Love Your Enemy
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.
Lesson Objective: To understand that must be remembered for our spiritual life, not our material gains.
There are many people who have their names inscribed on buildings due to the amount of money that they give the institution. Many see this as a lasting memorial so that we can remember them for eternity. This may at first seem good; however, what happens when a new building is erected or the name is changed because someone gave more money. How soon we forget the person. We must strive to live our lives in such a manner that our names are listed in the Book of Life never to be forgotten by God
Thought for today: Live your life in such a manner that God would gladly stand at your funeral and give the eulogy.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we can be a working busybody.
There are some of us whose sole purpose in life is to tend to the business of others. We strive to keep everyone in an uproar so that nothing can be accomplished. There is nothing ever done well enough or even on time that we cannot find fault. Some may feel that we are not working but we are working to make sure that nothing gets done. We constantly complain, refuse to help and always find a reason why we could do it better. Whenever there are suggestions, we poke holes in the plan but never ever put forth a plan of our own. We are constantly pointing fingers at others and saying what they are doing wrong.
Thought for today: We must be careful that we are not part of the problem.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Lesson Objective: To understand that there is danger in desiring riches,
I met a man who continually gave to the community. He was a leading businessman but few knew of his generosity. I found out later that he owned several houses throughout the United States but always made them available to anyone who asked for a worthy cause. While I do not know his religious believes, I do know that he did not seek first riches but sought to help others and make a difference in people who were less fortunate. He taught me that it is impossible for God to give us any blessings if our hands are always closed around what we have. We have to be willing to share our blessings with others and not be self centered and seeking our own self gratifications.
Thought for today: Take the time to think about what you are doing in life. If it is solely to make money or gain other riches, then determine if you are making bad decisions in pursuit of those riches.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-25
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
Lesson Objective: To understand that our responsibility is to teach with patience and humility.
In the sports world, we find that most often super stars do not make good coaches. While the opposite is so true that good coaches tend to be those that were not really great athletes but understand the game. It can be the same for us Christians who think we have it going on. We cannot understand why someone does not merely accept the word of God and have the faith that we say we have and fully understand the Grace of God. We sometimes loose our patience and end up arguing the word of God rather than teaching the word.
Thought for today:
We must recognize that it is only our responsibility to share the word of God. We cannot make anyone accept the word.
Scripture: Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Lesson Objective:
To understand that we must demonstrate our faith in all that we do.
We often say that we are Christians but our actions show differently. God says that we are to love but we are constantly talking about others at work. God says that we are to give to the needy but we always find a reason not to share our many blessings. We say that we love God but we find the least reason to not attend Church. However when someone ask if we are a Christian, we are the first to put up our hands. However one should not have to ask if we are Christian, they should be able to see it by how we live our life before others. We must live a life that will allow us to be a blessing to others thus qualifying us for every good work.
Thought for today: We have to not only talk the talk but walk the talk.
Scripture: Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer.
Lesson Objective: To understand that when we accept Christ we are required to do as he instructs and we no longer have any say in our lives.
When one first thinks of the term prisoner, we immediately think of one that is held against his will. A prisoner is one who has no control over their life. They are told when to wake, what to wear and what to do on a given day. Paul used the term along with the term bondservant to emphasize the importance of living a life based upon serving God and not following the desires of his own heart. We must be as Paul and be willing prisoners to God and follow his commandments without any hesitations. The key is “willing”, for God does not force us to follow him but blesses those who do choose him.
Thought for today: Or you a model prisoner?
Scripture: Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Lesson Objective: To understand that Christ is our peer for he suffered and carried our sins to Calvary.
In the court of law, the basic tenant of justice is that one’s case is heard in front of a group of peers. Often times, lawyers may argue as to the validity of the peers relative to their age, race, socio-economic background or other factors. We never consider if the lawyers are our peers; however, how can one successfully plead our case if they are not our peer and truly understand who we are as a person. The good thing is that Christ is our peer for he suffered for our sins. He can stand at the right hand of God and intercede on the behalf of mankind. He can say that he sacrificed his life so that I would have an opportunity for eternal life.
Thought for today: What case am I living that will allow Christ to make the best argument for me at judgment?
Scripture: James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing
Lesson Objective: To understand that improvement comes from doing.
While it is important that one gets “book” learning nothing takes the place of experience. The only sure way to get better is to continue to seek experiences that serve as life lessons. Often times these life lessons can hurt and cause much pain; however, we must understand that it is necessary for growth. As the Bible says we must rejoice in these lessons. A rose bush must be pruned in order for the bush to reach its peek potential. It is the same for us. The pruning experience makes us better so that we can become complete unto God.
Thought for today: One can either learn from the lessons of life on not. Either way the lessons will come.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we never know when we must be ready to witness for God.
