Comforted and Established

Comforted and Established

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

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Directionless, penniless and hopeless was where I had gotten. Bills kept coming and creditors kept calling, yet I had no way to give them any money and I had no job. Parties seemed to be more of a nuisance than consolation, but that’s all I knew at the time.

 

• I wanted some relief.
• I wanted to not have any worries, but had plenty.
• I wanted to be out of the trial, but had no way out, or so I thought.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave a small prayer to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explained that JESUS and GOD the FATHER have shown mankind a great amount of love, consolation and hope. Now they ask for “comfort” and to “establish you in every good word and work.”

 

My Observations

• GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT agreed on what it would take to love me and console me and to give me hope.
• Even when I experience trouble, the HOLY SPIRIT provides me with comfort.
• GOD establishes me in HIS plan to provide a good word and a good work.

 

All good things come from GOD. I mean, love, everlasting consolation, hope and grace seem to be wonderful things to accept as a gift from a loving GOD. Unfortunately, my worries or desires get in the way. I blame GOD, doubt GOD or walk away from GOD when things are not going as I wanted them to. BUT GOD is merciful.

 

HE sees me with HIM in eternity because I believe I need a Savior, which is JESUS CHRIST. HE consoles my every regret. HE comforts my heart and give me a word to give to others. HE then gives me purpose which is my work. I am grateful for GOD doing everything to keep me with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the love GOD is trying to give you through the writers?
• Have you ever had a time when you doubted GOD, got mad at HIM or threatened to leave HIM?
• Will you accept HIS wonderful gift of love, everlasting consolation, good hope, grace, comfort, good word and good work today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please bless this reader with YOUR comfort today. Address all worries he or she may have. Provide the comfort that only comes from YOU. Open our eyes to your plan so we may do the work YOU desire. amen

You ARE Special

You ARE Special

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹³ But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, ¹⁴ to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

 

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Feeling lonely, I sought out people who would be “friendly.” When I found a group, I was always welcome, but something was missing. Each group seemed similar, promoting “unity” and “service” But was there more.

 

• I felt there had to be more than being in a group.
• In some groups, I felt lonelier because something was missing.
• I noticed some people made the “group” their purpose in life, but there had to be more.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy express their gratitude for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explain how GOD has called people for a purpose and set them apart for HIS own. They also urge the people to stay special by learning about JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Thankfulness for others stretches beyond any group I can get into.
• GOD chose me for salvation and set me apart by the SPIRIT and belief in the truth.
• Glory of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is given to me because GOD chose me.

 

GOD chose you and that is what makes you special. I mean, groups can make me feel special for a moment, but something will always be missing, namely GOD. I know I have to remain on this earth and live in the world, so GOD doesn’t mind me socializing. But that is not my purpose.

 

From the time I was born until the time JESUS returns, GOD gives me purpose. HE will examine every word and deed to see if HE is involved. All the things I thought were “special” may not be to HIM. HE will reward me for the things I truly did in HIS name. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I let go of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the calling the writers are speaking about?
• Have you ever been part of a group yet felt a higher calling?
• Will you fulfill your purpose by letting go of the world’s solutions and focus on what GOD has called you to do today?

Believing the Delusion

Believing the Delusion

2 Thessalonians ⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

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Meeting with the new leader, I quickly understood where he stood. He wanted to use his work title to have wild parties at any occasion. I wanted to move up, so I turned my head to the drunken, lewd, insatiable comments to the staff. But then, the requests to make the parties happen left me with a paradox. Either I cave in or get another job.

 

• I really wanted to get a promotion.
• I thought that I could overlook something that was wrong, as long as I wasn’t participating.
• I figured I could remain unstained by “helping out” and ensuring the “bar and the babes” were available after the conventions (my part was to get the business suite someone else did the rest).

 

Paul mentions some very difficult realities revealed to him by the LORD. He spoke about the coming of the False Prophet that was part of the unholy trinity This being will oppose everything JESUS stands for. Unfortunately, there will be some who will believe in his lies and will perish due to “strong delusions.”

