Last Friday night, I watched the Passion of the Christ again with some of my church members. We were all struck by the intense torture and suffering that Christ endured! One might wonder why Christ had to suffer such a horrible punishment and death.
Surely there is nothing appealing about dying on a cross:
• Severe flogging. Victims covered in blood.
• Long, iron spikes driven into the wrists. Pounded into the feet.
• Nakedness. Exposed to the elements. Ashamed before the bystanders.
• Convulsions. Every little movement tearing at the hands and feet.
• Desperate gasps for air, as suffocation and exhaustion slowly snuff out of the life of the victim. (quote taken from Trevin Wax, Author of Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals at: http://trevinwax.com/2010/03/29/the-beauty-of-a-blood-stained-cross/
The plain and simple fact is that he had done nothing wrong? We were the guilty ones! He took the punishment that we deserved! His blood was shed so that we could escape the just penalty of our sins and be saved from the wrath of God! He took a beating so that we could be healed.
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NKJV)
John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life. Thank God that he did not stay in the grave but he rose again on the third day. That gives us hope that though we die, we too have hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
Lets pray! Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life and taking my punishment so that I could be saved from the wrath of God. Thank you for taking my beating so that I could be healed. Thank you for your resurrection which gives me hope of eternal life! If I had a thousand tongues, I could never praise you enough for your goodness towards me. Help me to show my gratitude by living a life of obedience toward you and love for others! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Click on the left on enjoy "Don't Cry" by Kirk Franklin
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
42:10 "You are Chosen and Loved by God! II Thess 2:13
During this Easter season, we are reminded that God's Love and acceptance of us is nothing short of amazing! Today, Paul reminds the Thessalonians and us how much God loves us. Read the passage:
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. II Thess 2:13
What is the depth of God's love for me??
God's love for me is so deep that he gave his only son (Jesus) that whoever believes in him would not be punished for their sins but instead would live forever in fellowship with God!
What does it mean that God chose me to be saved?
It means that before I was ever born, God made a way for me to be saved. He knew that I would be born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He knew that, though I was raised in faith, that as I grew older that I would stray away from him. Despite that he made a way for me to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ's bearing my penalty for sin! I owe him an eternal debt that I can never pay. So in gratitude, I choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him as my Lord and Saviour!
God's love for me and you is unconditional. He came to earth, lived, died a horrible death so I could be restored to Him. Now that's love! Please click to the left and enjoy "No Greater Love by Fred Hammond. You can also view it by going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4iIwdqqtyQ&feature=player_embedded
Let's Close in Pray: Father, as I go about my day, let me be ever mindful of your unconditional love for me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sins. Help me to tell others about your love so that they too can be freed from the penalty of their sins. In Jesus Name! Amen!
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. II Thess 2:13
What is the depth of God's love for me??
God's love for me is so deep that he gave his only son (Jesus) that whoever believes in him would not be punished for their sins but instead would live forever in fellowship with God!
What does it mean that God chose me to be saved?
It means that before I was ever born, God made a way for me to be saved. He knew that I would be born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He knew that, though I was raised in faith, that as I grew older that I would stray away from him. Despite that he made a way for me to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ's bearing my penalty for sin! I owe him an eternal debt that I can never pay. So in gratitude, I choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him as my Lord and Saviour!
God's love for me and you is unconditional. He came to earth, lived, died a horrible death so I could be restored to Him. Now that's love! Please click to the left and enjoy "No Greater Love by Fred Hammond. You can also view it by going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4iIwdqqtyQ&feature=player_embedded
Let's Close in Pray: Father, as I go about my day, let me be ever mindful of your unconditional love for me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sins. Help me to tell others about your love so that they too can be freed from the penalty of their sins. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
41:10 "Who is The Anti Christ ?" 2 Thes.2:6-12
The Thessalonian believers were concerned about Christ's return. Paul made it clear in earlier verses that the AntiChirst (described here as the Anarchist) must come first. This passage describes the work of the AntiChrist and Jesus victory over him.
6-8 You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there. (II Thess 2:6-8, The Message)
The antiChrist appeals to those who hate the truth:
9-12The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. (II Thessalonians 2:9-12 The Message Bible)
For further information on the Antichrist, go to: http://www.spreadinglight.com/prophecy/antichrist.html
The AntiChrist is empowered and sponsored by Satan. The spirit of Satan or evil is already in the world. Thank God that Jesus will ultimately deal with the AntiChrist and with Satan. In the meantime, God wants us to live a life of victory over sin and Satan. He tells us to put on the whole Armour of God in Ephesians 6:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV
Let's Pray: Lord, help me to put on the whole me to be strong in the Lord and in the power of your might so that I will be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil.
