Give me oil in my lamp
I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. - Psalm 119:11
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-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT-
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is a time to remember Jesus’ entrance in to Jerusalem as He was going to the cross.
Read Matthew 21:1-9
The people were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
That word Hosanna means, save or rescue.
Jesus came to save and rescue His lost sheep. He did so by paying the price for their sin. He died on the cross. After paying for their sin, He rose again and ascended into heaven. He has told us that He will return for His Bride – the church. He will descend from heaven and bring His Bride home to be with Him forever.
Read Matthew 24
The church of Thessalonica had questions about Jesus’ return. They had questions about brothers and sisters in Christ who had already died. They had questions of when Christ would return.
Many of us may have the same questions
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 & Matthew 25:1-13
Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Is there oil in your lamp? Do you have faith in Christ? Do you trust Christ or is your lamp empty? Christ Jesus is returning for His church, His Bride, for those who have faith in the One who shed His own blood for their sins.
If there is oil in your lamp, if you have faith in Jesus Christ, REJOICE! GIVE THANKS! SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS!
If there is no oil in your lamp, if you do not have faith in Christ, humble yourself before God, trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin, and repent of your sin.
-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-
Dear River Family,
While we had no idea what the year 2020 would have in store for us, God has known from the beginning. I am so thankful that He faithfully led us to 1 & 2 Thessalonians. His Word has been so applicable in these times.
- I cannot help but be reminded of Paul’s longing to see the church face to face:
1 Thess. 2:17 – we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face.
1 Thess. 3:10 – we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.
The coronavirus has put this longing in many of our hearts. It is not easy being away from one another as the church. Let us keep praying for one another and visiting one another via phone calls, facetimes, texts, and emails.
- I am reminded of Paul’s concern for the faith of the church as they are facing much affliction.
1 Thess. 3
· Timothy was sent to Thessalonica to establish and exhort the church in their faith.
· Paul sent Timothy so he could learn of the church’s faith.
· Paul rejoiced in the good news of the faith of the church.
· The healthy faith of the church was a comfort to Paul and Silas, even in their affliction.
· Paul desires to continue to supply what is lacking in their faith.
Let’s continue to contend for one another’s faith. Encourage one another in the scriptures and pray for one another.
- I am reminded of Paul’s emphasis on holiness.
1 Thess. 3:13 he prays for God to establish the church’s hearts blameless in holiness.
1 Thess. 4:7 he says, For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
Let us not drop our guard; let us not stop running the race. But let us keep fighting the fight. Pray for one another and encourage one another to walk in holiness. These times are truly exposing who we are, and may we be found walking in the holiness of the Lord Jesus.
From the beginning of the coronavirus, I have heard some interesting conversations. I heard one fellow (professing believer) say, “I don’t know what to do. All I watch is ESPN and now all they talk about is the coronavirus.”
Dear family, many idols are being pressed on, and this is a good thing. Fill that time, not creating more idols, but with that which will encourage yours and other's hearts spiritually:
- Read completely through a book of the Bible.
- Start a new discipleship – facetime weekly with someone and read the Bible together and pray with each other.
- Begin keeping a prayer journal. Call friends and family and ask them how you can pray for them. Write out your prayers.
- Join Jordan on Monday’s to memorize a new scripture verse. You will have to follow him on his instagram or follow The River on instagram.
- Become more of an encourager. Send folks an email or text and let them know how the Lord has used them to encourage you in the faith or bless your life.