Guard the Deposit

2 Tim. 1:13-14

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 

For a second time Timothy has been given the same command, that is to guard the deposit [1 Tim. 6:20]. What is this deposit? The footnote in my Bible says it is the entire content of the Christian faith, the gospel. Paul referred to his life as one that was totally committed to the gospel. He was not ashamed for the suffering that characterized his life because he knew whom he had believed, and he was convinced that He was able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. He guarded the deposit to the point of death knowing full well that God would guard him until that Day.

Paul was thankful for Timothy because he was so sincere in his faith, a faith that had been taught him by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. What is taught in the home is of ultra importance! Paul urged Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. Timothy's life was to be singular in purpose. Was he afraid to spread the gospel after seeing Paul's life? Did he want to embark on a journey that would mean hardship and persecution? Paul reminded him that God gave him a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. These gifts were not just for Paul and Timothy, but they are for all who live by and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Paul also urged Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. What does it mean to share in suffering by the power of God? Could it mean that the only way that believers can endure suffering is through the power of God? Yes, His hand orchestrated the suffering and gives the power to endure it as well. Suffering is not for our harm [although it may cause harm], it is for our growth in holiness for conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. In fact, we are called to this holy calling because of His own purpose and grace. This grace became visible when Jesus cane to earth abolishing death so that new life might reign in resurrection power. And it is for this, for Jesus Christ and His great love, that we suffer as He did. So for all these reasons Timothy was to guard the good deposit!

Father,

I want to live guarding the deposit You have given me. Enable me the power to fan it into flame without fear. Instead let me have a spirit of power, love, and self-control. 

In His name,

Amen

Guard

1 Tim. 6:20

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. 

Paul addressed Timothy as a man of God, someone to whom Jesus Christ was the very center of his core. Timothy had been trained by Paul himself so no doubt this list had special meaning for Timothy. Not only had he been taught these things but now he was having a review. How great it would be if I had a review of my focus! I guess I do when I read the word every day, but I wonder how I would feel if I received a letter like this from a spiritual mentor, from someone personally interested in my spiritual life! Would I be offended or spurred on to obey? Obviously it demonstrates the degree of faithfulness and maturity that should be between believers. It clearly shows how much we should be in each other's lives [and not just for a visit].

First Paul said,  flee these things [that is temptations no matter what form they take]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul's instructions demanded action. Timothy was to pursue, take hold, and to keep. The Christian life is no easy walk. It wasn't for Paul or Timothy, and it certainly isn't for me. These are heavy words demanding great responsibility! In fact, they are humanly impossible without the power of the Spirit. Paul concluded his commands to Timothy by saying to guard the deposit! The deposit is Jesus Christ and His indwelling Spirit of God. Unstained and free from reproach is how I want to live for Jesus. Is my obedience in sync with my desires?

Father,

Sobering thoughts this morning. Give my your grace and power to obey what You have commanded. Help me to live a life unstained and free from reproach. Help me to guard the deposit!

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Basis and the Applicaion

1 Tim. 6:3-5

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth. 

It is pretty clear what is the basis of our faith: the sound words of Jesus and the teaching that leads to godliness. No controversy, quarreling, envying, slandering, and no constant friction. These are the traits of those who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth. This is not the believer! Within our hearts is absolute Truth, Jesus Christ our Savior. However, these traits might be good road signs to keep us entirely focused on Jesus who is our peace and not our source of controversy. 

Equally clear is the application of our faith. Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. Such a simple thing as contentment! But it is nearly impossible to be content in every area of our lives without the indwelling Holy Spirit growing in us His fruit. Godliness with contentment should be the words most often seen in our thinking and in the focus of our lives. Does a decision [over anything] disrupt our growth in godliness, or on the positive side does it grow our godliness? Does this same decision disrupt our contentment or foster contentment?  Sounds simple, but so very difficult. Our eyes are the gateway to multitudes of worldly things that foster envy. Because we are in the flesh, we feel strongly the desire to possess possessions. This is a very real battleground! Godliness and contentment must go hand in hand. 

