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!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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!
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