Stand Firm
Note from Jesus Dear Believer, Paul was confident that he taught the truth I wanted the Thessalonians to know. He claimed the authority of an apostle, an emissary sent by Me, yet he ministered with the loving touch of a tender parent (1 Thessalonians 2:4-12) and a protective shepherd. Paul was aware that there were many who would steer these new disciples astray with false teaching or use persecution to try to intimidate these new believers so that they would abandon their faith. The Thessalonians faced both of these forms of the evil one’s opposition to their faith, yet there were still faithful disciples there! Paul lived in the same world as these disciples did. He also faced bitter opposition from false teachers, and he endured persecution from opponents to My message. So while he was confident in his authority as an apostle and teacher, he also recognized his own need for the prayer support of these new believers. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians a second time, the intensity of every issue was turned up a notch or two compared to when he wrote his first letter to them. Persecution was worse. False teaching was more apparent. Laziness and idleness among believers were worse. Paul’s authority and motives were more deeply questioned. Questions about My coming in glory still remained. But Paul carried his loving and supportive tone throughout his second letter. His confidence was in Our — Father, Son, and Spirit’s — work among these new believers. Paul was quick to affirm the good things these new disciples were doing even as he acknowledged the difficult things they were facing and the hurtful things they had done. Underneath Paul’s message, he pointed to three things he trusted: His confidence in the message he preached and taught: “[A]ll you need to do now is stand firm and hold tight to the line of teachings we have passed on to you, whether in person or in a letter.” His confidence in the Father’s work: “[T]he Lord is true to His promises; He will hold you up and guard you against the evil one. We do not doubt the Lord‘s intentions for you…” His confidence in these new believers: “[W]e are confident that you are carrying out, and will continue to carry out, the commands we are sending your way.” As you look at the challenges to faith in your time, what is the basis of your confidence? How are you going to help encourage the faith of those new disciples around you and those whose faith is weak or beginning to fail? I want you to do more than see what Paul did to bless these new disciples; I want you to be looking for new or struggling disciples to encourage and bless! Verses to Live Feel the love and the longing Paul has for these new believers as he writes them. Paul fills this letter with words of assurance, challenge, comfort, and confidence. We cannot help but thank God for you at all times, because from the beginning He handpicked you for salvation through the Spirit’s sanctifying work and your belief in the truth. He called you to this when we shared our good news with you. Now you can take part in the glory of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. So, brothers and sisters, all you need to do now is stand firm and hold tight to the line of teachings we have passed on to you, whether in person or in a letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15) Brothers and sisters, having shared all this, let me ask you to pray for us. Pray that this message of the Lord will spread quickly and receive the praise and respect it deserves from others as it has with you. Pray also that we would all be rescued from the snares of harmful, wicked people — after all, not all people are believing. Still, the Lord is true to His promises; He will hold you up and guard you against the evil one. We do not doubt the Lord’s intentions for you; we are confident that you are carrying out, and will continue to carry out, the commands we are sending your way. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-4) Response in Prayer Father, I am touched by Paul’s way of speaking to these new believers. I am reminded of several new believers that I need to encourage and support as they seek to grow in Jesus. Open my eyes to see new or struggling believers You want me to encourage and bless. Spirit, please give me the right attitude and the right words and demeanor to help them. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
My Coming Again
Note from Jesus Dear Fellow Heir of Glory, As God’s child and as My younger sibling in the Father’s family of grace, you are an heir of glory. The glory that I enjoy with the Father will one day be yours also. My coming again is on your horizon. I will come again in the glory of My Father and the angels. This glorious day is your future. Glory awaits! Paul wanted the new believers in Thessalonica to realize that My “coming” in glory is their future. He wanted them to remember that they will celebrate Me as their “coming” King Who returns in heaven’s glory. They needed to be reminded that they will be reunited with all those who have followed Me as their Lord throughout all time, and they will be vindicated for their faith in Me. The Thessalonian disciples had several in their number who had died since Paul left. They weren’t worried about them experiencing heaven, but they were worried that their loved ones would miss My “coming” in glory — the big celebration when I return in My heavenly glory for all those who belong to Me. (The Greek word Paul chose to speak of My “coming” again was parousia, a word used in Paul’s