HE WILL COME: II Thessalonians 2:1-2

"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together with him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come." II Thessalonians 2:1-2

As a Christian I grew up involved with a church I still love and appreciate and that has a strong connection with end times prophecy.  At the beginning of every new year the leader of group of churches would give an end times update and he would go over all the Biblical prophecies that were fulfilled or seemed very close to being fulfilled. Then he'd say, "The Bible says that no man knows the hour but, I just can't see how the Lord won't come back this year." Some people naturally went to far with his back-hand prediction. 

The truth is our Lord Jesus Christ is coming again, sometime. It could be very soon. I honestly, can't believe he has been as patient as he has been. Patient with me. Patient with our country. Patient with a lot of people I know and to me that is the bottom line. If Christ has not come back, it is because there are people he is still patiently giving an opportunity to come to know him as Savior and Lord. 

What are we to be doing? I think we are to be acting in faith. The question is who has God put before you? Be ready to give an answer for your faith and when the time comes, give it in love.

Father, open our eyes to see who you have put in our paths. Use us in your kingdom. Praise be to you in us today!

WHY WOULDN'T GOD WORK/ II Thessalonians 1:11-12

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." II Thessalonians 1:11-12

Again, Paul shows us how to pray. Keeping in mind that trials are a normal part of Christian living, Paul prays. These are few reminders of what to pray.

First, we should pray to be counted worthy of his calling. And that is the fellowship of his sufferings. Trials prove you are truly a Christian. If you aren't dealing with any trials you might want to check yourself. 

Second, pray that by his power he would fulfill every good purpose and every act prompted by faith. Wow, if I my purpose is good, meaning seeking first the kingdom of God, and I my faith is what is urging me on, then what is to keep me from praying with confidence? I remember once asking God to deal with a situation between me and one of my sons. I basically asked God what good does the friction do and why not remove it. He did. 

I think about it. What does God want? What would bring him glory? I feel pretty sure God wants to bless my marriage, that it would glorify him. I feel pretty sure God wants to bless my fatherhood, that it would glorify him. What are some things you think (Biblically speaking ) God wants to do? Pray.

Father, be glorified in our prayers and our actions. Praise be to you in us today!

GOT PERSEVERANCE?: II Thessalonians 1:4-5

"Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgement is right, and as a  result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering." II Thessalonians 1:4-5

I have seen some very good teachers in my time as an educator. Frankly, none of the best teachers I have known teach honors classes. It is easy to teach A students because they already know how to get an A. Teaching low performing students how to  improve, now that's a challenge. My point is that I know people who just want to "teach" good kids and not be bothered by any students who have issues. Well,  seeing an educator endure all the trials of a challenging group of students is proof to me that they are a good, if not a great, educator. As a Christian, persevering by faith through persecutions and trials is "proof" of authentic Christianity. 

Sometimes we get things backwards in that we think that going through difficult times is proof that God does not love us. Trials and how we respond to them are the test to see if we are worthy. Listen, I know this is not what we want to hear, but, it is what the Bible says, so it is the truth by which we must govern our lives. 

The encouragement is that just because you are experiencing some hardships that does not mean you are outside of God's will and protection. Remember Romans 8:28, that God will work all things out for the good. Think of Joseph and how after years of being sold into slavery and prison time for honoring his boss (even though his bosses wife was anything but honorable), he ends up basically ruling the known world and saving his family. 

If you are in a trial, seek God and endure, persevere and walk by faith, knowing that God has you where he wants you and he will work it out for the good. 

Father, sometimes it is hard to see that you are with us in the middle of a trial. Show us yourself. Be our rock of refuge today! Praise be to you in us today!

FAITH AND LOVE THAT GROWS: II Thessalonians 1:3

Occasionally, we forget that we are supposed to see some actual changes to our lives. Yes, sometimes the inner work seems slow and it is hard to notice what God is doing, but, there are a few things we should be able to "monitor". 

"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every on of you has for each other is increasing." II Thessalonians 1:3

This verse contains two parts of our walk with God that we should always have in mind. One is our faith, which is toward God, and the other is love which is toward others. 

