Tag: faithful messenger
Standing firm!
Scripture reading for June 14th: Ephesians 6, Psalm 118, Proverbs 25
Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
Paul concludes his encouraging letter with simple advice to fellow believers. They are in a war with dark spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. The path of victory is already provided by their Lord Jesus Christ. If they will put on the full armor of God and stand firm, victory is already won! Standing fully clothed in Christ’s armor is simply explained. The belt is Truth (Jesus is the Truth), the breastplate is Christ’s righteousness, Their feet have the Gospel of Christ, and their sword is God’s Word, Jesus Christ! He is their salvation helmet and faith in Him is the shield of protection. Praise the Lord for His perfect armor!
Psalm 118:14-17 “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, the right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly! I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing Your strength through the Holy Spirit to stand firm in Jesus Christ, our Armor! Lord, I want to be a faithful messenger, sent by You to those who need salvation. Use my feet to go to the lost and my mouth to speak Your Word of Truth. You are my strength and my song of salvation! You have done valiantly and defeated all my enemies! I recount Your awesome deeds!
Proverbs 25:13 “Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.”
Do all in love!
Scripture reading for July 26th: 1st Corinthians 16, Psalm 149, Proverbs 25
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 16:13-14, 22-24 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. . . .If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
Paul loved concise final words and encouragement. These short sentences summarize points he had brought up in the longer body of the letter. He encouraged watchfulness against divisions and judging others. They were to remain strong in faith so he again brought up love and its supreme importance in all things. Faith works by love. Our love for Jesus is foundational as well as our love for each other. Paul sent his love as well!
Faith Confession: Lord, thank You for these short and plain reminders of what is important. Thank You for Your love and the love of other believers that encourages my faith. Help me to be a faithful and loving messenger.
Proverbs 25:13 “Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.”
Entering the Master’s Joy!
Scripture reading for February 4th: Matthew 25, Psalm 25, Proverbs 25
Key Scriptures: Matthew 25:22-23 “And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.'”
One of the last stories Jesus told His disciples was this parable of the talents. A master gathered his faithful servants and entrusted them with funds according to their ability. He then left and told them to do his business until he returned. Upon return, the servants were gathered for an accounting. Two of the servants brought in an increase and one failed to produce any increase. Those who were faithful were commended and rewarded. The one who because of fear failed to produce lost everything he had plus his relationship with the master.
Faith’s Confession: Lord, thank You for entrusting me with gifts and talents to be used for Your business of winning souls. Help me to remember that there will be an accounting of my stewardship. I want to hear: “Well done!” from Jesus Christ!
Proverbs 25:13 “Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.”