Devotionals

As human beings, we like proof—evidence that something is true, but did you know the biblical definition of proof is trial, test, or to find by experience.  God’s promise to save us includes reconciliation, participation, cleansing, protection, peace, trust, and restoration and he proves himself honorable and trustworthy even when we are slow to trust him. He is always working salvation in us.  People are not always reliable or trustworthy, but when we place our trust in the Lord, we always come back with proof of his faithfulness to save. The Lord has a perfect reputation.

In our passage from Isaiah, today, we witness the prophet’s personal song filled with praise for the goodness of God to promise salvation. Now, Isaiah has already prophesied a child would be born, a Son would be given (9:6). Praise God, the gospels bring the proof of that prophecy being fulfilled (e.g. Luke 2).  

There are still other prophecies Isaiah gave that are waiting to be fulfilled: a change in the economy, change in physical existence, change in judicial life, and a change in the spiritual world.  According to Isaiah, all people will be evangelized; every tongue will sing praises to God. We have yet to see that one fulfilled.

When songs of praise fill our souls, joy always spills out because salvation is the Lord’s work; the joy of the Lord is our strength!  Join with my heart, today, and celebrate the Lord’s goodness and greatness.  My life and your life is the proof.

Isaiah 12:2-6 NLT

2

See, God has come to save me.
    I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.”

3 

With joy you will drink deeply
    from the fountain of salvation!

4 

In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!

5 

Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.

6 

Let all the people of Jerusalem [Zion] shout his praise with joy!
    For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Prayer:  Lord, today we want to drink deeply from your fountain of salvation.  We praise you for your trustworthiness and we want to make that clear to the people around us.  Holy Spirit, help us tell about the goodness of the Lord and that every promise is sure. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Disappointment can certainly cause us to look at things improperly.  Our default response can become gloomy and our expectation and hope for things to change can be diminished by adversity that robs our gift of peace.  Yet, in the midst of great disappointment, we find Jesus ready to bring the miraculous to pass.  Our Lord is not troubled by a lack of faith and he can clearly see what needs to be accomplished in the “whole” picture.

In our passage today, John the baptist is disappointed with the way things have been going.  He has been imprisoned and things look drear.  John has been looking for the Messiah to usher in the Kingdom of God and it still looks like the Romans and corrupt Jews are in charge.  Nothing has changed; an abuse of power is still going on and injustice and oppression are on the rise.  

The prophet sends two of his disciples to bring him an update on Jesus, because he cannot go.  Obviously, John is blinded by disappointment and it is ironic, because Jesus has been going from place to place opening the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf, as well as many other miracles.

Disappointment can stop us, too, when we yield to thinking God must work in the way that makes sense to us.  When we stare at the status quo and nothing seems to change, our minds take on a life of their own. Sometimes the truth and reality of God’s best work can be in front of our eyes and we miss it.  In those times, we need the tender witness of those who can see what we cannot.  

Luke 7:18-30 NLT Jesus and John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”

21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 23 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

24 After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 25 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”

29 When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you sending witnesses to encourage us when we cannot see the evidence of change ourselves.  In those times, you may be changing our hearts before you bring the change we desire to see around us.  Help us to hang onto our expectations of your goodness and remain in peace.  As well, give us a keen awareness of when others may need us to come with a message of hope with the good things we see you doing.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Throughout my lifetime, God has mercifully and graciously brought me out of negative situations and self-centered emotions by translating me [moving my perspective from the natural to the spiritual realm] into faith-building situations and into the joy of my salvation.  Basically, God lifts me up so I can see.  I imagine the Lord has done the same for you, because he is no respecter of persons.  

As we move forward in peace toward this third Sunday of Advent, it only makes sense we should focus on how God stabilizes us and moves us from fear to faith, darkness to hope, brokenness to peace, and sorrow to joy. The Spirit reminds me the world is cursed and we were never promised a trouble-free life. The believer’s journey with God is about him meeting us in the present and helping us to yield to where he wants to take us in the future.  

In our passage today, the psalmist portrays this same movement with God and Israel. God is faithful to his people and the world notices.  Yet, Israel is no longer in the past [exile], they are still struggling to stay in peace in the present [journey], but they have a vision of restoration which fills them with joy for the future.  

The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple.  When the people returned to Israel, their homes were destroyed.  I’m sure they had to leave some of their family and friends in Babylon because not everyone wanted to (or could) make the journey.  Yet, God had Shalom for them in the present and they expected the Lord would fill them with joy for the future. They had a vision of God’s faithfulness.  So, they prayed and ask God to spill his goodness over them like he had in the past. 

This is a good lesson for us all…

Psalm 126 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
    it was like a dream!

2 

We were filled with laughter,
    and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
    “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

3 

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
    What joy!

4 

Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    as streams renew the desert.

5 

Those who plant in tears
    will harvest with shouts of joy.

6 

They weep as they go to plant their seed,
    but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your promise to restore us.  Even when we face very difficult times, we know you will remain faithful.  Thank you for understanding our temporary tears and moments of despair.  Continue to make us stronger and helping us to endure the present while we look forward with joy to the future.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul helps us to understand that all of God’s creation, including you and me, have been subjected to God’s curse on sin from the very beginning when Adan and Eve sinned in the garden. Although there is no way that we can deliver ourselves from sins, Jesus paid the ultimate penalty for our sins to be forgiven, and the Holy Spirit helps us to receive God and to reject sin. When Jesus returns “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His servants will worship Him. And they will see His face, and His Name will be written on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:3-4)

As you and I look forward to Jesus’ return, we also know that suffering continues while we remain on this earth, but we can take heart as “we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (v. 28) Please take note, that this Truth is for believers with patient endurance, in other words believers who are actively seeking God and His best for their lives and the best for the lives of others. It is the ability, by the Holy Spirit, to contain and share the Spirit’s hope, peace, joy, and love in the midst of ongoing suffering and trials. Remember, we must remain fully connected to Jesus, because the enemy (or looter) is waiting for our times of weakness. Peter says, “Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” Our earthly lives are but a vapor, we are temporary residents, foreigners from the heavenly realm on an earthly journey, who are here today and can vanish tomorrow (James 4:14), which means we must stay away from those people and things of this world that try to pull us towards sin and away from Jesus. Be quick to recognize sin, even quicker to repent and turn from it, so we can be ready for Jesus’ return and for our Homecoming. What a glorious day!

Romans 8:18-30 NLT

The Future Glory

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for saving each of us from ourselves and our sinful ways. Holy Spirit, help us to see how You are moving for our good even in tough times. Guide us to share about Your hope, peace, joy, and love today with someone who desperately needs to know You, Jesus. Keep us rooted in You, and growing in Your Word. Holy Spirit, protect our souls from the enemy, quicken our spirit to steer away from sin, to repent when we fall short, and to get back in alignment with You. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

I always enjoy the seasonal musicals our amazing Music Director, Pete, chooses or puts together for us. Over the years, I have been inspired by each one, as well as having the privilege of being a part of all of them. Years ago, Pete led us in a Christmas Musical, “All Bow Down,” and the lead song that touched my heart was, “Because of Your Tender Mercy.” As I was reading today’s passage, the lyrics of the song came rising up in my spirit and I wanted to share them with you. These lyrics reveal the way to peace [wholeness] is through the mercy of God.

“Because of Your tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to shine…is about to shine.

Because of Your tender mercy, though we have walked in darkness You will end our night…You will end our night.

Because of Your tender mercy, to every generation You have shown Your love…You have shown Your love.

Because of Your tender mercy, You are forever faithful reaching down to us…reaching down to us!

Let the heavens rejoice. Let the angels sing. Let earth receive the King of kings. So holy, so worthy…You come to us!”

In our passage today from Malachi, the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God in response to Israel’s claim that God treats those who do evil better than he does those who seek to live in righteousness. Malachi reminds the people the Lord responds to righteous actions, but not always with material blessings. The people are encouraged, by the Lord, to remain honest and faithful in their worship, because God’s justice will prevail. Fear of the Lord is living in his wisdom; worshipers know this is the Truth. Spiritual blessings come as we grow in wisdom by our obedience; blessings are generously given to the righteous by our Savior all the time.

God’s word reminds us the unrepentant evil-doers will taste the fate of their sin when they are separated from the righteous by his judgment. Keep doing what is right before the Lord, because there is no better foundation on which to be standing. The obedient are spared judgment…praise His holy name!

Malachi 3:13-18 NLT
13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord.
“But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’
14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

The Lord’s Promise of Mercy
16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your tender mercy, generous blessings, and the peace and wholeness that comes from obeying You. Holy Spirit, please move through us and help us stay honest and faithful when we gather to worship You. You are our King and we bow before You because You are the Righteous One we desire to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God continually inspires within my soul a larger perspective of the things around me. There’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm that influences the natural realm; sometimes we forget that reality. I am to expect God’s provisional hand guiding and orchestrating the things I need and pray to receive. To expect with hope is obedience and a proper response to God’s word brings peace. Remember, fear of the Lord [respect/awe] is the beginning of wisdom (Pro 9:10). It is not wise to doubt God’s ability to fulfill his word or promises. Our faith must rise and our biblical character this evening knows the consequences of doubt.