Father,

You know my heart and what is truly there. Help me to focus on growing in godliness and being content with all that You have given me. Thank You for the sound words of Jesus and the word that leads us to godliness. 

In His name,

Amen

Looking Back

Prov. 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 

Reading this chapter makes me wonder what did John and I teach our children. Were we centered on the fear of the Lord? Was acting wisely a priority? I know we taught them a work ethic, respect for others, and to love God, but this chapter seems to be specific about things that perhaps we thought were absorbed from our life style. And was our life style of such depth that they could see Scriptures lived out in our lives?

• Pro 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. I know that the children memorized this many times, but I am unsure if they really made it theirs practically. It is even hard for me to have this complete trust.
• Pro 3:7-8 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. How a person perceives themselves is so important. Did we live so that they saw that God's word was our guide and not our own brand of wisdom? Did we live in such a way that we demonstrated the fear of the Lord? I know we were restrictive about things that were evil, but was that more legalism rather than coming from a heart that feared the Lord?
• Pro 3:9-10  Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;  then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. We had very little wealth, but we did give to the Lord. However, that has seemed to have worked out conversely in their lives. They all want more than they had as children.
• Pro 3:11-12  My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof,  for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. It's hard to differentiate between God's care through suffering as opposed to His discipline. As an adult I have shown them the joy of the Lord in the midst of suffering. 
• Pro 3:12-14  Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,  for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Getting wisdom is so crucial. Perhaps it is a life-long lesson. Do I even have wisdom now? But looking back, I doubt that we demonstrated a search for wisdom, but we did read a lot in Proverbs and encouraged the children to read a chapter a day every month. We can trust that the word will not return void. It has power to transform a life.
• Pro 3:21-22  My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion,  and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. The Bible calls for wisdom and discretion, knowing when and how to speak and act. They will keep the direction of life straight and the traumas of life peaceful. This is evidenced in our lives much more as our children are grown.
• Pro 3:26  for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.How important is this! I am afraid the Lord was not always our confidence. We looked too much to the ways of man and were afraid of consequences. As adults, I pray that they see the Lord is my confidence. 
• Pro 3:33, 35  The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. ...  The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace. Thankfully His righteousness is mine. Do they see this vital connection between honor and disgrace?

The one good thing that John and I did was give our children to the Lord. We have seen Him work tremendously in their lives. I am so blessed to see that learning continues into their adult years. The witness of our lives still affects them. 

Father,

Thank You Lord, for this wonderful family. I know that we have failed many times, but we know that Your hand was ever on them. You are a God of steadfast love and mercy. Continue to work in their lives as You do in ours. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Provision for Relatives

1 Tim. 5:4

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

As my parents are aging, I am thinking about the concepts mentioned in this passage. Even though the passage is speaking to widows about their behavior, attitudes, and purpose. I think the principles would apply in a reverse way. My parents have reached a point where I need to do many things for them. First I think I should make some return to my parents.They took care of me for 21 years, and now it is time for me to take care of them. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Family means relationships and responsibilities. It should not be a not drudge, but a joy! Certainly it interferes with many things that I have in place, but that is not the point. The point is that they need care, and I am responsible for it. They don't need to be shuffled off to a facility. I thank God for them and the great influence they have had on me. I dearly love them. 

Father,

Thank You for ordering the structure within the family. Give me guidance as I care for my parents. Show me how to make it happen.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Household of God

1 Tim. 3:14-15

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 

Paul had finished listing the requirements for the overseers and their wives. Any who met the criteria could be considered for leadership in the church. If chosen, these people would be examples in their walk with God and instrumental in the spiritual growth of the church. Simply put, we need to know how to behave in the household of God. Our lives have been transformed, and like a snake we are shedding our old skin [life, deeds, flesh] and living in the new. But still there were questions that the people had. So Paul laid it out clearly.

