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!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What Motivates You To Do Ministry? Part 2 (26:10)
In this passage we see the true heart and motivation of the Apostle Paul as he serves the Thessalonian church.
6b As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. I Thess 2:6b-12
As an Apostle, Paul had the right to receive support from the people he served, but instead chose to support himself to free them of this responsibility. Instead of lording his position over them, he served them with compassion of a mother and the guidance of a father - putting their needs above his own! His heart for the people would be very rare in today's world! He lived among them and shared his very life with them, yet lived a holy, righteous and blameless life before them. In verse 12 we see his heart for the Thessalonians to encourage them, comfort them and see them live lives worthy of God
Reflection Questions:
Is that what you want for the people you serve? Do you want to see them encouraged, comforted and living worthy lives or are you just concerned about what they can do for you or the ministry? Do you walk and live among the people that you serve or do you stand apart from them, giving orders?
As a ministry leader, are you more concerned about the people's needs or your needs?
Do you serve the people you lead with the heart of a mother or father?
Let's Pray: Lord Thank you for the privilege of serving people as a leader. Forgive me for the times when I lead out of selfishness, pride or other wrong motivations. Help me to lead with the compassion of a mother or father, with a desire to see your people encouraged, comforted and living lives worthy of God In Jesus Name! Amen!
6b As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. I Thess 2:6b-12
As an Apostle, Paul had the right to receive support from the people he served, but instead chose to support himself to free them of this responsibility. Instead of lording his position over them, he served them with compassion of a mother and the guidance of a father - putting their needs above his own! His heart for the people would be very rare in today's world! He lived among them and shared his very life with them, yet lived a holy, righteous and blameless life before them. In verse 12 we see his heart for the Thessalonians to encourage them, comfort them and see them live lives worthy of God
Reflection Questions:
Is that what you want for the people you serve? Do you want to see them encouraged, comforted and living worthy lives or are you just concerned about what they can do for you or the ministry? Do you walk and live among the people that you serve or do you stand apart from them, giving orders?
As a ministry leader, are you more concerned about the people's needs or your needs?
Do you serve the people you lead with the heart of a mother or father?
Let's Pray: Lord Thank you for the privilege of serving people as a leader. Forgive me for the times when I lead out of selfishness, pride or other wrong motivations. Help me to lead with the compassion of a mother or father, with a desire to see your people encouraged, comforted and living lives worthy of God In Jesus Name! Amen!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What Motivates You To Do Ministry? Part 1 (25:10)
What motivates you to do ministry?
Read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians slowly and look for his motivation for ministry, in spite of opposition!
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. I Thess 2:1-4 NIV
A true sign that Paul was motivated by God is that he continued to minister in spite of opposition.
As you minister to people, this passage reminds us to:
Stay Faithful in Spite of Opposition.
Remember that our calling comes from God, not men.
Be careful to preach the truth of God’s word, not error
Minister with sincerity not flattery or trickery.
Be motivated by love, not greed or personal gain.
Ultimately, God will test our hearts; He knows our true motives.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, as I labor in ministry, please test my heart to be sure that
I am serving people with pure motives. Help me to never be motivated
by personal gain or greed or deceit or flattery or error or trickery.
Instead help me to be motivated by obedience to you call on my life,
the truth of your Word and love for your people. Lord, I repent today
of any impure motive as I serve your precious people!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians slowly and look for his motivation for ministry, in spite of opposition!
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. I Thess 2:1-4 NIV
A true sign that Paul was motivated by God is that he continued to minister in spite of opposition.
As you minister to people, this passage reminds us to:
Stay Faithful in Spite of Opposition.
Remember that our calling comes from God, not men.
Be careful to preach the truth of God’s word, not error
Minister with sincerity not flattery or trickery.
Be motivated by love, not greed or personal gain.
Ultimately, God will test our hearts; He knows our true motives.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, as I labor in ministry, please test my heart to be sure that
I am serving people with pure motives. Help me to never be motivated
by personal gain or greed or deceit or flattery or error or trickery.
Instead help me to be motivated by obedience to you call on my life,
the truth of your Word and love for your people. Lord, I repent today
of any impure motive as I serve your precious people!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives! Part 2 (Vol 24:10)
This scripture knocked me off my feet when I read it today!
In a world filled with dead religion, the Thessalonians are an example of what it means to be transformed by the power of the Gospel! Read this passage and look at the impact that the Gospel had on their lives and the people around them!
Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. I Thess. 1:7-10 The Message (MSG)
Father, I am knocked to my knees when I read the impact the Gospel had on the Thessalonians and the other beleivers around them! Father I so desperately want my life to "echo your word". Lord help me to daily desert the dead idols in my life so that I can embrace and serve the true God! I know the result will be that you will receive the Glory Lord! For I know that I am not serving man, but the true and living God and I expectantly await the arrival of his son, Jesus!
