PSALM 1 MEDITATION

Psalm 4:8 - PERFECT PEACE WHEN PRONE by Susan Slade

PSALM 4:8 

PERFECT PEACE WHEN PRONE

I will both lay me down

in peace, and sleep:

for thou, Lord, only

makest me dwell

in safety.

David could lie down and sleep without fear or trepidation because he had surrendered control to the Lord God. He trusted the safety of himself and his men to the Lord Almighty. He asserted that God was the only One who could guarantee his security.

I sometimes wonder how our brothers and sisters, the Coptic church in Egypt, the persecuted believers in places like Syria, Iraq, Columbia, China, North Korea, etc. can ever sleep at night.  There are over 50 countries that are restrictive or even hostile to Christianity, and in many it is even against the law to share the gospel. You can read more about this at www.persection.com. Yet they do sleep because they trust in the same God that David knew, the Good Shepherd, the One who laid down His life for His sheep. He is the Lord Jesus who promises that no one can grab us out of His hand (read John 10:27-28).

We who believe in Jesus need not lie awake because of the trials we face day to day in this life.  We have a Father who cares more about our needs and concerns than we do—so much so that He was willing to offer His Son to redeem us and bring us into covenant relationship with Him. The verse above is an excellent memory verse to hide away for those fearful times, as is Psalm 56:3 which says, ”What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

EPHESIANS 6:10 - MEMORIAL DAY

1 THESSALONIANS 4:16-18 - CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS by Susie Hale

Caught Up in the Clouds

I wonder what it will be like

to be caught up in the clouds,

to hear the trumpet call of God

and the archangel shouting aloud.

Will it feel like floating on water?

Will I be too excited to care?

Even with questions unanswered,

I’m just grateful to know I’ll be there.

For whether I’m one of the dead being raised

or I’m standing on earth when He comes,

it will be the most amazing moment

to be in the presence of the Son!

I’ll be reunited with all of my loved ones

and friends who fell asleep in the Lord.

And how do I know this will come to pass?

God promised me in His Word.

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, 

with a loud command,

with the voice of the archangel 

and with the trumpet call of God,

and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that,

we who are still alive and are left

will be caught up together with them in the clouds

to meet the Lord in the air. 

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage each other with these words.”

I Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)

            Both letters to the church at Thessalonica place an emphasis on the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians to take hope in the reality of the Lord’s fulfillment of his promise to come back to take us to the place he has prepared for us (John 14:2-3).  He also gave important instructions on how we as Christians should live in the light of this knowledge.

            My prayer is that the pages of this book will encourage you to read all of I and II Thessalonians.  As you read these meditations on God’s word, journal your own thoughts as well. The photographs and poetry will help you to see clouds with a new wonder. Glorious clouds at dawn and sunset demonstrate the Lord’s power. Storm clouds symbolize obstacles to overcome. White fluffy clouds are like the peace I have in knowing Jesus. Allow clouds to remind you of the day when those of us who trust in Christ will be “caught up in the clouds” and “be with the Lord forever.”  

2 THESSALONIANS 3:10 & 13 - UNTIL JESUS COMES

Until Jesus Comes

What are we to do until Jesus comes?

As the old hymn says, “We’ll work.”

Paul made it clear that our daily duties

We are not to shirk.

We’ll earn our bread and not be idle

Never tiring of doing what’s right.

And watch the clouds for Christ’s return

When from this earth, we’ll take flight.

“For when we were with you, we gave you this rule:

‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’”

“…And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.”

II Thessalonians 3:10 and 13 (NIV)

ĕrgazŏmai²⁰³⁸ – to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by impl.) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.: - commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.

kalŏpŏiĕō²⁵⁶⁹ – to do well, i.e. live virtuously: - well doing

            As a teenager, I always wondered where to find the biblical basis for the hymn, “We’ll Work ‘til Jesus Comes”.  Now I’ve found it!  The exhortation to continue working was given because some Thessalonians took Paul’s preaching about Christ’s return to mean that it was so imminent they just needed to sit back and wait. Paul wrote to remind them that he worked to earn his keep when he was with them and taught them that they should do the same.

While anticipating Christ’s return like a child the night before Christmas, we are still to go about our daily lives earning a living, caring for our families, and most importantly, doing what is right. The King James Version warns us not to “grow weary in well doing.” I tend to swing way too far one way or the other.  I’m either so engrossed in my job that I neglect my time with the Lord, or I’m so caught up in longing for Christ’s return that I have a difficult time doing the necessary chores of life. 

