OUR DAILY BREAD : NOT AGAIN

[cimi]

THURSDAY AUGUST 13


NOT AGAIN!

READ:
2 Thessalonians2:13
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God from the
beginning
chose you for
salvation through
sanctification by
the Spirit and
belief in the truth.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

As I was reading the text message on my mobile phone, my temperature started to rise and my blood began to boil.

I was on the verge of shooting back a nasty message when an inner voice told me to cool down and reply tomorrow. The next morning after a good night's sleep, the issue that had upset me so greatly seemed so trivial. I had blown it out of proportion because I didn't want to put another person's interest before my own. I was unwilling to inconvenience myself so I could help someone.

Regretfully, I am tempted to respond in anger more often than I would like to admit. I constantly find myself having to put into practice familiar Bible truths, such as
Be angry, and do not sin" (EPH. 4:26) and "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (PHIL. 2:4).

Thankfully, God has given us His Spirit who will assist us in our battle with our sin. The apostles Paul and Peter called it the "sanctifying work of the Spirit" (2 THESS. 2:13; 1 PETER 1:2 NIV). Without His power, we are helpless and defeated; but with His power, we can have victory. ___ Poh Fang Chia

** I'm grateful, Lord, that You are at work in me. I want you to change
my heart; please help me to listen and to cooperate with You.
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The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.

**********************Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17*************************
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you,
brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the
beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification
by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He
called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our
Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold
the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or
our epistle.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and
Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish
you in every good word and work.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHTS<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica
are among his most personal. In 1 Thessalonians, he expresses
appreciation for the believers who have continued the gospel
work he had begun (CH. 1). Paul describes his love for them in
compassionate and caring terms (CHS. 2-3) and ultimately offers
them hope and comfort regarding both the present and the future
(CHS 4-5). In his second letter, he continues with themes of care and
concern as he offers encouragement in hard times (CH. 1), clarity
regarding the Lord's return (CH. 2), and wisdom for living out their
faith (CH. 3). amazingly, this deep bond of care and love was formed
in a mere 3 weeks__the length of time Paul actually was with his
friends at Thessalonica (SEE ACTS 17:2). __Bill Crowder