In His Mighty Name we Pray! Amen!
In a world filled with dead religion, the Thessalonians are an example of what it means to be transformed by the power of the Gospel! Read this passage and look at the impact that the Gospel had on their lives and the people around them!
Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. I Thess. 1:7-10 The Message (MSG)
Father, I am knocked to my knees when I read the impact the Gospel had on the Thessalonians and the other beleivers around them! Father I so desperately want my life to "echo your word". Lord help me to daily desert the dead idols in my life so that I can embrace and serve the true God! I know the result will be that you will receive the Glory Lord! For I know that I am not serving man, but the true and living God and I expectantly await the arrival of his son, Jesus!
In His Mighty Name we Pray! Amen!
Monday, February 22, 2010
23:10 The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives! Part I
Wow! Look at the Powerful impact of the Gospel on the lives of the Thessalonians, once they heard the Gospel!
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. I Thessalonians 1:4-6 NIV
Paul affirms to these believers that they are loved and chosen by God. He reminds them that the gospel came to them through the preached word and in the power of the Holy Spirit! They were deeply impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ! They followed the example of Paul and of the Lord himself, despite intense suffering! Because of this and the way they welcomed the gospel with joy, they became a model to other believers!
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you love me and have chosen me. Let the truth and the power of the Gospel impact my heart and my life deeply and change me to be more like you!
Like the Thessalonians, help me to be an example to other believers by the way I embrace the Gospel with joy, even in the midst of suffering or opposition.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. I Thessalonians 1:4-6 NIV
Paul affirms to these believers that they are loved and chosen by God. He reminds them that the gospel came to them through the preached word and in the power of the Holy Spirit! They were deeply impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ! They followed the example of Paul and of the Lord himself, despite intense suffering! Because of this and the way they welcomed the gospel with joy, they became a model to other believers!
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you love me and have chosen me. Let the truth and the power of the Gospel impact my heart and my life deeply and change me to be more like you!
Like the Thessalonians, help me to be an example to other believers by the way I embrace the Gospel with joy, even in the midst of suffering or opposition.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Fred's Daily Devo # 22:10 What Motivates our Service for Christ?
Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonias 1:1-3 NIV
What Motivates our service for Christ? Why do we make the sacrifices we make as we serve Christ? In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul commends these believers not only for what they do but the motivations behind what they do.
After mentioning that he is thankful for them and is praying for them, he commends them for three things: (vs 3)
1-Their work produced by Faith.
They are motivated to work for Christ because of their faith in Him, not personal gain or to please others but faith in Christ. What motivates you to work for Christ?
next he commends them for
2-Their labor prompted by love. They labored for Christ because of the love they had for Him and for his people. Sometimes we serve out of duty or obligation-but love is the best motivator. Are you motivated by love in your labor for Christ?
Finally, he commends them for:
3-Their Endurance inspired by hope. The Amplified version uses the term "unwavering hope". The Colossians continued to serve Christ because of their unwavering, unshakeable hope in Christ!
If we have hope, we can endure almost anything. Are you filled with the hope in Christ today?
Prayer: Father In Jesus Name, I pray that you will help me to have proper motivations for serving you. Help me to work and labor for you motivated by Faith, love and an unwavering hope in you. Forgive me for the times when my motivations are self serving or man centered.
Lord, help me more and more to be motivated by Faith, Love and Hope in Christ, even as I serve you! In Jesus Name, and to Your Glory. Amen!
What Motivates our service for Christ? Why do we make the sacrifices we make as we serve Christ? In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul commends these believers not only for what they do but the motivations behind what they do.
After mentioning that he is thankful for them and is praying for them, he commends them for three things: (vs 3)
1-Their work produced by Faith.
They are motivated to work for Christ because of their faith in Him, not personal gain or to please others but faith in Christ. What motivates you to work for Christ?
next he commends them for
2-Their labor prompted by love. They labored for Christ because of the love they had for Him and for his people. Sometimes we serve out of duty or obligation-but love is the best motivator. Are you motivated by love in your labor for Christ?
Finally, he commends them for:
3-Their Endurance inspired by hope. The Amplified version uses the term "unwavering hope". The Colossians continued to serve Christ because of their unwavering, unshakeable hope in Christ!
If we have hope, we can endure almost anything. Are you filled with the hope in Christ today?
Prayer: Father In Jesus Name, I pray that you will help me to have proper motivations for serving you. Help me to work and labor for you motivated by Faith, love and an unwavering hope in you. Forgive me for the times when my motivations are self serving or man centered.
Lord, help me more and more to be motivated by Faith, Love and Hope in Christ, even as I serve you! In Jesus Name, and to Your Glory. Amen!
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