But what I really like is the description of the church. Normally, I think of my church as my local body of Christ, but here Paul first calls it the household of God. A household speaks of family, the place where a certain set of people live. In this case it is the people of God. So cool!  He also called it the church of the living God. To me, this sounds somewhat ominous. Having read the OT, it reminds me of holiness,judgment, and of a God who is always aware of everyone of His children. The living God is no religion or list of rules. He is the God that I have a personal relationship with. Finally, he called the truth a pillar and buttress of truth. A pillar makes me think of something that support, like a foundation. The church is that body that facilitates growth. A buttress is a structure built against a wall for support. So any way you look at it the church is the believer's support. It is that which becomes foundational for Christian growth. It is the Truth.  It is wonderful to think that I am part of the body of Christ, the household of God, the church of the living God, and the pillar and buttress of truth. Wow!

Father,

Thank You for making me part of Your church, for saving me, and giving me a home with my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Two-Edged Sword

Ps. 149:6

Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands.

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly! There are so many parallels in Psalm 149 from Israel to believers today. Israel was to rejoice in the Lord to let His praises fill the assembly as our we.  The assembly then was the godly just as my local body of Christ is an assembly of the godly. We sing a new song because He is working in our lives on a daily basis. Every day there are new blessings that pour forth in praise. 

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. God still takes pleasure in His children today. He offered the ultimate gift, the life of His Son, to make us His children. Just as Israel was chosen so were we. Humility is the watchword of our lives. In humility we received the offered salvation admitting our need for a savior. In humility we grow in Christ knowing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Our boast can only be in the Lord for without Him we are nothing.  

Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands. The high praises of God must be in our throats and the word [the two-edged sword] must be in our hands. Israel had a physical sword to do battle with the ungodly nations around them. We have the word, that is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thought and intentions of the heart. We use the sword of the Spirit to battle in the spiritual realm as we bring every thought captive to Him.

This is honor for all His godly ones. Just as Israel was to do battle, to conquer and defeat, and to destroy the ungodly around them, so are we. As this was honor for them [because they were obeying God] so it is honor for us. Even though our battle is different in manifestation, the battle still is the same. Through the power of the Spirit, we defeat and destroy Satan's power over us. Without God we could not even imagine defeating him, but with God all things are possible. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In this is honor for the God we love. 

Father,

Thank You for this psalm. Help me always to have high praise in my throat and the word in my hand. Give me Your strength to battle and to defeat temptation. 

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Faith, Love, Holiness, and Self-control

1 Tim. 3:9

 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 

In v. 8, Paul taught that men should pray in every place, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. Prayer and unity are essential. If the hands are not holy, they are lifted for nothing. Prayer must be a communication untainted from the world. If the heart is right, then there is no anger or quarreling, instead they focus on their one savior, one sacrifice, one redemption, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Prayer unites men on the things that are most important. 

Even though Paul immediately included the women, he seemed to go in a different direction, far beyond prayer. First, he taught about their appearance. They must wear respectable clothing with modesty and self-control. This is what is proper for women who profess godliness.[Somehow their appearance is an evidence of their godliness.] Instead of adorning themselves with elaborate hair styles and costly jewelry and clothing, they are to be adorned with good works. The emphasis goes from personal character to acts of service. In addition they must learn quietly with submissiveness not exercising authority over men.  All of this sounds rather stifling until Paul refers back to Eve who was deceived. Her saving grace was not in taking authority from the man but in child bearing, that is if she continues in love, holiness, and self-control.  In this small passage, Paul mentioned self-control twice. Is this an area that is especially difficult for women? Also Paul has squelched a woman's desire to take over. This teaching would certainly create problems with the women's movement of today. They want empowerment not submission. But for me, Christ has remade me in my heart and desires. Because I love Him, I follow His words resting in the fact that He knows best.