It all starts with our faith in God. Why do we read our Bibles and pray every day? To know more about God. To increase our faith in God. We attend church and listen to sermons to increase our faith in God. We read devotional blogs. Our faith does not grow without activity. We must take steps of faith. At church, Pastor Christ is challenging us to follow what moves us, what makes us hurt for others. I am being challenged to increase my faith, to step out and allow myself to be used by God. 

This leads us to the other half of the verse. Our love for each other. Love grows, matures  and increases if nurtured. I am nearing my sixteenth year of marriage. How I demonstrate my love for my wife now can be a bit different than when I first met her. I don't actually say as much. I try to do more. I love my children in different ways now than when they were babies. I am involved with Scouting and coaching for my children. I try to love other parents in those positions. 

As Christians, we grow and we mature. Our faith in God and our love for others should grow and mature too. How has your faith and love grown and matured?

Father, help our faith in you and our love for each other to grow and mature in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

REMEMBER GOD'S UNFAILING LOVE: Psalm 36:5-7

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
     your faithfulness to the skies.
 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
     your justice like the great deep.
 O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
     How priceless is your unfailing love." 
 Psalm 36:5-7a

Today, remember the unfailing love of God for you! No matter where you are, turn to him and he will find you, or already be there. His love will reach to the heavens, his faithfulness (not ours) to the skies, his righteousness - Christ in us - solid as the mountains will preserve us!

GOD HIMSELF WILL: I Thessalonians 5:23-24

I once worked for a Mimi's Cafe as a food server then a manager. We encountered a situation once that even our very competent  general manager was concerned about. The owner stopped by, told us what to do and how Mimi's dealt with those things and that was that. The owner himself. At the end of I Thessalonians Paul tells us that "God himself" will do the work he needs to do in our lives. 

"May God himself, the God of peace,  sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." I Thessalonians 5:23-24

First and foremost, it is God himself who is sanctifying us. It is God himself who is keeping us blameless until Christ comes again.

Remember, God called you. In your sins. Since he sent his Son to die for you, he will keep you. In a way, it is sort of like an investment. If you saved and sacrificed to buy a home for your family you wouldn't just abandon it. God, purchased you with the blood of his Son. He is faithful and he will keep us. 

Father, help us to rest is your faithfulness and the truth that your are faithful! Praise be to you in us today!

HOW'S YOUR FIRE?: I Thessalonians 5:19-22

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." I Thessalonians 5:19-22

Three of the scariest words that I have come to fear from myself and anyone else are, "God told me." That doesn't mean he didn't speak to someone or me. It's just that if I am not directly quoting a scripture that makes great general sense for all, I need to proceed with humility. That said, if you think God is putting on your heart to share something in love, do it. 

I visited a church once and during the service someone raised their hand and said they had a prophecy. The elders asked the person to come over to the side and while we worshiped they listen and then allowed the person to share. 

My question is more individual. What is the Spirit's fire in you doing? What burns? What are you restraining? If it is something good, do it. 

I want to here from you. What burns within you?

Father, I know your Spirit is working within us. Give us to spiritual courage and strength to build the kingdom. Praise be to you in us today!

JOYFUL, THANKFUL,PRAYERFUL= GOD'S WILL: I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Well, I have been pretty sick these last few days. This strain of the flu is awful. Up until today just reading the Bible was all I could manage. It feels good to be able to write again. What does the Apostle Paul have for us in his closing remarks?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Many moons ago I was blessed to be able attend Capernwray Bible School in Carnforth, England (http://www.capernwray.org.uk/).  There was this fellow student  whose name was Ivanhoe. He loved to greet you first thing in the morning with a hearty, "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Now, although I am an early morning person, I am also a cup of coffee before we talk early morning guy. I don't think Ivanhoe had read Proverbs 27:14, "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." Ivanhoe meant well.* But, being joyful isn't just about putting on a smiley face and spouting spiritual catch phrases. We are joyful because we are in Christ. 

We are also to pray continually. One of the most amazing truths about God's love for us is that he wants to talk with us. Prayer is part of that conversation. Keep the channel open all day long. 

