What should we do when someone is sick or infirmed?

Pray! It’s better than small talk and scripture promises results. James says the prayer of faith over the sick will heal, restore, and even mend spiritual infirmity. The Greek verb used means both physical healing and spiritual salvation. Hence, the immediate declaration of forgiveness of sins.

“By His stripes, we are healed.” So says that prophet, Isaiah. Healing of body and spirit are both necessary. Removal of sin and affliction is made possible through Christ’s death and suffering.

PRAYER: Lord, open our eyes to see and act upon every opportunity to pray the prayer of faith over those who are sick or broken in body. All the glory goes to You.

READ: James 3-5

James writes very clear instructions on how to express genuine faith in Christ … put it to work by your prayers and deeds.

He challenges us to be expectant in our asking and be exertive in our actions. The follow through of actually putting works to our mental commitment pleases the Lord.

Active, effective faith is looking for ways to express itself. It has a pulse. Without a pulse, we are dead.

PRAYER: Lord, prompt my heart today to exert my faith through my deeds.

READ: James 1,2

A safe, pragmatic way to live is to look out for yourself.

Hebrews 11, however, describes a better way to live. It’s the life of faith that puts God’s interests above our own. Actually, the entire Bible is a written description on how to live the life of faith, putting God’s interests above ours.

We are rewarded in this lifetime by observing His faithfulness to us when we are obedient.  However, the greatest rewards are in the life to come, the hereafter, the place He has prepared for those that love Him.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for focusing only on our survival here in this life. Grant us the Heavenly perspective to trust a life of faith in You in every decision we make.

READ: Heb. 11-13

The author of Hebrews clarifies that Christ’s death on the tree was the ultimate sacrifice for sin, in effect doing away with the need for the system of sacrifices instituted in the law of Moses. Through the death of Jesus we have complete confidence that we can receive complete forgiveness of sin and thereby stand before God’s judgement without fear.

The ongoing ritual that does come into play is our attendance when Christians meet together for worship, teaching, and fellowship. Christ was faithful for us. We should therefore be faithful to Him.

PRAYER: Lord, You gave all for us. We give to You the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as we regularly meet with other saints in Your house. 

READ: Heb. 7-10

The author of Hebrews makes it clear that God has the ability to view everything, whether revealed or concealed, from His position of authority and knowledge. He is both Omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) and Omniscient (all knowing, all wise, all seeing).

“No creature is hidden in the sight of Him, but all things are naked and laid bare to the eyes of him to whom we must give our account.” [Heb. 4:13]

Personal holiness and inner integrity are thus essential for a clear conscience.

PRAYER: Father, You know me and my personal life. By Your Holy Spirit, continue to search the deep recesses of my heart to make me clean before You.

READ: Heb. 3-6

Although he identified by name those who opposed the Gospel, Paul instructed Titus to avoid maligning or slandering any man, showing disrespect. Rather, our words are to be life-giving. Even words of correction can bring life and health when spoken with a motive of Christian love behind them.

We can murder people with our words, or we can give them life.

PRAYER: Father, grace our mouths to be agents of Your love. We want our speech to honor You and give life and health to all who hear.

READ: Titus 2,3; Philemon; Heb. 1,2

Who wants to drink from a dirty cup?

Paul declares that Christians are to keep their life clean if they want to be used. Yes, the blood of Jesus can cleanse from sin, but he is referring to “turning away from wickedness.”[2 Tim. 2:19b] We keep our cup clean and God uses us. If we continue in sin,  grace must keep abounding. [Rom. 6:1,2]

Clean cups get used. Dirty ones must stay in the dishwasher.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I want to be used by Your Holy Spirit. Wash me by Your blood and by Your Word.

READ: 2 Tim. 2-4; Titus 1

God has ordained that the man of the house be a provider. Paul set a good example in being a hard and devoted worker, and was very clear that Christians are to conduct their household business above reproach. He also was clear that we were not to worship money. Striking the healthy balance is key.

Too many people worship their work, work at their play, and play at their worship.

Being grounded in God’s Word keeps us moving in the right direction.

PRAYER: Father, we are grateful for the health You have given us and the opportunity to work and be fruitful. Every good gift comes from You.

READ: 1 Tim. 3-6; 2 Tim. 1

Paul was very clear that Christians, especially leaders, should set a good example in their work ethic, their charity, and their devotion to the Gospel. He was very careful to always provide for his own needs through working so that there could be no accusation that he was a financial burden to the churches. This mode of provision was of his own choosing. He could never be accused of profiting from the Gospel.

Jesus was no doubt financially supported by those who believed in His ministry [Luke 8:1-3] and present day pastors are usually supported through the local church they serve. Sincere and effective leaders, also according to Paul, are worthy of double pay. [1 Tim. 5:17]

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, we want to be responsible in the way we conduct our lives before others. Give us wisdom to always conduct ourselves honorably, never bringing reproach upon Your name and Your Work.

READ: 2 Thess. 1-3; 1 Tim. 1,2

The letter to the church at Thessaloniki contains solid instruction on maintaining a lifestyle that pleases God to the end. Saints are encouraged to be in control of their bodies so as not to slip into sinful behavior. Instruction is then given to provide and understanding of end-time events.

Here the “catching away” of the saints is mentioned which will occur during the Lord’s climactic return to earth to establish His earthly Kingdom. I recently stood on the Mount of Olives where Jesus will descend with the sounding of God’s trumpet blast. It’s all coming together sooner than we think. We should BE READY!

PRAYER: Lord, we want to live to please You. Give us grace to continually advance our desire to serve You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit power.

READ: 1 Thess. 1-5