1 Thessalonians 3

And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, so that no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. (I Thessalonians 3:2-3) Trials and afflictions should not...

1 Thessalonians 2

Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our heart. (I Thessalonians 2:4)  Sometimes it may seem difficult to share the gospel. We wonder what people will think or if we...

1 Thessalonians 1

…and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (I Thessalonians 1:6-7)  Doing what’s right isn’t always...

Psalm 150

Praise him for his powerful acts; praise him for his abundant greatness. (Psalm 150:2) I praise and thank God because of His excellent greatness and His mighty deeds. In this Psalm the people of God are called to the sanctuary - a consecrated place of protection and refuge for the...

Psalm 149

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4) I praise and thank God because His people give Him pleasure. Have you considered that your existence gives God pleasure? Verse four says that he “adorns” His people with salvation. The word “adorn” means...

Psalm 148

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted. His majesty covers heaven and earth. (Psalm 148:13) I praise and thank God because His name, alone, is exalted. The only name to be praised is the name of the Lord. The Psalmist beckons all created...

Psalm 147

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) I praise and thank God because He heals the brokenhearted. Often, when the Psalmist mentions Zion and/or Jerusalem, he is referring to the people of God. Are you brokenhearted? If so, then place yourself in the Lord’s hands. He understands...

Psalm 146

…executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry. The Lord frees prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord raises up those who are oppressed. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects resident aliens and helps the fatherless and the widow, but he...

Psalm 145

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. (Psalm 145:8) I praise and thank God because He is slow to anger and merciful. Our God knows we are weakened by our sin, and He has great mercy for our condition. Yes, the Lord can...

Psalm 144

He is my faithful love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him; he subdues my people under me. (Psalm 144:2) I praise and thank the Lord because He is my fortress and deliverer. There is a difference between doing...