I know that my initial plan was to post discussions on Sundays; however as I went back to work from winter break, reality set in that I would not be able to post as I had intended. Furthermore, this week we were to finish reading Thessalonians, and I must be honest by saying that I was very lost as I entered into reading this book. Therefore, my discussion will not be as in depth as previous discussions, as I believe that I need to do more background study in order to be effective in my dissection of this book.
1 Thessalonians
As aforementioned, I went into this book very confused as to what was going on. I do know that Paul, Timothy, and Silas are writing to the church. Something that struck out to me how adamant they (Paul, Timothy, and Silas) were about the church's faith remaining strong. They were holding the church accountable for remaining faithful despite the terror and extremity that surrounded them. One of my favorite scriptures is also found in this book, which is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,
This was found in Paul's final advice to the church, which I think is imperative to instill in our minds today. It is essential to pay attention to the Always and Never. Always meaning at all times, despite the circumstance. Never meaning not ever, despite the circumstance.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
In chapter 4, the church is told to live holy and pleasing to God. When we go against how God has instructed us to live, then we are causing ourselves to be impure in heart and in nature. One thing about the Bible is that it is consistent with teaching us how to live a life that pleases our Heavenly Father.
2 Thessalonians
This book begins by telling the church to avoid persecution, which I believe is an important reminder today. It is not our duty to seek out justice. OUR GOD is a God of justice. He will punish those who are unjust towards us.
I also love how chapter 2 describes the coming of the Lord. While I read this chapter, I was reminded of all the "prophecies" and predictions about the outcome of 2012. So many people had exact dates and times that they claimed was the end of the world. People sold all of their belongings, emptied their bank accounts, and even purchased the doomsday preparations. (Sidebar: If it is the end of the world, do you REALLY think that it will be necessary to have bunkers and other things that would allow you to be left behind?)
2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.Conclusion
A sincere THANK YOU to those of you who participated in the reading challenge. Whether you read along with the challenge, commented, or simply read the posts, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. Of course I there is always an opportunity to join in on our next reading which will take place starting this week. Below will be a schedule of the upcoming readings. Also don't forget to fast for 14 days this month. You can choose the dates that you want to fast, just make sure that you are giving up something that will cause your Spirit to be nourished by removing the distraction. You can choose food, social media, tv, your phone, anything!! While you're fasting, ensure that you are spending more time in your Word and in prayer.
February Reading
February 4 - Ephesians 1
February 5 - Ephesians 2
February 6 - Ephesians 3
February 7 - Ephesians 4
February 8 - Ephesians 5
February 9 - Ephesians 6
February 10 - D-DAY (Discussion Day)
February 11 - Galatians 1
February 12 - Galatians 2
February 13 - Galatians 3
February 14 - Galatians 4
February 15 - Galatians 5
February 16 - Galatians 6
February 17 - D-Day (Discussion Day)
February 18 - 1 John 1
February 19 - 1 John 2
February 20 - 1 John 3
February 21 - 1 John 4
February 22 - 1 John 5
February 23 - 2 John 1 & 3 John 1
February 24 - D-Day (Discussion Day)
February 25 - 1 Peter 1
February 26 - 1 Peter 2
February 27 - 1 Peter 3
February 28 - 1 Peter 4 & 5
March 1 - No Reading
March 2 - No Reading
March 3 - D-Day (Discussion Day)
I look forward to your responses!!
-The King's Daughter
When I finally caught up with my readings, I sat here trying to figure what I would do next! I did not want it to end! But then something told me to visit the blog. Another reading plan!! I am very excited to embark on this journey with you. I told myself that this year, I would do better with studying my bible. There have been plenty of times that I have just read it, but I have never sat down and actually studied the bible the way I am now. The first series has taught me so much about the way a Christian should behave. It made me re-evaluate myself in so many ways. You are such a blessing to me and I thank God for you!
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