John 21:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
When Jesus questioned Peter about his love, He was not inquiring because He didn’t know the answer. God is all-knowing. When Jesus questioned Peter … when God raises a question in our life … it is not an inquiry to gain some unknown information. Rather it’s purpose is so you and I will know the answer. When God asks a question, the answer is for our benefit, not His. God wants us to grow, develop, become the saints who will go out and feed His sheep.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
WORDS FROM THE EYE WITNESS
2 Peter 1:16-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paying Attention to Scripture
16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
Peter, known for his willingness to take action and make decisions, is firm about his position on the Scriptures. Having personally witnessed Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17); having heard the voice of God testify and identify His Son; Peter’s conclusion from what he has seen and heard is that God’s Word, the Scriptures are authentic.
What do you believe about the Scriptures? Peter, the leader of the 1st century church had no take it or leave it attitude. The Word of God was His rock (Matthew 16:18). It was his foundation. Facing all the challenges of the early church, Peter held on to the rock and encouraged the church with the rock..
Take hold of that rock. It will see you through any situation you face.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paying Attention to Scripture
16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
Peter, known for his willingness to take action and make decisions, is firm about his position on the Scriptures. Having personally witnessed Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17); having heard the voice of God testify and identify His Son; Peter’s conclusion from what he has seen and heard is that God’s Word, the Scriptures are authentic.
What do you believe about the Scriptures? Peter, the leader of the 1st century church had no take it or leave it attitude. The Word of God was His rock (Matthew 16:18). It was his foundation. Facing all the challenges of the early church, Peter held on to the rock and encouraged the church with the rock..
Take hold of that rock. It will see you through any situation you face.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CHARACTER – WHO AM I?
2 Peter 1:3-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Growing in Faith
3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ask yourself, “How am I doing on these eight Godly character traits?” The list in verses 5-7 is admirable and possibly overwhelming if viewed from the perspective of human capability. Looking at the list, which ones are you doing well? Which ones are your struggles?
Where you are doing well, it is because of the divine power God has provided, not your human effort. Where you are struggling, it is the same divine power that will help you to grow.
Ask God to help make all eight increasingly real in your life. They all flow from the Spirit of Christ that lives in you.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Growing in Faith
3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ask yourself, “How am I doing on these eight Godly character traits?” The list in verses 5-7 is admirable and possibly overwhelming if viewed from the perspective of human capability. Looking at the list, which ones are you doing well? Which ones are your struggles?
Where you are doing well, it is because of the divine power God has provided, not your human effort. Where you are struggling, it is the same divine power that will help you to grow.
Ask God to help make all eight increasingly real in your life. They all flow from the Spirit of Christ that lives in you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
GOD’S CHARACTER
Exodus 34:6-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,
“Yahweh! The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
But I do not excuse the guilty.
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations.”
Moses asked God to reveal His glory to him. God responded to Moses request, giving him only a glimpse. As God passed before Moses, He proclaimed the perfection of His character.
God is full of compassion, mercy, faith and unfailing love. God is forgiving and slow to anger.
At the same time that God is so gracious, He is also just. He does not excuse the guilty. There are consequences for sin which last for generations.
God’s character never changes. It is uncompromising. His character is the standard that gives meaning when we seek to be loving, faithful, merciful and patient. While we can never match His example … the standard is lofty … we don’t throw in the towel. Every day we strive for the perfection that has been set before us.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,
“Yahweh! The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
But I do not excuse the guilty.
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations.”
Moses asked God to reveal His glory to him. God responded to Moses request, giving him only a glimpse. As God passed before Moses, He proclaimed the perfection of His character.
God is full of compassion, mercy, faith and unfailing love. God is forgiving and slow to anger.
At the same time that God is so gracious, He is also just. He does not excuse the guilty. There are consequences for sin which last for generations.
God’s character never changes. It is uncompromising. His character is the standard that gives meaning when we seek to be loving, faithful, merciful and patient. While we can never match His example … the standard is lofty … we don’t throw in the towel. Every day we strive for the perfection that has been set before us.
Monday, January 26, 2009
WORTH DIGGING FOR
Proverbs 2:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Benefits of Wisdom
1 My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
The words of Scripture contain valuable lessons … lessons so valuable that finding them is compared to benefits of mining for silver. Finding an ample supply of this precious metal can financially secure the days of your life. Finding the hidden treasures within the Word of God can spiritually secure your eternity.
