Epistles B

Col 1:1 WEB Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,  v2 to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“By the will of God“, Paul didn’t choose to be an Apostle nor did anyone in the church choose him. Paul was a great believer ” in the law “. God chose him to preach Grace. One would think that by now, we would have a solid understanding that it’s all about Grace and not the law. Galatians 1:6 WEB I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”; Galatians 2:21 WEB I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”

      Dear Jesus!   Grace, Grace, Grace your amazing grace.   It’s the Gospel!  It’s the Good News!  What peace (Shalom) we have when we believe your Good News.   We pray that you will continue to open our eyes to your Gospel of Grace.  We pray that all who are called to preach the Gospel, proclaim your grace that saves us and gives us a new heart.  Now we can not only fulfill the letter of the law but the spirit of the law.   May the blind see, deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers cleansed, and captives set free in Jesus’ name.  To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 u

Col 1:6 WEB which has come to you, even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth,

Col 1:10 WEB that you may walk worthy of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God,

The Christian Faith is about bearing fruit. This is how the world knows that we are different. Unfortunately, we are not bearing all the fruit that we should be producing. One thing about fruit is that it will last only for a short period of time. Walking in the Spirit, eating from the ” Tree of Life ” will produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit but it has to be a way of life for us. Just worshiping Jesus once in a while is not enough to keep that love, joy, and peace we need when trials come our way. So if you are lacking these fruits of the Holy Spirit, fellowship with Jesus the Tree of Life. 

     Dear Jesus!   We need you every morning and throughout the day.   There are many trials and temptations that we face each and every day.   Abiding in You and having you carry these burdens is the only way that we can come out more than a conqueror.   Declaring who we are “in you ” gives us victory.  We know that it is not us but you defeating the enemy and giving us your victory, love, joy, and peace.   To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 u

  Col 1:12-14 WEB 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love, 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.

       Our Christian journey is dependent on giving thanks to Abba Father.   I remember being saved and I went through a period of time, maybe 2 years.  I’m doing all the right things: going to church, reading my Bible, and praising God and filled with all the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  After a while, I think that I must have taken His grace for granted and start to think that I have arrived.  That it was my goodness.  It only put me back into the law, where I would become a captive to sin again.   After a long period of time, I  eventually learned about Grace.  I don’t take it for granted anymore.  Now  I  continually praise and worship God for His Amazing Grace. 

     Dear Jesus!   Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear about your Amazing Grace.   We are only complete in You, Lord Jesus.   It’s Your grace that has set us free.  It is Your grace that gives us life.   All honor, power, and glory to you Lord Jesus, now and forever Amen!   Shalom 2 U

Col 1:13 NHEB who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;
WE ARE A PART OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOW. 1Pe 2:9 KJV.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
THE POWER OF SATAN, HAS NO POWER OVER US. BUT BY FEAR AND UNBELIEF, WE MAY GIVE HIM POWER OVER US. THAT’S WHY. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
WE NEED THAT PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS SO WE WILL HAVE FAITH , NOT UNBELIEF AND FEAR.
      DEAR JESUS! YOU ARE THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH. YOU ARE THE WORD THAT BECAME FLESH; AND FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE WORD OF GOD. WHEN WE COME TO YOU; YOU GIVE US FAITH NOT UNBELIEF. YOU GIVE US SHALOM/PEACE NOT FEAR. THANK YOU FOR INVITING US TO ABIDE IN YOU AND WE INVITE YOU TO ABIDE IN US. GLORY BE TO GOD AMEN.
SHALOM2U

 Col 1:16-17 WEB 16 For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him, all things are held together.

       These verses are talking about Jesus.  How all things came to be.  How all power, and authority is His. The Kingdom of Heaven and earth is His.   It’s important to note that Jesus is called ” the WORD “.  All things came into existence when He called them.  Then the Holy Spirit brought life to the word and it went from unseen to seen.  Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth.   His authority, He has given to the church.   As head of the body, Jesus gave us a command to preach the Gospel (Good News), to heal the sick, and cast out demons.  You can tell by the way that the world is in today, His command is not being carried out.  We, the church, are asleep.  We are too preoccupied with our own interests instead of God’s.  

   Dear Jesus!   Please forgive us.  The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.   Breathe into us your life so that we would live to bring your Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.  Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can go forward in your power, not our own.   All praise, honor, and glory to you Lord Jesus Amen!    Shalom 2 U

Col 1:27-28 WEB27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

     This is unbelievable but true Good News.   It’s so good that it goes right over our heads.  We keep telling ourselves that it must mean when we die and go to heaven.  No, no, no it means the moment that you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your Saviour; that’s what He did.  “CHRIST in you “, the hope of glory.   We are supposed to live on a higher spiritual level.  We are now ” a new creation in Christ Jesus “.  But it seems to be too good to be true,  so we continue to live in the flesh trying to make ourselves more like Christ.   Faith is knowing, believing, and declaring that it’s no longer we that live but Christ in us.   Declaring we are righteous because of faith in Him.  

John 17:22-23 KJV 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

      Dear Jesus!  Help us to understand your ways for they are surely higher about our ways and your thoughts higher than our thoughts.   Only you can make us righteous.  Only you can fill our hearts with love, joy, and peace. We continually praise You for the work that you are doing in us.  To God be the glory Amen!    Shalom 2 U

Col 2:4 WEB Now I say this that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech…..v6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him ,….v8 Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ

    Paul starts off by warning us not to be deceived by what might seem logical and right.  Remember that Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan’s logical words.  Today, many are being deceived by kind logical words, but they go against God’s word and are deceitful.

 NOTE V6: As you receive Christ, walk in Him.   We received Christ by faith and we must continue to walk by faith.  The lie is when someone tries to tell you that you must keep the Law and stop doing all the bad things that one does.  This sounds good and logical but it’s not the full truth.  When we walk by faith in Christ, He works in us to keep the law.  Now we become righteous by faith not self-righteous by our works.  NOTE V8: Now no one will rob you of the grace that comes by faith in Christ Jesus. 

    Dear Jesus!   We believe in You.  In ourselves, there is no righteousness.  You are our Redeemer.  You redeemed us from our sins and gave us Your righteousness.   We are a new creation in you; filled with all the Fruits of the Spirit.   All glory, honor, and praise to you our Saviour Amen.   Shalom 2 U

 Col 2:9-10 WEB 9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily, 10 and in him, you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power

     Religion focuses on you.  How are you living? What good things have you done? What bad things are you doing?  But the Christian Faith is about faith in Jesus.   These verses require faith in Jesus.  Your flesh will say, ” no way “. Your brain will reject these verses; it does not compute.   Faith isn’t about what makes sense.  Faith is about what God’s word is telling us.   As ” born again ” believers, we believe what God’s word says who we are.  You are in Christ Jesus, in whom the fullness of Deity dwells.  