 

My Observations

• JESUS is the only Savior for me to put my trust in.
• Lies, deception and twisted thinking will be exposed by JESUS, so I must confess to HIM I need HIM.
• Receiving the “love of the truth” may be difficult for me, because sometimes my desires match what the world has to offer.

 

What is scary is GOD allowing people to believe in lies and deceit. I mean, can’t GOD just make everyone believe in HIM? HE doesn’t seem to work that way. In fact, HE created humans to have “free will” which is the only condition where love can exist. GOD doesn’t coerce anyone to love HIM, It has to be voluntary.

 

JESUS volunteered to be a sacrifice and save humanity from death. This was a very difficult thing to do and may have been very hurtful to the FATHER. BUT HE allowed it. HE wants all to believe but it has to be a choice. I gladly believe in JESUS and accept the truth of HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer speak of when he says “GOD will send them strong delusion?”
• Is there something that you have done or believed in that later you realized was wrong?
• Will you examine your beliefs and see if they align to the salvation, love and truth of JESUS today?

Looking Forward

Looking Forward

2 Thessalonians Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to be with him: I beg you, my friends, ² not to be so easily confused in your thinking or upset by the claim that the Day of the Lord has come. Perhaps it is thought that we said this while prophesying or preaching, or that we wrote it in a letter. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For the Day will not come until the final Rebellion takes place and the Wicked One appears, who is destined to hell. ⁴ He will oppose every so-called god or object of worship and will put himself above them all. He will even go in and sit down in God's Temple and claim to be God.

 

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Racing to the location, I was upset that everything was gone. I had missed the carnival that I was looking forward to. “Why are you upset?” a neighbor asked. I explained my sadness and she told me “The carnival has been postponed and will be here later.”

 

• I thought I missed something.
• I was really looking forward to having some fun.
• I was upset because I thought I had missed what I was looking forward to.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy address a concern relating to the Day of the LORD. This Day is set aside for the return of the LORD. Times must have been difficult and the people thought they had missed CHRIST’s return. They needed some assurance.

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return some day for us, but before this happens, things will get worse.
• GOD wants me to remain faithful and to stay focused on the salvation of JESUS.
• Looking forward to CHRIST’s return helps me keep the hope that HE has given me.

 

Let’s face it, times seem more and more difficult than before. Complex issues are the norm and confusion seems to be the expectation. BUT GOD is not the author of confusion.

 

HE wants everyone who believes in JESUS for salvation to understand there is an enemy, Satan, who opposes all that is good. Satan will stop at nothing to keep people confused, mislead and misdirected to look to themselves as the answer.

 

He tries to set up shop in our hearts as GOD to tear us away from the MOST HIGH. I am glad GOD holds onto me and you and I look forward to continuing to serve HIM while I wait.

 

Challenge

• What confusion about the LORD’s return do the writers speak about?
• Has there been confusion who and what GOD is?
• Are you confused and upset?
• Will you place your trust in the LORD so HE can guide you to peace, knowing HE has you?

Fulfilled

 

Fulfilled

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹¹ That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfill by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith. ¹² In this way the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory from you, and you from him, by the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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Life had gotten hard during this stretch of time. My car was barely working, I had debt up to my ears and barely enough income to pay monthly bills. I watched a commercial of people winning large sums of money by simply having a magazine subscription. I tried it, no payoff. I played the lottery in months to follow. I bought one ticket. Each number miraculously was off by one digit.

 

• I was jealous of someone “winning” money.
• I was frustrated that I had no money and no way to get out of debt, or so I thought.
• I wondered why “everyone else” seemed to be doing better than me.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide a prayer for everyone who believes in JESUS as the Savior. They knew it is not possible for a human to be worthy of GOD’s calling, so they prayed for GOD to make them worthy. They also prayed for desires for goodness to be fulfilled by GOD and for everyone to complete their work of faith.

 

My Observations

• Life is more than money and GOD wants me to be fulfilled by desiring what HE thinks is good.
• Only GOD can declare me “worthy” of the life HE called me to.
• Tasks given to me by GOD require my work of faith.