6-8 You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there. (II Thess 2:6-8, The Message)
The antiChrist appeals to those who hate the truth:
9-12The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. (II Thessalonians 2:9-12 The Message Bible)
For further information on the Antichrist, go to: http://www.spreadinglight.com/prophecy/antichrist.html
The AntiChrist is empowered and sponsored by Satan. The spirit of Satan or evil is already in the world. Thank God that Jesus will ultimately deal with the AntiChrist and with Satan. In the meantime, God wants us to live a life of victory over sin and Satan. He tells us to put on the whole Armour of God in Ephesians 6:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV
Let's Pray: Lord, help me to put on the whole me to be strong in the Lord and in the power of your might so that I will be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
40:10: "When Will Jesus Return?" 2 Thes.2:1-4, Amplified
When will Jesus return? No one know the exact date, but we do know this, He will not come until certain things happen: The Thessalonians were getting false reports that Jesus had already returned. Paul sets the record straight in today's passage:
1-3Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall for any line like that.
3-5Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God
That can be scary if you are not rooted and grounded in Christ!
How do we respond as Christians. Stay get rooted and grounded in Christ!
Psalms 1 says:
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Question for Self Reflection: What do I need to change in my life in order to be ready when Jesus comes. What do I need to stop doing? What do I need to start doing?
Prayer: Lord, let my roots go down deep in you so that I will not be blown away by false doctrine. Let me be found faithful and ready when you return. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now click to the left and enjoy the song: " Lord I Want to Be Ready"
Blessings! Your Brother, Fred
1-3Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall for any line like that.
3-5Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God
That can be scary if you are not rooted and grounded in Christ!
How do we respond as Christians. Stay get rooted and grounded in Christ!
Psalms 1 says:
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Question for Self Reflection: What do I need to change in my life in order to be ready when Jesus comes. What do I need to stop doing? What do I need to start doing?
Prayer: Lord, let my roots go down deep in you so that I will not be blown away by false doctrine. Let me be found faithful and ready when you return. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now click to the left and enjoy the song: " Lord I Want to Be Ready"
Blessings! Your Brother, Fred
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
39:10:Live Right so God will Get the Glory! 2 Thes. 1:11-12 NLT
The world often mocks Christians today, calling us hypocrites! This is because of inconsistencies they see between our profession and our lifestyles. Today's passage challenges us to live worthy lives:
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. “
Paul prays that the Thessalonian believers should live a life worthy of their calling as Christians so that the name of Jesus would be honored. It is important that Christians live lives of integrity so that the world will have a favorable impression of the Jesus that we serve. The only Jesus that many people will see is in our lives!
Let’s pray: Father I thank you for putting me in right relationship with you. Now help me to be a good example of what a Christian is supposed to look like so that others will want to come to you. Forgive me for the times when I have not represented you well. Show me the things that I need to change now in order to be a better representative of Jesus. I pray that you will use my life and my words to bring many people to Jesus
Thank you for your forgiveness Lord and thank you for your Grace! In Jesus Name! Amen!
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. “
Paul prays that the Thessalonian believers should live a life worthy of their calling as Christians so that the name of Jesus would be honored. It is important that Christians live lives of integrity so that the world will have a favorable impression of the Jesus that we serve. The only Jesus that many people will see is in our lives!
Let’s pray: Father I thank you for putting me in right relationship with you. Now help me to be a good example of what a Christian is supposed to look like so that others will want to come to you. Forgive me for the times when I have not represented you well. Show me the things that I need to change now in order to be a better representative of Jesus. I pray that you will use my life and my words to bring many people to Jesus
Thank you for your forgiveness Lord and thank you for your Grace! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Devo 38:10: "Jesus Will Make It Right!" II Thess 1:5-10
You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. I Thess 1:5
What happens when people persecute you and mistreat you because of your faith in Christ? Not because you have done anything wrong, but because they hate the Jesus in you! Is there anything redemptive in suffering for your faith. Does anything good come out of it?
What happens to people who seem to get away with cursing Jesus and his Gospel and despising his people! They continually reject God though He gives them many, many times to repent! Does God see what they are doing?
The Apostle Paul says yes!
Although it seems so unjust and so unfair, God will make it right!
Paul addresses this in his letter to the persecuted Thessalonians:
5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you. II Thess 1:5-10, The Message
Martin Luther King said: The Ark of Justice is long but it bends towards justice.
God does not work on our timetable. Many times people despise and mistreat us because we love Jesus. We have walked away from the worldly lifestyle. We no longer do what they do or embrace what they embrace. The Jesus in us makes them feel guilty! They can't strike out at God so they srike out at us. They may even call us names: prude, holy roller, self righteous, fundamentalist, narrow minded, stuck in the mud, boring - because we no longer embrace the values of the world!
Such was the case of the Thessalonians! They were being persecuted for their faith but Paul gave them a word of encouragement. He said: All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time.
Their suffering was a sign that they were living right! The devil is not threatened by a shabby life! He is threatened by a righteous life!
Of course our hope is that our persecutors will repent and turn to God. That should be our prayer-not that God will wipe them out!
