by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 17, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In 1 Timothy 4:16, the apostle Paul charges Timothy with a crucial directive: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” The context here is paramount, pointing to the significance of sound doctrine, not as a broad set of teachings from cover to cover but specifically as the mysteries revealed to Paul for the Church.
Paul expands on this in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, describing believers as “stewards of the mysteries of God” entrusted by Christ to be faithful servants. These mysteries, hidden since the foundation of the world and revealed to Paul after Christ’s ascension, form the core of Pauline theology.
Remember, Peter’s last words before he is martyred admonishes his readers to read read Paul’s epistles for things regarding salvation. Not Peter’s sermon at Pentecost! Not Christ’s earthly ministry!
As stewards of these divine secrets, believers are called to a faithful adherence to the revealed truths concerning the Church, the Body of Christ, and the gospel of grace. The mysteries include the unique blessings and responsibilities of the Church distinct from Israel’s prophetic program.
To “take heed” implies vigilance and careful consideration. Believers are urged not only to understand these mysteries but to guard them against distortion or dilution. The mysteries are the very essence of Paul’s gospel, centered on faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, distinct from the teachings during Christ’s earthly ministry. Where the focus was the promised (promised to Israel) King and the kingdom is at hand.
By holding fast to these mysteries, believers fulfill their role as stewards, faithfully conveying the distinct truths of the Church Age. The charge to be faithful stewards aligns with Timothy’s responsibility to “save both yourself and those who hear you.” The salvation here pertains not to eternal salvation but to the preservation of doctrinal purity and the impact of sound teaching on the lives of believers. Saving them and us today from false teaching and the tsunami of deception and persecution poured out on believers.
In conclusion, believers are called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries revealed to Paul, diligently preserving and proclaiming these truths for the edification of the Church and the glory of God.
by Jamie Pantastico | Dec 16, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Be Encouraged
Scripture: Romans 8:37
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
If you haven’t noticed already, the life of a believer is a battlefield, where trials and tribulations come at us from every direction. In those moments of struggle, it’s easy to question our strength, endurance, and even our faith. But fear not, for in the midst of it all, we have a powerful promise to cling to—a promise found in Romans 8:37.
The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that “in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Notice the emphasis on “more than conquerors.” This is not just about surviving or enduring; it’s about triumphing in a way that exceeds our expectations.
Resurrection Power
The victory we have is not based on our own might, skills, or abilities; it’s rooted in the finished work of Christ, “Resurrection Power”. Our conquering power (Romans 1:16) comes from Him who loved us so much that He triumphed over sin, the law, Satan, and even death itself. Christ’s victory becomes our victory.
As believers, we are not defined by our circumstances. We are defined by the overwhelming, unconditional love of Christ. No matter what trials we face—be it sickness, financial struggles, relationship challenges, or the weight of our past—we are more than conquerors.
Take a moment to reflect on the battles you’re currently facing. Now, envision Christ standing beside you, declaring, “You are more than a conqueror through Me.” His love empowers us to face each day with courage, knowing that His victory secures ours.
In moments of distress, turn to Christ, turn to His word, and pray. He is not only the conqueror of external challenges but also the comforter of our hearts. In His love, we find comfort, strength, and the assurance that no trial can separate us from Him.
So, dear friend, face your day with confidence. You are not merely surviving; you are thriving in the victory of Christ. Embrace the truth that you are more than a conqueror, and let His love be the anchor that steadies your soul.
Prayer for the individual as well as the body of Christ
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible victory we have in Christ. In moments of weakness, help us to remember that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. May Your love be our source of strength, comfort, and unwavering confidence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | Dec 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the tough times we face, it’s like being caught in a never-ending storm where everything feels heavy and overwhelming. But guess what? We have something incredible to hold on to—God’s promises. The Bible verses below (5 from the Old Testament and 5 from the New Testament) are powerful reminders that, even when life gets tough, we’re not alone. God, who loves us like a caring Shepherd and our ultimate Savior, says, “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
So, dive into these Bible verses, read them several times, pray, and share them with others who are also facing tough challenges.
In the middle of the darkest and most difficult times, these verses show us how to find strength that goes beyond what we can figure out. In other words, we don’t need to ask God (even though we all do). Why is this happening to me? But instead, we put our trust in Him and praise Him because God is with us, and all things work together for good for those who love God.
God’s word is our source of peace, reminding us that even when things look like there is no way out of the storm, God is right there to help and comfort us. Let’s use these verses as a guide, trusting that God’s got our backs through every tough moment.
Old Testament
1. Psalm 34:17–18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
2. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
3. Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
4. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
5. Psalm 46:1–2
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
New Testament
1. Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
2. Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
3. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
4. Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
5. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies
and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Oct 21, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Psalm 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, there’s tremendous comfort in worshipping a God who never changes. Our Lord is not bound by time or limited by our human understanding. He exists from everlasting to everlasting, and His sovereignty reigns over all.
No matter the challenges we face, take refuge in knowing that God is with us, guiding our steps, and holding us in His unwavering love. Let’s rest in the truth that the One who created the mountains is the same God who walks beside us daily.
“God’s power resides in His Word. We must read, meditate on, and study it daily. Open your Bible and explore these passages.”
Bible Reading:
‘“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”’
Revelation 1:8
‘Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord , am the first; And with the last I am He.’ ”’
Isaiah 41:4
Malachi 3:6: “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Psalm 102:27: “But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Oct 18, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, let’s anchor ourselves in the powerful truth of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6:
“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
Key Verse: I Thessalonians 5:6
‘Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ‘
In this time of unprecedented deception, remember that we’re not caught in spiritual indifference, for we’ve been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13). As believers, we are the only true light in a dark and wicked world. We know the truth and it has set us free. Let’s not slumber but shine brightly!
The world is yearning for the light that only Christ provides. Amidst the chaos of war and rumors of war, and a world covered in darkness we are called to watch, discern, and share the Gospel of grace with unwavering clarity.
Stay vigilant and remain grounded in God’s Word every day, for you are the beacon of hope in a world longing for salvation.
Conclusion: In a world characterized by chaos and uncertainty, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and sober. We are called to maintain a watchful eye on our spiritual condition and the events around us while embracing a clear, disciplined state of mind. By staying grounded in God’s Word and applying these truths in our daily lives, we can navigate the chaos and deception with hope, purpose, and unwavering faith. In doing so, we prepare ourselves for the imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The day of Christ not the Day of the Lord.
#WatchAndShine #YouAreTheLight #BeAlert #ShareTheGospel