Father,

Make me aware of my heart's desires. Keep me from taking over. Grow me in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

In His name,

Amen

The Example

1 Tim. 1:12-14

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,  though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

What an example! Paul was as opposed to Jesus and the gospel as any person could be. He blasphemed Jesus, persecuted the church of Jesus, and opposed the gospel in all forms, yet God judged him faithful. God had a plan and a purpose for Paul's life. Paul was bathed in the mercy and grace of God giving him faith and love. All of which are found in Christ. The one whom he hated now became the one he loved. His life had turned completely in the other direction. Paul did attest to the truth of this statement: The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Jesus comes to those who can admit their sins as well as their sinful state. If you know and believe you're a sinner, Jesus is the one for you. Paul received the mercy of God so that Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. Jesus wanted us to see the transformation practically, in the flesh. Certainly for this and so much more Jesus should be honored and glorified forever.  

After this great example, Paul went on to charge Timothy to wage the good warfare, to stand in the power of Jesus. He was to hold fast and keep a good conscience always. Certainly knowing and seeing the example of Paul's life had impacted Timothy. He felt like Paul's son in the faith, but even with that intense relationship Timothy could stray from the faith like Hymenaeus and Alexander.  After reading this passage, I can clearly see what God can do in a life wholly given to Him. I know I am a sinner saved by grace, but saved for what? He wants my life to emulate Paul's life. God has shown it clearly. Am I on guard constantly? Is my conscience clear? Am I waging war? 

Father,

Like Paul, I know You have chosen me for a specific plan and purpose. Give me Your strength and grace to stand and to wage the good warfare. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love

1 Tim. 1:5

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

There it is so simply put! Love is my aim and purpose. All that I do or say should reflect the love of Christ, the love that saved me and indwells me in the person of the Holy Spirit. This love is mine so why do I have so much trouble having or showing it? Could it be that I try to love in the flesh, or that I am allowing my flesh to control my life? What a double edged sword is the flesh! It defeats me on the positive side and the negative side. 

This love is not put on, forced, a test of endurance, or any other thing that is an admixture of love. Love in and of itself is pure. This verse say it issues. To me that sounds like something flowing freely from with in a person.  In addition to this, the verse goes on to give two qualities that accompany love: a good conscience and a sincere faith. If my conscience is not free from guilt, how can I possibly love someone else? A guilty conscience is like a blot on my soul and spirit. It creates negativity that flows into many areas of my life. It will be constantly erupting when I least expect it. I will be getting offended often, basically wearing my emotions on my sleeve. It will make me focus me and not on others.

The second quality is a sincere faith, one that is pure and single-sighted. Sincerity of faith would mean obedience to the word, living according to God's words as opposed to my perceptions of what is right. Certainly sincere faith would mean a good conscience. With all these in place, my love should be flowing freely.

Father,

Even though I know what Your love is, it seems to be much more in my head than in my life. Teach me how to love like Jesus did. Let it flow freely.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Anxiety and Self-Worth

Lk. 12:31

Instead seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you.

Jesus began His teaching with these words, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Anxiety is a phenomenon in our culture, but few people come to the word for help. Jesus asked his disciples to consider the ravens and the lilies who don't work, but yet are cared for by God. Then he asked a question which I am sure cut to the heart of those listening. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Zinger! Not only is Jesus teaching about anxiety but now self-worth. Problems that are rampant today and apparently were in Jesus' day. Then Jesus asked them if they could add a single hour to their lifespan. And the answer to that was obvious. So Jesus continued. If you cannot do something as simple as that, why do you worry about the harder stuff. God clothes the lilies and even the grass, living things with a very short lifespan. If He puts that much care into something as insignificant as this, won't He do the same for you. Obviously, He will! The answer is in v. 28, O you of little faith!  Where is our faith? We are His children, blessed with so much in America, yet still we struggle with anxiety and lack of self-worth. The worldly nations struggle with these things, but those who are children of the Father have no reason to do this. He knows our needs. He will provide. Instead seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you. Seek the spiritual and not the physical. Trust Him! Have faith! Instead of hoarding, give to the needy. Instead of amassing a great fortune, share with others. Do not seek for the money bags that are perishable but the ones that are heavenly, imperishable and rust-proof. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Father, 
I confess times when I have worried and struggled with self-worth. I know that my only worth is in You. Strengthen my faith and my trust.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Covetousness

Lk. 12:21

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. 