       Dear Jesus!   You continue to give us more than we can think or imagine.  When we asked you to be our Saviour, You came with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  You surely made us a new creation in the image and likeness of God.  Our brains can’t comprehend this, but our souls will continue to praise You and declare how great thou art!   To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

Col 2:10 KJV And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The epistle of Colassians in one that is overlooked. We don’t hear much teaching about it.   Yet, it continues to tell us how we are complete in Jesus. The Christian Faith: all about who we are in Jesus by ” faith ” not works.   Colossians is full of revelation of who we are in Christ. But like I keep on saying; one has to know, believe and declare before it comes to pass.   I do this by continuity praising Jesus declaring that He is my Saviour, righteousness, deliverer, healer, peace, joy, author and finisher of my faith, my Good Shepherd, my rock, my refuge.    It’s not about me.   It’s all about the greater one living in me.   Meditate on Colossians and you will be able to grow in Christ Jesus.

Dear Jesus! The revelation that you are in us, just waiting for us to acknowledge your presence, your salvation your peace.   You offer us the fullness of life, just by declaring who we are in you.   We shall continue to lift you up for you give us the fullness of life. Glory be to God!        Www.Shalom2u.org

Col 2:11-15 WEB11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which were against us. He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. 15 Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

God cares about our heart: soul, mind, will, and emotions, the real man. When we ask Jesus to save us, we are given a new heart and a new spirit. Ezekiel 36:26‭-‬27 WEB I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them.

God is telling us what He will do. We keep on trying to do what He has done. What God has done is received by faith not works.

Rom 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

    Dear Jesus!   You knew the hearts of man.   You knew our heart.  Yet you suffered for us and kept calling us to you.   You made us a new creation and gave us a heart of flesh.  As we continue to abide in you, you keep our hearts from being hardened again.   Thank You Jesus for You give us life, love, joy, and peace.   To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

Col 2:16-23 WEB16 Let no one, therefore, judges you in eating, or in drinking, or concerning a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. 18 Let no one rob you of your prize by self-abasement and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth. 20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, 21 “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” 22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

When we are “in Christ Jesus “, we are a new creation. We have to forget about the law but live by faith in who we are “in Christ Jesus “.  By acknowledging who we are “in Christ Jesus “, we will become more like Jesus.  Philemon 1:6 WEB that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.

    Dear Jesus!   On our own, by ourselves, we are too weak to keep the law.  You came to save us from the law by bringing us back to you, “The Tree of Life “.  It’s you living in us that helps us do more than what the law requires. In you, we bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. In you, we can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can think and imagine.  All praise, honor, and glory belong to you, Lord Jesus Amen!    Shalom  2 U

Col 3:1-2 WEB1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

“If”? Have you been “born again ” Have you asked JESUS to come into your heart and save you? If you did, then you are “born again “. The hard part is to continue to believe that you are a “New Creation “. This new creation is a spirit being; you can not see it, touch it, feel it. One has to believe! This is why it says ” Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.” It’s easy to set our minds on things that we see and feel, but this is the flesh. We are to set our minds (soul) on things above: know, believe, and declare who you are “in Christ Jesus “. This is how we defeat the flesh.

Eph 1:3 KJV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Dear Jesus! You came to save us, redeem us, to give us life. Your sacrifice did it all.  Gal 2:20 WEB I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.  Thank you Jesus for living in me.   To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

 Col 3:5-10 WEB 5 Put to death, therefore, your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,

Gen 1:26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and overall the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

      Verses 5-9. Tell’s us what we should stop doing.   The law is good but we can’t keep it by our flesh.   V10 tells us to put on the new man.  This new man is our “born again spirit man “; made in the image and likeness of God.   We “put on ” a new man by faith; declaring who we are in Christ Jesus.  This enables us to defeat the flesh and live more like Jesus.  We see in Gen 1:26 that this spirit man is given power and authority over all the earth.  Declare who you are “in Christ Jesus ” and you will defeat the works of the flesh.  Galatians 5:16 WEB  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

      Dear Jesus!   Thank you for restoring us to your image and likeness.  The devil deceived us as he did to Adam and Eve but You redeemed us.  “Thank you, Jesus “. We are now strong in You and the power of Your might.   To God be the glory Amen!    Shalom 2 U

Col 3:12-17 WEB12 Put on, therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Again we are told how to act. All these things are good but can only be done by grace. By declaring who we are “in Christ Jesus “. Let God’s good news, His grace fill your heart with praise and thanksgiving and you will receive the grace, the power to walk in love, kindness, and humility.

Dear Jesus! When we acknowledge all that you are and all that you have done; what can we say but “Thank you, Jesus “.All praise, honor, and glory to you Lord Jesus Amen!    Shalom 2 U

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy_43GeovXg&list=RDAMVMUy_43GeovXg

Col 3:18-25 WEB18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children so that they won’t be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

       All these verses tell us how we should live.  Wives honor your husband, as is fitting in the LORD.   If he is asking you to do something not right, unlawful, unholy; then it’s unfitting.  Pray for him, that he would do and ask for what is good and pleasing to the Lord.   Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the church ( the people of God). The more we love our wives; they will return that love a hundredfold. Children obey.  Fathers don’t provoke.  Children can be a handful but the more we show our love and God’s love to them; the less provoking they will become.  Tell your children that they are a child of God and as such, we don’t do things that we don’t do and do.   We have to be a good example, otherwise, it will fall on deaf ears.   

     Dear Jesus!  You are such a good example of knowing how much our Father loves you.  You knew how much the Father “so ” loved the world that He would sacrifice His most beloved son.  Holy Spirit helps us to always remember how much we are loved by God.   Your love wants us to love others because God loves them also.  We gladly serve you Lord Jesus because you so greatly served and love us.   We declare thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.  Light Be!  Shalom (peace) on earth in Jesus’ name.  To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U

   Col 4:1 WEB Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

      There is much talk about slavery today.   Most of it is past slavery.  We have come a long way in fighting injustice here in America.   I  haven’t heard about that!  I don’t hear about all the lives that were lost fighting against slavery and equal rights.  I don’t hear about all the successful people that were supposed to be unjustly persecuted.   I don’t hear a word about China, Russia, North Korea, etc who are enslaving their people.  This is being hypocritical!   Most of all, I don’t hear anything about the slavery that is happening here in America and throughout the world.   Several groups are dedicated to finding these people, mostly young girls, and children.   They are being taken from their families and being sold for sex, etc.  This is what we need to be concerned about.  ” A21″ is one group that I know of and support.   I’m sure that God would be most pleased if you supported one of these groups.  They are carrying for those enslaved and giving honor to God. 

