1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

When I read this verse I sat up a little straighter in my chair, bursting with confidence in the Lord and his promise of salvation. We’ve been dealing with technical support for the past week on a new laptop that isn’t working. While that has nothing to do with my faith or trust in God, it has taken its toll on my confidence in humanity and my own understanding of all things technical. Being clearheaded sounds delightful!

Context: This verse in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians comes amidst a discussion about the last days when Jesus will return. Paul was assuring his readers that while we don’t when this will happen, as children of the light we are in the best possible position to be ready. Jesus will return at the perfect time, and we need to trust that. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly”

Ezekiel 28:25-26 – Happily Ever After

Read Ezekiel 28:25-26

Amidst all of God’s plans to discipline Israel’s neighbors, Ezekiel inserts these two verses of promise. While the verses don’t seem to fit in with the other messages, the hope they bring is like a breath of fresh air. Ezekiel had to be feeling especially heavy with all these judgment messages he’d been hearing from God.

Hallelujah! There was a light at the end of the tunnel. The judgment of Judah has already come. The reality Ezekiel and his people were living in was captivity in exile. Others had run for the hills ahead of Jerusalem’s fall. What a wonderful message to know God is going to make all things right in the world. Continue reading “Ezekiel 28:25-26 – Happily Ever After”

Habakkuk 1:12-17 – When Your World is Rocked

Read Habakkuk 1:12-17

Habakkuk is processing God’s message to him in this second complaint. Have you ever said to God, “You’re going to do what?” You can imagine how unbelievable it would be to know that God was going to use an enemy nation to destroy the same misbehaving children who were appalling Habakkuk.

Habakkuk’s observations are valid, don’t you agree? Babylonian forces would be given victory and yet they weren’t believers in the one true God. How could that be? He calls out to God again saying, “Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?” This is a good example to show us how God can and will use any means possible to bring about his purposes in this world. We don’t always have to understand or agree.

Continue reading “Habakkuk 1:12-17 – When Your World is Rocked”
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