Beginning in v. 13, Jesus developed some very important principles. Initially, He said, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. A pretty strong warning, especially to those of us who live in such a materialistic society! We all have so much more than so many countries around the world even when we have less than so many others. I wonder what kind of inroads into our souls has our affluence made. 

Jesus illustrated this principle with a parable about a rich man whose land produced plentifully. The man questioned what he should do with his great abundance. Instead of possibly giving to others less fortunate, he tore down his barns and built bigger and better barns. He was so pleased with himself and his vast accumulation of wealth that he thought he could eat, drink, and be merry. He rejoiced in his physical possessions without a passing thought for his spiritual needs. But God required his soul that very night. Where were his possessions now? It is ironic than all men [and women] meet death on the same economic level. 

Jesus ended his teaching with,  So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. If we are not seeking the things that are above and setting our minds on Jesus, then our end will not be good. God is warning us to beware of possessions. Why? Possessions can claim a big part of our heart and our desires. They can provide us with areas that produce pleasure apart from God. Even the possessions that are  time savers, can occupy a great portion of our time just maintaining them. All these possessions that save us so much time really open up new vistas of things we can now do with a whole new set of material items. What an endless circle! What a warning! How tightly do I hold onto my possessions? Do I use them to help others? How much of my time do they take? Do they tear my allegiance away from living for Jesus?

Father,

Reveal to me my true heart condition with my possessions. Open my eyes to see covetousness. Lord, I love You and want to serve You above all else.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Down Times

Ps. 142:3

When my spirit faints within me, you know my way.

David was in a low place emotionally and spiritually because of the men who were dogging him. He could find no place of safety so he took refuge in a cave. As he was crying out to the Lord, he begged for mercy and poured out his soul to the Lord telling Him all his troubles. He felt that no one really cared about his soul. Such desperation and isolation! It was almost as if David was imprisoned by his enemies.Yet, he still knew that God was the One who could come to his aid. 

David's spirit was so low that his spirit was close to fainting within him. He felt his enemies had hidden a trap for him [taking away all safety].  He was in the depths of isolation, misery, and depression. But even in the midst of this low tide, he knew that God would know exactly where he was if he were to faint. He acknowledged his sovereign God, the God that was his refuge [his place of safely] and his portion in the land of he living. He asked God to attend to him in his very low state, to lift up in his spirit. He so needed the touch of God. And finally he prayed for physical deliverance. He saw no earthly hope! He asked God to bring him out of prison so that he could thank God and be surrounded by others who loved God. He knew God would deal bountifully with him. His only recourse was to wait on the Lord. How hard this is when such desperation has claimed the soul. 

What a psalm! I think of times when I am low, do I go to God and express these great truths? It makes me think of Saeed who is locked in a brutal and inhumane prison. I am sure that he has shared many of David's negative feelings, but at the same time has taken himself right to God. Some have said that believers should never be depressed. But I think that this psalm shows that believers can come to God when they are negative and at their wit's end. They can come when depression has seized their soul.  If only we would remember to come and not muck around in our self-pity and depression. There is a weird kind of joy when a peson dwells on their depression instead of coming to God. If we would come to God and acknowledge who He is and how we are in relation to Him, we could then find our way out.  

Father,

When I am low and feel useless, bring to my mind this psalm. Help me to come to You and remember what is true about You. Help me to rest in You and who You are.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Suffering and Persecution

2 Thess. 1:11

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Chapter 1 deals with some heavy issues. The Thessalonians were undergoing heavy persecution, yet through the midst of it their faith was growing as was their love for one another. Somehow this seems to be true. When times are tough, we are crying out to God so much more and we are reaching out to fellow believers for comfort and prayer. However it goes on to say that the suffering they were enduring was evidence of God's righteous judgment. [sounds like it might be difficult to understand] Since it is through the fire that they were clinging to God and that He was flooding their life with grace could this cycle be complete. [This seems to be a backhanded blessing since persecution was so intense.] In addition their persecution demonstrated that God had made them worthy of the kingdom of God. God is the one who makes someone worthy. In Eph. 4 Paul urged the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling to which they had been called with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit. No doubt this walking worthy must also be given by God. 