What will happen to people who hate Jesus and hate his people and refuse to repent? Paul says those who: refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence.
On the other hand, Jesus will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe
Two words of caution and balance. If people ridicule us because of sin in our lives, we are not being persecuted for righteousness sake, we just need to humble ourselves and repent and admit to them that we blew it! I have done that in the past and have been amazed at the response of the non believer! They didn't expect me to admit I was wrong! If we are at odds with our brother or sister in Christ, we need to pray for reconcilation with our brother or sister - not banish them to hell because they disagree with us! In these cases, it is important to put our pride and rights aside, humble ourselves and work towards peace for the sake of the body. If you can't work it out now-keep the peace and let God work it out.
Let's pray: Lord let my light shine so much that people will see my good works and glorify you! (Matthew 5) If that brings on persecution, help me not to strike back in the flesh but to pray for those who despitefully yes me! Help me to bless and not curse, knowing that you will make it right!
In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!
What happens when people persecute you and mistreat you because of your faith in Christ? Not because you have done anything wrong, but because they hate the Jesus in you! Is there anything redemptive in suffering for your faith. Does anything good come out of it?
What happens to people who seem to get away with cursing Jesus and his Gospel and despising his people! They continually reject God though He gives them many, many times to repent! Does God see what they are doing?
The Apostle Paul says yes!
Although it seems so unjust and so unfair, God will make it right!
Paul addresses this in his letter to the persecuted Thessalonians:
5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you. II Thess 1:5-10, The Message
Martin Luther King said: The Ark of Justice is long but it bends towards justice.
God does not work on our timetable. Many times people despise and mistreat us because we love Jesus. We have walked away from the worldly lifestyle. We no longer do what they do or embrace what they embrace. The Jesus in us makes them feel guilty! They can't strike out at God so they srike out at us. They may even call us names: prude, holy roller, self righteous, fundamentalist, narrow minded, stuck in the mud, boring - because we no longer embrace the values of the world!
Such was the case of the Thessalonians! They were being persecuted for their faith but Paul gave them a word of encouragement. He said: All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time.
Their suffering was a sign that they were living right! The devil is not threatened by a shabby life! He is threatened by a righteous life!
Of course our hope is that our persecutors will repent and turn to God. That should be our prayer-not that God will wipe them out!
What will happen to people who hate Jesus and hate his people and refuse to repent? Paul says those who: refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence.
On the other hand, Jesus will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe
Two words of caution and balance. If people ridicule us because of sin in our lives, we are not being persecuted for righteousness sake, we just need to humble ourselves and repent and admit to them that we blew it! I have done that in the past and have been amazed at the response of the non believer! They didn't expect me to admit I was wrong! If we are at odds with our brother or sister in Christ, we need to pray for reconcilation with our brother or sister - not banish them to hell because they disagree with us! In these cases, it is important to put our pride and rights aside, humble ourselves and work towards peace for the sake of the body. If you can't work it out now-keep the peace and let God work it out.
Let's pray: Lord let my light shine so much that people will see my good works and glorify you! (Matthew 5) If that brings on persecution, help me not to strike back in the flesh but to pray for those who despitefully yes me! Help me to bless and not curse, knowing that you will make it right!
In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Devo 37:10: Guard Your Faith and Love! II Thess 1:1-4
Guard your faith and love like a soldier guards his rifle and rations, like a carpenter guards his blueprints and hammer, like a hiker guards his water and map. FMW
Today Paul begins his second letter to the Thessalonians, the people he loves so dearly! Today, he is commending them because they are growing in their faith and their love!
Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.II Thess 1:1-4,NIV
First, Paul is thankful that this church is growing in their faith more and more. He had already commended them for their: work produced by faith and their, labor prompted by love. I Thessalonians 1:3
Later in I Thess 5:8b he tells them to put on: faith and love as a breastplate
In today's passage he is excited because their: faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Nothing pleases a Pastor or a mentor more than seeing his people grow in faith and love! Can't you see Paul beaming with pride as he talks about this church! On the other hand, nothing displeases a Pastor or mentor more than seeing their disciples grow weak in their faith and love. Faith and Love are essential! Our faith in Christ tells us what we believe, who we belong to and gives us our purpose. Faith also connects us with our brothers and sisters of "like precious faith" (II Peter 1:1)
Love also connects us to God and to our brothers and sisters! Faith and love are critical!
Guard your faith and love like a soldier guards his rifle and rations, like a carpenter guards his hammer and blueprint, like a hiker guards his water and map.
Let's Pray!
Father, thank you for the example of the Thessalonians; for their faith in you and their love for you and for their brothers and sisters. I pray that I will continue to grow in my faith in you and my love for you and my brothers and sisters. When I become stagnant or regress, convict me by your spirit so that I can get back on course. In Jesus Name who is the object of my faith and my love. Amen!
Today Paul begins his second letter to the Thessalonians, the people he loves so dearly! Today, he is commending them because they are growing in their faith and their love!
Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.II Thess 1:1-4,NIV
First, Paul is thankful that this church is growing in their faith more and more. He had already commended them for their: work produced by faith and their, labor prompted by love. I Thessalonians 1:3
Later in I Thess 5:8b he tells them to put on: faith and love as a breastplate
In today's passage he is excited because their: faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Nothing pleases a Pastor or a mentor more than seeing his people grow in faith and love! Can't you see Paul beaming with pride as he talks about this church! On the other hand, nothing displeases a Pastor or mentor more than seeing their disciples grow weak in their faith and love. Faith and Love are essential! Our faith in Christ tells us what we believe, who we belong to and gives us our purpose. Faith also connects us with our brothers and sisters of "like precious faith" (II Peter 1:1)
Love also connects us to God and to our brothers and sisters! Faith and love are critical!
Guard your faith and love like a soldier guards his rifle and rations, like a carpenter guards his hammer and blueprint, like a hiker guards his water and map.
Let's Pray!
Father, thank you for the example of the Thessalonians; for their faith in you and their love for you and for their brothers and sisters. I pray that I will continue to grow in my faith in you and my love for you and my brothers and sisters. When I become stagnant or regress, convict me by your spirit so that I can get back on course. In Jesus Name who is the object of my faith and my love. Amen!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Devo 36:10: I Thess 5:24 Be Joyful! Be Prayerful! Be Thankful! Be Open! and Observant!
In today's passage, Paul tells the Thessalonians to: 16 Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].19Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.. I Thessalonians 5:16-22, Amplified
This is a good word for me today! Paul says:
1-Be joyful! Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
2-Be Prayerful: 7Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
4-Be Thankful! Give Thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus! A thankful heart appreciates all the things that God and others have done for them. It is not a complaining or ungrateful heart.
4-Be Both Open and Observant! Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
This week, I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship with Christians from many different worship styles and emphasis-some were very quiet churches, others were very loud exuberant churches! They ranged from conservative to moderate to liberal. For some, I agreed with their doctrine, for others I did not.
My challenge was how to enter into fellowship and worship with these brothers and sisters, different from me without putting out the spirit's fire. I admit that I struggled at times but im my best moments here's what I strived to do:
1-Not to have a spirit of criticism but to enter into fellowship and worship of that tradition as best I could, consistent with the scripture.
2- If there was something I didn't agree with or understand, I just set it aside for the moment and focus on the things we had in common. This is important so that you will not miss the nuggets that God may have for you in the moment.
That's why Paul said: Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast
I Thess 5:20-21 Amplified
Father, as I go throughout the weekend and into next week. Help me to be Joyful! Be Prayerful! Be Giving and Open to your Spirit and Yet Observant! Lord, I want all that you have for me and I don't want to miss it because of a wrong posture or attitude. In Jesus Name I pray! Amen!
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].19Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.. I Thessalonians 5:16-22, Amplified
This is a good word for me today! Paul says:
1-Be joyful! Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
2-Be Prayerful: 7Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
4-Be Thankful! Give Thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus! A thankful heart appreciates all the things that God and others have done for them. It is not a complaining or ungrateful heart.
4-Be Both Open and Observant! Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
This week, I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship with Christians from many different worship styles and emphasis-some were very quiet churches, others were very loud exuberant churches! They ranged from conservative to moderate to liberal. For some, I agreed with their doctrine, for others I did not.
My challenge was how to enter into fellowship and worship with these brothers and sisters, different from me without putting out the spirit's fire. I admit that I struggled at times but im my best moments here's what I strived to do:
1-Not to have a spirit of criticism but to enter into fellowship and worship of that tradition as best I could, consistent with the scripture.
2- If there was something I didn't agree with or understand, I just set it aside for the moment and focus on the things we had in common. This is important so that you will not miss the nuggets that God may have for you in the moment.
That's why Paul said: Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast
I Thess 5:20-21 Amplified
Father, as I go throughout the weekend and into next week. Help me to be Joyful! Be Prayerful! Be Giving and Open to your Spirit and Yet Observant! Lord, I want all that you have for me and I don't want to miss it because of a wrong posture or attitude. In Jesus Name I pray! Amen!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Devo 35:10: I Thess 5:23-25 Being Kept Holy and Whole
For several days I have been meditating on this passage: May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! The Message Bible
I have been asking, what does it mean to be holy and whole in spirit, soul and body?
Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that they would be kept blameless (holy and whole) until Jesus returned. He prayed that they would be kept blameless (holy and whole) in their whole spirit, soul and body.
1-What does it mean for our Spirits to be kept holy and whole? For one, it means that we would be filled with the spirit of God and not the spirit of evil.) Ephesians 5:18 says” “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
2-What does it mean for our souls to be kept holy and whole? The soul is composed of our minds, our emotions and our will. Romans 12 commands us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. He prayed that their emotions be blameless.
