February 16 -- "Illumined by the Spirit"

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Read 1 Corinthians 2

Grasping the deep and profound wisdom of God goes beyond mere human understanding—it requires the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. Here in verse 14, Scripture highlights that a person relying solely on their natural intellect cannot accept or understand the things of the Spirit of God because they are grasped only through spiritual discernment.

Imagine trying to decipher a foreign language without any translator—it’s like trying to comprehend God's wisdom without the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s illumination, the divine truths often appear perplexing, irrelevant, or even foolish.

So how does a non-believer ever come to recognize and embrace Christ if they can't perceive spiritual truths? The incredible truth of Scripture is that God, in His mysterious and gracious ways, initiates this spiritual perception. Although non-believers may initially struggle to perceive spiritual truths on their own, God, in His grace and mercy, extends His hand through the Holy Spirit to "turn on the light" and reveal Himself supernaturally.

When the Holy Spirit first unveils spiritual truths to a non-believer, it can be a profound and transformative experience, filled with a mixture of emotions and realizations such as astonishment and awe, conviction of sin, joy and peace, curiosity and spiritual hunger, humility, and hope. This first encounter with the Holy Spirit's illumination marks the beginning of a journey of faith, growth, and transformation, as the non-believer steps into a new life in Christ and starts to understand the magnificent truths of God's kingdom.

When our human intellect and worldly wisdom fall short in understanding spiritual truths, it is the powerful and mysterious work of the Holy Spirit's enlightenment that reveals God's mysteries and deepens our understanding.

In your daily walk, make it a priority to invite the Holy Spirit into your study of Scripture and your decision-making processes. Ask Him to illuminate the Word and grant you the discernment necessary to comprehend and apply its truths. Remember, it is through the Spirit that we receive God's wisdom, enabling us to live out our faith with conviction and clarity.

February 15 -- "The Foolishness of the Cross"

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Read 1 Corinthians 1

God's wisdom transcends human understanding and often works in ways that seem paradoxical or illogical by human standards. Take, for example, The Battle of Jericho in Joshua 6: Conquering a fortified city like Jericho would typically require a well-planned military strategy and a strong army. Yet, God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to simply march around the city for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting.  How foolish! But the walls of Jericho fell, showcasing God's power and unconventional wisdom.

To human reasoning, the larger your army the greater your advantage in battle, right? But, in Judges 7, God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men.  How foolish! And yet, Gideon's armies won the battle and were able to attribute their success to God’s power and not to human strength.

In 1 Samuel 17--Israel sends a young shepherd boy with nothing more than a sling and some stones to face a giant warrior.  How foolish! And yet, David's confidence in God led to his victory over Goliath that day.

In 1 Kings 17, during a famine, a widow and her son were nearing the end of their food supply. But God told her to use the last bit of her flour and oil to feed the prophet Elijah instead of herself and her son. How foolish! Yet, the Lord miraculously multiplied the widow's flour and oil so that it did not run out until the famine ended.

Or that time in John 9:6 when a blind man needed healing.  Inexplicably, Jesus used dirt and saliva to make mud which He applied to the man's eyes.  How Foolish!  And yet, the man came back seeing. 

All of these examples highlight God's wisdom. Though it may seem foolish to human reasoning and logic, it is far superior to any manmade wisdom.

The ultimate display of God’s superior wisdom is in the crucifixion of Jesus.  The Father gave His Son to the world so that His excruciatingly brutal death, shedding His blood on the cross, would bring salvation to lost humanity.   How foolish! From a human perspective the cross seems to be a defeat and a humiliating end. But, through Jesus' death and resurrection, He accomplished the ultimate victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all of us. What appeared to be weakness was, in fact, the greatest demonstration of God's power and wisdom.

The message of the cross, the cornerstone of our faith, might seem utterly irrational and foolish to some. After all, how can you be saved simply by believing in a Man who died a brutal death at the hands of the Romans?   How foolish! Yet, God revealed His supreme wisdom by declaring: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

As you face uncertainties in life with seemingly no way out, always look to God who can transform your situation in unexpected and perhaps even "foolish" ways.  And, as you share your faith with others, may you remain unashamed of the Gospel, even when others view it as foolishness. It may seem "foolish" to some, but your testimony of the cross's power can be a beacon of hope and a testimony to God's transformative wisdom and power in people's lives.