Paul shoots out another little blast to give thanks in all circumstances. Give thanks for what? for the circumstance? No. We give thanks that God works out all things for out good (Romans 8:28).

Finding our joy in Christ, seeking to live continually in prayer, and being thankful that God is working is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Father, help us to be joyful, prayerful and thankful. Praise be to you in us today!

*Ivanhoe eased up after I "greeted" him early one morning while he was attending to his personal business.

GOT THANKFULNESS?: Psalm 35:28

"My tongue will speak of your righteousness

     and of your praises all day long." Psalm 35:28

Thank you Father for my salvation! Thank you that Jesus is my righteousness, holiness and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30)!

Thank you Father for my wife and that she is a godly, loving women. 

Thank you Father for my children and that they know your Name. 

What are you thankful for today? Please leave a note of thanks to God in the comment section. 

May God bless you abundantly.

HOW LONG? STAND STRONG!: Psalm 35:17-18

"O LORD, how long will you look on?
     Rescue my life from their ravages,
     my precious life from these lions.
 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
     among throngs of people I will praise you." 
          Psalm 35:17-18 

OK, let's be real here. Sometimes we just don't understand God's timing. His time is not our time. Sometimes we just we just can't figure out why God doesn't just blast some people. 

I'll be honest. I can't see the end from the beginning. I can't predict the future. I can't tell if another person's heart is sincere or not. I may feel slighted when someone accidentally steps on my toes. And in all reality, some people are out to get everyone else. There are some evil people out there. 

But God, is not just about our comfort. God is shaping us into the image of Christ and that is not always comfortable. It may even be painful and heartbreaking. But God is still God and he will always be Sovereign over all. He is faithful and will complete the work he began in us. So, we call on him.

One last truth. David ends with a declaration. Sort of staking his claim on the work of God in his life. He says, "I will give you thanks." There is no ifs. Just I will. Sometimes maybe we just need  to state the truth. 

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you. 

Father, rescue our lives. We will give thanks in the great assembly. Praise be to you in us today!

PAY BACK WITH KINDNESS" I Thessalonians 5:15

I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "Don't get mad, get even!" I hear a lot these days about "social justice" and "leveling the playground". That's nice, but, it usually just results in someone doing something vindictive to someone whom they perceive as a bully in one way or another. It is a slippery slope when we set ourselves up as judge and jury.  Here's one thing the Bible says about getting even.

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."  I Thessalonians 5:15

Did you get the word "nobody"? This is again the Word of God speaking plainly. Nobody does of course includes me. And you. I think that is supremely important to remember this because, if we don't understand that even our situations are included we will rationalize a way to pay someone back. When you start thinking about how you will get back at someone it is like a cancer eating away at your deepest being. It can consume you. 

In contrast to trying to think of a way to even the score, Paul tells us to find ways to be kind to each other. You see, it takes a tremendous amount of strength and self-control to be kind when you want to be vindictive. But, it actually is grace. The grace of God working in you. The experiential knowledge of the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God to you, causing you to be gracious, merciful and forgiving to each other, even those who wronged you. Actually, forgiveness is the higher ground and in this spiritual battle we daily fight it is always best to maintain the higher ground. 

Today's To Dos: Who do you need to try to be kind to? How can you show that kindness in action? You might need to start with a simple hello. 

Father, help us to be kind to all, even to those who aren't kind to us. Praise be to you in us today!

NEEDED: YOU: I Thessalonians 5:14

Sometimes I need to leave my class to meet with parents and other staff members. Another teacher will cover my class. Just before I leave I give them a few important instructions. Paul gives the Thessalonians a few last instructions that I think can help us too.

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." I Thessalonians 5:14 

There is a certain group of people, you know, the ones who always start conversations with expressions like, "You know what you should do..." or, "Why don't they...". They're the "Here I am send him/her" people. They tend to be critical but not helpful. That is why Paul instructs the whole church, not just the leadership, to warn those who are idle. Did you get that? He tells them to warn them, not help them. In II Thessalonians 3:10 Paul reminds them that he told them, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 

Then we are told to encourage the timid. Some versions translate this as feeble-minded. Some people just need to encouragement to get going. Who do you know who needs you to encourage them? 