    Slavery goes back many years.  God’s chosen people were slaves in Egypt.   Abraham had servants,  a nice name for slaves.  Israel had slaves and were slaves depending on how they were believing in God.  In our country, many of our Nation leaders owned slaves.  The point is not that you owned slaves but how you treated them.  This is what verse 1 is saying.  Most of us are slaves.  Our company owns us.  It commands that we do certain things and act a certain way.  We are called to honor them and work for them as unto the LORD. 

       Dear Jesus!   You redeemed us by your great sacrifice from the curse of the law.  All that has kept us from having life and life more abundantly.  We were slaves to the worst slave master of all, satan.  You set us free.  Your desire is for all mankind to be free.  Lord Jesus,  we lift all that are still in capacity by satan.  In the name of Jesus,  we declare “light be “.  We command that the blind see, deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers cleansed, and the captives set free in Jesus’ name.  To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

 Col 4:2-6 WEB 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

    One reason the Church, the body of Christ, is weak is because of our prayer life.  We don’t pray enough.  Paul tells us to be steadfast in prayer.  He also tells us to be thankful.   Praise, worship, and Thanksgiving should be the beginning of our prayers to God.   We are constantly in spiritual warfare.  Most of the time we don’t recognize it and that is why we get defeated in life.  God wants to bless us but we have to reverence Him as God.   The mystery of Christ has to be one of our top pursuits.   We have to learn, believe, and declare all that He has done for us by His sacrifice.  Then we can speak to others in grace and wisdom about the love of God. 

    Dear Jesus!   All praise, honor, and glory belong to you, Lord Jesus.   It’s all about your love, grace, and mercy.   You came to save not condemn.  You are the Light that we come to, to get out of our darkness.   The devil gives us fear and anxiety but You give us Peace.   This is Your Kingdom and we shall proclaim it throughout the world.   “Light Be “, ” Shalom on earth ” in Jesus’ name Amen!      Shalom 2 U

1Th 1:1-5 WEB 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. 4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen, 5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

     Again we see that the Gospel is good news about Grace and Peace, not condemnation.   This Gospel produces faith and love in God.  It produces the power to love even ones that seem to be unlovable.  True Christians will love others as Christ loves us, while we were sinners. 

    Dear Jesus!   It’s only your love, your grace that can make us love others as you love us.  May we be more like your disciples and go wherever you call us to go.  May we fearlessly and relentlessly declare your love and grace to all.  May the love of God and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, now and forever Amen!   Shalom 2 U

1Th 1:6-10 WEB You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Once one has been “born again “, people should see CHRIST in us. It is a growing process, not by works but by fellowshipping with Jesus: knowing, believing, and declaring who you are in Christ Jesus. The more we do that, the more we will become like Him. There is a battle believing the word. That is why Paul says in much affliction. The devil and your own flesh will battle with your spirit. It will tell the soul that it will never happen. It’s impossible. It’s irrational. To the natural man, it is. But we are to walk in the Spirit: believe what the Spirit says. 1Co 2:14 WEB Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Another point Paul made was that believers were turning to God from idols. I think that we don’t fully understand what idols are. I know that I thought it meant worshipping statues. This is partly true but there is more to it. An idol can be anything that we put above GOD. I was an idolater for many years and couldn’t see it. I loved God, went to church weekly, and more. Read the Bible and say prayers, yet I put people and things above GOD.   It’s not easy to put God first.  We have our family, job, and need time for ourselves; yet God deserves more than a token relationship. 

   Dear Jesus!   You gave your best.  You gave your all.   As we see and know you more, it’s easier to give up those unimportant things in our life for more of You.  You are the only one that can really satisfy our soul and give us life.  Thank you, Jesus!   We give you all the praise, honor, and glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U

1Th 2:2 WEB but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.

Many have been treated shamefully for trying to preach the Good News. Most of the suffering that we suffer is because of this falling world and our failure to know, believe, and declare the promises of God.  Here the apostle Paul is saying this because we are declaring the Gospel.  Even though the Gospel is good news, it’s not always received that way.  The devil continues to deceive saying it’s not the truth and it’s mean and condemning.  It’s not easy to condemn the sin but not the sinner.  So we get called all kind of names by those that believe their way is right. Let’s seek God’s wisdom as we go out to proclaim the Good News. 

Dear Jesus! You were shamefully treated while trying to tell the world of the FATHER’S love. Thank you Jesus! You cared more about saying us than what others thought. We also give thanks to all who suffered for the GGospel’ssake. May we keep our hearts and eyes on you while proclaiming the Good News. All praise, honor, and glory to you Lord Jesus Amen! Shalom 2 U

1Th 2:18 WEB because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us.

” Satan hindered us “. We can go from one extreme to another. We can deny that satan exists and that he has no power. On the other hand, we can be fearful of him and thereby give him power. It’s all about free will. Everyone, Christians and none Christians always have a free will to believe God’s word over what satan tries to do. It’s a spiritual battle that has to be fought. Ignoring the situation doesn’t help. We must put on the whole armor of GOD and fight.

Satan seems to hinder the spreading of the Gospel all the time. Not only none believers but by believers. Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and many today are being hindered in the spreading of the Gospel. It’s all about Grace not works.

       Dear Jesus!   Satan used the Pharisees and other religious groups to try to hinder you from preaching the love of the Father.  Today many are being hindered but your word is going out throughout the world.  You commanded it to be preached and the gates of hell will not prevail.   We are living in a glorious time.  We are going to see this world being transformed from darkness to light.  Your word is being declared with signs following; just as you said that they would be.   Thank you, Holy Spirit for giving life to the Good News as it is being proclaimed throughout the world.   We declare that the blind see, deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers cleansed, and captives set free in Jesus’ name.   All praise, honor, and glory to you Lord Jesus Amen!    Shalom 2 U

1Th 3:8 WEB For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

1Th 3:13 WEB to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Chapter 3 continues to express concern for those who are suffering for the Gospels’ sake. Don’t get suffering for the word’s sake related to what suffering you or someone else is going through. They are different. Suffering for the word’s sake is what God said would happen. 1Th 3:4 WEB For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.