3-What does it mean for our bodies to be kept blameless (holy and whole) “Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.” (I Cor 6:19). Paul says in I Thessalonians 4:4: that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.
It’s encouraging that that we do not have to rely on our own efforts. God himself will make us holy and whole. We learn in verse 24: “He who called you is completely dependable if he said it, he will do it”
Prayer: Lord make us holy and whole in spirit, soul and body by your mighty power! In Jesus Name, Amen!
I have been asking, what does it mean to be holy and whole in spirit, soul and body?
Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that they would be kept blameless (holy and whole) until Jesus returned. He prayed that they would be kept blameless (holy and whole) in their whole spirit, soul and body.
1-What does it mean for our Spirits to be kept holy and whole? For one, it means that we would be filled with the spirit of God and not the spirit of evil.) Ephesians 5:18 says” “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
2-What does it mean for our souls to be kept holy and whole? The soul is composed of our minds, our emotions and our will. Romans 12 commands us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. He prayed that their emotions be blameless.
3-What does it mean for our bodies to be kept blameless (holy and whole) “Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.” (I Cor 6:19). Paul says in I Thessalonians 4:4: that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.
It’s encouraging that that we do not have to rely on our own efforts. God himself will make us holy and whole. We learn in verse 24: “He who called you is completely dependable if he said it, he will do it”
Prayer: Lord make us holy and whole in spirit, soul and body by your mighty power! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Devo 34:10: Being Sensitive to the Needs of People Around You! I Thess 5:12-15
2Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. I Thess 5:12-15
Every wise parent knows that they don't deal with each child in the same way but according to the age, temperament and needs of each child. The same is true as we deal with people. We deal with people based on their role, need or maturity in Christ. Look at how Paul tells the Thessalonians to deal with each person;
Leaders are to be treated with respect and high regard because of the way they serve us.
The Lazy and idle should be warned (to go to work or not eat,II Thess 3:10)
The Timid need encouragement! The Weak need help.,Everybody needs patience!
If we treat people like this, we are sensitive to people where they are, responding to them according to their needs and station in life. That's why it's so important to pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we deal with people. If you are about to go into a meeting with someone, open that meeting with prayer if appropriate. If not, pray before you go into the meeting.
Roles and life circumstances change, so the timid person who needs encouragement today, may be the leader who needs respect on tommorrow. That's why sensitivity is important!
Let's Pray: Lord, as I relate to the people you have placed in my life, help me to deal with them with sensitivity and care. I don't want to treat people in a callous way or have a cookie cutter response to each person and situation. Instead, help me to treat them the same way I would want to be treated if I was in their shoes. To Your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Every wise parent knows that they don't deal with each child in the same way but according to the age, temperament and needs of each child. The same is true as we deal with people. We deal with people based on their role, need or maturity in Christ. Look at how Paul tells the Thessalonians to deal with each person;
Leaders are to be treated with respect and high regard because of the way they serve us.
The Lazy and idle should be warned (to go to work or not eat,II Thess 3:10)
The Timid need encouragement! The Weak need help.,Everybody needs patience!
If we treat people like this, we are sensitive to people where they are, responding to them according to their needs and station in life. That's why it's so important to pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we deal with people. If you are about to go into a meeting with someone, open that meeting with prayer if appropriate. If not, pray before you go into the meeting.
Roles and life circumstances change, so the timid person who needs encouragement today, may be the leader who needs respect on tommorrow. That's why sensitivity is important!
Let's Pray: Lord, as I relate to the people you have placed in my life, help me to deal with them with sensitivity and care. I don't want to treat people in a callous way or have a cookie cutter response to each person and situation. Instead, help me to treat them the same way I would want to be treated if I was in their shoes. To Your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Devo 33:10: Are You Ready For Jesus Return? I Thess 5:1-11
Devo 33:10: Are You Ready For Jesus Return? I Thess 5:1-9 NLT
There is much speculation today about the return of Jesus and the end of the world as we know it. The Movie 2012 predicts that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. The fact is that nobody knows the exact time when the Lord will return. The bible tells us clearly that Jesus will return. Note Paul’s words to the Thessalonians in verses 1-3:
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 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.
Paul gives the Thessalonian believers some guidance on how to think and live in light of the expected return of Christ in verses 4-7:
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.
Paul says that we are not to be caught off guard like the children on darkness (the nonbelievers). As children of the light, we will live lives so that we will be ready when he comes. Instead of getting high on substances or being intoxicated by the world, we will remain sober. We will keep our minds clear and focused, protected by the armour of faith , love, and salvation. Faith keeps us focused on Christ and the Gospel. Love keeps us in right relationship with God and with people. Our salvation keeps us focused on who we are and whose we are: Sons of God! Children of the Most High God who eagerly await His return!
Finally, Paul encourages the believers not to fear. They will not come under God’s wrath like sinners but will live with Jesus forever: Note verses 9-11:
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10Christ 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.
