Proverbs 23:23 ESV / Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Friday, June 9, 2023
Bring the cloak . . . and the books, especially the parchments. — 2 Timothy 4:13
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Let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No.” For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. — Matthew 5:37
Verbal pledges are generally not something we can trust these days. Many people make promises they don't keep. In every divorce, a sacred vow has been breached by at least one party. If given a second opportunity, those who are in legal difficulty may promise to mend their ways. But when they are granted mercy, they frequently forget the promises they made.
Even though God makes promises, He always honors them. We wouldn't have any reason to be hopeful if He didn't. Let's give Him thanks for being a trustworthy God and pledge to be individuals whose word can be relied upon.
I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. — 1 Timothy 2:1
Many strategies have been employed to preach the good news in the centuries since Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. Of course, it will also require other forms of communication, like written materials or in-person encounters, but prayer is the key element. Paul explains that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" in 1 Timothy (2:4). Additionally, "supplications, prayers, intercessions... for all men" are advised as a strategy for starting the task of evangelization (v.1).
How about our respective neighborhoods? Let's start evangelizing through prayer right away.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. — 1 Corinthians 12:5
The work of ministry is not restricted to individuals who are acknowledged as pastors in the New Testament. Every Christian is spiritually prepared for some form of service, according to First Corinthians 12 (v. 7).
In order to serve as ministers for our Savior, we are not required to stand in front of a pulpit. Everyone who has experienced spiritual rebirth has been given the responsibility of ministering and the privilege of serving.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. — 2 Peter 3:18
Christians are like plants, too. We should plant our seeds, penetrate the ground, extend out our branches, and blossom. But in our lives, such a thriving state isn't always apparent. In the dull monotony of our everyday routines, it's so simple to get bored and drained. We frequently hang on and merely exist without making any steady progress toward development and fruitfulness.
When this happens, we are at a spiritual standstill and need Jesus, the "Sun of Righteousness" (Mal. 4:2), to rekindle His love in our hearts. By focusing on God's Word day and night, we can plant our roots firmly in it (Ps. 1:2).
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. — 2 Timothy 3:16
We could experience hearing God communicate to us through His Word as followers of Jesus. The Scriptures, with their soul-stirring wisdom and essential spiritual food, are tremendously satisfying when we are first saved. However, as time passes, we frequently read those same passages in a way that no longer appeals to us. God's exciting Word becomes routine to us when our spiritual senses get dull and sleepy. Then again, what joy we experience when a text discloses an intriguing reality and we "hear" the Lord once more!
No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. — Isaiah 59:4
We demand justice, fairness, and equity from judges. But God, the universe's supreme judge, expects it of us and encourages us to demand justice on behalf of the downtrodden. Is. 59:9–15 explains that Israel's failure to achieve this contributed to the nation's demise.
In every aspect of society, Christians must be the first to demand justice—not just for ourselves, but also for others. The inner fortress of our hearts must be the first place where bigotry and harsh attitudes are expelled.
Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak. — James 1:19
In the young church in Jerusalem, listening was crucial in resolving a conflict between two ethnic groups (Acts 6:1–7). One group believed that the distribution of food was unfair to their widows. The apostles wisely heard their complaint, came up with a workable solution, and put an end to the conflict.
Today, due of the growing diversity in our churches, listening to others is equally crucial. Our racial and cultural backgrounds are diverse, as are our ages and levels of maturity. But if we listen to one another, we can be united by our shared trust in Christ.
Are we compelled to voice our opinions or let off steam that we fail to listen to what others have to say?
Lord, guide us in love. Make us attentive listeners, just as You are to us.