Just prior to our passage today, Zechariah has an encounter with the angel, Gabriel, and is told he and Elizabeth will have a son who will precede the Messiah [Christ] and prepare the way for salvation through repentance. Zechariah, struggles to receive this promise and is struck mute—by the angel—as a result of his lack of faith. When his son, John the Baptist is born, Zechariah miraculously receives his voice back and the first thing he does is lift praises to God.

Luke reminds his readers about the praises of Zechariah and the fact the Messiah is coming to bring spiritual peace and prosperity through deliverance from sin. Messiah will be the One to deliver Israel from her enemies—but he is not talking about the Romans. Instead, Jesus will deliver people from sin, Satan, and death, and to usher in peace as he rules and reigns from the throne of David [through David’s royal line]. All of this will happen according to God’s plan of making us right with himself. Salvation is about forming a relationship with the Christ, because God’s plan was always about sending the God-Man [Jesus] into the world as Redeemer—A Light shining in the darkness.

Luke 1:68-79 NLT
68
“Praise [Lt. benedictus] the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.
69 
He has sent us a mighty Savior
    from the royal line of his servant David,
70 
just as he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.
71 
Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.
72 
He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—
73 
the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.
74 
We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,
75 
in holiness and righteousness
    for as long as we live.
76 
“And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 
You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
78 
Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending John the Baptist into the world to help us understand the need for repentance and the forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and deserve death and separation from your glorious presence, but a repentant heart is precious to you and your response is to extend us mercy. For this reason, Zechariah praises you with his first words after months of silence. Thank you for Jesus our Messiah who helps us win the victory over sin and the works of Satan, so we may live in your enteral life, peace, and care. Thank you for the Spirit who is our Helper who leads us into an ever-increasing perspective of the eternal Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In every generation since the beginning of time—the fall of humanity from the grace outflowing God’s glorious presence—the war with evil has been a real issue to overcome.  We cannot win this spiritual battle unless we press in for the grace of the Christ and the power of the Spirit to deliver us from evil.  Making a divine connection for salvation is the Father’s will for his children of FAITH; such a decision brings us peace (wholeness) with God. “If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us” (Ro 8:31).

Because the Son and the Spirit are our indwelling “signs” that God is with us and has sent us, we need nothing else to prove God exists and he rewards those who genuinely seek him (Heb 11:6). If we seek the Lord, God will respond; therefore, seeking God for our lives and helping others to do the same must occupy our greatest desire, because it is the Truth.  Followers of Christ and believers in his anointed grace have the power to be signs of the Truth.  You, as a carrier of the divine nature, presence, and power of God are the only sign necessary to influence the lives around you! Our challenge is to submit to Christ’s Way and yield to the Power of the Spirit! 

Today’s New Testament passage is the revelation of the Lord’s sign and existence in the Old Testament story of Jonah. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus reiterates that Jonah is symbolic of the work of redemption from judgment; one sent by God.   As Jonah was swallowed by a big fish and was entombed for three days before emerging for the work of God’s grace for repentance, so Jesus would die and be entombed for three days before emerging into his former grace and glory as the Savior to work through the repentant (Jonah 1:17).  Both sent by God to reveal the way to be born again into salvation from evil.  Salvation part one: give up our evil will and live for Christ’s righteous will. Salvation part two: go to the places we are sent by God to proclaim there is grace for the repentant, forgiveness of sin, and PEACE for those willing to receive Almighty God!   

Luke 11:29-32 NLT 

29 As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah. 30 What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God.

31 “The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen. 32 The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the purpose and power of repentance that opens hearts up for the Advent of Hope and Peace.  You alone reconnect humanity with your abundant grace.  We need to experience the hope we find in your presence and receive the peace of your righteous Kingdom, because this world is void of those pure gifts apart from you. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

When we need an enlarged perspective of life, we should look no further than the wisdom of God—Jesus!  He will help us see things from a godly perspective.  Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so submission to God, as well as placing our trust in his ongoing protective care is necessary.   Wisdom is the Way and living a Spirit-led life is the righteous path to abundant life; godliness from the inside out. 

In our passage today from the Psalter, Moses reminds God’s people life is fleeting and there is no time to waste in worldly living. The same is true for us, today.  Instead, we should remember life is a gift from God, so we can enthusiastically live for him.  Then, when we stand before God, we can reveal a heart of wisdom. 

Psalm 90: 1-2, 12- 17 NLT A prayer of Moses, the man of God.

1 

Lord, through all the generations
    you have been our home!

2 

Before the mountains were born,
    before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
    from beginning to end, you are God.

12 

Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
    so that we may grow in wisdom.

13 

O Lord, come back to us!
    How long will you delay?
    Take pity on your servants!