Now there is another kind of suffering that we face but it’s not for the word’s sake. Because of the fall of man, we are in a falling world that causes many illnesses and other misfortunes. Jesus suffered for us so that we would not have to be affected by them. The Bible is full of these promises: Psalm 91, 103, 23, Isa.53 & 54, 1Pe 2:24. You have to know, believe, and declare to see these promises come to pass.

Dear Jesus! Declaring your precious Good News is worth suffering for.

Rom 10:13-15 WEB 13 For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? 15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

We gladly declare your Good News so that many souls will be saved.   Rom 10:13 WEB For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” We rejoice with the angels and all the saints of God when one calls upon your name.  All honor, glory, and power belongs to you Lord Jesus Amen!     Shalom 2 U

1Th 4:3-6 WEB3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God, 6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

These verses are telling us the will of God: our sanctification. Paul is telling us that we should be upholding the “Law”. This is where many Christians fail in their Christian walk. The Law is good and we are to uphold the Law but we are not under the law but grace. When we try to obey the Law by ourselves, we fail and only become self-righteous. By grace, we are not trying to obey the Law by ourselves but through Jesus Christ. That’s why it’s imperative to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Fellowshiping with Jesus daily will enable you to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. These spiritual fruits will produce what is needed to uphold the Law. Now you are sanctified in Christ Jesus.

Dear Jesus! You are the bread of life. You are the Tree of Life.  John 15:5 NHEB I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Every moment we spend time with you yields the fruits of the Holy Spirit that we need to fulfill the Law.  Your grace does it all.  To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

1Th 4:13-18 WEB 13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

We all experienced the death of loved ones but it’s not always a sad thing. Many Christians have a celebration of life instead of a normal funeral. Instead of death.  It’s often referred to as falling asleep. The Born Again believers never really die. Their physical body will decay but their soul and spirit will be forever with the Lord.

Paul is also talking about the “rapture “. A time when Jesus will return in the clouds to take His bride out of this world. I believe that we’re near this time. The world is only getting darker. I believe that there is one more great movement of God that will happen first. The greatest revival of all time. Since Pentecost, there have been many revivals. I personally experienced one in the 70’S (1970-1979). It happened across America and I believe throughout the world. It happened in all religious denominations. I believe that we are at the beginning of it now. I’m no prophet but I believe that before this year (2021) is over, we will experience it. GLORY BE TO GOD. Every time that I think of my parents, I rejoice knowing that they are with the Lord.

Dear Jesus! The world is pretty dark. There is so much destruction. Evil forces seem to be winning, but as your word says: where sin abounds, so much more does the grace abound. You are waking up the church, the trumpet is beginning to sound. You are pouring down the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh which will defeat this darkness.  Your marvelous light will shine for all to see Your great love and mercy for all mankind.   Then we shall be caught up and be with you forevermore.  HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH GLORY BE TO GOD AMEN!   SHALOM 2 U

1Th 5:14 WEB We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all.

If you are warning people, you are judging them. This is one of many verses that tell us to judge. This isn’t a harsh critical condemning type of admonishing or judging. This is a gentle caring type of admonishing. It’s like when we try to tell our loved ones what to do or not to do.

Dear Jesus! Thank you for caring enough to tell us the truth. You are the way, the truth, and the light. I am reminded of a man that you healed: John 5:12-14 WEB 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat and walk’?” 13 But he who was healed didn’t know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.”You gently and lovingly admonish us when we are going astray. You continually call us into your light where we can be free of the darkness that tries to overcome us. 

John 3:19 WEB This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.

You are the Light of the world, where we grow and become more like You.  To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U

  1Th 5:16-18 WEB 16 Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

   Rightly divide the word!  Don’t just take 0ne verse of scripture and start rejoicing in everything bad that happens to you.  If you get a bad report that you have cancer; God doesn’t expect you to go around rejoicing.  This bad report goes completely against God’s will for you.  So what should you rejoice about?  Rejoice that your God is bigger than cancer.  Rejoice that Jesus’ sacrifice defeated cancer.  

Dear Jesus!  The Gospel is Good News in so many ways. It reveals your complete love and salvation for us: body, soul, and spirit.  In Your salvation for us, we shall rejoice. 

Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from the pit, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thine old age with good things; thy youth is renewed like the eagles.

We rejoice in You Jesus, our Saviour, Redeemer, and our healer – Jehovah RAPHA.  Glory be to God in whom all blessings flow.  Amen!   Shalom 2 U

1Th 5:20-21 WEB20 Don’t despise prophecies. 21 Test all things and hold firmly that which is good.

Most CHURCHES and believers have nothing to do with prophecies. Are they not quenching the Spirit? We see throughout the Bible prophecies given. God, Himself was the first one to prophesy. Genesis 3:14‭-‬15 DARBY And Jehovah Elohim said to the serpent, Because thou hast done this, be thou cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. On thy belly shalt, thou go and eat dust all the days of thy life. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt crush his heel. Abraham prophesied: Genesis 22:8 DARBY And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself with the sheep for a burnt-offering. And they went both of them together.

All throughout the Old Testament and into the New Testament, prophecies have been declared. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1Corinthians 12:8‭-‬10 DARBY For to one, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; and to a different one faith, in the power of the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healing in the power of the same Spirit; and to another operations of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to a different one kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues.

Unfortunately, many believers are not taught about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It’s no wonder that the church is not displaying much power today. I see today some small ministries; small in the sense that they have only 1 main leader. These ministries are reaching out throughout the world. They experience many coming to the Lord, not because their parents went to that church but because they heard the Good News about Grace and the love of God. These churches are experiencing signs and wonders as they should be.   Mar 16:17-18 WEB 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”   

There is nowhere in the Bible that says these gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased. 

Dear Jesus!  You worked many signs and wonders as you went about declaring the Good News of God’s love and grace.  As the author and finisher of our faith, help us to believe.  May the Holy Spirit quickens our words as we declare that the blind see, deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers cleanse, and captives set free in Jesus name Amen!   To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

    1Th 5:23 WEB May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here we see the whole man. Body, soul, and spirit. Three in one.  It’s important to know the difference. Each has a role in how we are going to live out our Christian walk.    Galatians 5:16‭-‬17 WEB   But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

If you are walking by the flesh, you are believing in everything that you can see, hear, and understand.  Walking by the Spirit takes faith.  It is the opposite of walking by the flesh.  Walking by the Spirit is when you know, believe, and declare what God says you are “in Christ Jesus ” instead of what the flesh tells you.  It doesn’t make sense!  But faith doesn’t make sense.  It doesn’t make sense that God would sacrifice His beloved Son for us, yet that’s what we believe.   So when the flesh speaks up against who we are “in Christ Jesus “, we: 2Corinthians 10:5 WEB  throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

We cast it down.  We don’t believe what the flesh says, only what God says. 