 

Life is not easy. I mean, it seems when one challenge is over, another pops up. Why can’t things just be peaceful? But they are sometimes turbulent. GOD sees when I look at life on the surface and get worried. HE provides an answer.

 

GOD calls me to serve HIS people. Wait… Don’t I have problems? Yes, BUT GOD sees beyond my problems and knows the true reward HE is storing up for me in heaven. HE places the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to prompt me to desire goodness and to complete my work of faith. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to call me to do HIS work.

 

Challenge

• What are the writers praying about?
• Have you ever felt your life is unfulfilled?
• Will you ask GOD to guide your desires to HIS goodness so HE will give you a work of faith to do, so your life will be abundant and fulfilled today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with a calling that is worthy to YOU. Bless him or her to be fulfilled by desiring YOUR goodness. Clear the path to help us complete our work of faith. amen

What Is Right

What Is Right

2 Thessalonians 1: ⁵ All of this proves that God's judgment is just and as a result you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God will do what is right: he will bring suffering on those who make you suffer, ⁷ and he will give relief to you who suffer and to us as well. He will do this when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious might, ¹⁰ when he comes on that Day to receive glory from all his people and honor from all who believe. You too will be among them, because you have believed the message that we told you.

 

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“She hit me” I said in tears. When the teacher took away her toys, I felt vindicated. I began smiling. “What are you smiling about?” she asked as she took my toy away. “What did I do?” I asked. “Gloating over someone who is punished is not good either. Both of you need to make up.” was her answer. We made up and played together.

 

• I did not know I could be wrong while being “right.”
• I needed a higher power to intervene.
• I truly did not know what was “right.”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide solace to those who were suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Their words of hope was to provide everyone fuel to endure persecution for their beliefs in JESUS. They also presented the “just” side of GOD that is difficult to hear. Those who cause suffering would have to deal with GOD.  But this was not a point to gloat over, rather a time of concern.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants all to be redeemed, so HE wants me to seek HIS salvation for me and for those who cause me pain or I cause them pain.
• JESUS will return someday and wants me ready with HIS love.
• GOD defines what is “right” and is just in HIS decisions.

 

“What is right” is difficult to swallow sometimes. I mean, I may think I am right when I am really wrong. BUT GOD has a way to clear up my confusion over what is right and wrong. HE made it clear that belief in JESUS makes me and you right. All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. We could never reach HIM by our actions and would be destined to be separated from HIM throughout eternity.

 

HE is just and “right” in HIS decision and structures. HIS love is a redemptive love that endures forever. I am glad GOD is right and makes you and me holy because of HIS declaration.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s comment “God will do what is right?”
• Do these words make you want to get to know GOD or be upset with HIM?
• Will you see HIS love differently and know HE feels your pain?
• Will you allow HIM to bring you through your suffering by opening up your heart to HIM today?

Better Than You Think

Better Than You Think

2 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our friends, we must thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the others is becoming greater. ⁴ That is why we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God. We boast about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you are experiencing.

 

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After a while, the trials I was going through could no longer be hidden. I would pretend everything was fine, but it really was not fine. When I told people what I was going through, they said “I was going through that same thing! I’m sorry you are going through this, but it’s good to know it’s not just me.”

 

• I just wanted the problem to be cleared up before I told people.
• I just wanted the trial to be over without people knowing.
• I did not want to be an example.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expresses their gratitude to the everyone who belonged to GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They knew this group of people would be persecuted and suffer many painful experiences. While no one likes trials, they spoke highly of this group because of how they kept their belief through the trials.

 

My Observations

• GOD does not make me suffer, but knows I will go through trials.
• GOD wants me to hold onto hope and belief in the middle of my persecution and suffering.
• GOD wants me to know that other people need to hear what I am going through so he or she can understand they are not alone.

 

Suffering stinks! Who wants to go through persecution? No one. BUT GOD seems to allow us to go through things, not around them. When I go through something, I find it amazing that many others are going through something similar.  The enemy, Satan, wants me to isolate, blame or fall into a hole of despair. BUT GOD has a different plan.

