Today was a busy day. I headed to church for an early morning meeting and then helped with the “Grief Share” class. After the class, I went to Denver to pick up my mom to attend the 90th Birthday celebration for a cousin of my father’s.

Cortland Rybicka was one of my dad’s cousins who farmed for years in Stasburg. My father always enjoyed connecting with him and my father actually worked for Cortland’s father (my dad’s uncle) in the early years of my parent’s marriage. It was good to see some of my aunts and uncles and other more distant family members. “Corty” has always been supportive of my political service, even going back to my years on the Stasburg School Board.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will save my people from countries in the east and west.  I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their good and loyal God.” Zechariah 8:7,8 NCV

As Zachariah prophesies about the the future of the Holy City, He promises to be to the people what they had not been to Him. The Lord says that His people will once again be identified with Him. They will no longer to the outcasts, aliens and slaves. God’s people had been anything but “good” and “loyal.”

Their evil actions impacted individual lives, families and a nation. They lived immoral lives, cheating each other fighting each other and following the ways and worship of evil nations. They were so disoriented in their actions they only fooled themselves.

“The Lord All-Powerful spoke his word to me, saying, “Tell the priests and the people in the land: ‘For seventy years you fasted and cried in the fifth and seventh months, but that was not really for me.  And when you ate and drank, it was really for yourselves.” (Zechariah 7:4-6 NCV)

Even though they had their annual rituals and religious observances, they were more self-centered than God-centered. They were more to appease their own conscious than to please God. This challenges us in our own lives and worship. Do we live and worship and commit to spiritual disciplines to truly please the Lord and obey Him; or is it to make ourselves “feel good?”

The Lord challenged the people that periodic worship was not what He wanted, but a devotion that was reflected in the daily character and conduct of their lives. “This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other.  Don’t hurt widows and orphans, foreigners or the poor; don’t even think of doing evil to somebody else.’ (Zechariah 7:9,10 NCV)

As the Lord promises to restore the land to people, He pictures people who would enjoy long and prosperous lives and a place where children freely laugh and play (Zech. 8:4,5), it is clear that it is due to the Lord’s goodness and loyalty to His people.

This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “I have a very strong love for Jerusalem. My strong love for her is like a fire burning in me.” (Zechariah 8:2 NCV)

Just as fires of judgment cannot be quench, neither can the “fire” of God’s love for His people. This imagery is not what we normally relate to love, but it is significant because it shows how strong and encompassing is the love of the Lord. Perhaps this gives insight into the writer of Hebrews when he says, “…since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28,29 NIV) The “fire” of God’s love accomplishes its goal just as much the “fire” of judgment.

What seems impossible or difficult for us to image, is not outside the realm of God’s love in action. “Those who are left alive then may think it is too difficult to happen, but it is not too difficult for me,” says the Lord All-Powerful.“ (Zechariah 8:6 NCV)

We can be thankful in our lives today, that the Lord accomplishes His purposes for His people. We may not understand how it will happen and may doubt that it can happen; but what the Lord purposes will come to pass. He does so, not because of our goodness, but out of His goodness and His loyalty to His character and promise.

This morning I had a workout session with my athletic trainer. The fitness center has new equipment I am looking forward to using, but will need to get much stronger before I can take advantage of it. This evening Debbie and I will attend a formal event known as the “Respite Ball.” This is the main fundraising event for Fort Collins with a focus on providing “take away” for caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

Yesterday I mentioned attending a site tour for oil and gas production. It is actually my second tour in the past two months. It has been interesting to learn more of the specifics about these operations.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Shout and be glad, Jerusalem. I am coming, and I will live among you,” says the Lord. “At that time people from many nations will join with the Lord and will become my people. Then I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord All-Powerful has sent me to you.” Zechariah 2:10,11 NCV

It is interesting that both Haggai and Zechariah prophesied at the same time. It was during the second year of King Darius. The Lord was beginning to restore God’s people to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. We see the the people were ready for captivity to come to an end but to return to Jerusalem, it had to be the right time and they had to be the right people.