February 14 -- "When Weariness Sets In"

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Read 2 Thessalonians 3

Weariness touches every corner of our lives – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. When we grow weary, it's as if our batteries are drained, leaving us struggling to stay motivated and engaged in our daily tasks. This sense of weariness can often lead to discouragement, making us feel like our efforts are futile or go unrecognized.

Physically, Weariness shows up as sheer exhaustion.  This can drain our energy, weaken our immune system, and impair physical function, making even simple tasks feel exhausting. Mentally, Weariness can cloud our judgment and muddle our ability to think clearly. Emotionally, It can make us feel overwhelmed and irritable, creating tension in our relationships with others. Spiritually, Weariness can lead to a weakened faith, allowing doubts and fears to creep in.  We may start to question God's presence and His plans for us.

In today’s verse from 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages believers to keep going despite any weariness or challenges they may be facing. He understands the challenges that can come over time with living righteously, but urges the faithful to stay steadfast, knowing that their efforts in the Lord's work are never in vain.

The remarkable thing about our God is that He also understands our weariness and offers to refresh, renew, and revitalize us. Have you not known? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;  But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Keep your focus on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith.  He is your strength and your example. When you start to feel weary, draw near to Him, and He will renew your strength. Be persistent in your pursuit of doing good, knowing that God sees your efforts and is pleased with your faithfulness.

May the Lord, who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak, renew your spirit and refresh your soul this very day.

February 13 -- "BE NOT DECEIVED"

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Read 2 Thessalonians 2

In our rapidly shifting world, it’s all too easy to be swayed by popular opinions and misleading doctrines. Paul’s wise counsel here in 2 Thessalonians 2 urges us to stay alert and avoid being deceived. Deception often starts subtly, with small compromises or slight distortions of the truth, leading us gradually off the path of righteousness.

Imagine deception as a fog that clouds our vision. We might believe we’re on the right course, only to find ourselves led astray. This illustrates our need for constant vigilance and dependence on God’s truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). By anchoring ourselves in Him and His words, we can illuminate our path and expose the falsehoods that seek to mislead us.

Paul addresses a particular deception regarding the end times and Christ’s return. Some individuals in the Thessalonian church were spreading false teachings that the Day of the Lord had already arrived, causing confusion and anxiety among believers. Paul aimed to correct this misunderstanding and bring clarity by countering the misinformation with God’s steadfast truth.

This scenario is a prime example of how false teachings can infiltrate the church, leading believers to lose their peace and focus. It underscores the importance of using God’s Word as the ultimate "fact-checker" to combat falsehood. Paul's guidance reminds us of the necessity of sound doctrine and the importance of testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture.

To protect ourselves from deception, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture daily, truly understanding what the Bible teaches—and what it does not. We must not only know WHAT we believe, but know WHY we believe what we believe! Let God’s Word be the lamp to your feet and the light to your path. Be wise and discerning, testing every spirit and teaching by the truth of the Bible. Do not let anyone deceive you!

May the Lord open your eyes to His truth and protect you from deception. May His Holy Spirit guide you with wisdom and understanding, and may your heart remain attuned to His Word and receptive to His leading.

February 12 -- "Walking The Talk"

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Read 2 Thessalonians 1

As followers of Christ, we're called to something BIG, and the way we live should reflect that. In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul prays for the believers in Thessalonica, asking that they be made "worthy" of this divine calling.

Living in a manner worthy of our calling means leading a life that mirrors the incredible purpose God has bestowed upon us as Christ's followers. It's not about trying to earn this worthiness through our own actions, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within.

No matter how much we strive, we can never achieve worthiness through our own efforts. Our human nature is imperfect, and our best actions fall short of God's perfect standards. That's why Paul prays for the Lord to "make them" worthy. It's a plea for the Holy Spirit to work within their lives, in such a powerful way that their "walk" aligns with their "talk"—that the inner transformation in their hearts manifests in transformed behavior in their daily lives.