Next we are to help the weak. We all have our strength. We all have our weaknesses. If you think you don't, that's yours. Sometimes to be Christlike is to just come along side someone and sort of walk with them from time to time.

Finally, be patient with everyone. That's the reality, isn't it. We all need to be recipients of someone else's patience more often than we know. That's when we get back to the truth that we love because Christ first loved us. God's is very patient with me. I have no right to not be patient with someone else. I am not saying it is easy, I am only saying it is what we are called to do. 

Father, thank you for your warnings, encouragement, help and patience towards us. Thank you for your love. Help us to love as you loved us. Praise be to you in us today!

SALVATION FOR YOU! I Thesssalonians 5:9-11

I remember my first year teaching and I was getting a few things ready before class one morning. I heard my name being called over the intercom and that I was to report to the office. As a classic middle child/oldest son I started asking myself what I did wrong that I was being called to the Principals' office, as a teacher! It turned out to be something unrelated to me but my presence was requested (which is a story for another day). My point is that as a middle child/oldest son I expect to get the blame. But as a Christian, that is not the way it is. 

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:9-11

Appoint is such a strong word. Think about it. To be appointed is to be placed in a position. For many people who believe in reincarnation their lot in life is appointed. That is one reason why poverty is so pervasive in India. People are trying to be good poor people so in the next life they can move up to a higher station in life. 

Christianity is not like that. We were not placed in a position to receive wrath. We have been placed in Christ to receive salvation through him. That is what God has appointed us for, to receive salvation. He died for us that we can live together with him. That is why Christ died. He died so we could enjoy being part of his family, encouraging and building each other up. 

Today's To Do's: 1. Receive salvation through out Lord Jesus Christ and what that means for you today! 2. Encourage someone else. Just watch what happens. 3. Build each other up. Help someone else succeed. Watch God work!

Father, help us  to receive your salvation, encourage one person and build someone up today! Praise be to you in us today!

BEING SELF-CONTROLLED IN AN OUT OF CONTROLLED WORLD: I Thessalonians 5:8

I'm a Laker fan so I of course love Kobe Bryant as a player. Kobe like Michael Jordan before him and many other great players has an ability to focus their energy and play within the moment. John Wooden, the later great UCLA basketball coach would tell his players to be quick but never in a hurry. Be self-controlled. As Christians we are told to be self-controlled.  

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." I Thessalonians 5:8

I think it is instructive to notice that because we belong to the day - belong to God in Christ - we are to be self-controlled. Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that living as a Christian is not some hyper-spiritual state of being where you are carried away by the Spirit and you no longer think and choose. The world we live in deceptively tells people that they have no choice emotionally about their passions. Think about it. How you ever heard someone say, "Men are dogs"? Men are led to believe (and I have heard this from church pulpits my whole life, not just the world) that they will lust and that is just part of being a male. Evolution has placed in men a desire to procreate and it is uncontrollable. Is this Biblical? NO! The Bible tells men to choose, to run, from the immoral woman (see Proverbs). Men are not animals. We are created in the image of God. 

Do you get my point? My point is that here in Thessalonians the Apostle Paul is telling us to be self-controlled. Faith in God and the love of Christ, for us and in us, along with the hope of salvation are the guideposts of our choices. My wife has a note on the refrigerator  called "The Three Sieves Test". Before saying something you are supposed to ask, "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?" What is your sieve test for choosing? Is it by faith? Is it in love? Does it bring the hope of salvation? 

The bottom line is that as Christians we have a very different guide post than the world. For the world it is simply what I feel will make me feel good. Which, never works out. As Christians we act by faith that God is Sovereign and his love will work all things for our good. We act in love because he first loved us, though we don't deserve his love. We look for salvation and to bring the redemptive reconciling work of the Spirit of God into all of our lives. This always works out. 

Father, help us to be self-controlled, choosing to live by faith, act in love and share your salvation. Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T BE SURPRISED, LIVE IN THE LIGHT!: I Thessalonians 5:4-6

If you are a parent, then, like me, I am sure you have told you children as they headed off to be with their friends, "Remember who's child you are. I don't care what everyone else is doing, you do what you know is right!" And where did we hear that? From our parents. As Christians we are to remember to whom we belong as we live our lives in this world. 

