Good Morning!
What a week we’ve had in our study! We’ve concluded our study of 1 Thessalonians and we will move on to 2 Thessalonians starting this week.
We were encouraged in our Day 1 lessons to not be misled with perceptions or distortions about truth but to seek it. In the passages that we read about the Day, we learned that the deceived will continue to say and think there is peace and safety when there is none.
“for you know that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety, ” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 NIV Bible
On Day 2, we were introduced to the verse that inspired this study. We were reminded as children of the light and of the day, living in a dark world, not to become detached or complacent but to be shaken out of slumber and to awake. Beth Moore used a passage from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to share that Jesus is looking for us to share in a grand adventure with him.
She also issued to us a call to intercessory prayer on Day 3. We studied about the wrath of God and that His wrath, according to Aristotle, is desire with grief. We also learned that the Greek word, orge, also means anger that is decisive, deliberate, and doesn’t stem solely from emotion. This Greek word always makes me think of an ogre and ogres are usually grumpy in movies which helps me remember that orge is about anger.
On Day 4, we explored the connections that we have with others. We mulled over the differences of interference and interaction and how that affects our relationships. Beth Moore also pointed out a strange phenomenon that has happened with social media: People are more apt to ask bolder questions of a personal nature with strangers online than they are with their closest friends. She feels that we fear that we’re prying.
Our week concluded on Day 5 considering the treasures of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Bible
Questions to Consider
- Do I create my own personal blend of scripture based on the influence of culture in my life or do I seek to know God’s truth about everything?
- Do I bend and distort scripture to fit my own personal beliefs? Do those beliefs line up with God’s truths?
- How prepared and expectant am I for God’s judgment?
- How bright do I shine in this dark world? What do I need to do to become more awake?
- Am I ready to share an adventure with Jesus?
- Does having a proper understanding about God’s wrath draw me closer to Him?
- Do I long for others to hear the gospel? Am I willing to put myself out there to share the message with them?
- How do I connect with my local community of believers?
Begin Week 6 this week!!
Blessings,
Mimi
