Self-Contained

Self-Contained

1 Thessalonians 2: ⁸ Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us! ⁹ Surely you remember, our friends, how we worked and toiled! We worked day and night so that we would not be any trouble to you as we preached to you the Good News from God.

 

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“What about me?” was the thought I was starting to form. “I” was doing the work and not getting recognized. In fact, other people were taking credit for what “I” was doing.  And some of the people were not lifting a finger to help.

 

• I wanted recognition.
• I desired to get some help.
• I was motivated by pay or a bonus or some other form of money.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy explained how hard they worked for the people. They may have arrived as strangers, but over time and after a lot of hard work, they were able to preach the Good News. Their motives came from a different place.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s love for me is not because of what I do for HIM, rather it is self-contained in HIS love for me.
• JESUS showed HIS love for me to the point where HE died for me and was raised from the dead.
• My love for others should be self-contained, not needing something from him or her.

 

Money, recognition and returned favors seem to motivate me temporarily, but lose their power over time. I mean, I still end up complaining about the work or the relationship or the lack of favors. After a while, I ask “What about me?” in a deserving way that seems harmless, but could be destructive.

 

GOD wants my love for people to be self-contained. HE wants me to give to people who cannot give back in return. My motivation for serving people should be based on HIS love for me and because HE lives inside me. I am glad that when I am tempted to pout that “I” am the only one working, GOD opens up my eyes to the lie and shows me others who are serving HIM and HE also shows me HE loves me.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers motives were?
• Have you ever felt self-pity and asked “What about me?”
• Will you reconnect your motive to GOD’s love so you can gain the energy to serve those who may not be able to return favors, but GOD is reaching him or her through you?

Gentle

Gentle

1 Thessalonians 2: ⁵ You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk, nor did we use words to cover up greed—God is our witness! ⁶ We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, ⁷ even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

 

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Hearing the lie, I crafted my words to counter what was said. When the person heard my words, he countered with insults. Now that I was insulted, I really had to give it to him. I countered with more words. What were we even talking about?

 

• I got mad during the conversation.
• I wanted to be “heard” so I kept using more words.
• I eventually used words that were rough and coarse.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy lived with the people of Thessalonica. During this time they encountered day to day circumstances that could have turned into arguments, but they chose not to. They also refrained from flattering words to cover up greed, like some of the speakers who had done so in the past.

 

My Observations

• Flattering talk can get me to a certain point, BUT GOD wants my words to speak of HIS truth.
• Seeking the right words, only to gain money, can get me wealthy in a greedy way, BUT GOD wants my words to be rich and full of HIS treasures.
• Following famous people and praising their prowess can get me liked so I can fit in, BUT GOD deserves to be mentioned over all.

 

“Toughen up” or “Take the hill” or “Fight” sound like words of a leader, but there are times when these qualities don’t fit. I mean, when a baby is crying and he or she cannot communicate what is wrong, it takes gentleness to figure out the solution to the baby’s problem.

 

Gentleness overcomes insecurity, greed and loneliness. How? It removes the desire to need to “fit in” and replaces it with GOD’s purpose. Gentleness knows people will make mistakes and reacts slowly with HIS solution. It makes no demands because gentleness is stronger than brute force. I am glad JESUS is gentle with me.

 

Challenge

• What alternative to flattering words, greed and praising humans do the writers speak of?
• Have you ever sought out praise or felt a little greedy or placed demands on others?
• Will you learn of GOD’s gentleness and mimic HIS love for other’s today?

Entrusted

Entrusted

1 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. ⁴ Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives.

 

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When the phone rang, I answered and held a great conversation with my grandmother. “Tell your parents I called and to call me back” were the words given to me. As the day went on, I went outside to play, then eat, then go to bed. I never told anyone about the call.

 

• I had forgotten to pass on the message.
• I was not prepared to remember something important.
• I did not withhold information maliciously, I simply forgot.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy start out by saying their motives were pure when it came to the message of GOD. Other speakers may have tried to lead the people astray, but Paul, Silas and Timothy held themselves to a higher standard. They knew they would be judged by GOD for misrepresentation but even more, they were excited about being “entrusted” with HIS message.

 

My Observations

• JESUS forgave me of all my sins for HIS because HE loves me and has a purpose for my life.
• GOD wiped away all my sins so I could speak on HIS behalf, even though HE does not need me to do so.
• GOD entrusted me with HIS valuable Good News and wants me to keep it pure, even if people are not pleased with the fact that HE will also judge everyone.

 

Pleasing people can get me in trouble. I mean, when My motives are to gain more power or to manipulate people to get my way, I may try to please him or her temporarily until I get what “I” want. BUT GOD sees through my motives and wants me to act differently.

