Category: Daily Devotionals

SOBRIETY

Since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.   I Thess. 5:8

People who stay up half the night but then have to work all day pay a price.  They walk around in a stupor.  Their awareness is dulled; their reflexes are slow.  What could endanger them fails to catch their attention because they struggle just to stay awake.  They give into things they otherwise wouldn’t because of fatigue.  They are careless with their tongue.  They are also pale.  Their pallor gives their nighttime activities away. Continue reading “Sobriety” →

WAKE UP!

While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.  I Thess. 5:3

            True prophetic voices have always been at odds with those who claimed to be prophets but were proclaiming things that weren’t true.  When the nation of Israel, in Old Testament times, was about to be led into captivity because of their disobedience, God’s prophets warned them while false prophets proclaimed messages of wellbeing.  God lamented that His people were ignoring the truth.  “These are rebellious people, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.  They say to the seers, “See no more visions!” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right!  Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.  Stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!”  (Isaiah 30:9-11) Continue reading “Wake Up!” →

GETTING READY FOR HIS APPEARING

For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.  I Thess. 5:2

One of the challenges with biblical prophecy is this; I know that hundreds of biblical prophecies, given in the Old Testament, were perfectly fulfilled in the life of Jesus, yet that can seem far removed from me emotionally.  I wasn’t alive, standing in His presence when Jesus said, “I’m coming again.  Get ready.” If I had been there, it would be easier to feel connected to Jesus’ words. Continue reading “Getting Ready For His Appearing” →

THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Now as to the times and the precise season and dates, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.  I Thess. 5:1

Paul has just instructed the Thessalonian believers about death and how those who die in Christ will be raptured when Jesus comes back.  Paul did not need to follow up with in-depth teaching about the ‘signs of the Lord’s coming’.  He knew they studied the scriptures and were already acquainted with the earlier texts.  That is an assumption most pastors today can not make. Continue reading “The Need Of The Hour” →

ABOUT LOVE

Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write to you for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia.  But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more.  I Thess. 4:9-10

            It seems that the believers in Thessalonica love well. Paul praises them for this.  It appears as if they’ve mastered it yet Paul does not assume that.  He urges them to excel still more in showing Christ-like love.  It’s too important a subject to relax in because what often appears to be love is far from it. Continue reading “About Love” →

TWO PART PROVISION FOR HOLINESS

Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.  I Thess. 4:8

Scripture says that there are some who go astray from birth.  (Ps. 58:3) From the moment they are born, they are bent toward wickedness. The rest of humanity though, knows what it is like to be spoken to by the Spirit of God.  Made in His image, my conscience gives me warnings when I step over the line and partake in something unholy.  It’s easy to ignore it, yes, but I know when I’ve transgressed because my conscience is a rudder, prompting me to stay on the right path. Continue reading “Two Part Provision For Holiness” →

EVEN IN THIS?  ESPECIALLY IN THIS!

Each one of you should know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter.  I Thess. 4:4-6

What happens behind closed doors, in the privacy of one’s home, is often appalling.  While ministering to a group of eight hundred Christian women recently, I was reminded again of the desperate need within families, even Christian families.  The stories of abuse, incest, and neglect were rampant.  The days following the event, I cried out to God on behalf of His people.  The pain inflicted in the area of sexuality can be so severe.  What can often appear to others to be a solid Christian home is anything but that once night falls and the bedroom doors are closed. Continue reading “Even In This? Especially In This!” →

THE SOLITARY JOURNEY

For this is the will of God, your sanctification.  I Thess. 4:3

To be sanctified means to be set apart from the mainstream.  Those who are hand-picked from any group and set aside for another mission are usually the minority.  In a platoon, only someone in pristine physical and mental condition is called forward to take part in special ‘ops’.  Out of hundreds, there may only be one who qualifies. Continue reading “The Solitary Journey” →

AUTHORITY AND SPIRITUAL ABUSE

For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  I Thess. 4:2

            When Jesus was attacked by the scribes and Pharisees for His activities, He was quick to say that He had not acted on His own authority.  He only did what His father told Him to do.  The bottom line was clear.  “If what I’m doing causes you distress, take it up with God because I only do what He says. And, we are One, by the way.”  His claims should have sent all of them to their knees. Continue reading “Authority And Spiritual Abuse” →

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS?

May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you.  I Thess. 3:12

God has commanded His children to love all people.  Does that mean that I must feel affection for everyone?  No.  That would require that each person in my life, including my enemies, act lovable. I have often felt guilty for not having feelings of love toward a certain person.  I just couldn’t conjure up the warm affectionate emotions that I thought characterized God’s love. Continue reading “What Kind Of Love Is This?” →