Mining is hard work. Tremendous effort is part of the mining process. Likewise, to find the wisdom deposited in the Scriptures takes some digging. Note the action words … listen … concentrate … cry out … ask … search … seek.
Spend time each day mining the treasure of God’s Word. His precious wisdom is worth digging for.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Benefits of Wisdom
1 My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
The words of Scripture contain valuable lessons … lessons so valuable that finding them is compared to benefits of mining for silver. Finding an ample supply of this precious metal can financially secure the days of your life. Finding the hidden treasures within the Word of God can spiritually secure your eternity.
Mining is hard work. Tremendous effort is part of the mining process. Likewise, to find the wisdom deposited in the Scriptures takes some digging. Note the action words … listen … concentrate … cry out … ask … search … seek.
Spend time each day mining the treasure of God’s Word. His precious wisdom is worth digging for.
Friday, January 23, 2009
STILL BREATHING
Psalm 150 (KJV)
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
I checked. I woke this morning and I’m still breathing. God has brought me to another day … through a great week … in which I have much to praise Him for.
If you are reading this, I am just wise enough to know that you are still breathing too.
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.”
I hope you enjoy THIS WEEK'S PRAISE above.
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
I checked. I woke this morning and I’m still breathing. God has brought me to another day … through a great week … in which I have much to praise Him for.
If you are reading this, I am just wise enough to know that you are still breathing too.
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.”
I hope you enjoy THIS WEEK'S PRAISE above.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Greetings
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with Christian love.
27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
We conclude our journey through Paul’s 1st letter to the Church at Thessalonica with Paul’s final greetings. You may jump to the idea that there is nothing to learn in the concluding verses but Paul is still teaching. Don’t miss the nugget in verse 23.
An often misunderstood concept is that of our being ‘three-part’ beings … body, soul and spirit. The distinction between soul and spirit is often missed.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Greetings
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with Christian love.
27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
We conclude our journey through Paul’s 1st letter to the Church at Thessalonica with Paul’s final greetings. You may jump to the idea that there is nothing to learn in the concluding verses but Paul is still teaching. Don’t miss the nugget in verse 23.
An often misunderstood concept is that of our being ‘three-part’ beings … body, soul and spirit. The distinction between soul and spirit is often missed.
- Body – our flesh
- Soul – our mind, will, emotions and conscience
- Spirit – that part of us that cannot be reached in any natural way (five senses or mind/emotions, etc.)
“Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” – John 3:6
Change takes place in the body and the mind. That is relatively easy to grasp (aging, learning, etc.) Change that happens in the spirit, only happens through God … His Spirit … His Word. “God will make this happen…”. Let Him keep ALL of you blameless.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
ROCK SOLID
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Advice
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
“… upon this rock I will build my church…” – Matt. 16:18.
Paul gives the church final words of encouragement and his advice is rock solid. It is rock solid because it is built on the foundation of God’s Word … on the life of Christ Jesus … on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
There is nothing in this two thousand year old encouragement that does not fit for the believer today.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Advice
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
“… upon this rock I will build my church…” – Matt. 16:18.
Paul gives the church final words of encouragement and his advice is rock solid. It is rock solid because it is built on the foundation of God’s Word … on the life of Christ Jesus … on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
There is nothing in this two thousand year old encouragement that does not fit for the believer today.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
ALERT AND READY
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of the Resurrection
1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Jesus Christ is coming back again (I am pretty sure you have heard me say this before). Paul tells us “…the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly … so … stay alert…” Since we don’t know the day, we must be alert every day.
One who is alert is attentive to the work that needs to be done while there is still time. One who is alert is not taken by surprise. One who is alert is watchful for the signs … the Word has given us these … we know what to watch for.
We are ready, not because we are alert or because of any other work we may be doing. We are ready because “… God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ … Christ died for us …”.
As Paul encouraged the Thessalonicans, I encourage you.
Note: Pray for President-Elect Obama
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of the Resurrection
1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Jesus Christ is coming back again (I am pretty sure you have heard me say this before). Paul tells us “…the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly … so … stay alert…” Since we don’t know the day, we must be alert every day.
One who is alert is attentive to the work that needs to be done while there is still time. One who is alert is not taken by surprise. One who is alert is watchful for the signs … the Word has given us these … we know what to watch for.
