If Life shows that hard times and trials are predicted and, therefore, should be expected, how do we plan for problems?
READ 1 THESSALONIANS 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Apart from some creative jobs when I was younger, I’ve worked in finance (one way or another) since I was sixteen. And, one thing I knew to be true: corporate directors don’t like surprises. They expect the unexpected and they expect that their staff should be able to: (i) predict the unexpected; and (ii) plan a few solutions in expectation of various possible unexpected situations.
Weirdly enough, modern day Believers (especially in the West), seem to be exactly the opposite! They expect that, because they have Faith, nothing serious will go wrong with any part of their life. But this letter to these first century Thessalonians, makes it clear that (even back then) trails and hardships are not just expected, or even predicted, and that Believers are actually destined for them! [v3] The question is: Are we listening to the warnings or planning for problems? [v4] Or, will I completely lose my Faith when things don’t go the way I expected it would/should. [v5] Am I an encouragement to others even in distress and persecution. [v7] And, when the unexpected comes, can I’ll stand firm? [v8]
Read more? … CLICK to follow “03 November – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect directly with your Omniscient (all-knowing) Maker? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in Heaven, how great is Your name! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
My soul glorifies You Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. [Luke 1:46-47]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the Kingdom of Spain[b]
Your Nation: Labourers for God’s “harvest field”[c]
Yourself: Needs of your immediate family
Your concerns for today
Give attention to Your servant’s prayer and plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear my cry and the prayer that I’m praying in Your presence today. [1 Kings 8:28]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…”
I admit that I’ve refused to listen, Father God, and I’ve failed to remember the miracles that You’ve performed for me. I’ve become stiff-necked and rebellious. But You Lord, are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore You’ve not deserted me. [Nehemiah 9:17]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…”
I won’t be afraid. I’ll stand firm and see the deliverance that You, Lord, will bring me today. [Exodus 14:13]
“ For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[d] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual LIFE
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/spai/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 9:38
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31