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"ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS BLAMELESS"  Nov. 17

Several verses in the 2 chapters (3 & 4) of our 1 Thessalonians reading today are very meaningful for us as we struggle with influences that can undermine our faith.  In many ways it was a better atmosphere a few generations ago (in the western world), not only because moral standards were higher, but because the churches generally, although misunderstanding some of the foundation teaching of Jesus and the Apostles, nevertheless had a measure of influence for good and right living in the world.

It is not so today, therefore even greater effort is needed by us individually - it is even more vital to read and meditate on God’s word – at some point each day.  We read how Paul was anxious about the state of the faith in the hearts of the believers in Thessalonica and is comforted “now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love …[3 v.6] adding “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.  For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord/” [v.7,8].

Committed believers survived then by helping each other, Paul told the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” [6 v.2] Back in Thessalonians we read, “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another … that he may establish your hearts blameless in holinessbefore our God and father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” [[v.12,13].   The end of ch. 4 gives us more details of his dramatic return.

As the troubles being experienced in our world grow greater we will need to “establish” this attitude more and more.  Notice, Paul does not say “establish” your minds in the sense of intellectual understanding, although that is important, but “establish your hearts.”     In Ch. 4 he emphasizes this this, saying “you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another … we urge you brothers, to do this more and more …” [v.9,10] Our chapters in Nehemiah show the tremendous teamwork he inspired among those rebuilding the gates and walls of Jerusalem. Ch. 3 lists 33 individuals and groups each working on the part of the wall nearest them.  There are enemies trying to stop them, but Nehemiah says, “Do not be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord who is great and awesome …” [4 v.14]

There is a comparison here with what Paul wrote in 2nd Cor, “…we are not waging war according to the flesh. … the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We … take every thought captive to obey Christ”   [10 v.3-5] - by that means we will “establish (our) hearts blameless.”

“… BUT TO PLEASE GOD”  Nov. 16

A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.  What motivates us to do things?  What motivated Paul?  Today, it can be; to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment, some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves.

Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God.” [2v.4]

Let us be conscious, as Paul was - and states in his next words – that we, “….please God who tests our hearts.”  So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives.  Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says,  “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness.  Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others … “ [v.5,6] The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office.

Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers.” [2 v.13]

May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking.  We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers.”

"STRUGGLING ON YOUR BEHALF IN HIS PRAYERS"  Nov. 15

The wonder and reality of effective prayer confronts us in today’s readings.  Paul tells the Colossians to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving ... pray also for us” [4 v.2,3] Paul is imprisoned, he asks them to “remember my chains” [v.18]

A believer from Colossae is with him “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers”   And what is he praying for with such an earnest struggle?  The verse continues, “that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” [v.12]  Are there some we should utter such a prayer for?  There could be many!

How ‘alive’ with meaning are those words!  All prayer is made, or should be, conscience of the will of God – there are times when we implore God that it might be his will that something will – or will not – occur – or cease; that a ‘thorn in the flesh’ might be removed – or understanding given to appreciate God’s will in allowing it. (see 2 Cor. 12 v.7-10) . The prayer from the heart of a committed believer is made knowing that God has the oversight of their lives – and God sees that in the lives of “those who love God, all things work together for good” [Rom.8 v.28], that is for the good of God’s will and purpose, the ultimate example being the mortal life of our Lord.

Today we started reading the book of Nehemiah and it has heart stirring lessons for us. “O Lord” he prays “let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear (be in awe of) your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” [1 v.11]

And who is this man? It is Artaxerxes, the king of Persia to whom Nehemiah is cupbearer.   Nehemiah has received distressing news about the state of things in Jerusalem and the king asks, “Why is your face so sad?” [2 v.2] He tells him why “… the place of my Father’s graves lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed …” [v.3]

The king responds, “What are you requesting?”  How is Nehemiah to answer?  “So I prayed to the God of heaven” [v.4]  That was obviously an instant prayer! We are going to read the outcome of that prayer – and of the traumas and successes that follow in Nehemiah’s life.

We may well have challenging situations like that especially as this world threatens more and more to fall apart. Some of us could be confronted with awesome situations that cause us to “struggle” in prayer.  May we all practice more and more the intimacy and intensity of heart felt prayer to our Maker and Redeemer.      (all quotes from ESV)

"BE STRONG AND DO IT"  Nov. 14

Today we completed reading the book of Ezra.  Only the last 4 chapters were written by or for him, the first 6 are to be seen as a continuation of 2 Chronicles.   Before Ezra came, the people - led by Zerubbabel, and encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (ch.5 v.1,2)  had rebuilt the Temple. When Ezra arrived it became plain many had not, however, regained the spiritual vision of a true relationship with their God.

We can see some comparisons with today’s Christianity – and also with the nation of Israel.  Churches continue to exist and be built and some flourish and the nation of Israel has now sustained its existence for more than 60 years, but these achievements are physical, they are not an end in themselves.