Throughout I and II Thessalonians we are reminded that Christ is coming back for us and to be ready and excited about that day. However, we are also reminded to take every opportunity to live virtuously and be good workers here and now. What shall we do until Jesus comes? Work, do well, and live in glorious anticipation of the day when we will be caught up in the clouds with our Lord!

Father, help me to keep the proper perspective of life on this earth. Help me to remember that my longest, saddest times here are a mere grain of sand in the hourglass of my eternal life. Help me to support myself in a way that honors you, to take every opportunity to be a blessing to others, and to be ready at all times for your return.

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17 - ENCOURAGEMENT

Encouragement

Father, you keep showing me

ways to pray for my family.

Lord, encourage my children’s hearts.

Strengthen them your word to impart.

Give them power to do good deeds.

Let them know your love has met their needs.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace 

gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you 

in every good deed and word.”

II Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)

paraklēsis³⁸⁷⁴ – imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.

parakalĕō³⁸⁷⁰ – to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray.

            “Mine!” said the toddler as he grabbed the toy from his baby sister. From the earliest moments of life we are self-centered and selfishly motivated. Treating others well must be patiently taught and modeled.  Sharing is one of the most difficult concepts we convey to our children. Perhaps this is because we have not mastered the practice of thinking of others above ourselves even as adults.

            For this reason we need to pray for our children and for each other that Christ will strengthen us in every good deed and word.  Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  Here he prays that Christ will strengthen the Thessalonians. He also prays that the Lord will encourage them.

            The Lord encourages us through the work of the Holy Spirit (Paraklētŏs-an intercessor, consoler: advocate, comforter.) The Spirit convicts, instructs, and guides us into truth (John 16:5-15). The Lord illumines the scripture as we read so we may know what good deeds we are to do and be encouraged to do them. He helps us to understand his word and share it with others. He comforts us and enables us to comfort others (II Corinthians 1:3-7).

            Lord, strengthen me to do your will and to encourage those you place in my path. Help Tom, Esther, and Christan to be strong in your love and choose their words and deeds according to your will.  Thank you for the encouragement you have given through your word, your Holy Spirit, and the family and friends you have placed in my life.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 - THE OPPOSITE OF HALLITOSIS

The Opposite of Halitosis

“His breath could knock you down,”

is said with pinched nose and a frown

when someone’s breath is truly found disgusting.

But the breath that will totally consume

and send the Antichrist to his doom

is the sweet breath of the Savior we’re trusting.

“And then the lawless one will be revealed,

whom the lord Jesus will overthrow 

with the breath of his mouth

and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”

II Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)

analiskō³⁵⁵ – prop. to use up, i.e. destroy: - consume.

pnĕuma⁴¹⁵¹ – a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.

katargĕō²⁶⁷⁶ – to be (render) entirely idle (useless), lit. or fig.: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.

ĕpiphanĕia²⁰¹⁵ – a manifestation, i.e. (spec.) the advent of Christ (past or fut.): - appearing, brightness.

            “If looks could kill...” is another trite expression. But when Christ returns at the end of the tribulation, the brightness of his appearance and the breath of his mouth will totally annihilate the Antichrist. Ultimate Light will overcome all darkness.

            Christians debate over whether we will be taken to heaven before the tribulation, midway through it, or at the end of it.  It’s interesting to study, and I have my own opinion based on the scriptures. However, the most important concept to grasp is that when it is all said and done, Jesus wins. If we are his children, we are in the winning army; and we have the advantage of already knowing the outcome.

            Our Lord is powerful. We can trust him in every trial, great or small. We can tap into his might through prayer, and we need never fear. Life here and now is just the beginning, not the end of our journey.  The present is difficult, often painful, sometimes discouraging. But take heart! This is a mere moment in time compared to eternity with our Lord Jesus.

            Lord, help me to live in the present with my hope resting solidly in the amazing future you have planned for me.  Thank you for being with me through all the problems here on earth, my “ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1b NIV)

2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-12 - MIRACULOUS POWER SUPPLY

Miraculous Power Supply

Lord, You supply the power

for every work of faith.

Help me to wholly lean on You,

living each day by Your grace.

“With this in view we constantly pray for you,

that our God may deem and count you worthy 

of [your] callingand [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, 

and with power complete in every particular [your] work 

of faith [faith which is that leaning 

of the whole human personality on God 

in absolute trust and confidence in His power, 

wisdom and goodness].