time for the joyous return of a king from his victory. My “coming” is sometimes called “the rapture” in your day.) The first paragraph in the verses below focuses on the glorious reunion of all who belong to Me when I come again. Those who are still alive when I return will be changed and will join those whom I have raised and given glorious, immortal bodies, and both groups will join Me in My glory forever. (For more on immortal resurrection bodies, see 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.) While you grieve for those who have died, you don’t grieve like those who have no hope. Your being with Me and with all those who belong to Me — a great grand reunion of all those in My family — is certain. Glory is your destination. Joy is the language of My “coming” for you! These promises are very useful to encourage and comfort each other! In the second paragraph, Paul is talking about the same event, but from a totally different perspective. My “coming” is glorious for those who belong to Me, but the second paragraph looks at My “coming” again from the vantage point of those who are not ready. My “coming” should motivate you, My disciple, to live in ways that prepare you for My return. While you can’t know the time of My “coming,” you shouldn’t be surprised because you are purposely living for Me and awaiting that day with longing. You don’t take part in the works and the life of darkness because you are “all children of light.” These insights should also give you a firm basis for your own encouragement and comfort, as well as a foundation to encourage each other to faithfulness, vigilance, and holiness. The last paragraph is from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. Persecution, opposition, criticism, and false teaching had all intensified for this band of new disciples. They needed to be reminded that their suffering was worth the short-term pain for the eternal gain — victory when I return and the eternal glory they will share with Me. Paul wanted them to wake up and get themselves ready for the battles ahead, but to do so knowing their victory is assured, and their sacrifices are worthwhile because of their ultimate glory. I will bring justice and victory to them. I will also bring salvation in every sense of that concept, to them and to you. Verses to Live My “coming” in glory is much debated, sometimes feared, and often ignored. I hope none of these three reactions is your reaction. I want you to anticipate the great things that will be yours when I return in glory. I want you to find comfort in knowing that what you do for Me is never in vain. I want you to have a sense of urgency in living for Me because I am always ready to step back into history and return for those who are My own. So please read through these related, but distinctly different, teaching sections about My return. Know that I AM “coming” back for you and for those who love Me and live their lives for Me! Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope. Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him. For we can say all this to you confidently because it is the word of the Lord: we who are still alive and left behind when the Lord comes will not precede those who have fallen asleep in death. On that day, with a command that thunders into the world, with a voice of a chief heavenly messenger, and with a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven; and all those who died in the Anointed One, our Liberating King, will rise from the dead first. Then we who are alive and left behind will be snatched up together with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is how we, the resurrected and the living, will be with Him forever. So comfort one another with this hope, and encourage one another with these words. Now, brothers and sisters, you don’t need further instruction from us or anyone else for that matter regarding how the seasons and times will play out. That’s because you know the truth well enough. The day of the Lord will race onto the scene and surprise us like a thief in the night. People will
Today’s Verse – Deuteronomy 7:26
Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction. —Deuteronomy 7:26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A little corruption, a little poison, and a little rotten are not all that bad, are they? Of course, they are! God has made us pure and perfect in Jesus (Colossians 1:21-23). What a glorious thought! Why would we want to stain his perfection with what is evil, putrid, rotten, and detestable? Our Father wants us to dedicate ourselves to him and to live as his holy people (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16). God wanted Israel under Moses to know that they MUST stay away from wicked things that God had slated for destruction. In case we want to dismiss this kind of warning, God had Paul write the first-century Christians: It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. …reject every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 5:22). Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Holy and Righteous God, please empower me to resist temptation and to run away from sin. Give me a more passionate desire to cherish and protect the purity you have given me through the sacrifice of Jesus. Please give me a holy revulsion to evil and wickedness. Draw my heart closer to yours, and give me a passion for your holiness. Thank you for making me holy and precious in your sight. In Jesus’ name, I commit my body to honor you. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Riot!