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us be not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." I Thessalonians 5:4-6

Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians about the day of the Lord and how they live their lives knowing that he could return at any time. He reminds them who they are in Christ.

First, Paul reminds us that we are not in darkness. We know Christ is coming back and we should not be surprised if he came in one minute or one year. 

Secondly, because we are children of the light we should not act like people who don't know who God is. Sometimes we think too much. The Bible is pretty clear about most things. I had someone pretty close to me tell me that the people could translate the Bible any way the wanted. I asked him, "How do you translate, "You shall not steal, you shall not commit adultery, you shall have no other gods before me"? God has spoken to us pretty clearly. We are not in the dark about what God has done for us or what he wants to do in us. We just need to live in light of that truth. 

Lastly, we need to remember to be alert and self-controlled. We need to be alert to what is "trending" in and around our lives. Not just physically and financially, but the spiritual battles that are the primary influences of our lives. Think about that. There is a spiritual battle for you and your family. The cares of this life are just bit players. We must attend to them with integrity and yet remember that life is more than what the world tells us. 

So, pay attention. Be alert and be self-controlled in Christ.

Father, help us to live like children of the light and of the day, your children. Praise be to you in us today!

GOD CONTENDS FOR YOU: Psalm 35:1-3

"Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;

     fight against those who fight against me. 

 Take up shield and buckler;

     arise and come to my aid.

 Brandish spear and javelin

     against those who pursue me.

 Say to my soul,

     "I am your salvation."" 

 Psalm 35:1-3

Have you ever felt like everyone was against you? I have. Sometimes it just seems like no matter what you do, someone is trying to take a shot at you. If you don't find trouble, it will find you. Well, if your seeking God that will happen. But, the battle is not yours, it's God's. 

That is why David called upon God. He realized that the bottom line in all of life is that it's all about spiritual warfare. Life was not his battle it was God's. We need to come to that place where we realize, since our lives are not our own, the battles in our lives are God's battles because we are his. God contends for us.

Father, we are your children. The battles in our lives belong to you. Contend for us against those who contend against us. Arise to our aid. Be our salvation today! Praise be to you in us today!

HE'S COMING TO TAKE US HOME! I Thessalonians 4:14-18

"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him...After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." I Thessalonians 4:14,17-18

There are at least two times that Jesus comes into your life and changes things altogether. The first time is when you realize is died for your sins and you accept him as your Savior and Lord. There will come another time when he comes to take us home. 

Sometimes in the here and now we forget the eternal nature of the salvation we have been given. Circumstances, at the present time, may not seem to be working out for the good. The trials just keep coming and there seems to be no end in sight. These things will happen. The truth still stands that Jesus will come again. He will catch us up to meet with him. I don't know the time, I don't know the hour. I just know his word says he will. 

All that happens now is only temporary. Our salvation is eternal. There will be many times that Christ will touch your life between the first day you realize he is your Savior and Lord and the day he comes to take you home. Trials will come, trials will go. One day, it will all end and we will be with the Lord forever. That is good news. 

Father, thank you that you sent your Son to die for my sins. Thank you that He will come again to bring us home. Thank you for so great a salvation! Praise be to you in us today!

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: I Thessalonians 4:11-12

When I turned sixteen my parents told me I could wear the clothes I wanted and do several things I wanted to, I just had to pay for them myself. So, I got a job. My parents taught my siblings and I the work ethic and self reliance this way. It is our family culture. It has been passed down the generations and I believe it is Biblical. The following verses in Thessalonians teach us to self reliant. 

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."                  I Thessalonians 4:11-12

I guess this is why I have such a hard time with much of the political message of those on the left. It is a very dangerous thing to start talking about having the right to anything other than the pursuit of happiness. I have the right to mind my own business and work for what I want. 

I know this sounds a bit political but, if anyone tells me that my beliefs should not influence my political opinions then they are being entirely dishonest about why they vote the way they do.  