The nation to which Ezra came had compromised their separation from unbelievers.  They lived among people who had some knowledge of God, especially those who came to be known as Samaritans (Ch. 4 v.2) but also among idol worshipers. When Ezra realized many had taken wives from among them, including some of the priests; Ezra proved himself the strong minded God fearing man needed to inspire them to correct this situation.

We read Ezra’s confession of great concern in yesterday’s chapter 9.  “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up …” [v.6]  Today’s chapter starts, “ … Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly.”

Shecaniah, one of the leaders, addressed Ezra, “we have broken faith with our God … but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. Therefore let us make a covenant with our God and put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God.”[v.2,3]

His final words to Ezra are an inspiration to all who have fallen away – or who are in the process of doing so – to turn back and serve God and his Son in the way that was established in the First Century as we read today in Colossians: many verses illustrate this point. Paul encourages them that “being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding …” [2 v.2]  Truly, God is a “mystery” to those who do not search the Scriptures he inspired to be written, let us not be guilty of that.  Paul feared that some “may delude you with plausible arguments” [v.4] ; and so it has happened more and more through the centuries.

Finally, we specially note the ‘punch line’ in Ezra of Shecaniah’s final words to him, “we are with you, be strong and do it.” [v.4] This is a recipe for action by all who have slipped or are starting to slip away from true belief and service to God in our days.

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A five-part series by Nathan Lewis, dealing with the very real problem of our propensity to sin - He investigates the problems we face and offers some helpful solutions. A very informative and helpful set of videos that are well worth a watch. This talk emphasizes the critical importance of our minds and our thinking, takes a candid look at the Carnal Mind - it's origins, it's anatomy and physiology, it's limitations, and paints the portrait of it's hideous characteristics that alienate us from God.

"THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH ..."  Nov. 13

The Apostle Paul has some challenging points to make in his letter to believers  at Colossae – most of them are really relevant to us today,  An very important point is the power of prayer. Paul rejoices that “the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you … is bearing fruit and growing” [1 v.5,6]

The gospel is not static – it is a living message, it grows; when we have really embraced it into our hearts and minds it shows its presence within us; this was happening in Colossae and so writes Paul “from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you …” [v.9]  Now, note what he prays for: it is no general prayer of thanksgiving, but “…asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”  How do we read God’s word?  For what purpose? What effect does it have on us?  We should also ask ourselves, ‘With what spirit, in what frame of mind do I read it? Is it limited to the aim of understanding it a little better?

We should reflect on Paul’s words about having “all spiritual wisdom” as a result of our reading and ponder whether there is real evidence of this in us.  The next verse (10) shows the result that comes when our minds are filled in this way, it leads us “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fullypleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  Do you, did I, “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” yesterday?  If not, let us aim to do so today that we may be “fully pleasing to him.”

“I WAS ASHAMED TO ASK  Nov 12

Today’s reading in Ezra [Ch. 8] does not look at first very interesting with all its detail about those returning from captivity in Babylon.  It appears that Ezra himself wrote this chapter and the next. He led a company of Levites who were returning to Jerusalem and they had with them a great quantity of gold and silver, as detailed in ch. 7; this was the what Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple about 100 years before.

The Persian King is motivated to send it back to the Temple that had now been reconstructed.  It is just possible that this King was the son of Queen Esther of whom we are going to read in a couple of weeks’ time. Ahasuerus is mentioned ch. 4 v.6 and Daniel refers to a king of this name in his ch.9 v.1: a connection would explain the action of this king Artaxerxes (see ch. 7 v.21)

These Levites are carrying a cargo of enormous value, the 20 gold bowls [v.27] alone contained 250 ounces of gold!   What a target for robbers what a challenge of faith for Ezra and his fellow Levites..

Ezra proclaims a fast [v.21] before they set out “that we might humble ourselves”.  He then said, “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all those who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all those who forsake him’.”

Scripture shows that sometimes God leads us through the valleys for our ‘long term’ good – that we grow and gain the full assurance of faith: these are times of testing to teach us to even more earnestly commit our lives to God. If we are ‘soldiers for Christ’ there are journeys to be undertaken and tests to be endured; we will read examples of such in Paul’s letters from tomorrow as we have just finished reading in Acts.  As we grow spiritually stronger we must not be ashamed of professing our faith.

When Ezra reaches Jerusalem he says, “The hand of our God was on us and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.” [v.31]   As we complete the journey of our own lives may we say the same – or when it is evident that our Lord is returning and the ‘virgins’ are going forth with their lamps and are seeing “the power of his wrath  … against all those who forsake him” [v.22]

Two wonderfully in-depth studies based on the book of Daniel 11 - this is a must-see series that will open up these chapters.

Please share on your timelines and with anyone /ecclesial pages etc that you believe may benefit from this video.?? that it may bring Glory to our God.

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/ku3h2-a6b6f/Christadelphians-Talk-Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/christadelphians-talk/id1448751691

https://christadelphianstalks.podbean.com/

https://anchor.fm/Christadelphians-Talk

Watch / read / Listen to other thoughts for the day on our site here

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/category/thought-for-the-day-2/

Bro Roger Lewis leads us in this wonderful short series of studies looking at some interesting biblical topics that are not so simple to answer