There are several reasons why one should study the Bible. The first is that studying provides one the information necessary to develop a true trust and relationship with God. The second is that one must know the Bible if they are going to carry out the Great Commission which is to go out and make disciples and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If we live the true life of a Christian, non-believers will ask questions and we then should be prepared to answer the questions using the Bible as the tool that it is. We must not hit someone over the head but gently provide them the information necessary for them to make an informed decision to follow God.
Thought for today: I suggest that you memorize a few favorite verses that you can use when witnessing to a non-believer.
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-2
Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must not forget the love and sacrifice of Christ.
“Out of sight, out of mind.” This is an old saying but sometimes true. We as human beings can have short memories. This is why in the Old Testament, God admonished the Children of Israel to keep telling their children all that God had done for them from their time leaving Egypt, receiving manna from heaven and crossing over the Jordan. The Israelites built several monuments to help them not to forget. Even so with these monuments and the written word, they still strayed away from God. This is why it is so important to place the word of God in our heart so that we will not forget it.
Thought for today: Some may keep a daily journal that reminds them of the many blessings that God has done for them.
Scripture: 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we all have sinned but we have a way out.
When computing math problems that have fractions, we are taught to reduce the fraction to the least common denominator and then solve for the answer. It is the same when discussing salvation and the Bible. While there may be different ways of saying it, the least common denominator is that we all have sinned and that no sin is any less or greater than another. This makes us all equal in the sight of the Lord. However in order to solve our problem we must understand that we all have issues and sin has separated us from God but we can be redeemed by seeking forgiveness from our Father. The beauty is that the answer for all of our sins after forgiveness is zero and a clean slate. We will never get the wrong answer if we seek God.
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Thought for today: Having issues does not make one a bad person; just a person who needs God.
Scripture: 2 John 1:5
And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must love if we are to see God.
While the overriding theme in the Old Testament is the Law, the overriding theme in the New Testament is Love. Christ said that all of the commandments could be summarized by Loving God with all of our heart, mind, and soul and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Paul wrote that we should have faith, hope and charity (love) but the greatest of these is love. Paul went on to say that it does not matter what we do but if we do it without love than it is meaningless. This is the same love that God had for us when he created man, the same love that David had for God and the same love that Christ had for us as he died on the cross for our sins.
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Thought for today: Will you demonstrate that love today in your actions with your fellowman?
Scripture: 3 John 1:3-4
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must demonstrate our walk daily for we represent those who have come before us and made the path.
All of us have had someone in our lives who has helped to guide and mold our spiritual life. Many times the effect that this person has is not seen until many years have passed. To this person we owe a debt of gratitude and a commitment to carry out the word of God. While we may say thank you to this person or recognize them in public; there is a greater way of showing our gratitude. There is no better way then to live our life in such a way that only good reports are made to those who guides us. This lets them know that there work and belief in us was not in vain. The craftsman glows when he knows that his work is well received by others.
Thought for today: Are you living your life in such a way that those who came before would be able to receive a good report that you are yet holding on to God’s unchanging hand.
True Love Can Cover Mistakes
Scripture: Jude 1:24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen
Lesson Objective: To understand that Christ came down to earth to make a way for each of us so that we can have eternal life.
Christ came not just to be a sacrifice for us so that when we sin, we would have a high priest in heaven. He came so that we would learn how to live a life free from sin. The word Christian means Christ-like and Christ was without sin or blemish. Therefore we should strive daily to live a sinless life. We know that we can only do such if we place our total faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This total faith means that we will be able to keep the commandment of loving God with our all our heart and loving our neighbors. However, we understand that the difference between reaching that goal and our failures is GRACE.
Thought for today: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Scripture: Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must read the scriptures, hear them deep down in our heart and do what is commanded.
I really like reading the seven letters to the Churches in the Book of Revelation. I especially enjoy the words “let he that has an ear hear”. We often do not know the difference between listening and just hearing. In order to truly understand the word of God, one must listen with their heart and see with their heart and bury what they hear and see deep down in their heart so that it will never depart. If the words are buried within the heart then there will be less of a problem keeping the commandments of God.
Thought for today: A person demonstrates what they really hear by their actions.
Scripture: Revelation 1:8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Lesson Objective: To understand that there are no words that adequately describes God.
When I try to explain what God means to me I have a problem because no words can adequately describe him for me. Songwriters have used words such as Awesome, Great, Amazing and other such words but they appear dim to whom God really is. Knowing God is a personal relationship that can only be shared with those who also have a personal relationship with God. And even then my relationship is not the same as another. I think that the scripture above best says it in that God IS, WAS and WILL BE. There is none who ever came before him and none after him.
Thought for today: The majesty of the Lord exceeds the deepest part of the sea and the highest mountain range and stretches as far as East is from West and North is from South.