What Paul is telling the Thessalonians to do is to focus on providing for themselves. Remember, Paul was a self-supporting missionary. He provided for needs by his own tent making business and then served others. He is talking to people who were waiting for the second coming of Christ. They were forgetting to take care of the here and now. Paul reminds them that being a disciple of Christ is being a servant of Christ. We are to be givers. We work so that we might give. 

This isn't really about giving money because Paul worked to take care of his personal needs so he could be a minister of the gospel with out asking for money. Like Paul we should make it our ambition to not be dependent on anyone so that we might serve others.

Fathers, help us to be able to serve others. Provide jobs for those who need them. Use us to share your gospel with the world around us. Praise be to you in us today!

CONTROL YOURSELF IN HOLINESS AND HONOR: I Thessalonians 4:3-4

We live in a world that has a very specific purpose. That purpose is to lead us away from God. So, I find it odd that so much of the world's beliefs about self-control are held by Christians. The world tells us that we can not control our desires and that love is something you fall into.  The world tells us that we are animals and we can't control those deep animalistic desires. That's not what the Bible teaches.

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable." I Thessalonians 4:3-4 

God's will should be the goal of all we do. If God wills it, then shouldn't it pretty much be a done deal? Yes, he is faithful to complete the work he began in you. His will is that we be sanctified. That we purify ourselves from this world. The world pushes sexual immorality. We avoid it. 

The world tells us that we must give into urges  but God tells us learn to control your body. You learn to control your body by seeking to be holy and honorable. Holiness has to do with being set apart. Sometimes we just need to be apart from what ever it is that seeks to control you. That is why is Proverbs it says to run. Don't think about it, run. 

The other side of sanctification is the do part. Do honorable deeds. Treat people honorably. That is why service  is so important. Thinking about others requires you to die to yourself. Service is about others, not yourself. Service is about being God's hands and feet, reaching out to others in Jesus' Name and letting God love through you. 

It is God's will that you learn to control your own body. Decide what to do with yourself. Choose to serve. 

Father, help us to avoid sexual immorality, teach us to control our own bodies in holiness and honor. Praise be to you in us today!

LOVE MORE, BE STRONG! I Thessalonians 3:12-13

Paul the Apostle kind of reminds me of a coach sometimes. I have a friend of mine who calls his team together during a game and says, "Your guys are doing great! Now just..." and then he tells them what he wants them to do. Think about the Thessalonians. They are going through trials and persecution. Things aren't easy but they are hanging in there! So Paul emphasizes a few things he wants them to keep doing.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy  in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."                   I Thessalonians 3:12-13

The first thing Paul reminds them to keep doing is loving. Don't just love a little or just enough to get by but, love more than you think is enough. Remember, we love because Christ love us! Our aim is to have a love for others that grows and overflows. That is God working in and through your life. Look to love. 

The second thing Paul stresses is that God would strengthen their hearts. We need to look to God. Isn't that what we are doing right now? Seeking God to strengthen us so that we might, as Paul encourages the Thessalonians, be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 

God is our source of love and strength. The reality is you don't know the love of God is really in you until you love someone else. You don't know the strength of God in you until you need to be blameless and holy. At some point today I will need the love of God to deal with someone. I will need the strength of God to be blameless and holy in my actions. He will provide.

Father, we look to you for love that increases and overflows. We call upon you to strengthen us to stand the tests we will face today! Praise be to you in us today! Thanks you, Lord!

IT'S A TRIAL, DEAL WITH IT. I Thessalonians 3:2-3

Every now and then we need a little slap in the face to get us back on track. My wife was in the hospital once for an operation and we weren't quite sure what the problem was. I was very concerned. My pastor at the time happened to be there for something and we spoke for a moment. He didn't tell me everything would be OK. He told me to get it together, trust God, go encourage my wife because she needed me to be strong. That was exactly what I needed. I think  that is what Paul is doing here.

"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials." I Thessalonians 3:2-3 

Whatever you are going through, be strengthen in Christ. Look to him. Know he is Sovereign Lord over all things. Trust in him, not yourself, not your job, not your spouse, not the government. Be strengthen in Christ and the power of his resurrection.