“…This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘Return to me, and I will return to you..” (Zech. 1:3 NCV) The prophet Haggai spoke and said to those in Jerusalem, “You look for much, but you find little. When you bring it home, I destroy it. Why?” asks the Lord All-Powerful. “Because you all work hard for your own houses while my house is still in ruins!”  (Haggai 1:9 NCV)

So we see the Lord using the people in Jerusalem to get ready and begin to rebuild the Temple, while Zechariah spoke to those in Babylon and told them to “get themselves ready.” The Lord was looking for a “new” people to inhabit a “new” Temple and Jerusalem. In place of desolation and want, there would be plenty and people from all nations would dwell in Jerusalem and it would know the presence of the Lord.

The Lord shows Zechariah’s visions of horses and horns in revealing the spiritual activity of angels that was taking place to bring about their urn to Jerusalem. He was letting the people know that the nations (symbolized by the horns) that had punished Jerusalem and God’s people would now be punished by God.

The visions and words we find in Zechariah remind us of the words of Revelation. We see Revelation open with a vision of the glory of the resurrected Christian followed by four horses. We see animals with horns representing nations that will come against God’s people and we see the promise of the fulfillment of God’s plan when “God will be among His people.”

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:2,3 NIV)

Just as  God was using Zechariah and Haggai to prepare God’s people and God’s place we see that there is a place for God’s people being prepared, not by man but by God. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:1) Our challenge and commitment is to be the people of God who are prepared and anticipating to be in the place where God is preparing for us and where He will dwell among His people.

That preparation requires us to live with God’s perspective and priorities in mind. The Lord spoke through Haggai and said, ‘The people say the right time has not come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.’” (Haggai 1:2 NCV) We must see our world and our lives as God sees. That requires staying close to Him and not just settling for business and life as usual. We are called to live now with the future in mind. Just as the Lord is preparing a place, we must be a prepared people, being faithful and patient until the coming of the Lord and fulfillment of His promise.

This morning the Larimer Energy Action Project that I am helping lead, conducted an orientation and site tour courtesy of Great Western Oil and Gas. Great Western were gracious hosts and took time to explain the procedures and processes involved in oil and natural gas development. We then toured a drilling site to see operations firsthand.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Show mercy to some people who have doubts. Take others out of the fire, and save them. Show mercy mixed with fear to others, hating even their clothes which are dirty from sin.” Jude 22,23 NCV

Jude writes to believers and tells them to,  “fight hard for the faith.” The reason for this is not the attacks from the godless and unbelieving; it is from those claiming faith that are bringing confusion. Jude was going to write about the “salvation we all share” but he realized that all did not share in the salvation that comes from Christ.

Those who were “warring” against the faith were those who “secretly entered your group.” Jude goes on and condemns these people in the following words, “They are against God and have changed the grace of our God into a reason for sexual sin. They also refuse to accept Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.” (Jude 4 NCV) It is difficult to view those who act as if they are “for” God to actually be “against” God by the positions they hold and the actions of their life.

In this context, Jude provides encouragement on how to remain strong in “personal” faith; but he also instructs that those who are faithful to Christ have a responsibility to others.

When confusion comes within the ranks of believers, Jude says it is important to show these people mercy. For a time or season, they may be “lead astray” by charismatic personalities and convincing arguments. When they understand the error of their ways, it is important for them to be treated with mercy. That is after all how the Lord responds to us.

Others may find their spiritual lives in danger. Their conduct is placing them at risk of God’s judgment. Jude says those who are fighting for the faith, need to take actions and Take others out of the fire, and save them. When someone, cannot in their own volition take actions that are in their best interests, then someone needs to help them make the right decision.

The third group Jude identifies seems to be those responsible for the false teaching and being the “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Jude says, they are to be give mercy, but to do so with caution. In other words, “don’t allow Christian love and compassion, to lead to compromise.”

I recall on leader giving the perspective of reconciliation and pointing out that there is a difference between forgiveness and showing mercy and trust. It seem this is the position of Jude when he says, “Show mercy mixed with fear….hating even their clothes which are dirty from sin.” It can sound trite or “Pollyannish” but we are called to value the individual, without showing approval for their sinful actions.

