Category: Spiritual

Psalm 34:11-14, KJV

David began with the command for children to come and listen, and he will teach them the fear of the Lord (v.11). He desired to teach children to have loving, reverential fear and respect for the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 state that “the fear of the Lord” is the beginning of knowledge. Believers, and especially fathers (Eph. 6:4), are encouraged to “bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. David asked, “What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good” (v.12)? He commanded believers to “keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking guile” (v.13). “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (v.14). The tongue and lips work together so use them to glorify God. Therefore, it is necessary that what believers say is Christlike. ^“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). “For he who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech” ( 1 Peter 3:10).

David went on to command believers to “depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (v.14). Believers should practice doing good and not evil every day. Seek peace for Jesus blessed the peacemakers, saying that they will be called sons of God (Matt. 5:9). Finally, do not only seek peace; pursue it. Make every effort to live in peace with all people. 

God hears our cry for help. Will you accept His conditions of deliverance?

Lift your voice and give God glory!

2 Timothy 1:3

Paul continued his introduction of 2 Timothy 1:3, thanking God, whom he worships and serves with a pure conscience just as his forefathers did. He always remembered Timothy in prayers, making request for you all with joy night and day. This is a reminder to believers that we ought to pray without ceasing. Timothy needed the prayers of the righteous. False teachers were trying to take Christians back to keeping the law of Moses. So, when Paul was on his way to Macedonia, he urged this young minister, his son in the faith, to stay on at Ephesus so that he may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3). 

Paul once ignorantly persecuted the church but became the voice of Jesus’ gospel truth. Here in 2 Timothy 1:3a he declared that he serves God with a pure conscience. Each of us has a conscience, but because we live in a fallen world, we have made choices that are contrary to God’s will. What a difference a personal encounter with Jesus makes! If the redeemed walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the Spirit stirs your conscience so you cannot do what you want to do. Paul’s desire became to “advance God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith.” In 1 Timothy 1 he commanded Timothy to teach only the gospel, and do not pay attention to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith. 

Lift your voice and give God thanks today.

2 Timothy 1:1-2

This is Paul’s second letter to Timothy, a young minister, who he counted as his spiritual son in the gospel – “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). At the writing of this letter, Paul was again in prison in Rome; it was from there that he wrote this letter to Timothy. Timothy was in thecity of Ephesus and the leader of the church there. In v.1 Paul not only introduced himself as the author, but he stressed that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. His appointment was not according to his desire or man’s choice. “… for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Except for four of his letters, Paul uses the title “apostle of Jesus Christ” to establish his authority as Christ’s messenger – an authority that had been challenged. He reinforced his authority by adding “by the will of God” (1Corinthians 1:1, NIV note). As Christ’s messenger, he has been sent out to tell others the good news of eternal life which is in keeping with the promise through faith in Christ Jesus. 

He greeted Timothy, his dearly beloved son with: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul’s salutation spoke spiritual blessings in the life of this young minister. Today, remember to speak blessings in the lives of your fellow brothers and sisters.  

Lift your voice and give God glory!

Zephaniah 3:18-20

Zephaniah continued his prophecy of Jerusalem. He now changes his message from judgment to the joy of restoration with the promise of more blessings for God’s people. Zephaniahdeclared to them in v.5: “The Lord is righteous in her midst, and He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning, He brings His justice to light; He never fails, But the unjust knows no shame.” He is mighty and promised to save and rejoice over them with joy. He promised them rest in his love, and He will joy over them with singing. Because of God’s grace, He will always offer encouragement and comfort to His people. 

The Lord declares here that He will gather His people back to the land of Israel who were scattered abroad and sorrowful because they could not celebrate the important solemn festivals; no longer will they carry the disgrace of exile (v.18). The prophet continued: “Behold, I will deal with all your oppressors at that time: and I will save the lame and gather her that was driven out; and I will change their shame into praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame (v.19). 

The Lord said that on that day when He gathers His people together and brings them home again, He will make them renowned and praised among all people of the earth when He restores His people’s fortunes before their eyes (v.20). God promised that one day He will regather all those who turn back to Him. They will be renewed in love, and He will allow them to enjoy all His blessings. What about you ? If you are among the exiled  today, will you repent and turn back to the Lord and enjoy all the blessings He has for you?

 Give God glory!

Zephaniah 3:14-17

In Zephaniah 3:1-7, the prophet predicted woe upon Judah and Jerusalem due to their moral state. She was filthy and polluted (v.1), disobedient, rebellious, and would not listen to anyone; Jerusalem refused to be corrected and did not trust in her God or draw near to Him (v.2). Her princes were roaring lions; her judges were evening wolves (v.3). Her prophets were false and treacherous; her priests polluted the sanctuary (v.4). In spite of Jerusalem’s rebellion and faithlessness, as with His people today, God is just every day in all His doings; He does no wrong.Here in v.14, the prophet personified Jerusalem, commanding that she celebrate her eternal salvation. He told her to sing, shout, be glad, and rejoice with all the heart. He continued in v.15 to tell her to celebrate and be joyous because the judgments that were against them, theLord has taken them away. The prophet said that the Lord has cast out their enemy, and He, King of Israel and the Lord, is in their midst. You will not see evil anymore. In the day of the Lord, it will be said to Jerusalem that she is not to fear, and to Zion that she is to not let her hands be slack (v.16). Zephaniah declared to them that God, in their midst is mighty. He promised to save and rejoice over them with joy. He promised to rest in his love and joy over them with singing (v.17). Because of God’s grace, He will always offer encouragement and comfort to His people.

Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!