1 Thessalonians 3 - 12.30.24
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:7-9
7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
Observation:
“Paul wrote this letter from Corinth, and his coming to that city was marked by difficulty. He said of his coming to Corinth, I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Yet since Timothy came back with good news, Paul had a renewed strength and freshness of life (for now we live). It made Paul feel much better that the Thessalonians were doing well…..For what thanks can we render to God for you: Paul’s thanks and joy overflowed because he knew that they did stand fast in the Lord. Some find it easy to rejoice in the material prosperity in the life of others, but Paul honestly rejoiced in the spiritual prosperity of others.” (David Guzik-Enduringword.com)
Timothy had just given a good report to Paul, regarding the Thessalonian church, about how well they had been doing in their faith. That encouraged and strengthened Paul so much, especially while he was going through trials in Corinth!
Application:
Encourage someone in the faith today, through your own faith! Encouragement goes a long way.
Imagine a brother or sister going through a trial in their faith with the Lord, but then being strengthened and encouraged because Your daily life shows a faith standing firm in the Lord. That’s how it was for the Apostle Paul!
Can you think of a time where you were going through a hard time, but then someone encouraged you through their steadfast faith? Let’s also be that person to someone else!
Prayer:
Thank You Lord that we don’t live this faith journey alone. Thank You for the men, women, youth and children in my life who have encouraged my own faith, especially in difficult times. I pray that I would be able to share that same encouragement with others as I lean on You daily. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 146 - 12.27.24
Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 NIV
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.”
Observation:
It’s interesting how we are reading about David’s life and then the Psalm he wrote goes with the situation. David took not only sang his praises to God, but also wrote them down (or had a scribe do it). He states that we should not put our trust in princes. In 1 Samuel 29 he was ready to fight and got sent back. God had a better plan. He learned that people will fail him.
We can trust the Maker of everything who watches over all. David lists some specific ways God provides for us:
He upholds the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free, sight to the blind, lifts up those bowed down, loves the righteous watches over the foreigner, and sustains the fatherless and the widow.
Then, David contrasts it with how God deals with the wicked, He will frustrate their plans. Whatever your situation God is working to help you! You have nothing to fear or worry about and everything to praise Him for.
Application:
I want to do as verse 2 says, praise the Lord all my life and sing His praises. David recorded his praise to God and kept a record of all He had done. What a great reminder to keep or start journaling.
David also shared his praise with others-we benefit from that today. I want God to be glorified in the lives of those around me. David, as a refuge, discovered how much God cared for all people.
My prayer is He will stir up all our gifts to sing, write, declare, draw, comfort and we will use them to bring people into saving knowledge of Jesus and all God had done. “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” II Timothy 1:6 NKJV
God does this incredible work we are reading about through us! “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you care about all people. Both Kings and fatherless are sustained by your hands. You fight for the oppressed and set prisoners free. You made this incredible world and all who live in it. We can enjoy your splendor and handiwork. The same care you took in supplying the animals with all they need, you do for us.
As I go through my days, may I be guided by you to use the gifts you’ve given me to share your marvelous works with others. Also, help me encourage your people to do the same. David was an outcast, but people came to him because they saw your hand on his life. May your hand be evident on my life as I obey you and walk out your plan. Keep my focus on you and prevent me from being distracted. Amen
- Cindy Howard
Mark 14 - 12.26.24
SCRIPTURE -Mark 14:3 NIV
“While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman [Mary] came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head [and feet].”
OBSERVATION
Jesus was having a leisurely meal in Bethany at the home of Simon with several friends and his disciples. In John’s account we learn that Lazarus was there along with his sisters Mary—and Martha who was serving.
Martha is serving and once again we find Mary—at the feet of Jesus.
Serving is good and right and we all need to find our place in serving Jesus with the gifts we have been given.
And—In order to serve with the Fullness of God— it is of the utmost importance we are prioritizing spending time at the feet of Jesus.
Mary breaks this precious jar of perfume (worth a year’s wages) and pours it out over Jesus feet and then anoints his head. (John 12).
APPLICATION
She did what she could…
Three Times Mary is mentioned in the Bible.
Each time she is at The Feet of Jesus.
Jesus said of Mary, “She did what she could”
At this dinner Mary once again finds the Most important place to be—at Jesus Feet.
Mary had shown in this one single act that Jesus was more important-more precious-worth her whole devotion and worship—she held nothing back.
“Martha had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.” (Luke 10:39 AMP)
“When Mary came [to the place] where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.””
(John 11:32 AMP)
“Then Mary took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3 AMP)
PRAYER
LORD JESUS,
YOU are WORTHY of my complete devotion. Help me to be like Mary. To come and fall at Your feet. May my heart beat for You. Help me to be purposeful in finding the quiet times to Listen. To be Still and Know you are God. When I am distressed, help me to simply fall at Your feet knowing You take every burden. And each morning May I seek You and anticipate my time with You…falling more and more in love with my Heavenly Father. Help me to continually pour out the best and most expensive offerings I have to give. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tina L Kudelka