Whatever you are going through, be encouraged in Christ. Let your faith be in Christ. I am not asking you to see the end from the beginning, you can't, but Christ does. Christ is faithful to complete the work he began in you. He will. 

Trials come. Trials go. You and I may be surprised and feel overwhelmed but God is neither surprised or overwhelmed. Look to God, he will take you through. When Paul was first saved Ananias was sent to tell him how much he would suffer for Christ's name (Acts 9:15-16). Trails will come, trails will go, but God will never leave you. 

Father, give us the strength to be stand in the trials we face. Strengthen us and encourage us in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

GOD WILL DELIVER YOU FROM ALL YOU TROUBLES: Psalm 34:19022

"A righteous man may have many troubles,
     but the LORD delivers him from them all;

 he protects all his bones,
     not one of them shall be broken.
 Evil will slay the wicked;
     the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
 The LORD redeems his servants;
     no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him."
 Psalm 34:19-22

Thank you, Father, because you deliver me from all my troubles, you protect me and you redeem me! I take refuge in you!

I am thankful for my salvation, my wife, my children and my job.
Praise be to God and his faithfulness to me!

GOT TROUBLES? GOD HEARS YOUR CRY: Psalm 34:17-18

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
     he delivers them from all their troubles. 
 The LORD is close to the  brokenhearted
     and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
 Psalm 34:17-18

Before I mention anything else I want to remind you that you ARE righteous in Christ (if he is your Savior and Lord) according to I Corinthians 1:30. Christ is YOUR righteousness. 

Cry out to  God. What ever is happening in or to your life. Cry out to God. David says that if we cry out to God he will hear us and he will deliver us. Remembering that David was a wanted man. His death was the assurance that King Saul needed to keep his throne. So, that kind of crying out that we are talking about here is life or death crying out. And God delivered him. 

How you doing? Are you feeling brokenhearted? Are you crushed in spirit? Cry out to God. He hears you. Sometimes it takes a crisis to remove all the encumbrances from our lives. When you have exhausted every other avenue and only God is left. He hears and he acts. 

If you are feeling brokenhearted and or crushed in spirit, God has a special place next to him for you. Just know, he hears and he will deliver you.

Father, thank you that in Christ we are righteous and you do hear us and will deliver us from all our troubles. Thank you for all the troubles you have delivered me from. Praise be to you in us today!

HOW TO RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD: I Thessalonians 2:13

It has been said that if you need a hammer and all you have in your hand is a screwdriver then it becomes a hammer. Well, I've done that a few times and the truth is a screwdriver works best as a screwdriver and when you accept it for what it is and use it accordingly, it is very effective. More significantly, when you allow the word of God to do its work in you, it does what it is supposed to do and it is very effective.  

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe." I Thessalonians 2:13

First, to receive the word of God you must accept it as the word of God. The Bible is no ordinary book. II Timothy 3:16 declares Scripture to be "God-breathed". While writing this post I am struck by a realization that not much is made of the Bible being the inspired, inerrant, infallible word of God these days. But, it is. Just think about that for one moment...the Bible contains the very words of God! I am sure that you have heard people say, "I just want to hear God speak to me!" I have said that. The truth: The Bible is God speaking to me, and to you, and to anyone who will listen, every time you open it and read it. That is why so many spiritual leaders say to read your Bible on a daily basis. 

Secondly, to receive the word of God you must let it do what it is supposed to do, change your mind. Change your mind to change your actions. II Timothy 3:16 points out that Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains us in righteousness so that we may be "thoroughly equipped for every good work". Romans 12:2 talks about the transformation of renewing of your mind so that you can know God's good, pleasing and perfect will. James exhorts us to not only read the word but to do what it says (James 1:22-25). Think about it. I can talk about going to work all I want, but, if I don't get up and go work I won't get paid. Remember all our relationships are based upon the reconciling work of Christ in us. We love because he first loved us. Letting the word of God work in you means to love, to forgive, to serve as Christ. Reading the word of God teaches you how to love, forgive and serve.  

Father, let your words have the desired effect in us. Renew our minds, change our hearts and help us to love as you have loved us. Praise be to you in us today!

