S – This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 CSB

O – Commentary:

When the Thessalonians heard it they realized that it was not simply the words of man’s wisdom, but a message that had its source in God (cf. 1:5). Someone has said that the gospel is not the kind of message that man would invent if he could, nor is it a message that he could invent if he would…

 Paul credited the changes in the Thessalonians to this spoken Word of God. Not only had it effected changes in them in the past, but also it was continuing to change them since they continued to believe it. (The word believe is in the Gr. pres. tense, indicating continuing action.)

 The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The word of God – spoken, written or through the Holy Spirit needs to change us continuously.  We need to have a heart that is available and open to receive His word and allow it to change us to be more like Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit

 1 Thessalonians  1:4–5 CSB

O – It is understood that the church of Thessalonians was made up of Gentiles who accepted Christ.  What a transition for Paul from a passionate Pharisee to a person who loves all men and calls them equals.  Love that the gospel came in words, not eloquence or talent. Also, in the power of conviction and message that is infused by the Holy Spirit in full confidence.

A – I want my words to have these qualities today.  I would love to bring my relationship with God in a tangible way that it shows these qualities.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

James 4:7–8 CSB 

O – Simple outline on a daily walk with God.

• Submit – Surrender or come under God’s authority.
• Resist – Take a stand against the Devil.
• He will flee – God’s nature in you repels the devil.
• Draw near to God – Through relationship, take on more of God’s character
• He will draw near to you – He is already there.

A – Simple outline does not equal a simple application.  We wrestle with ourselves and the devil daily.  Life circumstances also challenge us to draw near to God.  But when we overcome all the obstacles to take a step toward God, the result is fantastic.  We are in a relationship with an unlimited, all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves us and has a purpose for us.

R  – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. ⁶ And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell

James 3:5–6 CSB

O – “A key to right talk is right thought. The tongue is contained in a cage of teeth and lips, but it still escapes. It is not intelligence that keeps the lock on that cage; it is wisdom—a wisdom that is characterized by humility, grace, and peace.”

 The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 

The key to the right actions is the right talk. “The key to right talk is right thought.”  The key to the right thought is the right heart.  The key to a right heart is surrender and invitation of the Holy Spirit into each day. 

A – If we know that each of these steps in our own strength and ways leads to destruction, why would we want to try without starting with surrender?  It is so easy to sin or do something damaging.  Give yourself a fighting chance by starting with God.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder.

 James 2:18–19 CSB

O – Commentary: The “belief” in one God may not be “trust” in that God. Unless it is “trust,” it is not true faith and will not be evidenced in good works… James did not say that works are essential to faith, or that faith is unimportant. His argument was that works are evidence of faith…

Other writers understand this passage to mean that James (v. 18b) challenged the “someone” to show his faith without deeds—the point being that it cannot be done.

    The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 

A – Faith and works work together seamlessly.  It is hard for me to fathom any sense of trust in God that would not result in an action.  None of us are in a place where we are that isolated or immobile.  There is usually something to be done or a person involved.  Even if it is a different way of thinking, that is an action.  An example is the thief on the cross or a “deathbed” conversion.  In trusting in Christ, the thief was granted transformation and forgiveness.  That is trust and faith.  He believed Jesus to be who he said he was.  If his only action in that was to ask to be with Jesus in paradise, that was enough.

R – Lord, help me to walk in faith and works today.  Not relying on either to be the source of my salvation and relationship with you.  You are my source.

S – Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

 James 1:5 CSB

O – Wisdom:  sŏphia, wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual):— wisdom.  A definition of wisdom is “practical skills associated with understanding and living a successful life.”

“Generously”:  haplŏtēs,; singleness,  sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking),  generosity (copious bestowal):— bountifulness, liberal, simplicity, singleness.

If we lack the skills to live a successful life, God will give it to us generously and simply with no reproach.  God does not hold it against us that we don’t possess the life skills we need.  He gives us more than enough.  

A – There are so many things that come up in one day.  I need the simplicity of Godly wisdom and the ability to apply it.  This verse is rooted in humility – God wants to give it and I need to admit my lack to ask for it.  

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.

Hebrews 13:5 CSB

O – Commentary: A promise tantamount to this was given to Jacob (Ge 28:15), to Israel (De 31:6, 8), to Joshua (Jos 1:5), and to Solomon (1 Ch 28:20). It is therefore like a divine adage. What was said to them, extends also to us. He will neither withdraw His presence (“never leave thee”) nor His help (“nor forsake thee”).  Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 

 A – I like the explanation of a “divine adage.”  This principle was a part of God’s character leading up to Jesus.  This carried over to the Holy Spirit and the early church to us today.  His presence and his help are essential to a daily walk with Him that is vibrant, growing and meaningful.  I didn’t say easy and without problems…but one that is leaning into His character and purposes.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

Hebrews 12:11 CSB

O – A couple of greek words: 

• “discipline” – aidĕia, tutorage, i.e. education or training; disciplinary correction:— chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.
• ” Painful” – lupē, ; sadness:— grief, grievous, + grudgingly, heaviness, sorrow

     We have a choice when it comes to God’s discipline.  We can see it as education or training, which is a growth mindset.  Or, we can see it as a chastening or punishment, which is a victim mindset.

A – In choosing growth, we recognize that  “God’s discipline lasts throughout life and is always good for us, based on his limitless knowledge and love. His goal is that we might share in his holiness.”  New Living Translation Study Bible.  I am known for saying this – “I continue to grow.”  I don’t plan on stopping either.  My hope is that I continue to grow closer to God’s design for me daily.  The price tag is discipline and educating this human heart, soul and body to align with God’s character and purpose daily.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. ² For by this our ancestors were approved. 

Hebrews 11:1–2 CSB

O – In the Greek,faith is pistis,  persuasion, i.e. credence; mor. conviction (of relig. truth, or the truthfulness of God or a relig. teacher), espec. reliance upon Christ for salvation.   After the fall of man in the garden, faith became the foundational part of a relationship with God.  Again, a relationship with God is counterintuitive.  Counting on something hoped for as a reality, evidence that is intangible.  Yet, all the OT characters mentioned in Hebrews 11 are “approved” by looking at what wasn’t there and finding God in it.

A – “Faith apprehends as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses. It rests on that fact, acts upon it, and is upheld by it in the face of all that seems to contradict it. Faith is a real seeing.”

Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 4.  If I am growing in my relationship with God, I must grow in my faith.  

R – Lord, help me to do this.