We are ready, not because we are alert or because of any other work we may be doing. We are ready because “… God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ … Christ died for us …”.
As Paul encouraged the Thessalonicans, I encourage you.
Note: Pray for President-Elect Obama
Friday, January 16, 2009
IN CHRIST
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of the Resurrection
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
“… when the Lord returns…” there will be two distinct happenings for those who are in Christ. For believers who have died before the Lord’s return, they will be brought back. Those who died, anytime from eternity past to that present day, believing in Christ Jesus “… will rise from their graves.” This resurrection will occur prior to the second distinct happening.
For those still alive and in Christ, they “… will be caught up.” The theological term for this is the Rapture.
Those who are ‘caught up’ will join with those who are ‘brought back’ and “… meet the Lord in the air.” Together, all believers “… will be with the Lord forever.”
Come Lord Jesus! That will be a great day, if and only if, you are in Christ! Believe He is who the Word says He is … the Son of God … and you need not fear what will surely come.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of the Resurrection
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
“… when the Lord returns…” there will be two distinct happenings for those who are in Christ. For believers who have died before the Lord’s return, they will be brought back. Those who died, anytime from eternity past to that present day, believing in Christ Jesus “… will rise from their graves.” This resurrection will occur prior to the second distinct happening.
For those still alive and in Christ, they “… will be caught up.” The theological term for this is the Rapture.
Those who are ‘caught up’ will join with those who are ‘brought back’ and “… meet the Lord in the air.” Together, all believers “… will be with the Lord forever.”
Come Lord Jesus! That will be a great day, if and only if, you are in Christ! Believe He is who the Word says He is … the Son of God … and you need not fear what will surely come.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LET YOUR LIFE BE AN EXAMPLE
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live to Please God
9 But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. 10 Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
When you have love for fellow believers and live honorably (a quiet lifestyle, a hard worker, not a busy body), your life is one that is first and foremost, pleasing to God. Paul urges the Thessalonicans and us to live this way, more and more.
A secondary, but no less important benefit of this kind of lifestyle, is the example it sets for those who don’t yet know Jesus. When we follow His ways, when we let His light shine in us, non-believers will be attracted to Him. They will respect us for the way we live and desire that same lifestyle for themselves.
It has been said that the only Bible some will ever read is the life you live before them. Let God’s Word radiate from your every step.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live to Please God
9 But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. 10 Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
When you have love for fellow believers and live honorably (a quiet lifestyle, a hard worker, not a busy body), your life is one that is first and foremost, pleasing to God. Paul urges the Thessalonicans and us to live this way, more and more.
A secondary, but no less important benefit of this kind of lifestyle, is the example it sets for those who don’t yet know Jesus. When we follow His ways, when we let His light shine in us, non-believers will be attracted to Him. They will respect us for the way we live and desire that same lifestyle for themselves.
It has been said that the only Bible some will ever read is the life you live before them. Let God’s Word radiate from your every step.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
CHOOSE: SELF OR GOD
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live to Please God
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
When we are confronted with the temptations of sexual sin, we come face to face with a choice. Will I please my flesh … my self … or will I “flee also youthful lusts” (2nd Timothy 2:22) and be pleasing to God?
“God’s will is for you to be holy…” and you can’t be in His will if you surrender your purity.
Make the choice to please God and not your flesh.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live to Please God
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
When we are confronted with the temptations of sexual sin, we come face to face with a choice. Will I please my flesh … my self … or will I “flee also youthful lusts” (2nd Timothy 2:22) and be pleasing to God?
“God’s will is for you to be holy…” and you can’t be in His will if you surrender your purity.
Make the choice to please God and not your flesh.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
ROOM FOR GROWTH
1 Thessalonians 3:6-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Timothy’s Good Report about the Church
6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.
The Apostle is pouring out his heart to the Thessalonican believers who have been exhibiting their strong faith (according to Timothy’s report). Paul is encouraged by the report and yet points out their need to continue to grow. He speaks of the “…gaps in your faith.” As long as we live or until the time of Christ’s return, we all have room for growth.
Study God’s Word. Seek spiritual direction. Put into practice that which you are taught.
“…you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2nd Peter 3:18.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Timothy’s Good Report about the Church
6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.
The Apostle is pouring out his heart to the Thessalonican believers who have been exhibiting their strong faith (according to Timothy’s report). Paul is encouraged by the report and yet points out their need to continue to grow. He speaks of the “…gaps in your faith.” As long as we live or until the time of Christ’s return, we all have room for growth.
