1 Thessalonians 1 - Day 1051 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians: Big Idea (by Chuck Swindoll): Impressed by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution, Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in that community with the goal that they would continue to grow in godliness. Paul knew that the people had been exposed to errant teaching from those in opposition to the way of Jesus Christ and the grace of God. And Paul also understood that unless the young church continued to mature in its faith, the danger would only increase over time. With that in mind, Paul taught the people that any spiritual growth would ultimately be motivated by their hope in the ultimate return of Jesus Christ. Paul was never interested in simply telling people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, for he knew that what ultimately inspired change was a life of consistently walking in the power of God’s Spirit. And so to a group of young Christians with questions and uncertainties, Paul offered the hope of Christ’s return, providing both comfort in the midst of questions and motivation to godly living. Application: Like a proud parent, Paul affirms the Thessalonians for their faith and obedience. Paul is genuinely happy for his spiritual children. Prayer: Lord, have Your way in us and through us... Psalm 142 & 143 - Day 1050 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 143 Commentary (enduringword.com): This psalm describes David in another crisis. Because his life was filled with so much activity and danger, it is impossible to link this psalm to any one particular point of crisis. It could be from the time before David was recognized as king, living as a fugitive from King Saul, or it could be from David’s time as king, particularly when his son Absalom led a rebellion against him. Application: The Psalms offer a glimpse into the writer's personal life. The author writes down their innermost thoughts, longings, and worries like a journal. In Psalm 143, David is struggling with a problem that he cannot resolve by himself and offers us a model to copy. Prayer: Lord have mercy... Psalm 140 & 141 - Day 1049 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-3 Commentary (enduringword.com): This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The theme is similar to many of David’s other psalms, in which he cried out to God in a time of trouble. This trouble seems to be slander against him, perhaps when he was a fugitive escaping from Saul’s court. The Chief Musician is thought by some to be the LORD God Himself, and others suppose him to be a leader of choirs or musicians in David’s time, such as Heman the singer or Asaph (1 Chronicles 6:33, 16:4-7, and 25:6). Charles Spurgeon remarked, “The writer wished this experimental hymn to be under the care of the chief master of song, that it might neither be left unsung, nor chanted in a slovenly manner.” Application: David was a warrior who killed hundreds of men in battle, but here he is, crying out to God for deliverance. What's going on? Why doesn't he just pick up his sword and eliminate his enemy? Because life isn't that simple, but thankfully God is there to listen. Prayer: Lord, hear my prayers... Psalm 138 & 139 - Day 1048 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6 Commentary (enduringword.com): This magnificent psalm is titled For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. It does not surprise us that such a significant psalm came from David’s pen, who was “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). The Chief Musician is thought by some to be the LORD God Himself, and others suppose him to be a leader of choirs or musicians in David’s time, such as Heman the singer or Asaph (1 Chronicles 6:33, 16:4-7, and 25:6). “Let the modern wits, after this, look upon the honest shepherds of Palestine as a company of rude and unpolished clowns; let them, if they can, produce from profane authors thoughts that are more sublime, more delicate, or better turned; not to mention the sound divinity and solid piety which are apparent under these expressions.” (Claude Fleury, cited in Charles Spurgeon) Application: It’s not that God knows everything – He knows me. It’s not just that God is everywhere – He is everywhere with me. It’s not just that God created everything – He created me. Take the time and make an effort to know Him. Prayer: Lord, You alone... Job 42 - Day 1047 (link to reading)
Scripture: Job 42 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): We live in a fallen world. Believers and unbelievers are both inundated with the consequences of sin. Our God is not indifferent; He’s not uncaring. The consequences that afflict us, which as we know go in waves from time to time, are allowed to do something internally within. They will either strengthen us in our faith and life in Him or repel us. God uses the good and the bad in our lives to shape us. If we cling to Him in such tumultuous times as Romans 8 states, He can work good through it. Regardless, we know that God is all-powerful and whatever we may be experiencing at the moment, He has ultimately has the final word. He is sovereign and just. As God’s conversation comes to a close on the matter with Job we read several things. Job repents, God confronts the friends and ultimately God blesses. In regards to Job’s repentance, it is not for what his friends suggested it be over. He didn’t’ ask for the forgiveness of some secret sin. Instead, his repentance was for questioning the sovereignty of God in his pain and his wonder of justice. He repented of the attitude he held. For the friends, God’s confrontation was about their error in assuming Job had some sin that held their opinions of him wrongly. They completely judged Job without knowing the full story. Ironically, Job would pray for these friends, even though they acted so much of the time, as his enemies. Finally, God blessed Job at the end... Application: God loves us so much that He meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there. Take the lessons we've learned from Job and apply them. Be gracious, patient, and kind to others and yourself. Give people the benefit of the doubt and listen more than you speak. When you find yourself in Job's shoes, cry out to God and expect miracles. Prayer: Lord, show me Your face... |
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