Dear Jesus!   We are in a constant battle.  Our flesh is always trying to control us, condemn us, tell us who we are “in the flesh “.  We believe who we are in you “in the Spirit “.  We believe your word:  1 John 4:17 WEB In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, even so, are we in this world.    As we continue to abide and fellowship with You; we are changed into your image and likeness.  Glory be to God Amen!   SHALOM 2 U

2Th 1:2-5 WEB2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds, 4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. 5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer.

Apostle Paul starts out with the Good News of Grace and Peace. This is God’s will for us and yet Christians suffer for the Gospel’s sake. In America, we go through very little persecution compared to those in other countries. Remember there is persecution and affection for the word sake and there is suffering because we live in a falling world. God will greatly reward those who suffer for the word’s sake. Jesus has already suffered for us because of a falling world. 1 Peter 2:24 WEB who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

     Dear Jesus!   You love us so much that you shook heaven and earth to save us.  You are fully devoted to the Father’s will.  You suffered for all sinners (As it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one. Romans 3:10 WEB) so that we would be saved from the penalty of sin.   Fill our hearts with your love so that we also would be willing to suffer and give up everything for the lost and that you would be glorified in all that are saved.  We thank You for your salvation of body, soul, and spirit and your Shalom to us. To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U

2Th 2:1-8 WEB 1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, and not be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. 5 Don’t you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? 6 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming;

There is a lot to take in here. Many different views. It might not be all that important what view one takes. The main thing is looking for the Lord’s return. Verse 1 talks about the coming of the Lord and His gathering for the saints. 1Th 4:17 WEB then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. So we see here that when the Lord comes for us, we will be caught up together and meet Him in the clouds. Many refer to this as the “rapture”. I have heard of this expression about 40 years ago and I’m still waiting for it to happen. I think that we will experience a great revival before this happens.

Now verse 2 talks about ” the day of the Lord (Christ). Here many belief is when the Lord will come back to rule the world. Verse 3-4 says this will not happen until there is a “fallen away ” and the antichrist is revealed. “Fallen away ” may mean leaving the Gospel of Grace to another gospel. We see this in the book of Galatians. Now the antichrist hasn’t been revealed so this has to happen first before the Lord comes back again.

Verse 7 talks about one who is restraining the antichrist. Many believe that this is the Holy Spirit. Once the Holy Spirit leaves and the saints must go with Him. The Holy Spirit is in us now so when He leaves so must we?

   Dear Jesus!   We long for Your return.  There is a lot of darkness in this world.  We are waiting for this great and mighty revival that is coming that will open the eyes of the blind, deaf to hear, the lame to walk, lepers cleansed and captives set free.  Your light will outshine the darkness.  Holy Spirit led us through Your power to bring the lost into the Kingdom of God.  Then we will be caught up together and meet the Lord Jesus and be with Him forevermore. HALLELUJAH!  Glory be to God Amen!  SHALOM 2 U

2Th 2:7-12 WEB7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; 9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; 12 that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

There is a lot of deception going on now but there will be much more after the Church is raptured. The Holy Spirit produces signs and wonders. Jesus had many during His ministry. The church today should experience many signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit. The devil produces signs and wonders through people that believe in him. How are we to tell the difference? I look at the fruits of the person or ministry. Are they also producing the “fruits of the Spirit “? Are they exhorting Jesus and giving God the glory? The devil’s way is to exhort the person. We say, isn’t he amazing? There is no fruit of the Spirit, no glory to God. Magicians are the ones that I’m hesitant to follow. Most of it is sleight of hand but some go way beyond that. Then you have the sorcerers that can cast spells and do all kinds of bewildering things.

Dear Jesus!  Your word tells us: Phi 4:8 WEB Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. When we keep our eyes on you, we will not be deceived.  Every time we fellowship with You, we are amazed and enthroned by Your grace and love.  We pray that all will see You as You truly are the giver of everlasting life and the deceiver as the one who only gives everlasting death.  To God be the glory from whom all blessings flow Amen!   Shalom 2 U

2TH 2;13-17 fvb But we just have to keep on thanking God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you to be saved through the Spirit who makes you right as you trust in the truth. This is what he called you to through the good news we shared with you so that you could participate in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, brothers and sisters, stand firm, and hold on to what you’ve been taught, whether by what you were told or through a letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God the Father (who through his grace gave us eternal confidence and a trustworthy hope), encourage you and strengthen you so you can say and do everything that is good.

Apostle Paul tells us to thank God that He called us to be saved by grace through Jesus Christ. We trust in the truth. Jesus is the truth. The Gospel is all about grace and truth.  Stay firm in the truth. 

Dear Jesus!   The Good News, the Gospel is all about what you did for us.  It’s all about Grace and Truth and this is what we receive when we abide in You: Grace, Grace, Grace amazing Grace.  May the Good News of Your saving grace go out throughout the world.  We command that the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers be clean, and the captives set free in Jesus name Amen!   Glory be to God Amen! SHALOM 2 U

    2Th 3:3 WEB But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

 “The Lord is faithful “. Apostle Paul is stating that the Lord Himself will do it. Our part is to have faith in Him to do it. Focusing on the problem isn’t helping the situation.  Focusing on Jesus is what is needed.  Hebrews 12:2 WEB

looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Look to Jesus; His finished work, His sacrifice, His peace, His grace, His mercy, His faithfulness, His healing, His deliverance, His power, and authority. 

   Dear Jesus!  You are the one we look to and seek for the fullness of life.  Whatever darkness may come our way, we abide in You.  You are the Light of the world.  Darkness cannot overshadow Your light. Fear cannot overshadow Your peace.  Sin cannot overshadow Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The enemy cannot defeat us because we are more than conquerors in You.  In You is the fullness of life.  Glory be to God Amen!    SHALOM 2 U

          2Th 3:3-4 NHEB 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command.