Study God’s Word. Seek spiritual direction. Put into practice that which you are taught.
“…you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2nd Peter 3:18.
Monday, January 12, 2009
FALSE PREACHING
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Timothy’s Good Report about the Church
1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
It is a false message when the truth about trials and tribulations is not preached. Yes, we have great hope in the truth of the gospel. Our eternity is secure when we place our faith in the birth, death and resurrection of God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Along with this great truth, the reality of our sin nature and our enemy … Satan … must also be revealed.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the enemy does not just give up. The devil will continue to buffet us … tempt us … deceive us ... exploit our sin condition. We don’t have to give in to his schemes but don’t deceive yourself into thinking that now that you are a believer, the trouble Satan brings will not come to your door. You must be strong in your faith when trouble comes. It will show up. Paul preaches this truth, “…we are destined for such troubles.”
Keys to strong faith … daily prayer … reading God’s Word … regular attendance to praise and worship … association with Christian believers.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Timothy’s Good Report about the Church
1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
It is a false message when the truth about trials and tribulations is not preached. Yes, we have great hope in the truth of the gospel. Our eternity is secure when we place our faith in the birth, death and resurrection of God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Along with this great truth, the reality of our sin nature and our enemy … Satan … must also be revealed.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the enemy does not just give up. The devil will continue to buffet us … tempt us … deceive us ... exploit our sin condition. We don’t have to give in to his schemes but don’t deceive yourself into thinking that now that you are a believer, the trouble Satan brings will not come to your door. You must be strong in your faith when trouble comes. It will show up. Paul preaches this truth, “…we are destined for such troubles.”
Keys to strong faith … daily prayer … reading God’s Word … regular attendance to praise and worship … association with Christian believers.
Friday, January 09, 2009
TALKING RELIGION
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.
Some of you may labor in workplaces that frown on talking religion in the workplace. You have to be very careful how you share your faith. It might cost you your job or get you called on the carpet before a supervisor. This religious persecution is justified as protecting others from unwanted solicitation or discrimination because one has differing beliefs.
This level of religious persecution pales, however, when compared to the persecution early church believers faced for speaking “… the very word of God…”. They risked execution for their beliefs.
Remember, the best testimony … witness … for your faith is the life you live, not the words you say. Show your non-believing coworkers the difference Jesus Christ has made in your by imitating His lifestyle in yours.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.
Some of you may labor in workplaces that frown on talking religion in the workplace. You have to be very careful how you share your faith. It might cost you your job or get you called on the carpet before a supervisor. This religious persecution is justified as protecting others from unwanted solicitation or discrimination because one has differing beliefs.
This level of religious persecution pales, however, when compared to the persecution early church believers faced for speaking “… the very word of God…”. They risked execution for their beliefs.
Remember, the best testimony … witness … for your faith is the life you live, not the words you say. Show your non-believing coworkers the difference Jesus Christ has made in your by imitating His lifestyle in yours.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
HARD WORK
1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.
Have you heard the light-hearted comments about the great job the preacher has? He only has to work one day a week. That was not the Apostle Paul’s experience or example. Paul compared the work of ministry to parenting and I think we would all agree that there is nothing easy about being a good parent.
Paul was a preacher who worked to earn a living while he preached the Gospel. In today’s society we have labeled this being bi-vocational. Praise God for all His ministers who fulfill their call to ministry, “…remember … how hard we worked among you…”, while working jobs, earning a living, providing for their families without putting undue burden on the church. Pray for them as the keep on pleading, encouraging, urging for the Kingdom.
Pray for and support your pastors, whether they be full time or bi-vocational.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.
Have you heard the light-hearted comments about the great job the preacher has? He only has to work one day a week. That was not the Apostle Paul’s experience or example. Paul compared the work of ministry to parenting and I think we would all agree that there is nothing easy about being a good parent.
Paul was a preacher who worked to earn a living while he preached the Gospel. In today’s society we have labeled this being bi-vocational. Praise God for all His ministers who fulfill their call to ministry, “…remember … how hard we worked among you…”, while working jobs, earning a living, providing for their families without putting undue burden on the church. Pray for them as the keep on pleading, encouraging, urging for the Kingdom.
Pray for and support your pastors, whether they be full time or bi-vocational.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
CHECKING YOUR MOTIVES
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.