 

HE wants me to just simply be. I do  not have to be anything special or do anything courageous. HE wants me to know I am not alone and tell others about my trial. To some, it will fall on deaf ears, but to the right person, GOD will use the message to heal me and him or her. I just want you to know that you are doing better than you think.

 

Challenge

• Why are the writers thankful for a group of people who are enduring persecution?
• Have you ever suffered persecution and do not see it ending any time soon?
• Will you endure against Satan’s lies and know that you are doing better than you think because of your faith in JESUS, our LORD and Savior?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with YOUR protection during this trial. Open his or her heart to YOU so HE or she can hold fast to YOUR faith. Thank YOU for endurance, belief and hope. amen

Rest

Rest

2 Thessalonians 1: From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Thinking of the many problems life had thrown at me, I laid awake at night. Knowing I had to go to work made me more anxious as I saw the hours tick away. “Maybe if I do some work” was my thought to get whatever was bugging me off my mind. I found myself working almost twenty four hours a day.

 

• I could not rest.
• I could not stop thinking about the many problems I faced.
• I could not solve or resolve any of the problems, so rest seemed elusive.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy begin another letter to the Thessalonians with a miniature prayer. They knew times were difficult. They wished for all who belong to GOD our Father and the LORD JESUS CHRIST to be given grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD wants me to have peace which only comes from HIM.
• My sins may cause me to lose sleep, BUT GOD wants me to know HIS grace is sufficient.
• Worry, rage, doubt and disillusion may appear all around me, BUT GOD wants me to accept HIS grace and peace.

 

Knowing I am forgiven and that my troubles are temporary gives me grace and peace. I mean, I can confess my sins directly to GOD the FATHER because I believe JESUS died and rose for my sins. JESUS volunteered to die as a human because HE created them in the first place. HIS resurrection gives me the ability to be forgiven.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT was given to me as my Comforter. HE lives inside me and pleads on my behalf due to the many sins I commit. HE convicts me once, then guides me to peace versus harassment over the sin I commit over and over. I am glad GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT are one and agree to give me grace and peace.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers start with this miniature prayer?
• Have you ever lost sleep because of life’s circumstances?
• Will you give all of your circumstances to GOD who is willing to forgive you and give you grace and peace today?

From Worry to Wonder

 

From Worry to Wonder

1 Thessalonians 5: ²³ May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful.

²⁵ Pray also for us, friends.

²⁶ Greet all the believers with the kiss of peace.

²⁷ I urge you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 

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As I sat in the window, I noticed a distinction between the ray of sunlight and the cool of the shade. All of my cares and worries seem to melt away as I just sat there. Then I pondered what it would be like to have no worries, pain or sickness. It felt great just thinking of it.

 

• I felt freed just thinking about a time without worry.
• I felt lighter just thinking about a time when pain does not exist.
• I felt at peace just thinking about a time without ailments or sickness.

 

Paul closes the letter with input from Silas and Timothy. They closed this with a brief prayer all readers that GOD gives peace, make us holy and keep our whole being, spirit, soul and body, from every fault. They knew that one day the LORD JESUS would return.

 

My Observations

• GOD is willing to grant me peace when I seek HIM.
• GOD is willing to make me holy even when I have a mountain of sins.
• GOD is willing to keep my whole being – spirit, soul and body -- free from every fault.

 

Peace is possible in times of trouble. I mean, when I look at the waves and currents of this trial and that one, I can feel lost, worried and alone. BUT GOD has a remedy. JESUS.

 

One day JESUS will return with all power and authority. HE was placed above everything that causes pain, worry and sickness. HE will see only HIS grace HE has for me and for those who seek HIS mercy. HE is the ultimate forgiver and gives peace in the middle of the storm. I gladly accept HIS peace and wonder how great it will be when HE returns.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to convey through this mini prayer?
• Have you ever gotten overwhelmed with the worries of life?
• Will you receive GOD’s peace by letting go of everything you are trying to control and allowing HIM to make you holy and keep your whole being so you will be faultless at the coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST?