 

Instead HE approaches my life in an unusual way. HE knows I am a sinner yet HE gives me the most important message that all humans need to hear, believe in and shout namely, JESUS is LORD!. I am glad GOD sees my motives and entrusts me anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writers make an appeal?
• What does it mean to be judged worthy by GOD?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so HE can cleanse you of all unrighteousness and entrust you with HIS Good News today?

Origin of Courage

Origin of Courage

1 Thessalonians 2: Our friends, you yourselves know that our visit to you was not a failure. ² You know how we had already been mistreated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from him. 

 

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“There will be hundreds of people in the audience” were the words that made me nervous. I was asked to be one of the speakers at a regional meeting and I had never spoken to an audience of this size. I asked for tips to control my nervousness. One person said “practice”, another said “Don’t practice, use a three point outline.” The differing perspectives made me more nervous.

 

• I was scared to be in front of people.
• I worried about the validity of message.
• I replayed in my mind how I could possibly mess up in front of a lot of people.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expressed  the “opposition” they faced in places like Philippi and Thessalonica. They had been slandered, ridiculed and insulted. This could have been very discouraging if they had to rely on their own courage, but they did not have to.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I get scared, BUT GOD is there to help me through my fears.
• Sometimes I get nervous, BUT GOD is there to calm me down and lead me to a still place.
• Sometimes I get anxious, BUT GOD is there to give me courage.

 

Mustering up courage when I am scared seems impossible. I mean, when I am fearful, I make fearful decisions. I may not even think straight enough to apply logic. Words like “Don’t be afraid” make me more afraid. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE says to me “I got this.” HE gives me the courage to speak about HIS SON when I am worried about what people may think or if someone may oppose HIS message. GOD gently reminds me that if HE is for me, who can be against me? I am glad GOD owns courage and is willing to give it to me to speak about the Good News that comes from HIM.

 

Challenge

• What opposition do you think the writers faced?
• Have you ever been worried, nervous or scared?
• Will you turn to the one who owns courage and ask HIM to give you the right words to present the “Good News” to those HE sends you to today?

Preparation

Preparation

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁹ All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son to come from heaven—his Son Jesus, whom he raised from death and who rescues us from God's anger that is coming.

 

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Seeing the leaves change color, I could tell the season was fall. I could feel a crispness in the air that let me know winter was on its way. In the region where I live, winter meant snow and very cold temperatures I had to get prepared for.

 

• I had to be prepared for snow, ice and cold.
• I had to change my mindset from wearing shorts to wearing something that would protect me from the elements.
• I had to accept the change and get prepared because I knew it was coming.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were excited about how the Thessalonians stopped worshipping idols to become dedicated followers of JESUS. They had stopped placing their hope in material things that were lifeless. When they heard the Good News, they “received” it and dedicated their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD knows what is in my heart and is please when I choose HIM.
• People, food, clothes, jobs, addictions and other things can become idols that take my mind off of GOD.
• GOD wants to prepare me for JESUS’ return.

 

Wrath of GOD is a difficult but necessary topic. I mean, I try to make HIM a pushover, only forgiving my sins and giving me what I want. When I place GOD in the “Just give me my wish” bucket, I can get disappointed with HIS performance.

 

GOD is sovereign and sinless. HIS wrath can be poured out when I think and act like Satan who chose to try to “be GOD.” Satan was thrown from heaven and his fate was sealed. Sinless resurrected JESUS opened his fate and poured out HIS wrath on him and those who act like him. Confusing? It will happen. That’s what GOD is preparing us for. I am glad JESUS saved us from “GOD’s anger that is coming.”

 

Challenge

• What do you think the people of Thessalonica were searching for?
• Have you ever elevated a person or job or thing above your relationship with CHRIST?
• Will you allow GOD to prepare you for HIS purpose so HE can protect you from any wrath HE may have?

Traveling Example

Traveling Example

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered much, you received the message with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For not only did the message about the Lord go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing, then, that we need to say.

 

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Ridiculing people had become my niche. After years of being the recipient of degrading nicknames, I decided to become the master of creating them. I quickly came up with a name for a guy and everyone laughed. Soon the name spread all over campus and back to my home town.

 

• I didn’t mean to humiliate him on that level.
• I didn’t know the nickname would affect him.
• I didn’t know people were listening to me on that scale.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were examples to many people. After a while the people started imitating them and suffered for their beliefs. Through joy, they expressed their faith in JESUS, no matter what was happening to them. Their faith became known “everywhere.”

 

My Observations

• My words should be an example that points people to GOD.
• My actions stem from things in my heart, so GOD chooses to live there and guide them.
• My thoughts can be controlled through use of joy when difficulties arise.

 

Serving GOD can sometimes be difficult. I mean when I can say, “everyone else is having fun”, or “everyone else is rich” or “everyone else is doing it” I could easily open myself up to fall into sin, shame and regret. I then isolate myself so no one can see me. BUT GOD wants me to be seen.