Thus may the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified

and become more glorious through and in you, 

and may you [also be glorified] in Him according to the grace (favor and blessing) of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ,

the Messiah, the Anointed One.”

II Thessalonians 1:11-12 (Amplified Version)

dunamis¹⁴¹¹ – force (lit. or fig.); spec. miraculous power (usually by impl. A miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

pistis⁴¹⁰² – persuasion, i.e. credence; mor. convicition (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), espec. reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstr. constancy in such profession; by extns. The system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

            Sweet Pea is in the clutches of the bad guy. All seems lost. Popeye is scrawny compared to Brutus until he whips out his spinach, consumes it straight from the can, and sprouts muscles instantaneously. Sweat Pea is saved, and children everywhere eat their spinach.

God’s power is far better than spinach.  Without Jesus, I can do nothing; but if I stay close to him and allow him to live through me, I can do everything he has called me to do. (John 15:5, Philippians 4:13).

Miraculous power – have I ever prayed for that?  When I pray for my friends in ministry, do I pray that God will empower their works of faith in order to glorify Christ? I’ve come to the conclusion that I voice puny prayers. I pray, “Lord, if it’s your will, please strengthen Richard to lead men to a closer walk with you.” I pray as if God’s power is limited by our ability.  It is not.  I should pray, “Lord, I know it’s your will for men to be transformed by your grace. Infuse Richard with your power to speak boldly and live adventurously for you. Complete his work of faith by taking the men you’ve entrusted to him and totally renewing them to serve you faithfully.”

            Lord, I yearn to have absolute trust in your power, wisdom, and goodness. I pray that your power will be evident in the works of faith you are completing in and through me. I am relying on your ability to complete the work you started in me (Philippians 1:6) because I know that without faith in Christ I am incapable of pleasing you (Romans 8:5-11).

PROVERBS 31:28a - A WORD FOR CHRISTIAN MOTHERS

A WORD FOR CHRISTIAN MOTHERS

By Susie Hale and Susan Slade, 2017

Precious Jewels Ministries

Carrying a baby inside for months is one way to become a mother.

However, some women are meant to adopt the child of another.

Others have no “legal children” but mother someone who needs love.

What Christian mothers have in common is found in our Father above.

The Lord demonstrates mothering as He shelters us under His wings.

A mother protects her children from all kinds of harmful things.

Lord Jesus’ love was limitless, self-sacrificing and forever.

A mother goes to great lengths for her child and abandons them never.

A godly mother tells them of Jesus, teaches them Bible verses.

A good example for her children, she lives the attitudes she nurses.

A mother who models Christlikeness will be worthy of praise.

Your children will grow up to bless you for showing God’s love many ways.

A godly mother is infused with strength that comes only from the Lord.

Nurturing children can be a challenge; mothers must abide in God’s word.

In a world that devalues human life, reducing motherhood to a choice.

Embrace the privilege of motherhood and boldly raise your voice

To remind the world God says children are an inheritance and a reward.

They should never be treated as a bother, but be protected and adored.

Embrace the role of mother if you have been so blessed.

If you still can, embrace your mother for all the love that she expressed. 

2 THESSALONIANS 1:6-7 - BLAZING AVENGER

Blazing Avenger

The blazing Avenger 

who throws evil into hell

is the same loving Savior 

in whose arms I long to dwell.

The one who troubles troublers 

with His angels at his side

is the Christ who prepares 

a place in heaven for his bride.

“God is just: He will pay back trouble 

to those who trouble you

and give relief to you who are troubled, 

and to us as well.

This will happen when the Lord Jesus 

is revealed from heaven in blazing fire

 with his powerful angels.”

II Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NIV)

anĕsis⁴²⁵ – relaxation or (fig.) relief: - eased, liberty, rest

thlibō²³⁴⁶ – to crowd (lit. or fig.): - afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble

            Stuck in the crowd, she could only go where the mob carried her. At the intersection of hallways, someone pushed her; and the throng spat her out into the English hall. She had no choice but to go that way even though her class was in the opposite direction. Earlier in the day, the unwavering press of her fellow students held her captive at the scene of a fight that ended in blood and police officers. Her first day as the new kid in an overcrowded high school was a terrifying experience.

