by Don Ruhl

Read First Thessalonians Chapter 1

This is typical of the beginning of New Testament letters,

1 Grace and peace to you (1 The. 1:1c, NIV).

This is a good (and scriptural) way to greet one another and I use it in saying goodbye, although I often just say, Grace to you. Hi, have a good day, God bless you and many other expressions are wonderful ways of conveying our wishes for other people. Now and then say, Grace to you or Peace to you or combine them as Paul does above. At first, you will catch other Christians off-guard, especially if they are not used to hearing it or saying it, but I have noticed that in time they like it. After all, how many Christians do not want grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ in their lives?

by Don Ruhl

Read Colossians Chapter 2

Blessed Wisdom and Knowledge

To those who have not fully committed themselves to Christ, I want to say this. Paul makes a statement about Jesus in Colossians 2:3, which I have found to be true, that

3 in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 3:2, NKJV).

Yes, a person can discover wisdom and knowledge without ever knowing the Son of God, yet, once knowing Him, all wisdom and knowledge take on a new meaning. First, the wisdom and knowledge that one discovers in the Scriptures provides a delight for the soul that one will not find in the wisdom and knowledge outside of Christ.

Second, all wisdom and knowledge that we gain through the Scriptures and through our experiences in God's world, simply enhance our admiration for Jesus and we relate that new knowledge to Him. For example, as I have learned more science, I am more fascinated by His ability to create all things with His mere spoken word. As I have learned more of literary devices, I have seen how the Bible is even more of a powerful piece of literature than I originally thought.

Gain all the wisdom and knowledge you can, but be in Christ yourself, corresponding all that you learn and experience to Him and see how you start to view all wisdom and knowledge, that truly they are treasures.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read Isaiah 34-36

Isaiah prophesies of the destruction of Edom. The destruction will make Edom desolate of people, but animals and birds shall dwell there. To confirm that the Lord will do as promised, He says this,

16 "Search from the book of the LORD, and read: Not one of these shall fail; Not one shall lack her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them." (Isa. 34:16, NKJV).

When He prophesies of the generations of animals that will live in Edom, He challenges the Edomites, and anyone listening, to check up on Him. The animals shall do just as God stated in the beginning, as recorded in Genesis chapter 1. When God sets in motion a law or makes a promise, brother, it happens precisely as He said that it would. God has never failed to keep His word. Everything has come to pass.

What then of the promise for the return of His Son Jesus Christ. Over 1900 years have transpired since Jesus was here and since His apostles spoke of His return. Do not think that God has forgotten His promise. Oh, He remembers it perfectly, knowing that it means the everlasting end for those who are not His, but He wants everyone to belong to Him. Therefore, He is waiting until everyone repents, who is going to repent. Let us always be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

by Don Ruhl

Read Isaiah 37 and 38

Praise Him When You Are Well

Hezekiah, king of Judah, had a fatal illness, but he prayed to Yahweh God, and He reversed illness so that the king recovered. Isaiah 38:9 then says,

9 This is the writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness (Isa. 38:9, NKJV).

What then follows is his praise of God. Hezekiah did something that is crucial in our relationship with God, that is, when he had a burden, he prayed to God. When God removed the burden, Hezekiah did not forget the Lord, but thanked and praised Him for what He did.

After contemplating this, I wondered to myself on whether I had thanked and praised God for recent answered prayers. Sure enough, there were some prayers answered for which I had not yet thanked God, but did so immediately. Then I thought about some past blessings of answered prayers and again thanked God for helping me in the past, although I had already thanked Him for those answered prayers of the distant past. It sure felt good to thank Him, knowing and remembering His kindness toward me.

Do you have some answered prayers for which you may have forgotten to thank God? If so, make the time today to thank Him.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read Colossians Chapter 3

Let Peace Rule

Please give heed to the following teaching of the Holy Spirit, found in Colossians 3:15,

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body... (Col. 3:15, NKJV).

Some people are determined to have their way, even if it hurts their congregations. They are going to rule the congregation, or if they cannot do that, then they will ruin the congregation. However, hear what the Spirit says.

1. Let there be peace. Peace is not liberal. It is not false doctrine. It is not weak.

2. Let it be the peace of God. The world has its version of peace, and it is different from the peace that God gives. Meditate in the Scriptures without ceasing to learn the peace of God.

3. Let the peace of God rule. Let it be the dominant factor.

4. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Peace will not be in your congregation, if it is not in your heart first.

God through Christ has called us in one body. Therefore, let us do our part to keep the body one by letting the peace, that comes from God, reign supreme in our hearts.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100