 

HE made me for HIS purpose and wants others to follow HIM. Whether I like it or not, people see me and I am providing an example with every word, action and thought. Fortunately for ma, GOD does not place pressure on me to live perfect, rather HE wants me to point to perfection, namely JESUS. I am grateful I do not have to be perfect, but provide an example which is the SON of GOD.

 

Challenge

• What examples do you imagine the writers provided?
• Have you ever thought that you are being an example to people through your words, actions and thoughts?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so your example can be guided with “joy” by the HOLY SPIRIT today even if you are going through a rough time?

Complete Conviction

Complete Conviction

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁴ Our friends, we know that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own. ⁵ For we brought the Good News to you, not with words only, but also with power and the Holy Spirit, and with complete conviction of its truth. You know how we lived when we were with you; it was for your own good. 

 

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“You could be jailed for proselytizing” was the stern warning given to us when entering a certain country. These words were a bit unnerving. About a week into the trip, someone from that country asked me about CHRIST, Do I pass up this opportunity?

 

• I could not pass up the opportunity.
• I had a lot at stake on earth, but more at stake in heaven.
• I had a strange sense of peace that no matter what happened, I was serving GOD.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy at one time, brought the Good News to the people and they accepted CHRIST as their Savior. They brought the message with words, power and the HOLY SPIRIT. But they did not stop there. They brought the Good News with “complete conviction of its truth.”

 

My Observations

• The Good News that JESUS died for my sins and was raised from the dead, just for me is important to tell to others.
• GOD wants me convinced that telling people about JESUS is the right thing to do.
• Each encounter of telling people about the Good News does not have to be confrontational, rather full of HIS power which is centered in love.

 

Love conquers all. I mean when I am convinced that CHRIST is the only answer, I act different. I do not worry about what humans think, say or do. GOD’s message is paramount and should not be stifled. Unfortunately, when I exchanged HIS powerful words for titles humans gave me, I found myself not able to reach people with HIS message, nor did I want to.

 

BUT GOD forgave me and gave me a second and third and fourth chance. HE did not beat me up for withholding HIS Good News, rather HE kept giving me opportunities to mention my beliefs. After a while I took the opportunity. I am glad GOD has given all of us the responsibility of spreading the Good News.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers were doing to be examples?
• Have you ever been completely convinced of something, so much so that you tell others about it?
• Will you have that same conviction, if not more, for telling people about JESUS and the Good News of HIS resurrection today?

Directed Actions

Directed Actions

1 Thessalonians 1: ² We always thank God for you all and always mention you in our prayers. ³ For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm.

 

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Fearing I would not get “respect” I lied about my age. I was in my low to mid-twenties and was tired of people not listening to anything I had to say in meetings. On another occasion, I was embarrassed that I could not go out on the town like “everyone” else, so I snuck out the house. Another time, I was angry at the slow driver ahead of me, so I darted into the next lane to pass, hit a pothole and bent my rim.

 

• Fear made me inconsistent.
• Shame made me unstable.
• Impatience made me react too quickly.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were excited about the people they wrote to. They were thankful to see examples of faith, love for all and hope in JESUS. These qualities, directed their actions to be consistent in front of everyone.

 

My Observations

• Faith is a quality GOD wants me to use to be consistent, even when I cannot see the finish line.
• Love is GOD, so HE wants me to act like HIM because HE made me in HIS image.
• Hope in JESUS should guide all my decisions, so I can have a firm foundation.

 

Actions driven out of fear, shame and impatience never seem to work out well. I mean, when I am fearful, I tend to make hasty decisions. Shame makes my actions hidden and impatience makes my actions not thought through well. In all cases listed, I find myself in trouble.

 

BUT GOD has a remedy. HE provides faith, shows me love and gives me hope when things look hopeless. HE gives me a new life to live, one with purpose. HE decided to live inside me so HE can guide me to actions that are pleasing to HIM. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT can direct my steps.

 

Challenge

• Why are the writers thankful?
• Are there areas of your life that are not on a firm foundation, causing fear, shame and impatience?
• Will you place your faith, love and hope in CHRIST and decide whom you will serve, “you” or HIM, today?

Belonging

Belonging

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

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

 

May grace and peace be yours.

 

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Many schools, churches and other organizations have given me a tee shirt to proudly wear. Each shirt would have the name of the organization and sometimes its colors. People have walked up to me and asked me questions about the shirt I was wearing at the time.

 

• I felt obligated to represent the organization well.
• I felt I was part of something bigger.
• I felt a sense of belonging to a group.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy sent their greetings to everyone who “belongs” to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They had no shirt to pass out so they gave a wonderful gift, grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When calamity hits, GOD steps in and says to me “You belong to ME.”
• When wonderful things happen, GOD says to me “Because I love you.”
• When I need direction or feel lost, GOD says to me “Do not worry or doubt because you are MINE.”