Closing Prayer: Lord, as I eagerly await your return, help me to live a clearheaded life, protected by the armour of Faith, Love and Salvation. Help me to share the hope of Salvation with my friends so that they too will eagerly await your return rather than living in denial or fear! In Jesus Name! Amen!
There is much speculation today about the return of Jesus and the end of the world as we know it. The Movie 2012 predicts that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. The fact is that nobody knows the exact time when the Lord will return. The bible tells us clearly that Jesus will return. Note Paul’s words to the Thessalonians in verses 1-3:
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 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.
Paul gives the Thessalonian believers some guidance on how to think and live in light of the expected return of Christ in verses 4-7:
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.
Paul says that we are not to be caught off guard like the children on darkness (the nonbelievers). As children of the light, we will live lives so that we will be ready when he comes. Instead of getting high on substances or being intoxicated by the world, we will remain sober. We will keep our minds clear and focused, protected by the armour of faith , love, and salvation. Faith keeps us focused on Christ and the Gospel. Love keeps us in right relationship with God and with people. Our salvation keeps us focused on who we are and whose we are: Sons of God! Children of the Most High God who eagerly await His return!
Finally, Paul encourages the believers not to fear. They will not come under God’s wrath like sinners but will live with Jesus forever: Note verses 9-11:
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10Christ 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.
Closing Prayer: Lord, as I eagerly await your return, help me to live a clearheaded life, protected by the armour of Faith, Love and Salvation. Help me to share the hope of Salvation with my friends so that they too will eagerly await your return rather than living in denial or fear! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Devo 32:10 What Happens to Believers When They Die? I Thess 4:13-18
The death of a friend is never easy but some deaths are really hard to take. Such was the case of my friend Robert who was had a passion for God and loved people! He had recently married a wonderful woman of God (Jan was a mutual friend) had moved to Charlotte, started a great job, joined a solid church and had started their family. He was expected to live a long, happy and productive life! When I got the news that Robert had been killed through a freak accident at work, it rocked my world! This happened over 25 years ago but to this day, I can hardly believe that he is gone! Paul's words to the Thessalonians give me comfort:
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] 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.[g] 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[h] 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. I Thess 4:13-18 NLT
Paul encourages the saints by saying:
We don't have to grieve like people who have no hope (that is the hope of Christ). When Jesus returns, he will bring with him our believing loved ones who had died! The dead believers will rise first, then the saints who are alive will be caught in the clouds with Christ. We will all be with the Lord forever! Hallelujah! This is great news! I will see my friend Robert again!
Let's Pray:
Lord, thank you for raising Jesus from the Dead! I thank you that because of Christ's resurrection, we also have hope of resurrection! I will see my dead brothers and sisters again! Lord help me to share this hope with nonbelievers in my life so that they too will have this hope. In Jesus Name! Amen!
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] 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.[g] 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[h] 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. I Thess 4:13-18 NLT
Paul encourages the saints by saying:
We don't have to grieve like people who have no hope (that is the hope of Christ). When Jesus returns, he will bring with him our believing loved ones who had died! The dead believers will rise first, then the saints who are alive will be caught in the clouds with Christ. We will all be with the Lord forever! Hallelujah! This is great news! I will see my friend Robert again!
Let's Pray:
Lord, thank you for raising Jesus from the Dead! I thank you that because of Christ's resurrection, we also have hope of resurrection! I will see my dead brothers and sisters again! Lord help me to share this hope with nonbelievers in my life so that they too will have this hope. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Living a Life that Brings Respect from your Non Christian Neighbors 31:10
What do your non Christian neighbors see when they see you? What do they think about when they think about you? Notice Paul's words of commendation and exhortation in this area:
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. I Thess 4:9-12 (NIV)
Paul commends the Thessalonians for the way they love each other as well as the love they should to other Christians throughout Macedonia! If Paul was writing to you and your Christian community, would he commend you for the love you show each others as well as the extended Christian Community?
He then challenges them to live a quiet life, tending to their own business, working hard so that their lifestyle will engender respect from their non Christian neighbors. Not only do the unbelievers see our quiet and industrious lifestyle but they also notice how the christian community treats each other. In fact, Jesus said: This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ISV
What do your non Christian neighbors see when they see you? Do they see a person who is living a quiet and respectable life, treating his family and fellow Christians with love and honor? Is what they see turning them away or drawing them to Christ. If our lifestyle makes Jesus look good, then when we open our mouths to speak, our word will have so much more power!
Let's Pray: Thank you for this challenging word today! Forgive me for the times when I have shown a poor image of Christ to my neighbors in my lifestyle or in the way I treat my brothers and sisters. Lord, help me live such a life of integrity, humility and transparency before my nonchristian neighbors, that when I speak your name, they will be eager to listen or else be convicted by your truth. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. I Thess 4:9-12 (NIV)
Paul commends the Thessalonians for the way they love each other as well as the love they should to other Christians throughout Macedonia! If Paul was writing to you and your Christian community, would he commend you for the love you show each others as well as the extended Christian Community?