Paul wanted to encourage the Thessalonians by telling them that when Jesus would return and He would be revealed with His angels, the heavy would come down on all those who do not believe in the gospel of Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from His glory. It is on this day that He will be glorified in His saints and will be a wonder to all who believe. It is to this end that Paul and his team prayed for them, that God would make them worthy for this day. [in the future, the blessed hope] Their suffering now would be a sign that God was working in them, sanctifying them, and preparing them to be ready for the day of His return. Their lives would have suffering but they would also have the power  to do good works of faith. In all of this Jesus is glorified in them and He in them. Just as He is in me. And it is all according to the grace of God and Jesus.

Father,

I see that these people were made worthy through suffering. Keep me strong to endure all that you have laid our for me. Make me worthy of Your call so that I may fulfill every good work of faith. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Final Instructions

1 Thess. 5:23

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Final instructions! In just 16 short verses Paul has commanded a huge amount of things that need to be obeyed. 

• Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you. Esteem them highly in love because of the work. These are my pastor and elders in my body.
• Be at peace among yourselves. No disunity or factions taking sides.
• Admonish the idle. I don't see much admonishing going on, but are these people idle in the faith or in their daily activities.
• Encourage the fainthearted. For sure we reach out to anyone who might be fainthearted because of their particular circumstances. We pray and love on them.
• Help the weak. I am thinking this means those who are weak spiritually. Then this would mean discipleship.  
• Be patient with them all. Now this is a rough one. My culture is in a hurry. Patience is not seen very often. It reminds me of Col. 1:11-May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.  The reason we are impatient is that we are not being strengthened with all power. We are no doubt operating in the flesh instead of the Spirit. 
• No one repays evil for evil, instead seek to do good to one another and to everyone. This is another hard one. When some wrong is done to us, we must do good in return and not seek revenge.
• Rejoice always. This can only come from the Spirit within. This would be amazing attitude that would be noticeable to the world.
• Pray without ceasing. Prayer is so important, yet is so lacking in my life. I love to study and write about the word, but why don't I love to pray?
• Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in everything. This is equally as hard as rejoicing always. But a thankful heart is in tune with God's sovereign plan. This heart is resting in His promises. 
• Do not quench the Spirit.This is of ultra importance! Without the Spirit it is all my flesh. And all is for naught.
• Do not despise prophecies, but test everything. Test everything by the Word.
• Hold fast what is good. This speaks to me of holding fast to the Word. Only God is good and the Word is who He is. 
• Abstain from every form of evil. Being Spirit-filled would enable me to see clearly what was evil. 

And there it is. Quite a lot of things to consider. I think it is super important to be Spirit-filled. Without the Spirit there is no way you could accomplish all of these, or any of these. At the conclusion of these verses, Paul writes an amazing benediction. It is the God of peace who will sanctify. Obeying these commands is what sanctification is all about. God is who will make my heart obey these commands. 

Father,

So much to remember. As I read it, it seems staggering, but I know that that is my flesh. With Your Spirit, I can be living as You want me to live. Teach me how to be Spirit-filled constantly so that I won't lapse back into the flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen

More Encouraging Words

1 Thess. 5: 11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 

It seems as if the believers were concerned about the end times. Were they living in them? How would they recognize them? Paul reminded them that they did know what was to come about, but by way of reminder, Paul wrote again. The day of the Lord is a surprise event coming when people are unprepared much like a thief in the night. It is when people are most secure feeling satisfied in their lives that sudden destruction will come upon them like a woman in labor. Boom! Definitely scary!

Although this is a scary time for those who do not believe in Jesus, it has a different spin for believers. Unbelievers are of the darkness while believers are children of light. The darkness with all of its drunkeness does not hold an appeal for them any longer. Because our nature has been transformed, we are to keep awake and be sober since we have put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation. We are to watch for His coming and live only for Him. Our destiny is vastly different from those who live in darkness. Unbelievers are destined for wrath, but we are destined for salvation through Jesus. Believers do not need to fear destruction, but they can rest in the knowledge that Jesus will come back to call them home. Such words as these are encouraging. 

