1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You”

2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?

For we live by believing and not by seeing. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I don’t know about you, but I certainly look forward to seeing Jesus face to face. I’m not trying to rush to the end of my life or anything, but he did promise to return and that could always happen first. But until that day comes, this verse explains our way of life. We have to believe in something we cannot see.

Context: Interesting that this verse is part of Paul’s discussion about our new bodies, the one we receive after we die. While we are living in our current bodies that get wrinkled and have aches and pains, we are not “at home” yet with the Lord. While we’re here, we live by faith, and that’s a great message to remind us to hold on. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?”

Joshua 1:8-9 – Meditate on This!

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)

What wise words to empower the new leader, Joshua! We can take this message to heart because the promise is still valid and applicable for us today. We know this “Book of Instruction” as the Bible. As we read God’s Word, we glean wisdom we can find in no other source. The words of Scripture are truth for life, an instruction manual from God himself.

Context: This verse falls early in the first chapter of the Book of Joshua. You will recall Joshua was the leader God chose to follow in Moses’ footsteps. Can you imagine that assignment! Joshua was the one who led the people into the Promised Land after 40 years of roaming around the wilderness. God’s charge to Joshua was to be courageous and know he was not alone. The Book of Instruction was a guide to serve him well. Continue reading “Joshua 1:8-9 – Meditate on This!”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – Motivating Others

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

How creative are you? Some people are masters at being imaginative and memorable. Being a children’s ministry leader, I’ve gotten pretty good at accomplishing that, but this verse doesn’t have that requirement at all. There are plenty of ways we can motivate others without being cutesy and fun. The main idea is to be in community.

Context: In general, the book of Hebrews reminds us of Jesus’ supremacy and how to remain faithful. Jesus is all we need, but sometimes we get mixed signals from the world. The section in which this verse falls is all about how to persevere in our faith when life throws those curveballs. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:24-25 – Motivating Others”

Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

This is a pivotal verse for believers. Could salvation really be this easy? While it sounds simple on the surface, actually following through with such faith can be a difficult thing when we let messages of the world infiltrate our thinking. That’s why it’s a great addition in our toolbox of memory verses.

Context: What a gem Paul shared with the Roman church! Paul opens the chapter by declaring his heart’s desire for all the people of Israel, God’s people, to be saved. For that to happen, they need to know that salvation is for everyone and available only through trusting in Jesus the Messiah. This verse is tucked nicely into all sorts of wisdom on the topic of salvation. Continue reading “Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!”

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)