4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
It would have been OK with me Lord, not to have to ponder this passage. It would have really been OK not to be reminded of those experiences in ministry which were very unpleasant.
Paul remembers being mistreated, suffering and facing great opposition for the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, as it is with life in the world, life in ministry sometimes carries with it trials and tribulations. The tribulations are not pleasant memories and Paul didn’t dwell on the negatives. He quickly reminded himself and his readers of the positives … “…approved by God … entrusted with the Good News … please God …”
Paul could keep going, despite the opposition, because his motives were pure. Anyone in any level or form of ministry, should periodically do a self evaluation … check your motives … for any sign that what you are doing is not pleasing to God. Quitting is not an option and neither is continuing with wrong motives. Correction … change … under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is the remedy for impure motives.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Remembers His Visit
1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.
4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
It would have been OK with me Lord, not to have to ponder this passage. It would have really been OK not to be reminded of those experiences in ministry which were very unpleasant.
Paul remembers being mistreated, suffering and facing great opposition for the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, as it is with life in the world, life in ministry sometimes carries with it trials and tribulations. The tribulations are not pleasant memories and Paul didn’t dwell on the negatives. He quickly reminded himself and his readers of the positives … “…approved by God … entrusted with the Good News … please God …”
Paul could keep going, despite the opposition, because his motives were pure. Anyone in any level or form of ministry, should periodically do a self evaluation … check your motives … for any sign that what you are doing is not pleasing to God. Quitting is not an option and neither is continuing with wrong motives. Correction … change … under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is the remedy for impure motives.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
HE’S COMING BACK
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.
A major theme of the 1st Thessalonian epistle is the return of Jesus Christ. Paul and the other early church leaders were anticipating this return to be soon. They remembered Jesus’ words, “…I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you,…” (John 14:2-3) and were looking forward to His return.
As I read these verses, I believe they were expecting Christ’s return in their lifetime. It didn’t happen. Only God knows how soon. Soon is on His infinite terms and not our finite minds.
What I also believe is that our expectation should be just like those of the early church. We should expect Christ’s return in our lifetime. This is not a prediction. It is a statement of our need to be ready at any moment.
Christ is coming again and we best not be caught with the oil in our lamps on empty. We should be filled with the Holy Spirit … always ready for Christ’s return.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.
A major theme of the 1st Thessalonian epistle is the return of Jesus Christ. Paul and the other early church leaders were anticipating this return to be soon. They remembered Jesus’ words, “…I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you,…” (John 14:2-3) and were looking forward to His return.
As I read these verses, I believe they were expecting Christ’s return in their lifetime. It didn’t happen. Only God knows how soon. Soon is on His infinite terms and not our finite minds.
What I also believe is that our expectation should be just like those of the early church. We should expect Christ’s return in our lifetime. This is not a prediction. It is a statement of our need to be ready at any moment.
Christ is coming again and we best not be caught with the oil in our lamps on empty. We should be filled with the Holy Spirit … always ready for Christ’s return.
Monday, January 05, 2009
WHEN I THINK OF YOU
1 Thessalonians 1:2-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
Many of you who receive the Gospel Pearl each day, I have known for years. Others I don’t know at all. Some I have only encountered briefly along life’s path. No matter which group you would fall in, when I think of you, my spirit is lifted. What gives me this lift? I think it is captured in what Paul writes in verse four … “that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.”
For those I have had the opportunity to get to know … to labor in the vineyard with … to witness in action for Jesus Christ, I “…think of your faithful work, loving deeds , and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When I think of you, I think of your love for Jesus Christ and your love for others in the Body of Christ.
When I think of you, that combination … God’s love for you … your love for God and others … it lifts my spirit and raises my hopes in the New Year!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
Many of you who receive the Gospel Pearl each day, I have known for years. Others I don’t know at all. Some I have only encountered briefly along life’s path. No matter which group you would fall in, when I think of you, my spirit is lifted. What gives me this lift? I think it is captured in what Paul writes in verse four … “that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.”
For those I have had the opportunity to get to know … to labor in the vineyard with … to witness in action for Jesus Christ, I “…think of your faithful work, loving deeds , and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When I think of you, I think of your love for Jesus Christ and your love for others in the Body of Christ.
When I think of you, that combination … God’s love for you … your love for God and others … it lifts my spirit and raises my hopes in the New Year!
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