Stand Firm and Hold Fast to the Teachings

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Mark Shields

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. – 2 Thessalonians 2:15 

The thoughts brought out in the post “Learn and Apply the Principles” were inspired by the study of Paul teaching the Thessalonians. We not only have the advantage of history to look back on but can now read what is stated in the Bible and know it has come about.

Even in the area of science, what was written in the Bible has come to pass. Areas such as dealing with stars, the ocean, and how the earth is shaped. What was not known by humanity at the time the words were written have since been proven to be true.

Cheer up today and receive this inspirational video Solid as the Rock by Avalon and know that the truths found in the Bible are indeed solid as a rock.


Index of devotionals

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Learn and Apply the Principles

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul gives a warning to the Thessalonians regarding Christ’s return in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. He tells them not to be deceived by those who assert that the day of the Lord has already come (v. 2). No one knows the time or place of His return but when He does, the evil one will be destroyed.

The Holy Spirit restrains evil in the world but some day evil will be removed. Then there will be happenings and attitudes that will precede Christ’s return. There will be rebellion and the antichrist will be revealed to exalt himself over everything.

In the meantime, believers should be prepared always and do all that can be done to spread the Good News. Every believer has the responsibility to not only believe the truth but to stand fast during opposition.

Believers should not only hear the Word but live out the Word. Let us cheer up and inspire each other with examples of how God works, the beauty of His creation, and help all people love the truth.

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This day with You Lord, we pray for the ability to highlight the good that Your people do and the kind acts they demonstrate. We pray to learn and apply the principles You give us in the Bible. We ask that You search inside our soul and clear out what shouldn’t be there. Lord, we are cheerful today because we know that You are already victorious. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Go After What is Most Important

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Mark Shields

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Shared in the post “Make Perplexities and Confusions into Amazing results and Conclusions”, Paul prayed for the Thessalonians as they faced complex issues in their day.

Although the issues may be different, we also face complexities today. The great benefit of technology is to simplify task so we can spend more time doing the things that are most important in life.

But the challenge is to balance everything so that the most important task are accomplished. Therefore, there is a great need to study our priorities; go after what is most important and then like the domino effect, our items on the task list start to fall one after another.

This day will be amazing because of who God is and who you are; an important name in history – one of His children. To get on the right track toward those important tasks today, here is an inspirational video: How You Live – Point of Grace.


Index of devotionals

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Make Perplexities and Confusions into Amazing Results and Conclusions

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians because their faith was growing more and more, and their love for each other continued to increase (v. 3). Reading more in 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul boasted about them because of their perseverance even under all the persecutions and trials they endured. One day, the wrongs done by those who persecute will be righted by God. The future for the unbeliever is one of judgment (v. 6) but there is a glorious future for the believer.

We have never been promised a life that is easy but when we do face trials, we can have faith that our struggles will make us ready for each challenge in order to glorify our Lord. We are not to live for the present but for a glorious future.  Within this passage, Paul says he would pray constantly for the Thessalonians until Christ’s return. He prays for their growth in faith so that the Lord Jesus may be glorified in in how they live.

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Lord, this day we also pray to be worthy of Your calling; prompted by faith and fulfilling good purposes with the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord, we are confident that You can make perplexities and confusions into amazing results and conclusions. We pray for the power to glorify Your name today. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Thessalonians

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Mark Shields

Over the next couple of weeks, the journey through the Bible takes me to 2 Thessalonians. This is a letter written by Paul to clarify further his teaching about the second coming of Christ.

The Thessalonians had to overcome violent opposition but were steadfast in hope. Paul encouraged, comforted, and urged the new Christians in a courteous, gentle, and open way to live lives worthy of God so they could change the world for the better. Below is a poem inspired by this study:

Change the World for the Better

Make the Impossible Possible
Using faith to initiate
And the love of God
To always allocate.

Go the extra mile
With a steadfastness
Which hope provides
As you enter His vastness.

Share with each other
In a courteous, gentle way
Like a friend encourages
With praises for this day.

Strengthen and encourage
Being always thoughtful
In ways to help each other
To spread the Gospel.

Have faith in God’s instructions
To live an amazing life
By winning the unseen
Battles and daily strife.

Doing good deeds
Daily like clockwork
Inspired by eternal hope
From His handiwork.

For Jesus is the bridge
To the eternal thereof
So encourage each other
With brotherly love.

Be alert and prepared
To receive the Spirit above
Using God’s tools
Of faith hope, and love.

Pray continually;
Receive the fullness;
Help the weak;
Protect all goodness.

Being patient and kind
As you share with everyone
And receive the great joy
Of sharing about His Son.

By Mark Shields – © 02-02-2017

Join me over the next couple of weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas in how we can apply the lessons learned in this study.

2 Thessalonians 1
Why does Paul thank God for the Thessalonians? To what end does Paul always pray for the Thessalonians? What connection does this prayer have with Christ’s return? What kind of future does the unbeliever face?

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
What warning does Paul give the Thessalonians regarding Christ’s return? What happenings and attitudes will precede Christ’s return? How will Jesus’ coming destroy the man of lawlessness? How will you express the truth today?

2 Thessalonians 2:13 through 3:5
Who are responsible for the Thessalonians’ belief? On what do you base your faith and belief? How can you have more concern for brothers and sisters in Christ?

2 Thessalonians 3:6-17
What problem is discussed here? What kind of example are you for others? What are some important activities you could be involved in that would make a difference for you and those around you?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
 
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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