            The world presses in on us, persecutes us, and seems to narrow any possibility of escape to freedom. We are troubled. Sometimes we wonder why justice has vanished. However, the Lord warns us that in this world we will have tribulation, but he also reminds us that he has overcome the world.  The hope of future glory far outweighs our present sufferings (Romans 8:18-25). When Christ returns and we are caught up in the clouds, we will have relief, liberty, and rest from the pressure of the crowd. To be able to relax in the kingdom of heaven free from fear and tension forever is the hope we hold on to.

            I love the song “This World is Not My Home” because it reminds me that I’m not supposed to feel at home here. My home, my refuge, my ultimate place to relax, is in the place Christ has prepared for me.  He promised that he will return to take me to my place in his Father’s house (John 14), and when he does he will also send those who do evil to the place where they belong. I am assured of heaven, not because I deserve it; but because Jesus died and rose again to secure my home there. When the road to that home seems narrow because of afflictions, tribulations, and troubles of this world, I’ll ask the Lord to help me focus on the fact that “I’m just a-passin’ through.”  God is merciful.God is just. Relief will come and last for eternity.

            Father, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith so I will have the stamina I need in times of trouble (Hebrews 12:2-3). Thank you for the many passages in your word that remind me that my present state is only temporary, but the glory that you will provide in heaven is eternal. How I long for the day of Christ’s return when we will be caught up in the clouds!

1 THESSALONIANS 5:24 - GOD WILL DO IT

God Will Do It

Lord, I can’t possibly do all the things

I’ve recently read I should do.

I’m thankful you also gave me your word

That I can rest in you.

For you are the one working in me,

And I’ll be changed by your grace.

Help me to focus on being your child,

And seeking my Father’s face.

“Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself], 

and utterly trustworthy,

and He will also do it [that is, fulfill His call 

by hallowing and keeping you].

I Thessalonians 5:24 (Amplified)

pistŏs⁴¹⁰³ – obj. trustworthy; subj. trustful: - believe(-ing,-r), faithful (-ly), sure, true

pŏlĕō⁴¹⁶⁰ – to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct): …bring forth, cause, exercise, fulfill, perform…(These are just a few of the synonyms listed)

                I know that I’m not perfect,

                    And I shall never be.

                             But Jesus Christ is perfect

                                     And has come to save me.

            I wrote the four line verse above when I was just a teenager. It’s still extremely true today.  Yes, I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord; but I’m thankful that God sees Christ’s righteousness when he looks at me because my own truly is “as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Someone once told me that it was more important to be God’s child than to try to do God’s will. At the time I thought that doing all the things the Bible says I should do was how to be a good child. I was wrong.

            When I try to do good works and have good attitudes in my own strength, I eventually get frustrated and fail. When I focus my energy on being still and knowing God, he does his work in and through me, resulting in right thinking and better behavior. When I fail, I need to remember that God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). With my own children, when they would fail to do what I had asked them to, I would give them an opportunity to try again. How much more does a loving God do that for me.

            God goes even farther than that. He promises to be faithful to do through us what he has called us to do. As I spend time with him, he reveals a direction I should go. Then he tells me that since he began that good work in me, he’ll finish it (Philippians 1:6).

            Thank you, Father, for giving me the power to live a life pleasing to you. I thank you that obeying your word is a desire you place within me as I get to know more of you rather than a condition for knowing you. Thank you for being faithful to fulfill your plan for me.

PSALM 36:7 - WARMTH WITHIN HIS WINGS

Psalm 36:7

WARMTH WITHIN HIS WINGS

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!

therefore the children of men put their trust

under the shadow of thy wings.

The picture here is of a protective mother hen guarding her baby chicks. Jesus even presented this image of Himself when He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34). I am not saying that God is female. However, He expresses the nurturing, protective heart of a mother toward her babies. One of the names for God is El Shaddai which means all-sufficient One who sustains. Shaddai even has the connotation of “many-breasted.”  What a picture of the love of our God – a mother nursing her baby!

Maternal instinct is to protect and provide for her children at all cost. It is a self-sacrificing love. The Lord is the complete personification of perfect love. The Lord Jesus laid down His life to save, to redeem His children. He is the mother hen, but He is also the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). You may have heard it said that, “Your mother is your mother forever. You will always be her baby.”  When we are Jesus’ lamb, His child, we are His forever. He will never let us go!

