What was Paul thankful for?

Paul describes himself as "bound to give thanks," in 2 Thessalonians 1:3. The reason for Paul's thanks shows us what he valued or cared about. Paul was thankful to have faithful fellow believers, who were growing in their faith. What do you find yourself most often giving thanks for?

Maybe you should ask for help

Isaiah 56 describes a people who trust God, even though they weren't part of "His people." One way the strangers please God is by keeping His Sabbath, which was a way of demonstrating faith that God is the true provider of all that we have. What can you trust to God's provision today?

When your best isn't good enough

Isaiah 64:6 describes a people wholly given to sin. Their righteousness is described as "filthy rags." In Romans 3, Paul reminds us that we too are a sinful people - that our very best actions are still ugly and unacceptable to a holy God. Isaiah ends this chapter begging God to forego his anger, and we in like manner may ask God to provide His righteousness in place of our sad attempts. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Good and Free! Isaiah 55

Isaiah 55 accosts us like a street vendor hawking goods. The difference is that this vendor is giving away the best food and drink for free (Isaiah 55:1). In a world that proclaims, "you get what you paid for," we might find this offer difficult to accept. Are you willing to take God at his word and receive the rich forgiveness He offers for free?

Memorial Day

It's important to stop and remember those who have gone before us. As we take time to think of those who fought for freedom, or who stood for faith, or were just our friends (John 15:12-14), may we take comfort in the words of Jesus Christ concerning those who are a part of His kingdom in John 14.

Striving with our creator

When we find ourselves in situations we think we are ill-fitted to handle, we naturally question God. In a uniquely absurd metaphor, God asks if a pot would question it's potter. The obvious answer is "no" the potter knew what he was doing - in the same way that God knew what He was doing when he used circumstances and events to crafted us into a work of art He loves and cherishes.

Idols can only take and never give

Isaiah 44 describes the pointlessness of worshiping gods crafted by our own hands. While we might be tempted to ignore this passage as a reference to practices long since abandoned, we might better consider the idols we worship today. Are the false gods of success, power, and influence made by our own efforts really any less foolish or capable than an inanimate object?