“Even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either…Now such persons we command…to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

During his life, Paul experienced the power of God to do extraordinary things. He became a Believer after a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Many miraculous things took place throughout his ministry. But he also knew the importance of our practical choices. Some Believers in Thessalonica were defying God’s principle of industriousness, neglecting the gifts He had given them. Instead of putting their resources to use, they were “doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” Knowing that some had been “leading an undisciplined life,” he stressed the importance of being disciplined. He used disciplined word with a military root. This referred to the response of soldiers to a commander and the importance of putting things in order and completing tasks. Brothers & Sisters as Believers, we are to recognize God as our ultimate authority, readily obeying Him as soldiers obey their commander. We are to recognize that we have been given assignments and resources. God looks to see how we respond, seeking those who are faithful stewards. We also are called to live disciplined lives. We should realize that we determine the fruit of our lives when we put our faith into action. Even after we are “born again” we still need to “work in quiet fashion” and eat our “own bread.” Paul knew how easily hard work and discipline can become boring. Rather than “grow weary of doing good,” he urged us to keep doing the right things. To be faithful and good stewards of the resources God gives us. To live disciplined lives, pleasing Him with our choices.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”John 1:1-4

The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity to think about our past, and our future. As we think back, what brings us joy? And what do we regret? What would we like to do differently? The Bible has a great deal to say about beginnings. John declares simply that “in the beginning was the Word.” The Bible also makes clear that this Word was Jesus. He was the logos, God’s revealed Word. Through these truths, the Bible reveals a pattern that can apply to any situation: The key is to start with Jesus. To start with the Word. With this focus, we can know that our hearts and minds are in tune with God. That we are building a strong foundation. That He will lead and guide us, and correct us if necessary. Many people say they are Christians, but fail to live according to the Bible. Yet, they wonder why they do not have the joy, peace, love, and power that God promises. How different their lives would be if they truly focused on the Word, and make it their foundation! This year, make a commitment to read and study the Bible every day. In your life, make sure that you begin every day with the Word. As you have difficult decisions to make, fill your mind with the Word. Let it provide your standards. Brothers & Sisters, the Word will give you wisdom, and will help shape your mind and heart, and give you discernment and a victorious lifestyle. And it will prepare you to receive more of God’s blessings, today, and every day.

“All the prophets were prophesying before them. Then Zedekiah…said, ‘Thus says the LORD, “With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.”’ All the prophets were prophesying thus.”1 Kings 22:11-12

Zedekiah understood what it meant to be a prophet. He knew the vocabulary and the phrases, the gestures and how to deliver a prophecy. And he had contemporaries who also were thought to be prophets of God. When Zedekiah spoke to the kings of Israel and Judah, he did all the expected things, appearing to be a genuine prophet. But King Jehoshaphat wasn’t convinced, and he decided to summon another prophet, Micaiah. Micaiah revealed that he had seen a vision of “the LORD sitting on His throne.” He asked, “Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?” One spirit offered to entice the king by being “a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” Zedekiah reacted angrily, but Micaiah knew he had heard from God. His words were proven to be true, and Zedekiah was proven to be a false prophet. Today, many people claim to understand the issues of our time and know the answers. The opinions of celebrities and politicians can seem so convincing! Many people simply believe what they read in books or are persuaded by the standards presented on TV programs and films. If we don’t have discernment, we easily can be deceived. This is why we must have God’s wisdom, which comes from having our lives grounded in His Word. Brothers & Sisters today, make sure you don’t believe everything you hear, even if it sounds convincing. Instead, live according to God’s timeless Word. Let it be your guide and standard. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and become more sensitive to His guidance. In everything, commit your decisions to God. Let Him show you what is genuine and what is just an imitation.

"Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a shofar into every man's hand,with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers. And he said to them, "Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do: When I blow the shofar, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the shofars on every side of the whole camp, and say, 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!' " So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the shofars and broke the pitchers that were in their hands."Judges 7:16-19

When God called Gideon to lead Israel against their enemies, He wanted to show that a small army empowered by God was more effective than the largest armies. But notice how they fought – without weapons that an army would normally use. They fought with shofars and lamps! They fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet triumphed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps burst through with brightness. This breaking of the lamps of clay holds a powerful metaphor for us. If we too are "earthen vessels" holding the fire of God – the Spirit of God within us, then a "breaking" of the outer man is necessary for His inner light to burst through. Victory can come out of brokenness. Our old life of self, often called the "old man", when truly crucified and broken, will give way to the release of the Lord's Spirit of God in our lives. The death of our Lord has broken the power of our self-life, since we were crucified with Him. Walking in that awareness brings light and victory. Brothers & Sisters, let the love, peace, joy, and all the fruit of the Spirit break through in your life. Your old life of Self has been and is being broken, as Jesus' victorious light shines through your earthen vessel. LET THE LIGHT BREAK THROUGH!

“It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it…Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel.”1 Kings 10:6-9

The Queen of Sheba heard astonishing reports about Solomon’s reign. Unbelievable! She felt compelled to visit Israel herself to see if the reports about this nation and its leader were true. When she finally saw everything firsthand, she was convinced and overwhelmed. The queen blessed God that He had put Solomon on the throne, and she knew He must have loved Israel greatly to give them a king like Solomon. She also assumed the people must have been grateful: “How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom” (v. 8). Yes, everything looked wonderful. But, as latter events proved, everyone was not as positive as she imagined, and Solomon’s heart gradually turned away from God. Divisions began forming, and many were unhappy with the king’s leadership. We see this after Solomon’s death, when some leaders—perhaps those whom the Queen of Sheba imagined to be so blessed—told Solomon’s son, “Your father made our yoke hard” (1 Kings 12:4). They decided to form their own nation. As we look at people in the world, we need to realize that things aren’t always how they appear. Troubling things may be going on beneath the surface or behind the scenes. What is going on “beneath the surface” of your life? What are your secret thoughts? Do you have any hidden sins you need to deal with? God knew the truth about Solomon’s life, and He knows the truth about you. Brothers & Sisters make sure you’ve confessed your sins. Seek to live according to God’s Word. Be faithful to His call in everything you do.

"So then ;faith ;comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."Romans 10:17

I spent many hours praying for faith. If all the time I have spent praying for faith was put together, it would be months. I thought that someday faith was going to come down and strike me like lightening. But faith did not come. Then one day I read in the 10th chapter of Romans, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." I now opened my Bible and began to read God's Word and faith has been growing ever since." Much of what believers describe as 'faith' has nothing to do with Biblical faith. Our faith must not be based on emotion, or want, and not on the latest Christian seminar. But it must be centered on God's Word, on Messiah, His death and resurrection, His salvation. The Living Word is the eternal, everlasting love of God which has been poured out upon our lives. Brothers & Sisters, read, hear, apply and live the Word, and you will grow strong in faith. GROW IN FAITH!

"But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour when you think not."Luke 12:39-40

When I first became a believer, I thought by simply dealing with my outward sins that I could live a state of sinlessness. But it wasn't long before the Lord began revealing and dealing with my inward sins and attitudes. Now, and the longer I walk with Him, I understand more and more the meaning of daily repentance! If we truly want to be free and walk in His liberty, we cannot avoid this crucial requirement for freedom. Because we cannot receive His forgiveness without it, repentance must be a way of life for us [1 John 1:9]. Brothers & Sisters, staying close to the Lord is His heart's desire for us...but one of the main conditions for it is walking in regular repentance. When we walk in humility and truthfulness about our sin -- we are walking in the light, and the blood of Jesus keeps cleansing us from sin. In that condition we are so much more able to love the Lord and those around us -- with Him, touching one life at a time. So, let's lay down our pride and turn to Him every day....with genuine repentance! REPENTNTANCE IS A LIFESTYLE; BE READY!