         NOTE V3 : ” THE LORD IS FAITHFUL ” .      PAUL IS STATING THAT THE LORD WILL DO IT.      IT TAKES FAITH IN HIM FOR HIM TO DO IT.      OUR PART IS NOT TRYING TO DO IT BY OUR OWN EFFORTS, BUT FAITH IN HIM.      BY GRACE NOT WORKS.      WE MUST BE FAITHFUL IN FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. ALWAYS DECLARING THAT JESUS DID IT AND THEN IT WILL COME TO PASS.
           NOTE V4 : THIS IS CONTINUING OF THE PREVIOUS VERSE.     AGAIN PAUL IS EXPRESSING HIS CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD.       WHEN HE STATES ” BOTH ” ;  HE IS STATING THAT BOTH YOU WITH FAITH IN THE LORD WILL BRING IT TO PASS.      THIS IS WHAT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS ALL ABOUT;  DECLARING WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE BEFORE YOU SEE IT IN THE FLESH.

DEAR JESUS !    AS WE KNOW, BELIEVE AND DECLARE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US BY YOUR SACRIFICE ; WE WILL RECEIVE OUR ” BREAKTHROUGH “.        IT’S ALWAYS YOU WORKING IN US AND THROUGH US THAT MAKES US MORE THAN CONQUERS.     YOU ARE FAITHFUL !      HAVING DEFEATED THE ENEMY YOU BRINGS LOVE, JOY AND PEACE/SHALOM TO US.       GLORY BE TO GOD AMEN!     SHALOM2U

2Th 3:6 WEB Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

1Co 5:11 KJV But now I have written unto you not to keep company if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

 There are some scriptures in the Bible that tell us not to judge and some that say that we are to judge.  Some say examine yourself- judge.   It’s not easy to rightly divide the word.  The above 2 scriptures say to withdraw from those ” brothers “. Those in the church that act a certain way.  That requires judging.  We don’t see this happening.  It might have to depart from our own family and self.  I believe that the main point is not to associate with them when one is practicing such conduct.  Don’t support their bad behavior and try to encourage them to seek the Lord for the grace that is needed to overcome.  I hear too many times like, ” you can do it “.  That only puts pressure on them.  A lot of times they are really trying not to act that way. Only Jesus’ amazing grace can help them.  So pray for them.  Tell them that it’s only by the grace of God that you are able to walk in the newness of life. 

Dear Jesus!  We are reminded again, that you came to save and not condemn.  Thank you for giving us life and setting us free.  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon us and all our loved ones to set us free and live in the newness of life in Christ Jesus Amen!   Shalom 2 U

1Ti 1:2 WEB to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Grace, mercy, and peace are what the Gospel is all about. It goes from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a gift from God received by faith. Apostle Paul tells us to be aware of those who are teaching a different Gospel.

Paul goes on to say that some are teaching the law but don’t understand what they’re talking about. 1Ti 1:9 WEB as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, Paul says the law is not made for the righteous. When we were sinners, we were unrighteous. The law convinced us that we needed a Savior. After we repent and ask Jesus to save us, we become righteous: a “born again “, spirit-filled new creation, a child of God. Now we are not under the law but grace. Rom 6:14 WEB For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under the law, but under grace. So it’s important for believers to know how to receive and walk in grace. The more you acknowledge who you are in Christ Jesus, the more grace you will receive to become more like Him.

Dear Jesus! Your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. What an awesome Saviour you are! It goes way beyond our natural minds. Abiding in You, helps us see with spiritual eyes, hear with spiritual ears, and believe with all our hearts. You empower us to defeat the enemy of our souls. Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Amen! Shalom 2 U

1Ti 1:8-11 WEB8 But we know that the law is good, if a person uses it lawfully, 9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine,

Apostle Paul starts out by saying the law is good. It’s not made for the righteous. Why not? He goes on to say that it’s for the lawless or unrighteous. We all are born with some sinful nature and therefore unrighteous. It’s only when we repent ( admitting that we are sinners) and ask Jesus to save us that we receive by faith His righteousness. Let me repeat again: everyone is born with a sinful nature. We can say that it’s not fair but Adam’s disobedience brought it on. Now God is a just and merciful God. That’s why He gave us His only begotten Son to redeem us from the curse of the law and make us righteous. That being said, let’s look at some sins that are mentioned here. It wasn’t that long ago that most people would agree that these sins are wrong and sinful. Yet today many are saying that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality. They for the most part are trying to be loving and understanding. The problem is if homosexuals believe that it’s not a sin, they will never repent and therefore not be made righteous by faith in Jesus. Many young boys’ lives were traumatized in the boy scouts by homosexual activity and other negative effects but are hardly ever brought up. We don’t condone murder, stealing, lying, infidelity; all of which are part of man’s falling nature.  Our part is not to condemn but to pray that they would repent and come to Jesus. 

Dear Jesus! We thank you for your sacrifice to redeem us from this falling nature. God’s plan for us was to be made in your image and likeness. The devil deceived Adam and he continues to try to deceive us. You came to save us and not condemn us. We only condemn ourselves when we fail to admit that we have sinned and ask you to save us. We truly are saved only by your Amazing Grace. We pray now that: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit go forth to open the eyes of the blind, deaf to hear, the lame to walk, lepers be cleanse and captives set free.  To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U

1Ti 1:18 WEB I commit this instruction to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which were given to you before, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

The Apostle Paul is telling us here that Timothy was given a special prophetic word. This prophetic word was given so that Timothy would be able to come against the lies of the devil. Timothy didn’t have the Bible like we have today. The Bible is full of God’s prophetic words. These are the words that we need to know, believe, and declare to fight the good fight of faith. 1Pe 5:8 WEB Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Luk 10:19 WEB Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.

Dear Jesus! Your words give us life. Your words give us faith to be more than conquerors when the enemy tries to defeat our plans for our lives.  It’s the sword of the Spirit that we use to stop the enemy from trying to steal and kill the blessings that you have for our lives. Thank you Jesus for living in us and defeating the enemy.  Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Amen!  Shalom 2 U

1Ti 2:1-4 WEB1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

There is something about praying that goes against the flesh. We get distracted by so many other things. It’s hard to give it a top priority in our lives. Even when we do commit our time to pray, it might be the same old repetition, praying just for our loved ones, our needs, our wants. Apostle Paul tells us to pray for all men ( the good, the bad, and the ugly), especially for those in authority. For sure we don’t agree with all in authority but we are called to pray for them. Pray that they would be saved and given the wisdom to lead our nation according to God’s will. If you think that they are doing wrong, pray that they might repent. This nation has been going away from God, instead of closer. Pray that we would turn back to God.

Lord Jesus! The heavens and the earth belong to you. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. We pray for all in authority that they would honor you in all that they do. We pray that you will continue to raise up leaders that will walk in your ways and establish your Kingdom here and throughout the world. May the Light of the world shine across America and the world. To God be the glory Amen! Shalom 2 U

1Ti 2:5-8 KJV5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8 I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

I realize that many pray to saints. God bless them and I do believe that He honors them. Nonetheless, I believe that the best way to pray is to God through Jesus and His Word. We should be constantly praising Jesus. It is His sacrifice that has redeemed us and brought us into the Kingdom of God. All of us are bond servants because of what Jesus has done.

There seems to be a great lack of lifting up holy hands. God’s presence only comes alive when we give Him praise and thanksgiving. Praise and worship like you do watching your favorite sport and see how He comes alive in you.

Dear Jesus! You are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. You are the Prince of Peace. When we come to You in praise and thanksgiving, You come with all Your love, peace, and joy to still the storms in our lives. Psa 22:3 WEB But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.  Blessed be the name of the Lord,  Jesus! Glory, Glory, Glory to the King of the world.  Light Be in Jesus’ name Amen!   Shalom 2 U

 1Ti 3:1-3 WEB 1 This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work. 2 The overseer, therefore, must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; 3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

 No one is perfect in the flesh but God calls leaders to a high standard.  It seems that for the first two thousand years, the church was maintaining that standard.  Today we see that standard being discarded.  We are called all kinds of names and not compassionate if we object to these low standards for leaders.  When we allow leaders who practice sin and are not repented, we let the blind lead the blind.  Jesus came to save.  If we are continually sinning, then we really don’t understand and believe what Jesus does.  They are in bondage and not seeking the Lord to set them free.  A repentant sinner knows how the Lord sets them free.  It’s all by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  When we ask Jesus to save us, He comes into our hearts to save us.  Now it’s our fellowship with Jesus, knowing, believing, and declaring who we are in Him.  Jesus gets all the glory and we become a new creation set free from the bondage of sin.  So beware of those false teachers and leaders that are living like the devil but saying it’s okay.  We will have leaders that will fall but if they are really believing in Jesus, Jesus will pick them up and bring them back to His righteousness.

Dear Jesus!  You came to save us and set us free.  You know that we are too weak to save ourselves.  You sacrifice your life for us and when we believe in Your works, not ours, you give us life and set us free.   May your Good News go out throughout the world.  We pray that you will raise up leaders that will proclaim the Good News of your amazing saving grace.  To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U1

1Ti 4:1-6 KJV1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy to stay true to the Gospel- Good News. He talks about ladder days but we see it already happening in the book of Galatians. We must continually seek the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what is true and what is false. We see today some of the things that Paul warned against being practiced today. They seem good but is it faith or work?

Dear Jesus! We will keep our eyes and hearts on you. It’s only you working in us that really counts.   Phi 2:13 KJV For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  May you continue to work in us for your Kingdom to come and your will be done.  To God be the glory Amen!   Shalom 2 U

1Ti 4:14-16 KJV  Neglect, not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.

    So Timothy received a special gift when he was prayed over by the elders.  As Christians, we also need to be prayed over the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  At thirteen, I was confirmed and prayed over.  It didn’t seem to change my life any.  At the age of 33, I was again prayed over.  This time I did sense a stronger presence of God’s Spirit but was still at a loss of what my gift or calling was.  I believe most Christians have similar experiences.  We want to feel something, hear something, see something with our natural senses. It can but usually doesn’t work that way. For years I was seeking and believing, but too many other things were taking first place in my life.  Retiring was the best thing but for a while, I was still into my own thing.   Unlike me and so many others, Timothy didn’t neglect the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life and so he produced much fruit for the glory of God.   As they say, better late than never.  The more we pursue the Holy Spirit, the more he can work through us. 

   Dear Jesus!  We thank you for the helper, the Holy Spirit.  As we honor you, your word, and the Holy Spirit; we will be equipped to give honor to you and the Kingdom of God.  To God be the glory Amen!

1Ti 5:20 WEB Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

Apostle Paul seems to be double-minded at times. This is a good example. In a different letter, he tells us: Gal 6:1-2 WEB 1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. 2 Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  The two don’t seem to agree with each other.  In verse 5:20 Paul is very harsh and condemning.  In verses 6:1-2, Paul is more compassionate.  It’s not easy to rightly divide the word.  2Co 3:6 WEB who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.  As for me, I side with love and grace.  To me openly rebuking a sinner would do more harm than good.  But I will say that we have leaders in the church that are openly sinning and show no signs of repentance and are teaching others that it’s okay.  God wants us to restore sinners.  To me, this is done by revealing God’s grace that helps sinners to repent and act righteously.  

Dear Jesus!  Let us never forget that it was your amazing grace that set us free and saved us.  We couldn’t do it on our own.  Only when we heard the truth that you came to save and not condemn, were we able to receive your grace and be set free.   May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Amen!  Shalom 2 u

1Ti 6:12 WEB Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

1Ti 6:12 KJV Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I have 2 versions of the same verse. They are similar but different. I don’t always agree ( BUT USUALLY DO) with the KJV but here the Greek word is translated better. We are called to profess our faith. ( we are called to confess our sins). The following are explanations of the word profess.

Profess instead of confess.

PROFESS: To say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent

to concede, not to refuse, to promise, not to deny, to confess, declare, 

to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one’s self guilty of what one is accused of, to profess, to declare openly, speak out freely, to profess one’s self the worshipper of one, to praise, celebrate

When we agree with what God’s word says; we are making a good profession of our faith and thus fighting the good fight of faith. Unfortunately, many of us confess what one sees in the flesh instead of professing what God’s word says. Once we have repented and became born again, we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. This is what we need to profess. Now if you want to confess something, say it’s the old man but profess that he is dead.

Dear Jesus! You did amazing work in our lives. By Your sacrifice and grace, we are a new creation: a child of God, sanctified, redeemed, healed, made whole, delivered from the power of darkness, more than a conqueror, filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentlenesses, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. This is what we profess Lord Jesus.  All honor, praise, and Thanksgiving to You.  Glory be to God Amen!  SHALOM 2 U

2Ti 1:1 WEB Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,

  In the body of Christ, the church you have some leaders appointed by man and some appointed by God.  Appointed by man is somewhat a necessity but I think that we would like all appointed by God.  Paul is a good example.  The Apostles chose someone else to replace Judas. Most Christians don’t know his name or what he accomplished.  Apostle Paul on the other hand, just about everyone, believers and non-believers heard of Paul and know what he had accomplished during his ministry.  The point I would like to make is don’t judge someone because the church didn’t officially appoint them.  Ask yourself, what kind of fruit are they producing?  As the word says: Matthew 12:33 darby  Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt. For from the fruit the tree is known. We are called to be fruit inspectors.

    Dear Jesus!  You are “The Tree of Life “. We know that anyone abiding in You will produce good fruit.  We declare that as we continue to abide in you, we will produce much fruit for your honor and glory.  We pray that you will continue to call, anoint, and bless many more into ministry to serve Your Kingdom. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen!  Shalom 2 u

2Ti 3:16 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

We here this a lot when someone is trying to prove a point.   That why we have to be diligent in rightly dividing the word.  2Ti 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. WE MUST BE ABLE TO SEPARATE THE OLD COVENANT FROM THE NEW. WE MUST NOT TAKE 1 VERSE OF SCRIPTURE WHILE IGNORING WHAT OTHER VERSES SAY ABOUT THAT TOPIC.
The Gospel is a gospel of grace and not works. Grace received by faith in what Jesus has done and who we are in Christ. This has to come first. Then ” in Christ ” , we become empowered to live righteously in the flesh. Too many believers are trying to live righteously in the flesh first thinking that this will make them righteous. It’s all about receiving Jesus righteousness by faith: declaring it by faith and then we start living righteously in the flesh.

Rom 7:6 KJV But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

        Dear Jesus     we know that we can do nothing without you.   Thank you for saving me,  never leaving me.  You are the one that gives life,  gives us your righteousness so that i am empowered to live righteously.
Amen.

      2Ti 1:6-10 WEB 6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control. 8 Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.

   The gift of God is the Gospel. It’s all about what Jesus has done for us and who we are because of Him.  Paul says to stir it up.  It reminds me of how we must meditate on the word.  When we do we are focusing on what Jesus did for us. It energizes us to believe and declare what Jesus has done.  It helps our faith to grow. Because it is Good News, it blesses our day. 

Apostle Paul is telling Timothy that he received a gift of God when he was prayed for with the laying of hands.  This is one way that God uses to anoint someone to be used in a certain way to spread the Good News of the kingdom of God.  Some churches practice laying on of hands and some don’t.  The main thing is to seek God’s will for your life. This requires meditation and fellowshipping with God.  God has a plan for everyone but we must seek Him to reveal it and run with it in faith believing. 

   Dear Jesus!  You came and declared the Good News of God’s grace and love. As we freely received,  you call us to freely give.  In Christ, the anointed one we are empowered to spread the Good News and be a blessing to others.  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forevermore Amen!  Shalom 2 U

2Ti 2:1 WEB You, therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Apostle Paul is reminding us that Grace is the Gospel, not the law. Grace gives us strength and victory. The Law is weak because it relies on us to fulfill it. Paul says that grace is in Christ Jesus. When we know, believe, and declare who we are in Christ Jesus we become strengthened to keep the law. Then we can say like Paul: Gal.2:20 Darby I am crucified with Christ, and no longer live, I, but Christ lives in me; but in that, I now live in flesh, I live by faith, the faith of the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself for me. This is the Gospel, Good News. Paul is telling Timothy to stay strong. It’s easy to preach the Law.  The natural man sees it as a way to become righteous.  God’s ways are higher:  Isaiah 55:9 Darby For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

   Dear Jesus!  You came to save us.  You came to make us righteous. You came to redeem us from the curse of the law: Galatians 3:13 Darby  Christ has redeemed us out of the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed is everyone hanged upon a tree,) Everything that we need comes from you.  You are the Savior of the world. Glory be to God Amen! SHALOM 2 U

  2Ti 2:15 WEB Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

   Rightly dividing the Word is a major problem.  We must be able to separate the Old Covenant from the New Covenant.  We must not take one verse of scripture and ignore what other verses have to say about it.  

The Gospel is a gospel of grace and not works. Grace is received by faith in what Jesus has done and who we are in Christ. This has to come first. Then ” in Christ “, we become empowered to live righteously in the flesh. Too many believers are trying to live righteously in the flesh, thinking that this will make them righteous. It’s all about receiving Jesus’ righteousness by faith: declaring it by faith and then we start living righteously in the flesh. Read the book of Romans.  Compare what it says about the Law vs Grace.  Grace wins.  Grace is received by faith in Jesus Christ.  

  Dear Jesus!  It’s always about you and your amazing grace.  We will continue to look to You, abide in You and declare that we are righteous in You.  This is amazing grace.  Glory be to God Amen!  SHALOM 2 U

Rom 7:6 KJV But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

2Ti 3:1-4 WEB1 But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

When we look at the world today, it’s hard not to see all the darkness around us. It’s a lot like the Apostle Paul is stating here. It’s a sign that we have to be aggressive in fighting the devil, not flesh and blood.

Dear Jesus!  Only You and the Holy Spirit can overcome the darkness in this world.  You gave us Your name and Your authority, help us as we seek Your Kingdom to be faithful in fighting this darkness.  Send forth Your ministering angel as we declare peace on earth, goodwill to all. Light Be in Jesus’ name Amen!   Shalom 2 U

   2Ti 3:5 WEB holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.

   When we deny God’s power to make us righteous, the result is false godliness and only self-righteousness.  Jesus is the power of God to make us righteous.  We receive this righteousness through grace by faith in Jesus Christ.  We deny who we are in the flesh.  This is how we crucify the flesh.  We declare who we are in Christ Jesus.  This is how we walk in the Spirit. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

  Dear Jesus!  You came to save us.  You came to make us righteous.  Because You came into our hearts, we received Your righteousness. Philippians 3:9 KJV and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  We praise You, honor You, adore You, worship You and glorify Your name, Jesus.  You are the Saviour of the world.  Glory be to God Amen!  SHALOM 2 U

     2Ti 3:12 WEB Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

    We all want to live godly but true godliness is only found “in Christ Jesus “.  Those words in Christ Jesus are very important.  There are many religions proclaiming godliness but none suffer more than the Christian Faith.  You can talk to anyone about godly living, especially the self-help group.  Just bring up the name of Jesus and you will be persecuted. 

   Dear Jesus!  You said that they would hate us as they hated you.  We know that the devil is all behind it. He will not prevail because You have defeated him.  You have all power and authority in heaven and on earth. You have given us your name and authority.  In Jesus’ name, we declare all lying and rebellious spirits go. Shalom/ Peace on earth and goodwill to all.  To God be the glory Amen!  Shalom 2 U