Some scripture

Ok, so I've been slacking a bit on posting on my blog. But that changes today... well at least for today. I've been reading a few books as of late and plan on posting about them. Unfortunately Matty hasn't finished the first book, and if on rare occasion he happens to read my blog (maybe he accidentally clicks on it while looking at photos of Tom Cruise online), I don't want to ruin it for him. So those posts will come a bit later. Today though, I want to share of couple of scriptures I read and thoughts about them. Remember, I am not a biblical scholar or anything like that, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

2 Thessalonians 2
13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

First off a bit of background. Paul wrote this second letter to the Thessalonians because some of them had become discouraged. Some were under the impression that they were in the "time of the Lord", or that he was about to return. As I was reading this passage I couldn't but think of thankful I am for all the believers I have around me in my life. I sometimes dwell too much on the people and actions that are negative, and in turn ungrateful for those that encourage me. Paul and the other apostles encountered trials and were persecuted as they traveled and taught the gospel. Yet, no matter what his circumstances, Paul was always thankful for those that had accepted Jesus. We as believers need to encourage one another and grow in our faith's together.

2 Timothy 2
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

Paul's life reflects this passage. Paul was born Saul and Saul was a sinner. He persecuted Christians until having an encounter with Christ. Then Saul became Paul, he spent the rest of his life spreading the word of God. Paul is great example for us. Jesus is God, and is therefore without sin. Paul on the other sinned and considered himself the least of. We too, have all sinned. Those of us who have been saved have also had an experience with Christ. We have allowed Him into our hearts and chosen to live for Him. I know I sometimes make decisions out of fear. I choose not to act so that I don't have to "endure". I forget that God desires us to endure and to meet suffering. If I do not suffer in this world, I cannot truly understand and appreciate God's love. God is willing to provide whatever I need, all I have to do is give myself over to Him. If I truly live for Him, I should be willing to die for Him. I should know no bounds, nor fear to take action. Even as my faith sometimes wains, "he will remain faithful". This passage should not give us fear, instead it should give us freedom.

These two passages really spoke to me today. I'm sorry if some of this seemed rambled or disorganized. I pray that God's word reaches all us. Please pray for God to continue to speak to through His word and Spirit. Also pray that I am willing to endure, since Christ endured all for me. God bless all of you.