He then challenges them to live a quiet life, tending to their own business, working hard so that their lifestyle will engender respect from their non Christian neighbors. Not only do the unbelievers see our quiet and industrious lifestyle but they also notice how the christian community treats each other. In fact, Jesus said: This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ISV
What do your non Christian neighbors see when they see you? Do they see a person who is living a quiet and respectable life, treating his family and fellow Christians with love and honor? Is what they see turning them away or drawing them to Christ. If our lifestyle makes Jesus look good, then when we open our mouths to speak, our word will have so much more power!
Let's Pray: Thank you for this challenging word today! Forgive me for the times when I have shown a poor image of Christ to my neighbors in my lifestyle or in the way I treat my brothers and sisters. Lord, help me live such a life of integrity, humility and transparency before my nonchristian neighbors, that when I speak your name, they will be eager to listen or else be convicted by your truth. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
We are Called to Live Lives of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity 30:10
God’s Call to Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity
In this passage, Paul is calling the believers to live lives of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity in a world where everybody else is doing the opposite!
1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8
Listen to his words: 1Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit
This word is relevant today. Immorality and sexual promiscuity has become the acceptable norm by our larger society. The world will laugh at you if you talk about abstaining from sex. They will even tell you that it is unreasonable to expect a young person to abstain. Even in the Christian community, many Christians struggle with sexual purity.
Yet, Paul challenges the Thessalonians to live a life of sexual purity. In fact, he tells them that they are called to live holy lives, not sexually impure lives. (v7)
Explanation of Passage: God’s Call to Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity
First Paul tells the Thessalonians that it is God’s will that they be set apart or sanctified. We are not to live or think like the world! (v2)In fact he tells them that they should avoid sexual immorality (v3). The Christian is called to go out of his way to avoid being caught up in this sin, even if it means losing friends or popularity. Paul exhorts these believers to learn to control their own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable.(v4) This implies that it is possible for the believers to take actions to avoid sexual sin. We do not have to be controlled by our own lusts, in fact we are called to a higher standard of holiness and honor. For us to be continually controlled by our own lusts is to live like the heathen who does not even know God(v5) Sexual impurity is not an isolated sin but it impacts the community. Paul challenges these believers not to wrong each other or abuse each other through sexual sin. This type of behavior is the exact opposite of what God has called us to. Paul reminds them that men will be punished for all such sins (v 6) and that those who reject such instructions reject God, not men. God is calling the believer to live lives of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity. The truth is that we need God's help and power to live this kind of life in a world where everything goes against these values and principles!
Closing Prayer: May the Lord give us strength, power and wisdom to obey God in every area of our lives. May we set Godly examples for other people to follow, so that they too can hope for a lifestyle of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity.
May we be communities of grace, receiving God’s forgiveness when we sin and offering forgiveness for those who fail. May we challenge each other and hold each other accountable to the fact that we are called to a lifestyle of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity.
Through the Power of Jesus Christ!. Amen
In this passage, Paul is calling the believers to live lives of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity in a world where everybody else is doing the opposite!
1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8
Listen to his words: 1Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit
This word is relevant today. Immorality and sexual promiscuity has become the acceptable norm by our larger society. The world will laugh at you if you talk about abstaining from sex. They will even tell you that it is unreasonable to expect a young person to abstain. Even in the Christian community, many Christians struggle with sexual purity.
Yet, Paul challenges the Thessalonians to live a life of sexual purity. In fact, he tells them that they are called to live holy lives, not sexually impure lives. (v7)
Explanation of Passage: God’s Call to Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity
First Paul tells the Thessalonians that it is God’s will that they be set apart or sanctified. We are not to live or think like the world! (v2)In fact he tells them that they should avoid sexual immorality (v3). The Christian is called to go out of his way to avoid being caught up in this sin, even if it means losing friends or popularity. Paul exhorts these believers to learn to control their own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable.(v4) This implies that it is possible for the believers to take actions to avoid sexual sin. We do not have to be controlled by our own lusts, in fact we are called to a higher standard of holiness and honor. For us to be continually controlled by our own lusts is to live like the heathen who does not even know God(v5) Sexual impurity is not an isolated sin but it impacts the community. Paul challenges these believers not to wrong each other or abuse each other through sexual sin. This type of behavior is the exact opposite of what God has called us to. Paul reminds them that men will be punished for all such sins (v 6) and that those who reject such instructions reject God, not men. God is calling the believer to live lives of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity. The truth is that we need God's help and power to live this kind of life in a world where everything goes against these values and principles!
Closing Prayer: May the Lord give us strength, power and wisdom to obey God in every area of our lives. May we set Godly examples for other people to follow, so that they too can hope for a lifestyle of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity.