Rating Sermons

Rating Sermons

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁹ Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise inspired messages. ²¹ Put all things to the test: keep what is good ²² and avoid every kind of evil.

 

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It had been years since I set foot into a church. Something pulled me back. I don’t know if it was loneliness or regret for where I was in life, I just knew I had to go to church. I went to one and did not like the message or the way it was delivered. I tried others and ran into similar thoughts. “What good is church!?” I said in frustration.

 

• I felt all preachers were scammers trying to protect their salaries.
• I listened intently to messages to see if it was “wrong.”
• I noticed more flaws in the delivery person than the message.

 

Paul. Silas and Timothy provided a few urgent warnings to help the people grow. “Put all things to test” was said to probably provide the people with a filter versus a way to combat. They knew some people would say “things” that were inspired by GOD, yet their delivery may be too coarse or too soft or somewhere in between. Despite imperfect people, the message could be sound.

 

My Observations

• GOD provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and others who believe in JESUS so I can hear HIM trying to reach me with HIS love.
• GOD inspires men and women to speak about HIM and wants me to embrace HIS loving message, while avoiding evil from men, or women or myself.
• GOD wants me to hear from others and plant what is good in my heart.

 

Hearing the message that “GOD loves” is difficult to hear from imperfect humans. I mean, when I look at what he or she did or is doing, it is hard to hear the love GOD is intently trying to convey. Somehow, HE uses imperfect people to speak about HIS perfection.

 

HE desires that my heart become a malleable place that can be stretched to house the HOLY SPIRIT. When my heart is ready to be filled with HIS love, I can hear messages that are truly inspired by GOD. I can also discern and avoid all kinds of evil. I appreciate and welcome others to speak about GOD the way HE inspired him or her to do.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writers?
• Have you ever heard a sermon or read a message from someone who seems inconsistent with GOD or from a hypocrite?
• Will you overlook the sin of hypocrisy and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT so your heart can be softened to hear HIS message of love today?

Question Answered

Question Answered

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁶ Be joyful always, ¹⁷ pray at all times, ¹⁸ be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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Walking outside to the parking lot, I noticed my window had been broken out and my cassette tapes had been stolen. Yeah I said tapes. At work, I got news that the project was not going well. I got home and all I had in the fridge was eggs. I boiled them and fell asleep. I woke up to exploded burnt eggs. “What do YOU want from me!” I angrily said to GOD.

 

• I had plenty to complain about.
• I told people about one calamity, then another would hit.
• I questioned why I was going through this by asking “What do YOU want from me?”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some advice to everyone who asked the question “What does GOD want from me?” Their simple words are not so easy to put into practice, but the perspective can change how circumstances are seen.

 

• GOD wants me to be joyful versus happy because joy cuts through pain.
• GOD wants me to pray at all times, asking HIM how HE wants to handle the bad and good situations.
• GOD wants me to be thankful in all circumstances, seeing HIM work through very difficult situations as well as peaceful ones.

 

Joy, prayer and thankfulness do not seem like powerful weapons, but they are. I mean, when I seek happiness, fulfilled desires and accolades, I run into those who seek the same and would do anything to rob others of theirs. I also rely on my own thoughts and power which makes me run out of fuel and question GOD. BUT HE has another way.

 

GOD wants my life to have light burdens, but understands there is an enemy, Satan, who will stop at nothing to keep me from praising JESUS. GOD gives me joy, prayer and thankfulness to battle worry, hatred, doubt and all ills of life. I am glad GOD wants me to have a relationship with HIS SON and wants simple things from me.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers use “always” and “all times” and “all circumstances?”
• Have you ever felt like not praying or wanting to be angry or wanting to just be alone in your pity?
• Will you take the burden off of yourself and replace it with joy through prayer and thankfulness so GOD can unite you with the power of CHRIST JESUS today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for keeping him or her in the palm of YOUR hands. Thank YOU for joy and for opening the door to listen. We praise YOU today. amen

Idle, Timid and Weak

Idle, Timid and Weak

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁴ We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

 

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Sitting in the corner, alone, a teacher noticed me, took my hand and brought me over to other people. I wanted to interact, but did not know how. I was shy, frail and did not know what to say. “you want to play?” were the words of others.

