2Day’s Word – Not Enough To Just Know

Matthew 2:13

For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily)  begins as Paul talks about God’s judgement of sin. Our final encounter where we go before and meet our creator as affirmed in John 12:48 which says, “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.”

In meditating over today’s passage the thought which comes to mind is not only knowing but more importantly doing God’s word. In other words, it is not enough to just know, we need to obey. Moreover, doing/obeying God’s word shows the depth of our faith. For seeking to please him and desiring willingly to align our lives with his will and ways shows what truly is in our heart. Furthermore, wanting to please him shows our gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness and love for all he has done for us.

Hence, my take away today is knowing, acknowledging and remembering Matthews 23:2-4 which warns against hypocrisy, ““The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”

2Day’s Word – Give and Take

Romans 1:12

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins as Paul greets Romans Christians as he expresses how God loves them dearly and also how he prays day and night thanking God for each one of them.

In meditating over today’s passage the thought which comes to mind is give and take. In particular, as christians congregate, assemble, come together and fellowship to be and likewise to receive a blessing. Perhaps, to encourage and be encouraged. Possibly, to comfort and be comforted. Maybe, also to support and be supported. As well as, to love and receive love.

Hence, my take away today is a remembering a Christian’s life is not only about you nor only about me. Rather, it is about we. 1 Peter 3:8 which says, “…all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters...”  Remembering Luke 6:38 which says also, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.””

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2Day’s Word – Three Gems

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily)  begins as Paul gives final advice just after talking about staying alert and being on guard because the Lord’s return will come as Verse 3 says, “…unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.”

In meditating over today’s passage the thoughts which come to mind are three gems to remember today, tomorrow and tomorrow’s tomorrow. To be joyful, praying often (and always without ceasing) and being grateful/thankful regardless. Which for me (and probably for most of us) doesn’t come easily, automatically nor naturally. Rather, they are things we need to practice and be intentional about. Whereby, we make an effort and conscious choice to do so. And then find that as our walk mirrors his word, will and ways more closely and as we willingly not grudgingly obey God we will experience joy and thankfulness more effortlessly and more often. In essence, becoming more commonplace.

Hence, my take away today is knowing and remembering Philippians 4:6-8 which says succinctly well, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now…one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

2Day’s Word – Christ Likeness

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins as Paul says to live in a way which pleases God. Moreover saying to be holy.

In meditating over today’s passage the thought which comes to mind is Christ likeness. In other words, to be molded, shaped, changed, conformed and ultimately transformed into his image. Romans 8:29 affirms this by saying, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…” 

How? By obeying his word, complying with the Holy Spirit and putting God first and foremost in every aspect of our life. Not only in the areas we choose. Rather, in “ALL” areas of our life such as in finances, resources, marriage, sex, forgiveness, love, kindness, caring, serving, etc.

Hence, my take away today is knowing and being forever mindful of several reminders found in God’s word. In particular, Romans 12:2 which says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  And, 2 Corinthians 13:8 which says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

2Day’s Word – Perpetual Motion

1 Thessalonians 3:12

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins after Paul says because he could not return to Thessalonica he sent Timothy instead. And then saying in Verse 8, “It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” In other words, knowing their faith and love were strong still.

In meditating over today’s passage the thought which comes to mind is our love should not remain static nor unchanging. Rather, it should be constantly  growing and increasing. In fact, what comes to mind is a snowball rolling down hill. Moving forward. Attracting and accumulating more and more snow. Becoming ever larger as it keeps moving forward in seemingly perpetual motion.

Hence, my take away today is knowing that one way to keep our love growing is to seek any and every opportunity to show, express and do love. Maybe, by helping someone financially who might be unable to repay you. Or, by providing assistance to someone who might need of some kind of help physically. Perhaps, by just lending a listening ear to a friend, neighbor and/or family member that needs someone to talk to. Possibly, by simply calling someone to say, “hello, how are things going”

2Day’s Word – The Why

1 Thessalonians 2:20

Yes, you are our pride and joy.

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily)  begins as Paul tells about his first visit to Thessalonica as noted in Acts 17:1 which says, “Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.” 

In meditating over today’s passage the thoughts which come to mind are what matters most and “the why” in doing Kingdom work. In fact, Paul reminds us again that it is not for monetary gain, fame, recognition, wealth, etc. Rather, it is to point to and focus on Jesus not ourselves. Moreover, it is for the joy and reward of seeing others come to Christ believing, accepting and maturing. Additionally, it is to see lives changing/changed and people transforming/transformed from glory to glory more and more into His likeness.

Hence, my take away today is only imagining God smiling on good and faithful servants who do Kingdom work with the unselfish motives, righteous intentions and purposes pleasing to Him. Smiling from ear-to-ear like a proud dad of a newly born son or daughter.