May we be communities of grace, receiving God’s forgiveness when we sin and offering forgiveness for those who fail. May we challenge each other and hold each other accountable to the fact that we are called to a lifestyle of Holiness, Honor and Sexual Purity.
Through the Power of Jesus Christ!. Amen
Thursday, March 4, 2010
May You Stand Before God Strong and Holy 29:10
Notice Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians:
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen
. I Thess 3:11-13.
As Paul continues to rejoice over the strong faith of the Thessalonians, he prays that their love for each other will overflow, helping them to be strong and Holy people as they stand before God:
What is your Prayer for the people that God has placed in your life?
Will you pray this prayer with me?
Let’s Pray: Lord, I pray for the people that you have placed in my life that their love would overflow. May this this overflowing love cause them to be strong in their faith and stand blameless before your Throne one day!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen
. I Thess 3:11-13.
As Paul continues to rejoice over the strong faith of the Thessalonians, he prays that their love for each other will overflow, helping them to be strong and Holy people as they stand before God:
What is your Prayer for the people that God has placed in your life?
Will you pray this prayer with me?
Let’s Pray: Lord, I pray for the people that you have placed in my life that their love would overflow. May this this overflowing love cause them to be strong in their faith and stand blameless before your Throne one day!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Stand Firm in the Lord (28:10)
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. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. (I Thess. 3:7-8)
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. 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,[b] because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
I Thessalonians 3:4-8
Have you ever led someone to the Lord or ministered and moved on, wondering how they were doing in their walk? This is how Paul felt about the young church in Thessalonica. He had sowed seeds into their lives and longed to visit them and wondered how they were doing in the midst of trouble and difficulties. Finally, he sent Timothy to check on them. Paul jumped for joy when he got the report:
- Not only did they remember him but they also longed to see him and they were standing firm in their Faith! Paul was greatly encouraged by this report and in fact he said it gave him “new life” as he heard it!
Our spiritual welfare is not just for us, it encourages others who have poured into our lives.
Closing Prayer: Lord I thank you for the people you have placed in my life to minister to sow spiritual seeds into their lives. Encourage them in their faith and let the stand strong in the Lord. Not only will they be blessed but I will be encouraged as well. Lord help me to stand firm in the faith as well, knowing that those who care about my welfare will be greatly encouraged as well.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
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. 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,[b] because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
I Thessalonians 3:4-8
Have you ever led someone to the Lord or ministered and moved on, wondering how they were doing in their walk? This is how Paul felt about the young church in Thessalonica. He had sowed seeds into their lives and longed to visit them and wondered how they were doing in the midst of trouble and difficulties. Finally, he sent Timothy to check on them. Paul jumped for joy when he got the report:
- Not only did they remember him but they also longed to see him and they were standing firm in their Faith! Paul was greatly encouraged by this report and in fact he said it gave him “new life” as he heard it!
Our spiritual welfare is not just for us, it encourages others who have poured into our lives.
Closing Prayer: Lord I thank you for the people you have placed in my life to minister to sow spiritual seeds into their lives. Encourage them in their faith and let the stand strong in the Lord. Not only will they be blessed but I will be encouraged as well. Lord help me to stand firm in the faith as well, knowing that those who care about my welfare will be greatly encouraged as well.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Accept God's Word and Let it Work in You! (Vol 27:10)
And we will never stop thanking God that when we preached his message to you, you didn't think of the words we spoke as being just our own. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it was. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 1 Thess. 2:13
Paul was thankful for the fact that the Thessalonians accepted the word that he preached as the word of God, not as his word. There is a popular expression used by some preachers to day “work the word”. In this passage Paul says that the word was actually working in them.
In today’s world when the bible’s truth is questioned, it is important for Christians to believe once and for all that the bible is the authoritative word of God. God’s word has the power to save us, cleanse us and help us and overcome the flesh, if we receive and walk in it. II Timothy 3:16 says that: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The question for us is this: Will we accept God's word when we hear it? Will we submit to God's word and chamge our lives to line up with his word. In other words, will we obey his word?
Let’s pray: Lord I thank you that the scripture comes from you. Like the Thessalonians, I receive the word so that it will continue to do it’s work of cleansing and correction in my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Paul was thankful for the fact that the Thessalonians accepted the word that he preached as the word of God, not as his word. There is a popular expression used by some preachers to day “work the word”. In this passage Paul says that the word was actually working in them.
In today’s world when the bible’s truth is questioned, it is important for Christians to believe once and for all that the bible is the authoritative word of God. God’s word has the power to save us, cleanse us and help us and overcome the flesh, if we receive and walk in it. II Timothy 3:16 says that: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The question for us is this: Will we accept God's word when we hear it? Will we submit to God's word and chamge our lives to line up with his word. In other words, will we obey his word?
Let’s pray: Lord I thank you that the scripture comes from you. Like the Thessalonians, I receive the word so that it will continue to do it’s work of cleansing and correction in my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!
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