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, Your world is filled with many influences that vie for the control of your heart and the practice of your faith. In the multi-cultural and pluralistic world that is open to all religions, be careful of the devil’s lies about freedom and openness. Some people don’t like the exclusive claim of the authentic Christian faith, and they work to silence My message and My disciples. The efforts of these people have never succeeded in stamping out My message and never will. My own words, along with the claims of My early disciples, didn’t sit well with some people in Paul’s day and they don’t sit well with some people in your day: Jesus: I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) Peter (filled with the Spirit): There is no one else [other than Jesus] who can rescue us, and there is no other name under heaven given to any human by whom we may be rescued. (Acts 4:12)These exclusive claims met with strong resistance as Paul shared My message with the multi-cultural people of Ephesus. However, I want you to notice in the verses below that it was when Paul’s preaching against idols began to have an economic impact that people were incited to become a riotous mob. Underneath much of the criticism that comes to My people and My message can be found two issues: The economic impact of My message on those who want to operate based upon greed and exploitation of others. The personal impact and loss of the freedom of choice related to morality — some people don’t want anyone telling them what is right and wrong. Paul and his mission team faced the first issue in Philippi with the freeing of the woman who had an “occult spirit” (Acts 16:16-24). The men who were profiting from her fortune-telling were furious that her liberation from demonic power meant they could no longer make money by exploiting her condition. Later Paul met both issues simultaneously — spiritual conflict and economic conflict — in the city of Ephesus. The clear-headed and legal approach the town clerk used in this volatile situation defused the emerging riot in Ephesus. Paul was blessed by the rule of law in both Philippi and Ephesus. Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, and this citizenship entitled them to certain legal rights. Paul was not afraid — in Philippi or wherever he found himself — to insist on these legal rights (Acts 16:35-40; Acts 22:25-30; Acts 25:1-12). You cannot and must not submit to the coercion of political or religious authorities who oppose your efforts for Me. (I will share more on this principle when I guide you through the books of 1 Peter and Revelation.) When you have legal recourse to protect yourself and your rights, please know that you can and should avail yourself of these rights and privileges (Romans 13:1-7). Part of what made conditions “the right time” (Galatians 4:1-4 NLT) for My coming and for the launch of My message was the influence of Rome — the Romans had a system of laws, commerce routes, and the acceptance of one language as the language of commerce. As long as they could, My early disciples made use of all three of these conditions to help spread My message. Verses to Live The town clerk in the events described below in Ephesus was not My disciple, but he was a good and decent man who was concerned for order in his city. I have used, and will continue to use, such good people to help My disciples in every era. Don’t be afraid to make friends of such people, just as Paul did in his ministry (Acts 19:31). Eventually Paul felt he should move on again [from Ephesus]. The Holy Spirit confirmed that he should first travel through Macedonia and Achaia and then return to Jerusalem. Paul: I must eventually see Rome. So he sent Timothy and Erastus, two of his helpers, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed a while longer in Asia. It was during this time that a major incident occurred involving the Way. An idol maker named Demetrius had a profitable business, for himself and for others, making silver shrines for Artemis (also known as Diana by the Romans), one of the deities worshiped in Ephesus. Picture this: Demetrius calls a meeting of all the artisans who are similarly employed in idol making. Everyone in the idol industry comes together. Demetrius: Men, we are all colleagues in this fine line of work. We’re making a good living doing what we’re doing. But we’d better wake up, or we’re all going to go broke. You’ve heard about this fellow Paul. Here in Ephesus, he’s already convinced a large number of people to give up using idols. He tells them that our products are worthless. He’s been doing this same kind of thing almost everywhere in Asia. It’s bad enough that he is slandering our fine and honorable profession, but do you see where this will lead? If his lies catch on, the temple of Artemis itself will be called a fraud. The great goddess of our region, the majestic deity who is revered here in Asia and around the world, will be disgraced. The crowd goes wild with rage. They start chanting. Crowd: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Soon the whole city is filled with confusion, and a mob forms. They find Paul’s Macedonian travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and drag them to the theater. Paul wants to go confront the crowd and protect his friends, but the disciples hold him back. Even some provincial officials of Asia who are friendly to Paul send him an urgent message, warning him to stay away from the theater. Enraged voices are shouting on top of each other, some saying one thing, some saying something else. The
Today’s Verse – Acts 7:25
Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. —Acts 7:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Timing can be everything. Well, maybe not everything, but an important thing. God’s plan and power provide us with everything. Finding God’s timing and power for his plan is crucial. When Moses took it upon himself to redeem God’s people before God called him to do so, Moses failed. After being humbled in the wilderness for forty years, God then called Moses back to deliver the people of Israel at God’s divine moment and according to the Almighty’s plan. The results led to the Exodus — the redemption and rebirth of God’s holy people from Egyptian bondage. Let’s pray for wisdom to understand God’s timing so we can live out our lives for his purpose, according to his plan, and based on his power. My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I am often impatient and frustrated by having to wait. Please forgive me, dear God, for trying to rush your timetable and assuming my plan is yours. Please give me Spirit-led wisdom to know what to do, where to go, and when to act. In Jesus’ name, I pray for this patience and understanding. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord! —Romans 7:24-25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our bodies are mortal and flawed. Our weakness and sin taint them. But, by the grace of God given each of us in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10) and the transformational power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18), our future does not rest in the dust with our decaying bodies, but in the power of our perfecting LORD. Jesus is our Deliverer and the Holy Spirit — as Paul will explain more fully in Romans 8 — is our Empowerer! My Prayer… Almighty God, thank you for the gift of life beyond the death of my mortal flesh. Thank you for giving me holiness beyond my sin-stained flesh. Thank you for delivering me from death and bringing me into your glory. Thank you for providing the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me to become more and more like Jesus. Now, dear Father, may my words, deeds, and thoughts reflect your grace and power in all I do today and each day that follows. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Ezekiel 7:23
[The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel and said: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to the land of Israel…] Prepare chains, because the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of violence.” —Ezekiel 7:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God hates it when the innocent are afflicted with violence and bloodshed. God hates evil and political corruption. He hates false courts and leaders who abuse their power. We can rest assured that God will deliver his faithful followers and administer ultimate justice to those who have abused their positions and harmed others. God’s faithfulness and justice will prevail! My Prayer… Father, thank you for assuring me that your justice will ultimately be done with those who are violent, corrupt, wicked, and abusive. Please give your people the patience they need to wait in hope until your day of ultimate justice is accomplished. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – 2 Samuel 7:22
[King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:] “How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” —2 Samuel 7:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The promises of God to Abraham and David, the work of God through Jesus, and the miraculous preservation of both the Abrahamic and Davidic lines to Jesus are nothing short of miraculous. They are testimony to God’s faithfulness and power. When we get discouraged by the unfaithfulness, blasphemy, and wickedness prevalent in our world today, we need to remember our God’s faithfulness and tremendous power displayed through his chosen people. God’s promises will not fail no matter what people do and refuse to do. God will use a faithful remnant of his people to fulfill his promises and plans! And the story of Jesus, going back to David and Abraham, confirms that truth! My Prayer… Father of all and Provider and Protector of your people, please give me a sense of courageous awe at your power and a sense of reverential wonder at your faithfulness. There is no other being or power like you, for you alone are God. I praise you for your glory and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Deuteronomy 7:21
[Speaking to the Israelites about their enemies, Moses said:] “Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.” —Deuteronomy 7:21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What foe can defeat us as the people of God? None when we gladly welcome the presence of our holy God among us! Our God, our Deliverer, is mighty in power, awesome in holiness, and greater than any of our foes. Throughout history, the LORD has repeatedly proven his love, presence, and power in and for us, his people. So, we can refuse to fear what the evil one threatens to do to us because our Savior has already defeated hell, sin, death, Satan, and demons. And we will enjoy that victory with him one day forever. My Prayer… Abba Father, calm my fears and soothe my anxious heart. By the power of your Spirit, please bless me with boldness and confidence as I seek to live for you in a world that is often hostile to my faith and opposed to your values. I ask these graces in the name of Jesus. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Ecclesiastes 7:20
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. —Ecclesiastes 7:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Yep, we’re all broken, flawed, and tainted (Romans 3:9-11, 23-24). Or, at least, that is what we were before God saved us, the Spirit sanctified us, and Jesus brought us into his family (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Praise God! Praise God because of his grace. Praise God for the work of Jesus. Praise God for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Because of these, we can stand before God holy, without blemish, and free from accusation (Colossians 1:22). My Prayer… Forgiving Father and Holy God, thank you for redeeming me from my sinful ways through the loving self-sacrifice of Jesus. Thank you for empowering me to become more like him by the transforming power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for helping me become more than I could ever be through your grace than I could ever be through my own efforts. Thank you, dear God, for saving me from sin, ransoming me from guilt, and redeeming me to share in your glory. In Jesus’ name, I praise you. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.