When a person's walk aligns with their talk, it brings about a profound sense of integrity and authenticity. They feel a deep inner peace and satisfaction, knowing that their actions are consistent with their beliefs and values. This harmony between their inner convictions and outward behavior fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Ephesians 4:1 also urges us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." This walk involves daily surrender, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character and guide our attitudes, behaviors, and words. It's about letting our lives serve as a testament to God's grace, demonstrating love, patience, and humility in everything we do.

Practically speaking, living in a way that is worthy of our calling means living like Jesus, seeking opportunities to serve others, being diligent in our work, shunning sin, staying faithful in prayer, living with integrity, and bearing spiritual fruit in our lives.

May the Lord grant you strength and wisdom to live a life worthy of the calling He has placed upon you. May He fill you with His Spirit, enabling you to fulfill every good purpose and bring glory to His name.

February 11 -- "Faith's Transforming Journey"

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Read 1 Thessalonians 5

The instant you embrace the incredible gift of Christ's salvation, you're immediately set apart for God—sanctified—made holy and righteous through your faith. Your status before God shifts to one of Forgiven. Justified. Holy. That alone is worth celebrating!

God calls you "holy and blameless" not because of your performance but because of your position in Christ. This declaration is based on what Jesus has done for you, not on what you’ve done for Him.

Yet, while you became a new and holy creation in God's sight instantly, there remains a journey ahead. Practically speaking, there's still a way to go before you are fully separated from sin. It is normal for your old habits and desires to try and draw you back. It is like venturing into uncharted territory, where each step uncovers new wonders and presents unique challenges.

But here's the great news: you're not walking this path alone. The Holy Spirit is your faithful companion, continually working within you, transforming you step by step into the wonderful person Jesus has declared you to be. It is the Spirit’s work to make your practical reality match your status before God.

Proverbs 4:18 paints this picture beautifully: "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." This verse highlights the progressive journey of righteous living, growing clearer and more brilliant like the rising sun. As you progress, you'll find that each step of faith brings you closer to God's heart, much like how an explorer moves closer to their ultimate destination. The journey is gradual, sometimes challenging, but always an adventure.

Each day, as you spend time with Him, immerse yourself in His Word, and choose to follow His guidance, you'll find yourself shining a bit brighter, reflecting His love and light more and more.

And here's something thrilling: there's a splendid finish line waiting for you! The day is coming when you will be entirely freed from sin and its effects, fully transformed into the perfect image of Christ! Paul’s prayer in verse 23 envisions this finish line, calling for believers to be “sanctified completely,” in spirit, soul, and body. Imagine it—becoming 100% like Christ.

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He’ll do it!

February 10 -- "Rapture!"

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Read 1 Thessalonians 4

The incredible hope of every believer is beautifully captured in the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where we are told that we will be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air. This promise brings us comfort, hope, and a sense of urgency in our journey with Christ.

The Greek word for "caught up" in this verse is "ἁρπάζω" (harpazō). It means to be seized, snatched, or taken away suddenly and forcefully. In the New Testament context, it describes a powerful, swift action by which believers will be taken upward to meet the Lord in the air. The In English, we call this the “rapture,” a word derived from the Latin word "raptus," which also means to seize or snatch by force.

The rapture won't be a gradual or slow process; it will be a quick and decisive action by which Jesus will gather His church. This insight highlights the importance of being prepared and living with the expectation of Christ's imminent return.

Picture yourself driving down the freeway at high speeds, with the wind rushing past your windows and the engine humming steadily. Suddenly, without warning, your car shifts into first gear. The change is immediate and jarring, causing a powerful jolt that throws you forward in your seat. Everything changes in an instant.

This abrupt and forceful shift is similar to what the Apostle Paul describes with the Greek word harpazō. The rapture will be a sudden, powerful, jarring event that takes believers unexpectedly, much like that unexpected gear shift. One moment we are going about our daily lives, and the next, we will be seized and taken up to meet the Lord in the air.

This understanding should inspire us to live with a sense of hope, readiness, and anticipation. We should keep our focus on Jesus, living out our faith with zeal and commitment, knowing that at any moment, we could be snatched away to be with Him forever.

May this truth strengthen your faith and fill you with joy and hope as you await the glorious return of our Savior.