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!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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!
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