Posts Tagged ‘ Church ’

A Half-Evil Day

Looking at a daily devotional, I couldn’t help noticing that our American day of Tahnksgiving falls on the 333rd day of the year.

My mind immediately thought, “That’s funny. Our holiday is only half-evil,” going from the traditional understanding of “666” being the number of the Antichrist.

Naturally, that took my mind to Scripture:

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21, ESV

The world is a crazy place with more sin than we can fathom being celebrated, yet we can come together in thankfulness for our Lord who is redeeming the world and will soon return in glory.

Let us encourage each other in Christ, especially on a day like Thanksgiving but also throughout the year. Enjoy times with each other as the Church, and love your family and friends.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good … even when the world is half evil.

Happy Thanksgiving.

VerseD: Romans 15:5

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus

Romans 15:5, ESV

Just the name of God can save us, and in Christ even our relationships are redeemed. Let us be thankful for the encouragement and love of the Church in Christ.

VerseD: John 15:12

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

John 15:12, ESV

Trust God. Trusting God looks like loving the Church, even when she mistreats Her own. Love them with Christ’s love.

VerseD: Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19, ESV

God encourages and helps His Church, especially through the gift of the Holy Spirit and His love through each other.

VerseD: Proverbs 11:25

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:25, ESV

God encourages us through the Church, sending us and empowering us to spread the gospel and train up the Church in godliness. Let us bless the world with the love and faithfulness of Christ.

VerseD: Mark 4:39

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39, ESV

Jesus is God, controlling all of creation, and He has put His Spirit in His Church. We can encourage and strengthen each other in His power, knowing the same power that created and calms nature can affect our lives through the Church.

VerseD: Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah

Psalm 68:19, ESV

God moves in and with us, guiding us and strengthening us, and the primary way He does this is by the Holy Spirit through His Church. Trust Him and be with His people.

VerseD: 2 Corinthians 12:10

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV

Christ moves in us no matter the circumstances, using our weaknesses and strengths for His glory and for the Chirch. He also helps us through the Church, other broken and weak people to help each other.

VerseD: Proverbs 22:4

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4, ESV

We all struggle, and it’s okay to admit it. God has given us the Church to work together through life and to worship Him.

VerseD: Colossians 3:12

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience

Colossians 3:12, ESV

Let us be patiently kind to each other with the kindness of Christ, compassionate with each other in the humility of knowing we each struggle in some areas, knowing we need help to get through.