years!

If you ever have a hard time understanding a section of scripture, try this.
1) Pray for wisdom and understanding.
2) Make it personal. Insert your name where possible to see what it reveals. It’s a good exercise. It might be an eye-opener for you.
3) Finish by praying again, perhaps something like:

Lord, thank you for revealing your truth to me in a way I hadn’t seen before. Thank you for your Spirit to guide me through this process of discovery, giving me the courage I need to understand my weaknesses and to accept You as the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[eoj]

Hello Sister!

So very glad to see you posting here in the Devotional Thread section.

May you continue glorifying and uplifting the Holy name of our Lord in all you do hon!

Many blessings to you

EOJ

JESUS IS LORD!

 

[eoj]

sending you some hugsss








​

 

[ThinkOnIt]

And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:14-17 NKJV

You’ve probably heard it said that God forgives and forgets. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” We humans, on the other hand never forget. With regard to our sin, that’s a very good thing. Not forgetting what we were like before we were saved is a great way to stay humble. Remembering where we came from, how we didn’t always believe and how our life was a mess before can help us have compassion and mercy towards others, just as God had with us.

Remembering our own failures and weaknesses is helpful in drawing us close to our Lord and Savior. For it He, who came to into the world to save sinners and by His strips we are healed for our sins were laid upon Him, who knew no sin. Contrasting our sinfulness with Christ Jesus’ righteousness helps us see a more accurate picture of ourselves, which in turn, helps keep us humble. The Bible ( Micah 6:8 NKJV ) tells us to walk humbly before our God.

Humility plays a key part in our relationship with Christ. He is the head and we are the body. We are under His authority and our lives are submitted to His will. Without humility, we wouldn’t submit to Him. Without humility, we wouldn’t recognize our sinfulness and our need to be saved. Without humility, we’d be prideful. The Bible ( James 4:6 NKJV ) tells us God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

As Christians, we must examine ourselves to ensure we’re living our lives pleasing to the Lord to bring glory and honor to Him alone. Lamentations 3:40 NKJV “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” Here’s a few things to prayerfully consider when examining your thoughts, words and actions:
1) Are my thoughts focused on good, pure, honorable, and trustworthy things? Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV
2) Are my words helpful in building others up? Ephesians 4:29 NKJV
3) Are my actions driven by godly motives or selfish desires? 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

Lord, thank you for loving us enough to die for us when we were still sinners. Thank you for pouring out your grace, mercy and forgiveness on those who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Teach us to examine our ways that we may be your witness of Christ for your glory. Help us remain humble and submitted to your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 NKJV

Back in the New Testament times, the gospel was shared from person to person through real life situations. It wasn’t broadcast on TV, radio and the internet for those things weren’t invented yet. But God’s Word was moving, nonetheless.

Today, although we have many new technological methods of communicating, the best way to share God’s Word is still through a person to person connection. The power of relationship is strong. Depending on the kind of relationship, that power can be used for good or for evil.

Looking at Timothy’s life we see his mother and grandmother play key roles in his spiritual development. In 2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV Paul says “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” This tells us Timothy has been instructed in God’s Word from childhood. He had role models to watch as he grew.

In our own relationships, especially with our children, we need to pass on what we know about God and faith. Teaching our children the things of God, so when they are older they will pass it on to their children and their children will teach their own children, and so on. However, to pass on God’s Word we must first know it ourselves. Look at Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren..”

So what are some practical ideas for teaching our children? Here’s a few I use. See if they work for you:
1) Before bedtime, read a devotional and talk about afterwards.
2) Use every day occurrences to teach children how to pray.
3) Go to church on a regular basis, so your children learn from others about God as well.
4) Tell your children how God is moving in your life. Every time God answers your prayers, share it with your kids.

In conclusion, we are all commanded to share what we know about God with others. Why not start today? Teach your children now, so when they are older they won’t depart from it.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

What is good and acceptable to God our Savior? Going to church every week, giving to charity regularly, reading your Bible and attending small group Bible Study are all good things. But what makes these things acceptable? Perhaps it is when we approach these things in prayer and seek God’s guidance before we do them.

God longs for us to turn to Him for everything. He wants to talk with us on a regular basis and that’s what prayer is for. Today’s verse addresses a few things to remember when we pray.

1) We are to give thanks. Being mindful of all that God has done for us, helps keep us grateful, so we are less likely to complain about all that isn’t going according to our plan. Giving thanks also helps us recognize God is really in control.
2) We are to pray for those in authority over us. This means we pray for our President, government officials, judges, and police officers. We pray for our boss and our workplace’s management team. We pray for our father and mother, too. If we’re married, we pray for our husbands. We ask for wisdom, knowledge and discernment so they may lead us according to God’s plan.
3) We are to pray for ourselves as well. We pray our lives are lived in godliness and reverence. This may mean we pray we are obedient to God’s commands that our lives may reflect Christ in all we think, do and say.
4) We are to pray for those who don’t know the Lord yet. We pray their hearts and minds are open to hearing God’s Word so His truth can set them free.

In a nutshell, we are to pray always for all people everywhere. How’s your prayer life? Are you in constant communication with our Lord?

Lord, thank you for being in control. Thank you for loving us and coming into our lives. We ask for wisdom and discernment for all those in authority over us so they may lead us as you desire. We pray we are obedient to your Word. We ask you open the hearts and minds of those who haven’t given their lives to you yet. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Read Genesis 6 and 7

What if God told you to build an ark? At first it may seem like it would require a lot of faith to carry out that command. I mean really, build an ark in your front yard. Can you imagine the complaint’s from your neighbors and your homeowner’s association?

This is exactly what God did with Noah. He told Noah He was going to destroy man and all the living things because He saw they had corrupted their way on the earth. God told Noah build an ark, for in you I have seen righteousness on the earth.

As I pondered this story more, I realized Noah and God had a close relationship. They spoke often together. This wasn’t the first time God had spoken to Noah. As a result, I don’t think it took Noah by surprise. In Genesis 6:22 we see Noah did according to all God commanded him. While it may require a huge amount of faith to believe God is real and is a rewarder of men, it really doesn’t take more faith to follow through on something God asks you to do, once you know Him.

Think about it. When you first believed, God had not revealed Himself fully, so it took more faith to wait for God’s revelation. As you grew in your personal relationship with God, He revealed more of Himself by proving He was God in a way that helped you believe. Once He makes Himself well known to you, it’s far easier to obey His commands.

One way to document the way’s God proves Himself to you is to journal your prayers. I started this process as soon as I believed. It surely helped me see God moving in my life. From the smallest prayer, like “help me get through this today” to bigger ones like “save my marriage”. The more you journal your prayers and God’s answers to your prayers, the more your faith will grow because it becomes so easy to see His activity in your life. Talk about excitement! It’s exciting seeing how God works things out for the good of those you love God and are called according to His purposes.

So do you have faith like Noah?