Father,

Thank You for  such wonderful hope. I long for the day then I hear the shout and the trumpet. Help me to be ever watchful and praying as I wait.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Encouraging Words

I Thess. 4:18

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Paul concluded this chapter with what was to comfort believers who were perplexed at events. As they saw fellow Christians die, their grief was overwhelming. What about the people who had died? Had they missed the call of God? Was there any hope for these people who had died without seeing Jesus? 

Just as Jesus died and rose again, so will all those who have fallen asleep. Those alive at the coming of Jesus will not precede those who have died. The Lord will descend with a command, with the voice of an archangel, and the sound of the trumpet of God. The dead will rise first, then those still living will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. How exciting! But there is even more. All believers will be with the Lord for ever! Glorious! I can only imagine the joy that filled the hearts of the Thessalonians when this part of the letter was read to them.Their loved ones would meet them in the air. Certainly, there words were a comfort then and still are today!

Father,

Thank You for this great hope and comfort. Help me to keep these words ever in my mind and heart.

In and Through Jesus,

Amen

Immorality and Impurity

I Thess. 4:1

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

The walk may have seemed exciting originally, but I get the idea from Paul that it is hard for the long haul. Perhaps the self-sacrifice and the persecution made these believers think twice about their choice, or maybe they were missing the things of their former life. Certainly the call of the flesh is strong!  Whatever it was, Paul not only asked but he also urged them to walk in a way that would be pleasing to God. What they had learned and lived from Paul was now to be their way of life. In fact, they were to do so more and more!

Paul addressed the area of immorality with strong words: v. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; The will of God in this matter would always be abstinence from immorality. It could be nothing else! Abstinence meant controlling the body in holiness and honor. Immorality belongs to the Gentiles, and is a result of unchecked lust. Does the Lord really care about these issues? Yes, He is an avenger in all these things. For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness. Immorality and impurity mean disregarding God and not man, the same God who gave us His Holy Spirit.

Why would Paul mention the Holy Spirit now? The Holy Spirit is given to us at the moment of our salvation. He is God's guarantee to us that we are one with Him. The very thing that the Spirit produces in us is the one thing that we need to resist this temptation. And since we are one with the Lord through the Spirit, any immorality would be joining Christ to that grossly wicked sin. The Holy Spirit has made our bodies His temples. So in light of all of this, what is the believer's responsibility?   Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Cor. 6:19-20

Father,
Open my eyes to see the truth about myself. Give me Your grace and strength to cling to You with all I have. Teach me how to glorify You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Destiny

1 Thess. 3: 3

that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 

Paul was deeply concerned that the Thessalonians' faith would be altered because of the afflictions that they were enduring. He wanted to assure them that affliction and faith would always go hand-in-hand. It is the destiny of every believer to suffer! What a thought! Our destiny is suffering. According to the dictionary destiny is what happens in the future : the things that someone or something will experience in the future. Also, a power that is believed to control what happens in the future. God is that power that controls the events of the believer's life. He sets all in motion even the suffering.  

But even when believers fully understand this destiny, there is always the temptation to cave in the midst of the pain. Paul wanted to know how it was the Thessalonians. Had they stood or had they fallen prey to the tempter? Timothy had returned from visiting the Thessalonians. He could say that they had stood. Their faith was in tact. What a comfort to Paul! His labor had not been in vain, but His heart's desire was to come to them to teach them more about the faith. 

When I think of the believer's suffering, I think of 1 Pet. 2:21 for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. It is my calling to walk as Jesus walked. Out of love for me, He died [the ultimate suffering]. Out of love for Him, I walk as He walked. Strange to think that the ultimate test of love is suffering. 

Father,

I know in my head that I am called to suffer. But I also know how weak my flesh is. Give me Your strength and grace so that I might fulfill the destiny You have planned for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen