August 18
Notice the real battle is about character?
Psalm 55-57 / 2Thessalonians 1-3
OT
55:16-19 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them— Selah – men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.
56:13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
57:11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
NT
2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
OT Flash Points
Betrayal of a friend breaks the heart
The strain is a product of competition for power
NT Flash Points
Some had stopped working expecting Jesus to return
There will be all out rebellion against God and the evil one will sit in the Temple claiming to be God
Perspective
Has God spoken about your character?
Then you’ve felt deep sorrow
What is said by the LORD is hard
Don’t let anything soften it
Discouragement is disenchanted self-love, which may be disguised as my