January 4 - Increasing Faith and Love

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”  2 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

These words and promise come from the second letter the Apostle Paul wrote and sent to the believers meeting together in the city of Thessalonica.  We have heard and know that we are saved by faith when we accept Jesus as our Savior who died for us.  We have also been told that we live the Christian life by faith.  According to our verse today we are reminded that our faith can be increasing, becoming stronger and stronger.  Our faith does not have to remain the same as it was when we first came to believe and receive Jesus' gift of eternal life.  So, it is a good thing for us to ask ourselves if our faith is growing more and more.  Let's not be satisfied unless it is.  The challenges and difficult times that come into our lives are opportunities to trust God and our faith will grow.  Our Lord is ready to help us by showing us more and more of His ability to meet our needs.  Let's trust Him for more of our needs today.  Then these words can be applied to us.  That is God's will and we can thank Him for the increase of faith and love for one another.  

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September 20 – In the Family

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”  Matthew 12:50 (ESV)

These words were spoken by the Son of God.  He was involved from the very beginning of the creation of the universe.  We have a wonderful relationship with our Father in the family of God because of what His Son, Jesus has done for us.  Jesus makes this clear in this statement recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.  Even though He is the Son of God and is all-powerful, is every where present, and is all knowing, He is willing to accept us, His creatures into this eternal family relationship.  For it is by faith you are or can be His brother or His sister and a member of His family.  You are not just His creature, you are not just a far-off relative, you are related to Him as His brother or His sister.  He calls us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him throughout each day by doing the will of His Father who is also our Father.  Our relationship with God our Father is direct, just as a son or daughter, without any mediator other than Jesus, the Son of God. 

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October 10 – Family through Faithfulness

“He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:48-50 (NIV)

It is good to be a part of a family and especially to be a part of God's family. Some people find themselves alone in this world but today's promise is for everyone, if they choose, to be a part of God's family. This was a time in Jesus' ministry that his immediate family came to see him. When Jesus was told his mother and brothers were asking after him, he asked the question in this verse. Pointing to those who were with him listening to his teaching he identified them as his family. Jesus considered his family to be all those who followed and did the will of His Father in heaven. Jesus included us as well when he said “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven” is my family. All who believe are brothers and sisters of Christ  – that's the promise we have.

September 2 – Not For Naught

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

It is Labor Day weekend, a time when we remember and celebrate all that is done by those who work in our country.  Labor is good and it is honorable. Our verse today is one that reminds us that there is work to do for our Lord and those who do that work are promised that their work is worthwhile. For some, the Lord's work takes more time. For others, they may think their life's work is over. But even the very smallest thing that is done to fulfill God's purpose through us is not forgotten by Him. He watches over us and knows everything we do every day and He rewards every effort, little or large, done in His name. Let's stand firm today fully committed to do what the Lord has given us to do.