John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

We are helpless, fearful chicks; but our Father like a mother hen or duck has wings that are strong to shield us. No predator wants to come between a mother and her chicks. We can rest securely under the mighty wings of our God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 - DON'T FLIRT WITH EVIL

Lord, help me recognize that which is good.

Help me to glorify you as I should.

Help me from evil to keep aloof.

Let my life be living proof

Of your grace.

“But test and prove all things 

[until you can recognize] what is good;

 [to that] hold fast.

Abstain from evil – 

shrink from it and keep aloof from it –

whatever form or whatever kind it may be.”

I Thessalonians 5:21-22 (Amplified)

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

I Thessalonians 5:21-22 (KJV)

dŏkimazō¹³⁸¹ – to test (lit. or fig.); by impl. To approve: allow, discern, examine, x like,

(ap-)prove, try.

ĕidŏs¹⁴⁹¹ – a view, i.e. form (lit. or fig.): appearance, fashion, shape, sight.

            Mom would say, “It just looks bad.” And that meant that I shouldn’t wear certain styles or do certain activities.  If someone might think I was up to something wrong, that was enough.  That was her acid test. Even if kissing your boyfriend in public was socially acceptable in the 1970’s, the neighbors still might think there was more to the physical relationship than just that kiss. Avoid even the appearance of evil. Don’t even look like you’re going to do something wrong.

            We should have listened to our mothers.  I see my contemporaries flirting with evil.  It’s as if we are trying to get as close to the fire as possible without getting burned.  There are a lot of singed Christians these days. Did I examine the reviews of that R rated movie I was dying to see, or did I just go anyway? After all, I know I’d never do those things; so it doesn’t hurt to watch them, right? Did I discern whether that romance novel might awaken a desire for an unhealthy relationship? Do I care what my coworker thinks of the Lord when she sees me reading that novel or hears me talk about the latest racy show on TV? Do I shrink from and keep aloof from evil, or do I court it?

            Another question. Does anything burn within me when I consider participating in something many would call borderline?  Am I aware of the voice of the Holy Spirit in my life, or have I tuned him out? Is my relationship with Jesus such that I desire to please him above all else and trust that he always has my best interest at heart? Have I taken the time to meditate on his word in order to be able to discern what is good?

            Father, make me more aware of the Spirit’s nudge in my life.  Help me to discern what is best and abstain from those things that will not honor you.  I know that you desire to make me fit for your kingdom and to bring peace to my life.  Help me to trust your leading in making decisions about what activities I need to be a part of. Give me a burning desire to live above reproach, not out of duty, but from a pure love for you.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-18 - INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO LIVE

Instructions on How to Live

Based on I Thessalonians 5:12-18

Respect leaders.

Live in peace.

Warn the idle.

Help the weak.

Encourage the timid.

Be patient and kind.

Be joyful always.

Pray at all times.

In every circumstance

Give thanks to the Lord.

These are instructions

Found in His word.

“And we urge you, brothers,

warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, 

help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,

but always try to be kind to each other 

and to everyone else.”

I Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV)

makrŏthumĕō³¹¹⁴ – to be long-spirited, forbearing or patient: bear (suffer) long, be longsuffering, have (long) patience, be patient, patiently endure.

            We have lost our patience. I’m not talking about a specific incident, but in general. If the line at Burger Doodle has three cars in it, we go to Super Chick instead because we might get our food three minutes faster. We count the items in our cart to make sure we don’t exceed the maximum number for the express check-out lane. We use instant messaging and email rather than “snail mail”. We carry pagers and cell phones so no one has to wait until we get home to reach us. And if we’re driving slower than the person behind us wants to go, we may fall victim to road rage.

            We have also lost our patience with people. We see people that don’t earn a living for their families and scoff at them rather than gently warning them about idleness and training them to be able to get a decent job. A fellow believer is shy about sharing his faith, and we put him on a guilt trip rather than encouraging him by pointing out how his life is a testimony and praying God will give him words when they are needed. A new Christian doesn’t give up a certain sinful habit immediately, and we question whether she truly gave her life to Christ rather than trying to help her in her weakness. A brother doesn’t see eye to eye with us on some fine point of scripture, and we write off the friendship rather than agreeing to disagree.

Lord, I noticed that the definition of the Greek word you used for patience indicates that we must be patient for a long time. I’m pretty good at being patient to a point, but not for the long haul. Thank you for forgiving me in those moments of frustration, and help me to be kind always as you have instructed me. Thank you for those who have been patient with me.