Monthly Archives: October 2020

Clay in the Hands of the Potter (Oct 11)

In the hands of the master potter, our heavenly Father, we are shaped and formed. We start out as marred vessels–marred by our own sin, beaten up by the sins of others. Then the potter goes to work. Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What a Blessing! (Oct 10)

Paul’s prayers and blessings are always instructive to us as we learn to pray. This prayer is in the form of a blessing. He blesses them by asking God to fill them with love for each other. He has already commended them for their love, but here he prays for even more of it. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.” There is always need to pray for God to give us increasing and overflowing love for each other Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Real Faith Means Hard Work (Oct 9)

Paul thanks God continually for the Thessalonian church. They are a church that is evidencing the supreme Christian virtues of “faith, hope and love.” Interestingly, they evidence those virtues through their work, labor and endurance. Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Scarecrows in a Melon Patch (Oct 8)

We, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A New Wardrobe (Oct 7)

Sometimes the old clothes just don’t fit anymore—but I don’t mean that the clothes are too small. Sometimes we need a new wardrobe because we change positions. The young lawyer fresh out of law school usually has a major wardrobe update, for example. He could get by with Jeans and T-shirts in school, but not in the courtroom. The old way of dressing just doesn’t suit him anymore in his new position. Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Let Them See Your Hand (Oct 6)

October 6 Let Them See Your Hand Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 109:16-31 | Jeremiah 6:15- 8:7 | Colossians 2:8-23 | Proverbs 24:26 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 109:16-31 But you, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for your name’s  sake; … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fully Mature in Christ (Oct 5)

Why is Paul struggling and working so hard to teach and preach and plant churches? This passage makes his motivation clear. He wants the believers to grow up in their faith and become fully mature in Christ. Continue reading

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

October 4 Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:6-13 | Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 | Colossians 1:1-20 | Proverbs 24:21-22 Today’s Scripture Focus: Colossians 1 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Unexpected Peace (Oct 3)

October 3 Unexpected Peace  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:1-5 | Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 | Philippians 4:1-23 | Proverbs 24:17-20 Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 4 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Knowing Christ (Oct 2)

October 2 Knowing Christ  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 107:33-43 | Isaiah 66:1-24 | Philippians 3:4-21 | Proverbs 24:15-16 Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 3 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment