The six week study “A Faith That Endures” came to a close with some wonderful thoughts…
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We started with reading 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Here Paul brings a strong word for us to “stand fast” (or firm).
We are to keep a “firm grip” (v. 15, NLT) on the teaching we know to be truth, while being certain to pass on truth. We must guard against false teachings as they will attempt to sneak in andĆĀ water down God’s Word.
Each generation has the responsibility to receive truth, guard truth, keep truth intact, and then pass it on to the next generation.
If I may be honest, I worry about these days we are living. I worry about the truth my grandchildren will cling to. My commentary worded it in a way that soothed my concerns this morning:
“It is good to be defenders of the faith, but we must not forget to be demonstrators of the faith. Lazarus did not have to give lectures on the resurrection. People had only to look at him and they believed.”
How powerful is that to think on? It made me question my own life. Will others see God’s resurrection power at work in my life when they are with me?
God has good things for us to do and say. May we let the Holy Spirit have His way in our lives so that we bring Him honor and glory.
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2 Thessalonians 3:6-9 had me sitting and wondering what God would have me to share.
God created us to work. Even in the garden, He assigned tasks to Adam and Eve.
Why?
We find satisfaction and fulfillment in work. A sense of accomplishment is gained when we work hard at a task.
Just this week, I mopped and waxed the wood floors in my home as I could no longer stand seeing the pollen on the floor. The daily dust mopping was doing nothing. It took some hard physical work and muscle to thoroughly get it all up.
Once done, I felt wonderful. It was a job completed.
Paul reminds us: “We were not idle when we were with you” (verse 7b, NLT).
Work may mean different things to each of us. We are exhorted not to be idle. Paul brings the reminder that we are to be actively doing what we have been called to do. Yes, it can be in our places of employment. But it can also be mopping the floors, sending out a card, making that meal, doing the laundry, sitting on the floor playing with a toddler, or simply encouraging one another.
We all have work we can be doing to the glory of our Lord!
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“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NLT)
May I encourage you all to read those words over and slowly.
We can have peace at all times and in every situation.
We are all in the middle of various situations. We can have peace in each struggle, every pain, and any difficulties.
Why?
For the Lord is with us all.
The commentary in my NLT Bible offers this insight which gives me great hope for the days and times in which we are living:
“Second Thessalonians is primarily a pastoral letter from Paul that provides hope and confidence in God when the world has gone mad. Christ reigns now, and Christ will be triumphant in the end.”
Lord, I thank You and praise You for You are on Your throne forever. This is the hope we have when our world seems to be out of control. You reign and you will be triumphant in the end. And to this we can only say, “Amen and Amen!”
Mon: Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash
Wed: Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
Fri.: Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Purposeful Faith and Grace Full Tuesday and InstaEncouragements .
Joanne,
I love the quote about Lazarus – that we need to be “demonstrators” of the faith as well as defenders! I do wonder, a lot, what people see when they look at my life??
Like you, I am concerned about the watered down truth that seems to pervade today’s world. How did we get so far from “The” Truth? Lot’s of good stuff to ponder here, Joanne!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Joanne, such a great post! I found myself nodding to much of what you said. What hit me the most, though, was this:
“Each generation has the responsibility to receive truth, guard truth, keep truth intact, and then pass it on to the next generation”
I’ve always known this, but somehow, in the context of how you shared it, this truth hit me anew. We need to be intentional to share and pass on God’s truth. It’s so hard in this world. Our kids don’t want to stand out by standing up for the Truth. I find myself praying more and more, especially for my own two sons regarding this.
Jeanne, I am so grateful for Bible Studies that bring powerful reminders to my life. We need truth to hit us anew from time to time – as in daily š I also find myself praying more and more for my children and now, granddaughters. May we be faithful examples and demonstrators of the faith so that our children will desire the same. Praying for your sons this afternoon.
Yes, from faith in Christ we desire to work as a form of praise to a faithful God who gives us hope. Great post, Many Thanks 8)
Joanne, I am concerned about the next generation as well. I guess each generation probably sees the next as a lost cause, but wow do they ever have a lot to contend with! Especially with technology as it is, social media and all. I fear for the world my grandchildren will grow up in.
I love that quote, “It is good to be defenders of the faith, but we must not forget to be demonstrators of the faith. Lazarus did not have to give lectures on the resurrection. People had only to look at him and they believed.āĀ That’s so true!
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
I agree with you, Patsy, that each generation probably had great concern for the next. I am grateful for both my parents and grandparents who were demonstrators of the faith and pray I will also do the same for my family. It is always a blessing to join you!
Amen! It also helps to remember that Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church. Thanks for sharing. Many blessings to you!
Yes!!
I’m currently a stay at home mum with my 8 month old son. The day to day rhythm of caring for him and keeping the house running can be tedious, so thanks for this encouragement. Great to remember I’m doing it for God’s glory and he is giving me strength.
#GracefullTuesday
Bella, may I encourage you by saying you are doing the most important work of your life (and his) at this time. Yes, it is tedious and exhausting but oh so worth it. While ours are now grown, married and have their own, I watch my granddaughters while their parents work. Be encouraged that the reward you one day receive will be great! Blessings!