Thursday June 29, 2023

Today is Thursday, June 29 and we are studying what the Bible says about security.

I begin a new day prioritizing what is most important – my relationship with God. I quiet my mind and center myself in the presence of the One who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Teach me how to make progress in the life of Christian maturity, persevering in the faith and growing in holiness of heart and life. Amen.

Today I turn to the God of Refuge and seek him with the words of Psalm 31.

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:2-3

Pause and Pray

Paul wrote a second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica from Corinth. In this brief epistle, Paul included several important messages. Jesus Christ will return again and vanquish the enemy, until that time there will be opposition to Christ and his church. This is why we experience resistance to the Gospel, animosity toward Christians and various forms of persecution. At the close of the letter, Paul requests prayer and offers encouragement that believers will find security in God. He will strengthen and protect them.

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

As Paul closes his letter with these words of encouragement, I hear them alongside the Christians at Thessalonica. They are words to me. Paul speaks over miles and millenia the words my heart most needs to hear. Unfortunately unfaithful, wicked and evil people still exist in this world. Unfortunately the evil one still “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8) including me. I pray for strength and protection. I pray the words of the Lord’s Prayer in the first person, “forgive me my trespasses, as I forgive those who trespass against me and deliver me from evil.”

Ask: When have I experienced animosity, resistance or unkindness due to my faith? How do I struggle with perseverance in my Christian walk?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord, I pray that the Gospel message continues to spread to a new generation and the words of scripture are honored and received. I pray for those who do not believe in you, that they may find faith in Christ. I pray you will strengthen and protect me. Give me the confidence I need to follow your will and do everything you command. Direct my heart to love and persevere. I read the words from Second Thessalonians again and listen for the message you have for me.

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

It is God who directs my heart to love others, do his will and obey his laws. It is God who grants me perseverance on this pilgrim journey. It is the Holy Spirit who leads me to Christian maturity. I consider what God might want to supply me today – he knows exactly what I am lacking on my Christian walk and can fulfill every need. I ruminate on these words of scripture, ponder their meaning in my current circumstances and will carry them with me throughout my day.

Pause and Pray

Come, Blessed Lord, show me the way to travel. I want to follow in your footsteps and seek to do your will. Help me be your hands and feet in the world. Show me how to love those around me and serve them faithfully from a heart of pure intention. In the face of trouble, be my strong tower, my fortress and refuge. Amen.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:7

I leave this time of prayer, strengthened by the power of Christ. I go to love and serve others out of the strength God gives me.

Amen