 

• That was an enjoyable day.
• I did not know how to get myself into the crowd.
• I felt that I would not be accepted.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give another stern warning, but on a much lighter note. They urged everyone to “warn the idle, encourage the timid and help the weak.” Instead of seeking the rich and powerful, they urged everyone to seek those who are in need.

 

My Observations

• My patience is required when seeking those who are idle about speaking about the LORD.
• I must overlook wrong and do what is right according to the LORD.
• Doing good is the aim for me and GOD provides those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.

 

Idle, timid and weak people seem like a strange audience to seek. I mean, to get ahead, don’t you have to be connected to the powerful and noisy? No. GOD has a vast harvest, but the laborers are few. HE know there are plenty of people who sit idle, waiting on HIM.

 

HE wants those in wait to get up and use their gifts and talents for HIM. HE also wants those who have been discouraged to be encouraged that HE is with you. Lastly, HE desires those who have tried and tired and failed, to be strengthened to get up and try again, knowing it’s not your power, but HIS love that will overcome all. I am glad GOD cares more than I ever could.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so urgent?
• Have you ever been overlooked, misunderstood or shy?
• Will you seek those who need to speak about GOD, but they are idle and those who are discouraged and need encouragement and those who are weak and strengthen him or her with GOD’s unchanging love today?

Untitled

Untitled

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹² We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. ¹³ Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.

 

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Sitting in a conference room freshly out of college, a person walked in and everyone stood up. I did not know what was going on, so I stood up too. They shook hands and when he left said “Don’t you know who that was?” I didn’t.

 

Months later, I was “in charge” of an assignment. I walked into the room and no one paid me any attention. I started doing the work and got a grievance filed against me for doing the work.

 

• I was furious that I was not recognized for my title.
• I wanted the same level of respect as that other guy who had a title.
• I later made the mistake of treating people with titles different than people without titles

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy begged people to treat those called by GOD, to speak on HIS behalf, with respect. These people were often looked down on and murmured against. They implored the people to not only recognize them as servants of the Most High GOD, but to treat them with the highest respect as a way to get them to think opposite of disrespect.

 

My Observations

• GOD is the only being who deserves the utmost respect from me.
• GOD wants me to treat all HIS children with the highest respect.
• Titles should not blind me into providing respect, rather I should give it to those who are looked down on, forgotten and lack power.

 

Seeking titles to gain respect may not be the best path. I mean, when I wanted a title so I could “help others” I found myself having to change for the worst because of that title and I could not “help” people the way I envisioned. GOD, on the other hand, wants servants who do not want HIS title.

 

Servants of GOD point their lives to HIM and want HIM to be know and exalted. In the process of speaking about HIM, their lives diminish. Other believers in JESUS must recognize the important message being told by those GOD has chosen as HIS speakers. I gladly give the highest respect to those who place GOD above all and are servants at heart.

 

Challenge

• Are the writers speaking of a hierarchy type of respect or honorable?
• Have you ever seen a servant who treated everyone with respect, regardless of his or her title?
• Will you treat everyone with respect, especially those who do not have titles, so they can be recognized by using their GOD given gifts for the LORD today?

Encourage and Help

 

Encourage and Help

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁹ God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. ¹¹ And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.

 

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Getting revenge was all I could think about. Various bullies had attacked me unprovoked. Being small and scrawny was no longer an option. “I will lift weights and become stronger so I can fight the bullies” I thought to myself.

 

• My plan was built out of hatred relabeled as hurt.
• I thought the only option was to fight or hurt.
• I figured that if I must suffer, someone else was going to suffer.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some great news! “GOD did not choose us to suffer HIS anger, but to possess salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” They further explained  that JESUS died for us that we might live together with HIM.  They gave some great instructions, namely encourage and help one another.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult, so GOD wants me to get encouragement from others and give it to those HE sends me to.
• Pain and suffering are all around us, so GOD wants me to understand HIS love by accepting HIS SON as my Savior.
• GOD’s impending wrath is not meant for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, so HE wants me to accept JESUS so HE can change my heart to encourage people in times of struggle.