It is interesting the the “oath of office” for elected official in the U.S. includes the words, “defending….the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.” We don’t like to think of enemies of our nation being “among us” and the same is true for the family of believers. When we fight for the faith, it means we are on guard against the forces that wage war against our faith, trust and obedience to God both from outside and inside the Church.

This morning I made an early trip to Lakewood, leaving home at 5:30 a.m. I was surprised how many cars were on the road traveling to Denver at that time of day. I was headed to a meeting of Lakewood Republicans at Foothills Golf Course. This is a group that I regularly attended during my legislative days. It was my first time since moving to Fort Collins that I was able to join the group. I shared about my West Nile Virus journey.

While in Lakewood I had the opportunity to connect with my son, Christian and then visit my mother in Englewood.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is strong and can help you not to fall. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy.  He is the only God, the One who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24,25 NCV

Often times a pastor will have a plan for a sermon and in the midst of that plan, realize that there is another message of importance and timeliness. That is what we see in this short letter from the Apostle Jude. In his words he says, “I wanted very much to write you about the salvation we all share. But I felt the need to write you about something else: I want to encourage you to fight hard for the faith that was given the holy people of God once and for all time.” (Jude 3 NCV)

Jude then explains that there are those who desire to influence believers by teaching that “grace gives license to sin.” Jude is straight forward in explaining his feelings about these people and uses examples about  Sodom and Gomorrah, fallen angels and even the words of Enoch about the impact of these people and their danger to true believers.

Jude admonishes believers to hold on to their faith, by a lifestyle that avoids godlessness. I was asked in my meeting this morning, “what does repentance really means?” We see that it involves a changed life style where what I have done, I don’t do and what I didn’t do, I now do. It also means that I remain true to that commitment to live a life in obedience to Christ and His ways.

As Jude closes his letter, he provides some great words of encouragement. He lets those who are faithful to know that “God can keep you strong.” The “downward” inertia of this world and the influence of others and our carnal nature can be great. The battle we fight, the life we live, must be done with the strength that comes from the Lord. When we depend on His strength, He keeps us strong….we won’t fall.

Judge also instructs believers to use their faith for strength by Holy Spirit empowered prayer.“…use your most holy faith to build yourselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20 NCV)

Jude also reminds of the sustaining power of  God’s love and mercy. ^“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ with his mercy to give you life forever.” (Jude 21 NCV)

Jude speaks of a day of victory and celebration when he says, “He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy.”  (Jude 24 NCV) Note that he says, “God can bring you…” It is not our own strength or ability but that which comes from God that gives us the assurance and pleasure found in God’s presence.

The final words of this letter remind us of the power of praise, “To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” (Jude 25 NCV) As we affirm and declare who God is the presence of God’s Spirit in our life in turn provides us strength.

This morning I had the opportunity to meet with former State Representative Steve Tool. Steve ended his legislative tenure in 2000; but served on the powerful reapportionment committee that established new House and Senate boundaries for the 2012 election.

This afternoon I went to Greeley and enjoyed lunch with Gil Moon and Erin Soard-Pivonka of KFKA radio, Michael Buckley of 50 Plus Market Place News and Mark Langness of Senior Soul Care. After lunch I wen to the radio radio and taped an interview for an upcoming program directed toward Northern Colorado seniors.

I got back to Fort Collins in time for a doctor’s appointment. My health issues I have been dealing with this week don’t appear to be anything too severe and the good news was my white blood count was down to zero for the first time in over two years.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How terrible for the wicked, stubborn city of Jerusalem, which hurts its own people. It obeys no voice; it can’t be taught to do right. It doesn’t trust the Lord; it doesn’t worship its God.” Zephaniah 3:1-3 NCV

Zephaniah was a prophet of the Lord with a royal heritage. His great-grandfather was King Amariah of Judah. Zephaniah prophesied during the days of Josiah. Josiah was a godly King who lead a time of revival in Judah. Josiah removed the altars to foreign gods and even destroyed the altars of the calf idols built by Jeroboam after the death of Solomon, when the kingdom of Israel was divided.

We see Zephaniah’s prophecy opens with a strong message about coming judgment. This judgment would not only rest on Jerusalem and God’s people but surrounding nations as well. Then we see a plea for repentance and turning to the Lord before it is too late, “Come to the Lord, all you who are not proud, who obey his laws. Do what is right. Learn to be humble.” (Zephaniah 2:3 NCV)

Zephaniah then lays out the sins of God’s people. We could summarize their sins as being stubborn, self-sufficient, and proud. The people were guilty of obeying no one and refusing to be “taught to do right.” Zephaniah goes on says, they don’t, “trust the Lord….worship its God.”

A lack of trust and worship points to self-sufficiency…no need of God and a refusal to acknowledge God and give Him the recognition and glory that is due to His name. These are serious sins and point to a serious condition. God’s people had followed the ways of surrounding nations and God was preparing to judged not only His people but the nations responsible for their ruin as well.

We see that the “prophets were proud” and the priests don’t “respect holy things and break God’s teachings.” When you look at the condition of the people, they deserve to be forsaken by God. But we read the words, “But the Lord is good, and he is there in that city. He does no wrong. Every morning he governs the people fairly; every day he can be trusted. But evil people are not ashamed of what they do.” (Zephaniah 3:5 NCV)

The Psalmist declared the Lord “does not treat us as our sins deserve…” (Psalm 103:10) This is certainly seen in the history of God’s people. The behavior and conduct of the people of God stands in stark contrast to the God of the people.

God’s justice calls for judgment, but God’s mercy brings restoration and reconciliation. Zephaniah closes with a message of hope and encouragement when the time of God’s wrath is complete, “On that day Jerusalem will be told,
“Don’t be afraid, city of Jerusalem. Don’t give up. The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you.” (Zephaniah 3:16,17 NCV)

In the words of Zephaniah we find another message of hope. Rebellion and pride may bring God’s judgment, but God will bring restoration to those who humble themselves before Him. They key is to “not give up.” We need to remember that even in the darkest of times the Lord is with us and He will save and those He saves He rejoices over. Just like the father welcomed back the prodigal son.

This prophecy also reminds us of God’s final plan for this world. Zephaniah speaks of judgment by fire and people being removed from the earth. Peter wrote of the “Day of the Lord” and said, “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10 NIV) He then goes on and says, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV)

The Lord one day will bring judgment on the stubborn, proud and self-sufficient. But He also promises restoration to all those who stay humble before Him and submit to Him. Just as God’s people were gathered from captivity back to the City of God,  all those who trust in the Lord will be gathered to the eternal presence of our Lord.

We did not get the expected snow in northern Colorado last night. It was colder and windy; but I was able to get the rest of my lawn mowed, perhaps for the last time. After my morning prayer time, where I had the opportunity to share a devotional on “Responding to Ridicule”  – I had a workout with my fitness trainer. I was actually able to get in a “push up plank” position for the first time in almost two and a half years! It wasn’t perfect but I off both knees!

This afternoon a meeting cancellation allowed me to attend a planning meeting for next spring’s National Day of Prayer event for Northern Colorado. Even though I had a fairly good day, I “ran out of gas” toward the end of the day and had to beg off an evening meeting in Longmont.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The evil nation is very proud of itself; it is not living as it should. But those who are right with God will live by faith.”  Habakkuk 2:4 NCV

As the prophet looks at what the Lord is allowing the happen, he is confused and upset. The first two chapters of Habakkuk record the prophets complaint to the Lord and the Lord’s response. The final chapter we see a “prayer” of the prophet.

At the core of what God wants the prophet to understand is that regardless of what the situation is like; regardless of how difficult it is to understand what God is doing and why, “the righteous (those who are right with God) will live by faith.”

Living by faith means that I trust the Lord even though He permits evil. It means I trust the Lord and wait patiently even if the Lord uses those evil people to judge the righteous.

Living by faith requires humility. It is submission to the Lord and not exalting our understanding or our sense of justice to be the bottom line. The Lord says, “the evil nation is very proud of itself….” Righteousness is not equated with accomplishment and success. The Babylonians were fierce, mighty and successful. They were also proud and they in the end were humbled by the Lord that allowed them a season in history.

Living by faith is obeying God’s ways. The Lord says of the Babylonians, “…[they] are not living as [they] should.” Pride leads to a self directed and affirming life style. You live by the rules you make up for your own life. But there is a higher standard that is established and judged by God.

Paul refers to this verse twice in his letters. To the Romans he talks about the gospel revealing God’s righteousness and says, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 NIV) The upside down world of Christ followers is that righteousness is not dependent upon human effort, it is determined by faith. That keeps us humble depending daily upon the Lord.

Paul writes to the Galatians about the same concept and says, “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11 ESV)

The writer of Hebrews addresses believers who could identity with Habakkuk. They were facing faith-testing challenging times. Times of persecution, times of suffering, times of asking questions and I’m sure even complaining. These Christians are reminded of the words of the prophet from long ago, “For, Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith…” (Hebrews 10:37,38 ESV) This verse and the on which follows then leads into the listing of God’s people of faith.

To Hababkkuk the Lord said, “It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed.” It is from these words of encouragement and the perspective of faith that Habakkuk would utter the familiar words, “I will wait patiently for the day of disaster that will come to the people who attack us. Fig trees may not grow figs, and there may be no grapes on the vines. There may be no olives growing and no food growing in the fields. There may be no sheep in the pens and no cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my  Savior. The Lord God is my strength. He makes me like a deer that does not stumble so I can walk on the steep mountains.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NCV)

Living by faith…it is trusting the Lord and being patient with the Lord’s plan for our life and our world. We may not understand or like what we see, but that doesn’t define what the Lord is doing. Our focus is to live by faith and regardless of the circumstances of life to “…be glad in the Lord;[and]….. rejoice in God my  Savior.”

Today was a good day to get cleaned up, caught up and ready for a coming snow. It was a good day not for appointments, but arranging for appointments. It is nice to have my landscaping projected completed and ready for the coming season and holidays.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…Some things in Paul’s letters are hard to understand, and people who are ignorant and weak in faith explain these things falsely. They also falsely explain the other Scriptures, but they are destroying themselves by doing this.” 2 Peter 3:16 NCV

What does the Bible say? What does the Bible mean? We certainly realize that many arguments and divisions have taken place over the centuries on the teachings of the Bible.

Even before having the “Bible” as it is today, we see people “twisted” the words of the apostles and the scriptures that they did have available. At times it happened to develop a following based around a specific teaching; at other times it was to discredit the author of the words.

Today we see twisting scripture is done to justify actions condemned by the Bible, or to make someone sound spiritually superior, as well as for other motivations. Peter addresses the bottom line of those who distort scriptures, “they are destroying themselves.” The “friendly-fire” casualty is that often the faith of others is destroyed as well.

Paul wrote to Timothy and admonished him, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV)

Here are some basics to keep in mind…

1 – The Bible is first and foremost a “redemptive revelation.” It shows both the beginning and the end of the known world and reveals God’s work throughout time and His eternal plan. God reveals Himself through the scriptures. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39 NLT) It is often said, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.”

2 – The Bible is the result of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit on the hearts and minds of men. “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21 ESV) 2 – The Bible in its 66 books is like a “self-contained” library. It has books of history, law, prophetic writings, poetry and letters written by the apostles to different individuals and groups.

3 – The Bible doesn’t tell us everything about all things. The Bible provides for us what we need for our faith and our conduct. What we believe and how we are to act. The Bible at times is very specific and at other times provides us principles that are to guide our lives.

4 – The plain meaning of the Bible is to be our first guide. For example, when the Bible says, “all have sinned….” (Romans 3:23) it means, “all have sinned.” It doesn’t mean some do and some don’t. It doesn’t mean it is humanly possible not to sin.

5 – The meaning of a verse should be understood in the context of the chapter and book where it is found. Pulling a verse “out of context” can be dangerous. This is especially true of using the Bible as a “spiritual horoscope” tool and opening and pointing at a verse to find guidance for your life.

6 – The Bible should be understood and interpreted in light of the Bible itself. Scripture gives meaning to scripture.

7 – The Bible should be understood in light of the culture in which it was written as well as the “figures of speech” that are found. The Bible uses metaphors, hyperbole, poetry, parables and other figures of speech that must be kept in mind.

8 – There is a difference between what the Bible records and what the Bible teaches. Not everything found in the Bible is to be modeled in our lives. We see the sins of many of God’s people laid out for the “world” to see.  For example, in the Old Testament multiple marriages was the cultural norm and even though the Lord prohibited it, it was still practiced by many.

9 – There are passages of scripture and concepts that are more challenging to understand. It is important to use Bible Study aids for word studies, Bible dictionaries and commentaries to see what Bible scholars say about a passage.

10 – Understand the difference in Bible translations. “Literal translations” look for word for word interpretation from the original language to English. Many Bible versions use a translation method known as a “dynamic equivalent.” The goal is to communicate the meaning of the words staying as close to the original language as possible. Paraphrases are the “loosest” forms which are written in the author’s own words, communicating the meaning of scripture in a creative style or “modern language.” Most of these are the work of an individual opposed to a committee of Biblical scholars.

Sometimes people say, “you can make scripture say anything you want!” I think that is more true about statistics than the Bible; but if someone is “using” the Bible for any purpose but to discover God’s plan and purpose for their life are they, as Peter said, “destroying themselves.”

Today was a pleasant day…perhaps the calm before an anticipated snow storm. With the help of some friends of Zane Strange, I was able to get my landscaping project completed. With the pleasant weather we were also able to get the painting of our house completed. We still have a little snow on the north side of our house, but it isn’t too often that we have grass as green as we do this year, at this time of the season. Some of our bushes still have their green leaves. I may need to mow the grass one more time….if the snow melts in time and the weather is warm.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 NCV) “Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NCV)

We find two “benedictions” or expressions of blessing and prayer from Paul in his short second letter to the Thessalonians. The benedictions of the Bible make for interesting and encouraging study. They are sometimes expressions of praise; at others times declarations of God’s character; they are prayers and reveal God’s response to our faith in Him.

We find the first benediction in the context of Paul sharing about the coming of Christ. Many believers were concerned they had missed the coming of the Lord. Paul responds by reminding them of certain events that will happen before the Lord returns. He also let’s them know that even though there will be terrible events leading up to the Lord’s return that they can hope for “better things” as heirs of salvation.

As Paul pronounces his prayerful desire he reassures these believers that they can anticipate courage and strength as the day of the Lord approach. their duty is to commit themselves to “good” in word and deed. He goes on tells them this is all is through the Lord’s love and grace that gives us hope and encouragement.

It is important to remember that when we make a commitment to follow Christ, that we don’t live life alone, or in our own strength. The Lord is with us to help us and be with us and provide all that we need.

That leads to the second benediction at the close of the letter. Paul’s reassurance is that the Lord will give peace at all times and in every way. What precedes this benediction are some difficult instructions. Paul tells them of his own struggles and challenges in preaching the gospel and reminds them of their spiritual enemy. He then instructs them on how to deal with those who refuse to work and ignore Paul’s instructions in this letter.

So he is talking about conflict from without and within. Those are the types of issues that create anxiety and loss of sleep at night. But he assures them that the Lord will give them peace, as they are confronted by acts of “tough love” and struggles in their spiritual life.

Paul prays for assurance of peace “at all times.” There is no situation that God is not concerned about, and in which He is limited in His ability to bring calm into the rough seas of life. And then Paul mentions, “in every way.” The Lord is not confined in how He acts to provide what we need. If we stay open and don’t make the mistake of believing the Lord does the same thing in the same way, we will see the Lord’s faithfulness to bring His peace into our life.

What we observe in these “benedictions” or prayers for the Thessalonians, is that they come after some difficult words. The reality of the Christian life is one where our joy, peace and faith can be under attack. We do have a spiritual enemy and at times there are “Christians acting badly.” But in our life, we find the Lord’s provision for us in each situation we face.

We can be confident that because of the Lord’s love and mercy, we will have the strength, encouragement and peace that is need when it is needed.