faithful – Page 2 – Be Still…

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Revenge

What is your first reaction when someone brings harm to you or someone you know? Is it getting even? What should we think when we read in the Bible where it says “an eye for an eye”? What’s that all about?

Paul is clear here in this verse. We should not repay evil with evil. I remember being picked on as a child. Hurtful words are certainly evil in my book. It was so tempting to lash back with more of the same, but I didn’t have the courage. Looking back, it seems my fear actually kept me from sinning in return.

Revelation 14:1-13 – Blessed and Redeemed

Read Revelation 14:1-13

Remember the Beatitudes from Matthew’s gospel? Today we see the 2nd in the similar blessings of Jesus coming to us in Revelation. I didn’t recognize the first one in Revelation 1:3, “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.” In today’s passage, in verse 13, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

Why do we have more “beatitudes” (there will be a total of seven in Revelation)? Don’t you think Jesus knew his followers would need more encouragement all those years later? These new blessings were directed first to the seven churches we read about when we began our journey through Revelation. Jesus’ new blessings reinvigorate His followers to hold on and to realize that, while it’s not always easy to be a Christian, it would be worth it! In other words, “stay the course!”

Revelation 3:7-13 – Victory in Christ

Read Revelation 3:7-13

You can really see the love of Jesus for the church in Philadelphia. This is another church (like Smyrna) who gets no rebuke. They are small and weak, the perfect storm for God to be glorified. When we feel weak and rely on the power of God to rescue us or sustain us, God is glorified. When we can set aside our own ambitions and desire for power or recognition, realizing we are nothing without God, God can work inside us, too.

What did you think about the way Jesus introduces himself to the church in Philadelphia. “This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open.” The “key of David” is our gospel message. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the one who can open the doors of heaven to us. There isn’t anything we can do to open those doors. If Jesus allows us in, nobody can stop us. So how do we make sure he opens the door for us?

2 Corinthians 6:3-13 – Not a Pretty Sight

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-13

There is so much in this passage, probably enough for many days of reflection. However, looking at the whole picture of Paul’s hardships will help us in our own walk of faith. In fact, you probably found yourself wondering (like I did) if this was Paul’s story or your own story. As Christ followers, we are very likely to encounter these same trials, yet we should also be ready to call on God’s strength, like Paul, to make it through.

Are you or have you been a church leader? You know firsthand how people are looking to you for not only leadership but for an example to follow. Paul’s statement in verse 3 speaks VOLUMES, “We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.” That’s a lot of pressure to know that your life is on display. I, for one, never want anything that I say or do to move people away from God. And, as a church leader, I have often taken heat from others about the way God is using me to do ministry. It’s painful. I always seek to please God first, and hope and pray the people will accept me and be blessed.

Hebrews 10:32-39 – Patient Endurance

Read Hebrews 10:32-39

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ.” Some of us don’t remember that day because Jesus has always been a part of our lives. Yet others of us have a distinct moment when all the dots connected and we knew we had finally met the one who would change our lives forever. No matter what your “coming to Jesus” experience is, the good news is we are here. Keep focused on the joy and overflowing blessing we have for being Christ followers.

Many are not. Many are still moving around aimlessly in life unsure of their purpose or destiny. Are you like me, desperate to be more of a light in the darkness? Maybe you’re still lost in the darkness, looking toward the light wondering how it is possible that God can love you? Our message for hope comes from John 3:16, (paraphrased) God loves us so much that he sent his Son Jesus to save us all. Are you ready for that salvation?

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