14 

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
    so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

15 

Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
    Replace the evil years with good.

16 

Let us, your servants, see you work again;
    let our children see your glory.

17 

And may the Lord our God show us his approval
    and make our efforts successful.
    Yes, make our efforts successful!

Prayer:  Lord, please help us realize every life is purposeful; even the small tasks we engage in every day will be used for your purpose in the revelation of yourself.  May we bring honor and glory to you name in everything we think, say, or do.  In Jesus’ name  Amen.

2 Peter is a continuation of 1 Peter, and many believe it was written to address the Christians who were scattered by persecution. Peter wrote to encourage believers, and his message continues to be a message of great hope for each of us as believers. Peter wanted believers to live for Christ, and to beware of false teachers. In today’s passage, he condemns false teachers as “they promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (v.19) Pastor Mary’s message yesterday aligns with today’s passage. She reminded us that as children of light, we have a choice each day to choose to remain in Christ’s light or we wander towards Satan’s darkness.

Peter sought to demolish false teachings about Christ’s return within his letters. We know that Christ is returning, and so we must be prepared. The false teachers of Peter’s time are no different than the false teachers of today. Peter reminds us that God is the Creator, and just like in the time of Noah, in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the time of Israel’s exile, etc. God hates sin because it opposes His very holy nature and is the work of Satan. As followers of Christ, we should have great hope in His return. Teachers who shy away from the Truth of Christ’s return, as found in Revelation and throughout scripture, are falsely teaching, as every Word within the Bible is to be learned and applied to our lives. Our spiritual family, at C2C Church, is blessed to learn and grow from Pastor Mary who is a biblically sound teacher that shares the entire Bible and leads by the example of Christ. Brothers and sisters, we must reject false teachings and be living holy lives in oneness with Christ as we remain hopeful for His return.

2 Peter 3 (NLT)

The Day of the Lord Is Coming

1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.

3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter’s Final Words

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Prayer: Jesus, as we find ourselves beginning this Advent season, we thank You for being our great hope. We are Your children of light, and we remain hopeful in You. Holy Spirit, help guide each one of us today to share Your hope with someone who needs it. Thank You for shining a light on Your Truth and allowing our hearts to know when Your Word is being falsely shared. Our spiritual Family at C2C Church, under the guidance of Pastor Mary, all stand rooted in You and Your Word, Jesus. We lift all of this to You, Jesus. Amen.

What occupies your thoughts each day? Are you concerned about the future, your job, or preoccupied with the state of our country?  Does fear try to fill your thoughts with “what ifs?” or “when will?”  How about facing death; does it linger in your mind to keep you unsettled and not enjoying the gift of each day? Do you have expectations to know the timeline of the eternal plans of God? I hear many different perspectives of life, faith, present distressing situations, as well as concerns about what the future may hold.  If you become preoccupied over happenings in this temporal realm that are trying to destroy your peace of mind—a gift from Christ—you have misplaced your HOPE.

If we allow our thoughts to be manipulated by negativity, we will certainly struggle with each one of these questions. For this reason, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to take captive every thought that tries to take dominion over the true knowledge of God’s love; we must place our faith in Christ’s promise to never leave us (2 Cor 10:5).  Nothing going on in our lives or in this world is a surprise to the Lord.  Therefore, we do not need to live in fear and worry; we know God through relationship, have chosen to put our hope [confident trust] in His care, ask for what we need to fulfill his will, and believe he will always spiritually prepare us for whatever we face in the future.  

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul has to address the concerns of the early church.  Like unbelievers, these believers have allowed themselves to become worried about many things; especially when Christ will return.  Paul cannot tell God’s people when Christ will return for them, but he clings to the teachings of Jesus so people can be prepared for whenever the Lord does return.  

HOPE: 

• Is the assurance of what is Divinely Guaranteed for Children of the Light 
• Prompts and works to lead us into an Attitude of Godly Expectation
• Encourages an Eternal Viewpoint
• Rests on Christ’s Promises
• Is Built upon FAITH—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses
• Always Perseveres and Endures Suffering
• Hope never bows to despair or negativity; hope bows only to Christ—the Truth.
• The world is like a puzzle telling the story of HOPE and Jesus makes all the pieces fit together and helps us understand where we are and why we need him.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 AMP  The Day of the Lord

1 Now as to the times [wait] and dates, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. 4 But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for helping us take every wrong and anxious thought captive, so we can continue to live by faith with abundant hope! Jesus, you died to give us the gift of hope, so we must place our confident trust in your promises.  While the world may choose to live in negativity, keep your children of Light focused on your goodness and the grace we can pray for and receive.  Our expectations are in your love, Word, and your promise to fulfill your divine purpose for creation.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.