If God has spoken to you, please let us know in the comment section below. 

HOW TO BE USED BY GOD: I Thessalonians 2:11-12

I taught for a few years before I was married and had children of my own. Before I had children I only saw students through the lens of being a student (myself) but, having my own children added a deeper dimension to my experience. Since then, I try to teach each student like I want my children to be taught. I have very high expectations for my own children, academically and behaviorally. So, when Paul tells the Thessalonians that he and his team have a parental affection for them I get that Paul is describing a very deep connection and desire for them to live lives worthy of God. 

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." I Thessalonians 2:11-12

Paul and his team encouraged, comforted and urged the Thessalonians to live lives worthy of God, and these are all things that we can do to be used in his kingdom. 

If you want to be used by God, encourage someone. This doesn't mean you watch and cheer. It means to get someone to come along side you and serve together. 

If you want to be used by God, comfort someone. Sometimes times  we just need to be there. Sometimes we need to remind someone that God loves them. Which ever it is, you do it with love.

If you want to be used by God, urge someone on in their walk with God. That is what I am trying to do right now. Urge you on in your walk with God. God wants to use you and me today. Who will God put before you? Take the opportunity!

We have been called into his kingdom and glory. Each of us can encourage, comfort and urge each other on to living lives worthy of God today. What is on your heart right now? As you go through this day, be alert for every opportunity to be used by God.

Father, use us to encourage, comfort and urge each other to live lives worthy of the Lord. Praise be to you in us today!

Can you remember a specific time God used you? Share it with us in the comment section!

APPROVED BY GOD: I Thessalonians 2:4

I was a typical teen ager. A bit irresponsible and a tad crazy with moving vehicles under my control. So, my father was wise to not  trust me with a car at sixteen. I didn't appreciate it until a few years later. At nineteen I was living on my own and working for a company that was building condos. One day my dad called and told me he would like to let me use the Ford truck. I was stunned. He said that because he saw that my boss was letting me use the company truck and I was taking care of myself he thought I could be trusted with the truck. As Christians we should seek God's approval.

"On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." I Thessalonians 2:4

The Apostle Paul was making a few very important points about his own ministry that I believe are reminders to us. One is the we are entrusted with the gospel and the other is that we should try to please God, not men. 

When my father called and told me he wanted to let me use the truck I was blown away because trust had been a pretty big issue between us. So, when he entrusted me with his truck I knew I had his approval which was of course very important too. God entrusts us with the gospel. Our responsibility is to try to be act accordingly. When the Holy Spirit provides an opportunity to share the gospel in any way consider that God's approval because he is entrusting you to share his love with someone else. Someone who needs to know that God loves them so much that he sent his One and Only Son to die for their sins. You don't have to lay out the whole Roman Road or Four Spiritual laws every time but, sow the seeds. I have been telling a friend at work for two years now that I would pray for his daughter (she has some physical issues and has been through several operations) and it wasn't until a month ago that he asked me to pray. The seed is beginning to take root. 

Here's the deal. God's approval is what matters most. That doesn't mean I am insensitive to others, it just means that I should be concerned with doing things God's way. Billy Stracum, who was the head of Capernwray Bible School in England, used to say that everyone wants to be a polishing rag becomes it makes people feel good but, God had made him a rasp. He tried to be a polishing rag but, it didn't work out well. I can tell you that although he wasn't afraid to tell you the truth he wasn't unloving. I probably learned more about being a humble servant as a leader that year from Billy than I ever learned from anyone else. He wasn't trying to  please everyone, just God. 

In the end it is God who tests our hearts which only he can see. He knows our motives. That is why we remember that we are entrusted by God with the gospel, which is a very good thing, and we try to please him, not others.

Father, thank you for entrusting us with the gospel. Help us to please you as we step out in faith. Praise be to you in us today!

Have you been entrusted by God in some special way lately? If so, let us know in the comment section. 

A NEW DAY, A NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year! A New Year and a New Beginning! 

May God Bless you and your family! The following are a few verses to think about as you look forward to 2013.

"Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" II Corinthians 5:17

Praise be to God in us this year!