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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 22, 2023 19:08:29 GMT
Colossians 1-2 (I know I’m probably a little behind.)
Chapter 1:6 {6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.} Just as the gospel was bearing fruit in Paul’s day, it continues to do the same today. God’s grace has been poured out on us. Verses 9-10 {9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,} We are not alone in our walk, fellow Christians are in prayer for us. Just as we are in prayer for them that we all may grow in the knowledge of God. Verses 15-18 {15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.} Just so we may all understand who Christ is; He is the head of church. The King of all.
Chapter 2:8 {8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.}
11/22/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 23, 2023 13:24:07 GMT
Colossians 3-4 I think Colossians is one of the books that hold many great teachings.
Verses 1-2 {1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.} If we are to say we are living as Christ’s, then we should be striving to do just that. There should be a change in us, no longer wanting to live as we once did. Verses 5-10 {5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.} I’m not saying we will not struggle with some of these from time to time. But if we focus on God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us the burden will become lighter.
This chapter has so much to learn from that I will not write about each thing, but let you seek out those treasures for yourself. Verses 15-17 {15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.}
Chapter 4:2-6 {2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.}
In Paul’s final greetings, he reminds us that there are other Christians praying for us and we should also be in prayer for them.
11/23/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 24, 2023 15:35:14 GMT
1 Thessalonians 1-2
Chapter 1:4-8 {4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, }
Just like the church at Thessalonica we too have been chosen by God. We have received the gospel and know it’s saving power. We are to live as a reflection of Christ’s love and mercy, not just with words but as doers that all may see and give glory to God.
Chapter 2:3-6 {3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.} Paul reminds the people of the trials that he went through to bring them the gospel. And that he did so not to please anyone; but to do the will of God. Verses 9-10 { 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.} Paul emphasizes that he did not take money or anything but simply brought them the gospel. 11/24/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 28, 2023 13:29:34 GMT
1 Thessalonians 3-4 Chapter 3:7-10 {7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.} As Christians we are encouraged when we see our brothers and sisters standing firm on God’s word. It gives us the strength to stand up under our trials. Verse 13 {13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.}
Chapter 4:9-12 {9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.}
11/25/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 28, 2023 13:50:45 GMT
1 Thessalonians 5
Verse 1-2,5-8 {1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.}
Now we know that Christ will return, but we know not the time or day. So we are to remain faithful to His way, waiting and watching for His return.
Verses 15-17 { 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.}
In times of joy, give thanks. In times of trial, give thanks. In sadness and sorrow, give thanks. Verse 24 {24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.}
11/26/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 28, 2023 14:12:49 GMT
2 Thessalonians 1-3
Chapter 1:11-12 {11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.}
Just as we are called to pray for our brothers and sisters, they too are in prayer for us that our heavenly Father may be glorified through us.
Chapter 2:7-10 {7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 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. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.}
We should be on constant guard and be mindful that the lawless one is very active in our world today. Verse 15 {15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.}
Chapter 3:3-5 {3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.}
11/27/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 28, 2023 14:36:39 GMT
1 Timothy 1-2 Chapter 1:15-17 {15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.}
Here Paul is speaking of himself; but he could just as easily have been speaking of us.
Chapter 2:8-10 {8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.}
Men and women both should pray and both should dress decent and proper not to draw attention to themselves. And live a life of worship and praise to the Lord.
11/28/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 30, 2023 13:22:41 GMT
1 Timothy 3-4
In this reading Paul is reminding Timothy how the leaders of the church are to be chosen. Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons. Chapter 3:1-7 {1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.}
I think Paul may have had something there.
Chapter 4, only has 16 verses but there is much to learn here. Verses 1-2 {1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. } This is a warning to beware of false teaching. Verses 6-10 {6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.} These verses tell us how we are to combat those false teachings. 11/29/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Nov 30, 2023 13:40:52 GMT
1 Timothy 5-6
Chapter 5 deals with how we are to treat others, especially the elderly and the widows. Verses 1-2 {1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.} Verses 17-21 {17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.}
Chapter 6:3-5, 6-10 {If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.} 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.}
11/30/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 5, 2023 15:42:18 GMT
2 Timothy 1-4
Chapter 1:9-10 {9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.}
Through Christ we have been saved, set apart and called to live a holy life. This has now been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the gospel.
Chapter 2:3-4 {3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.}
Reminds me of the song “Onward Christian Soldiers”. We are about doing the will of the Father, (the commanding officer). The things of this world will all pass away, but the word of God is forever.
Verses 14-18 {14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.}
Be aware there are those who teach falsely, misuse the word of God and make up their own teachings. Stay far from these for they are from the evil one, seeking to lead you astray.
Verses 24-26 { 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.}
Chapter 3:1-5 {1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.}
Look around you, what do you see?
Verses 12-13 {12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.}
Chapter 4:3-5 {3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.}
I believe this is being revealed to us these days.
12/01/2023
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 5, 2023 16:10:11 GMT
Titus 1-3
Chapter 1 of Titus explains what elders should be like. Verses 6-9 {6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.}
Verses 11-12 {11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,} Chapter 3:3-7 {3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.}
Yes, we were once enslaved by our own desires and emotions. But Christ has freed us from that wway of life.
12/02/2023
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 5, 2023 16:10:31 GMT
Philemon 1 In this book Paul is pleading for the good treatment of a slave. Verses 12-16 {12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.}
I can almost hear Christ plead for us in this passage. No longer a slave, but a dear brother.
12/03/2023
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 5, 2023 16:27:15 GMT
Hebrews 1-2
God’s Son Verses 3-4 {3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.}
God in the flesh, the radiance of God’s glory.
Verse 5 {5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”}
Above the angels.
Chapter 2:11-12 { 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”} We have become brothers and sisters in Christ.
12/04/2023
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 5, 2023 16:40:24 GMT
Hebrews 3-4
Chapter 3:1-4 {1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.}
Fix your thoughts on Jesus…. It is so easy to become distracted and drift away from the truth. The world is filled with many things that sparkle and shine, and blinds the eyes.
Chapter 4:12-13 {12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.}
God’s word, which you have heard, is alive within you. Do not harden your heart to it. God is all seeing, all knowing, judging your thoughts and heart.
12/05/2023
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Post by Poet Maybe on Dec 9, 2023 16:50:18 GMT
Hebrews 5-6
Chapter 5:5-6 {5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”}
And we are “called” to bring the message of Christ to this lost world. For we have become sons of the Most High God. Co-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
Chapter 6:16-20 {6 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all arguments. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.}
God’s promises never fade nor change.
12/07/23
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