“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV). Paul called believers to pray for “all people,” especially for those in authority. His
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7 ESV). Jeremiah told those who had been exiled to Babylon to “seek the welfare” of that city. In the original Hebrew, Jeremiah
“For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 ESV). Paul warned the believers at Thessalonica about those who “walked in idleness.”
“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:23-24 ESV). God gave Jeremiah the difficult task of prophesying Judah’s fall
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 23:5 ESV). In the midst of announcing woes and judgment on Judah, Jeremiah proclaimed a future when the
‘And to this people you shall say: “Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.”‘ (Jeremiah 21:8 ESV). Jeremiah was given the difficult task of prophesying that Jerusalem would fall to the Chaldeans (Babylonians). They could not win a fight against the besieging army because
“Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand” (Jeremiah 18:6 ESV). The Lord told Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house and there He would speak to him. Jeremiah obeyed and as he watched the potter at his wheel, he saw that the vessel he was making was
“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV). Making disciples is a relational endeavor. The apostle Paul illustrated this by how he related to his flock in Thessalonica as
‘Thus says the Lord to me, “Go and buy a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, and do not dip it in water.”’ (Jeremiah 13:1 ESV). The Lord often gave the prophet Jeremiah physical assignments in order to illustrate His feelings about Israel and Judah. After Jeremiah would perform the assignment, the Lord
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 ESV). The apostle Paul instructed bondservants to obey their earthly masters and to work for them as “for the Lord.” Perhaps he had the story of Joseph in mind as he wrote this instruction. For Joseph worked with sincerity and