 

Encouragement and help seem like a better plan than attack and fight. I mean, festering over wrong and planning an attack and countering the attack is a huge waste of time and makes everyone tired and exhausted. No one wins. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE sent HIS SON to die for my sins. I should be encouraged by that, so much so, that I go out and encourage others to believe in HIM and live for HIM. When trouble comes, GOD wants me to help others so they can praise HIM. I am glad GOD cares for us enough to choose us for encouragement.

 

Challenge

• Who will suffer GOD’s anger that the writers mention?
• Have you ever thought of a plan that included revenge or rage?
• Will you change your plan to include encouragement to follow GOD and help those who do not know JESUS, understand HIS love and provision today?

When Life Gets Difficult

When Life Gets Difficult

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁷ It is at night when people sleep; it is at night when they get drunk. ⁸ But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. 

 

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Life was particularly hard during a stretch of time. It seemed like trials were not ending before another would surface. “You have got to be kidding!” I exclaimed in frustration. To mask the pain, I went to places with loud music, dancing and drunkenness.

 

• I needed an escape.
• I wanted some temporary relief.
• I saw other people having ”fun” so I thought I would try what they were doing.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke about “night” or dark times. During these times, it is easy to be persuaded into getting “drunk” or to rely on something to ease the pain that may not be good for the soul. Putting on specific protective clothes was the recommendation.

 

My Observations

• To ease the pain of life, GOD provides faith in HIM as a solution.
• To face hurt, rage and anger, GOD gives me love as a way out.
• To calm the negative thoughts that could run through my mind, GOD provides hope as a cure for despair or helplessness.

 

Faith, love and hope as clothing provide protection for my heart and mind. I mean, when I dwell on all the pain and hurt I or others are going through, I start sinking into an abyss of sorrow. I then desire to slip into dark places and get “drunk” to temporarily ease the pain. Unfortunately the pain gets worse and more frequent. Is there a cure? Yes.

 

GOD tells me to place my faith in HIM to use HIS love as the protector of my heart. HE then tells me to place my hope in HIM and not on temporary things in life. This hope will keep my mind focused on HIS love versus the trial. I am glad faith, love and hope come from GOD versus any human.

 

Challenge

• What is the origination of faith and love spoken by the writers?
• Do you think humans can show unflawed faith or unflawed love?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS for salvation so HE can clothe you with HIS faith and HIS love which is unflawed and pure for your protection today?

Awake and Sober

Awake and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁴ But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. ⁵ All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober.

 

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After the discussion about expensive ties, I wanted to fit in, but did not have the money. I found a discount store and bought suits and ties. I got compliments. We all went to lunch. On the way, a homeless person asked us for money. “Sorry, I don’t have anything” was my lie. The others mumbled “Get a job” after we walked away.

 

• I was drunk with trying to fit in with “successful” people.
• I was following darkness by withholding from someone in need.
• I was asleep to serving the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy continue the discussion about the “Day of the LORD.” They bring great news that believers will not be surprised by the coming of the LORD. They also explained that believers belong to the “light” and to the “day” and warned everyone to remain “awake and sober,”

 

My Observations

• Living in darkness feels right and acceptable, BUT GOD wants my sins to be brought to light.
• Getting drunk on fame, fortune, power, politics, money, mayhem or substances can hurt me, BUT GOD wants me to sober up to see HE is the answer.
• Falling asleep to hurt, pain, and agony of others can make me experience the terrible side of the “Day of the LORD” BUT GOD rescued me by belief in JESUS an d wants me awake to see HIS people.

 

Awake and sober means something special to GOD. I mean, when life truly gets hard, it is easy t want to fall asleep to all the trouble others are facing. When I go into dark places, I get feel more comfortable getting drunk on what the world has to offer. BUT GOD wants me to remain awake and sober.

 

HE not only wants me to wait on the coming of the LORD, but also be actively pursuing HIS Kingdom when HE returns. Life gets hard and the answer is the LORD. I am glad HE is the Day and the Light to shine on my path.

 

Challenge

• What does “belonging to the day” mean?
• What warning do the writers give?
• Have you ever been asleep about something important or drunk with something not good for you?
• Will you remain awake and sober to see others in need and to see the return of JESUS some day?

Suddenly

 

Suddenly

1 Thessalonians 5: There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. ² For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. ³ When people say, “Everything is quiet and safe,” then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape. 

 

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Driving to do some Christmas shopping, my sister and I discussed what we were going to get. I was at the wheel of my first car, which was previously hers. We played Christmas music on the radio. Rounding a slight curve, I hit a patch of ice. I stepped on the brakes hard and slid into a light pole. Her head hit the windshield. Fortunately, we both walked away from the accident.

 

• I had no idea this day would turn out the way it did.
• One moment things were going great, the next not good at all.
• Things had changed so quickly and I was not prepared.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy wrote about the “Day of the LORD.” They had previously taught about this devastating day and mentioned it in this letter. When the LORD returns, destruction will hit those who do not believe in HIM. There will be no time to prepare.

 

My Observations

• GOD is giving me time to be prepared for CHRIST’s return.
• I should be on the lookout for the LORD each day.
• Quiet and safe are the times that I should be the most nervous.

 

Being relaxed and secure seems to be a pursuit of life. I mean, work is set up to pay bills to one day retire and live out the rest of life quietly. Sounds nice. BUT GOD has a different plan. HE wants us to know this place we live on is temporary and filled with pain.

 

HE wants us to know that one day, JESUS will return and destroy this place suddenly. HE wants HIS believers to be encouraged that destruction will not happen to them. I am glad GOD protects us from HIS wrath, and accept life’s purpose to pursue HIS people and bring them into a saving relationship with the LORD.

 

Challenge

• What do the writers mean by “quiet and safe?”
• Have you ever experienced a time when things were going well one moment, and the next something very difficult happened?
• Will you become prepared for the LORD by establishing or strengthening your relationship with JESUS today?

Death or No Death

Death or No Death

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹⁵ What we are teaching you now is the Lord's teaching: we who are alive on the day the Lord comes will not go ahead of those who have died. ¹⁶ There will be the shout of command, the archangel's voice, the sound of God's trumpet, and the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Those who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first; ¹⁷ then we who are living at that time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ So then, encourage one another with these words.

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“Don’t worry about it” were the assuring words from someone who saw me crying over in the corner. I had messed up “whatever” and was crying. It took me a while to realize that whatever I was crying over really did not matter.

 

• I was upset.
• I thought I had messed up.
• I worried that I could not be included in the favor others had.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke about the “Day of the LORD.” This is the moment JESUS will return to collect what is rightfully HIS. Anyone who died believing in JESUS as the Savior will rise from the dead. Anyone alive will be “gathered up” in the clouds to meet the LORD. These were encouraging words.

 

My Observations

• The “Day of the LORD” will be a glorious day for those who believe in the Risen LORD.
• Those who have died believing in CHRIST will be risen,
• Those who are alive believing in CHRIST will be “gathered up”.

 

Having a bad day? What about messing up? All bad days and messing up will one day come to an end. Based on the belief in JESUS as the Savior, even death cannot stop us from being with HIM. HE will raise people from the dead and will gather up those who believe.

 

Unfortunately the “Day of the LORD” has a difficult side. Those who are against JESUS and who persecuted HIS servants will not see HIS grace. One day HIS mercy will end for those who do not believe. Until then, I look up to the heavens, each and every day, to see when HE will return.

 

Challenge

• What do the writers say about death?
• What does this passage say about “life?”
• Will you give your life purpose and seek GOD’s kingdom to prepare people to receive CHRIST today?
• Will you be encouraged that JESUS has you, no matter how much you messed up or how many days have been bad?