 

Belonging to GOD is amazing! I mean, HE has all the power, knows everything and is everywhere. No person or power or situation can stop GOD’s love for me.

 

Though I may take my eyes off of GOD, HE holds me tight. In fact, HE has written my name in HIS hand and no one can snatch me out. I belong to GOD. I gratefully give my life to HIM and try to act like I belong to HIM by telling people of the grace of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer added the word “belong?”
• Have you ever been part of an organization and wanted other people to know about it or even join?
• Do you belong to JESUS?
• Will you praise GOD for the grace and peace HE provides because you belong to HIM?

Let It Out

Let It Out

Colossians 4: ¹⁵ Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. ¹⁶ After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus, “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service.”
 
May God's grace be with you.

¹⁸ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains!

 
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Stepping around the party, I was having “fun.” I shouted at the top of my lungs boastful chants along with the members of the group I joined. I proudly wore my group affiliation letters on my chest and mentioned the group when I could. One day, someone asked me to go to church. I did not want people to know I followed JESUS, because I was having too much “fun.”

 

• I wanted to do what I wanted to do and rely on JESUS for whatever HE was supposed to do.
• I was embarrassed about the things I said and did, so I chose to not mention JESUS.
• It was easy to shout what other people expected versus what people needed to hear.

 

In chains and physically wounded, Paul pens this letter. He was not ashamed of his affiliation with JESUS. In fact, he was imprisoned because of his beliefs. Only the king was supposed to be spoken about in the manner Paul spoke of the “King of kings.” He wanted everyone to know exactly what was on his mind so he wrote his message down.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message should be mentioned as often as possible from me.
• I should not be ashamed of mentioning JESUS in any circle of people.
• GOD wants to be the priority in my life.

 

JESUS gave it all to me. I mean HE took embarrassing insults, temptation and beatings for me. HE then decided to be murdered for me so I could live. HE was raised from the dead with all power. This is great news! Unfortunately there are times when I do not want to mention HIM.

 

Either groups I join or jobs I work at, deter me from wanting to speak about JESUS. Don’t get me wrong, groups and jobs are not the problem, rather my choice to not mention JESUS is the root of the issue. GOD wants me and everyone who believes in JESUS to mention HIM often and remember HIM daily. I gladly say JESUS is LORD!

 

Challenge

• What instructions does the writer give and why?
• Have you ever had some good news or bad news and told many people about it?
• Have you ever been embarrassed to mention JESUS or that you follow HIM?
• Will you mention JESUS out loud or written to someone today?

Bigger Prayer

Bigger Prayer

Colossians 4: ¹² Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will. ¹³ I can personally testify to his hard work for you and for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings.

 

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Looking outside, I could see the wind thrashing wildly against the tall bushes. Heavy rain and lightning followed. During the storm I noticed delicate items like bird food and flower pots were not moving. I drove around later and a large tree was broken at the trunk. Why did the delicate items survive?

 

• I wondered why people go through troubles.
• I pondered about people who seem to go through life easy while others seem to have nothing but storms.
• I looked at the tremendous force blowing all around and wondered why something so delicate could be protected.

 

Epaphras prays a different prayer for everyone. Knowing there were many circumstances that were out of his control, he went straight to the source and prayed for GOD to “make” them stand firm. This was a bigger prayer that included the circumstances as well as the outcome.

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t mind me praying for a trial to go away for me or another person.
• My growth in GOD also includes becoming mature, fully convinced and completely committed to obeying the LORD.
• GOD is the source of “making” others stand firm and becoming mature and being fully convinced that HE is the only answer.

 

Looking at the circumstance can take my eyes off of GOD. I mean, I may be praying for the storm to go away instead of marveling that GOD can protect me in the middle of strong winds that come against me. I am no match for the storms. I have no weapons and the storms are frightening. BUT GOD is the source.

 

HE is the one I can go to and ask that HE orchestrate the circumstances in his or her life so he or she will be able to stand firm. GOD owns growth and standing firm as a fragile item shows HIS protective power. I am glad HE is the source that I can go to for a bigger prayer than the circumstance.

 

Challenge

• What is the prayer style of Epaphras?
• Did he ask GOD to make the problems go away or for GOD to do something else?
• Can you take your eyes off of the circumstance for a moment and marvel at GOD’s tremendous power to protect someone as delicate as you?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please make this reader stand firm, as a mature and fully convinced believer of JESUS, in complete obedience to YOUR will. amen

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends

Colossians 4: ¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) ¹¹ Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me.

 

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“You should steal it” was the suggestion from a guy I knew. We had a few conversations because we were interested in similar groups. I explained my need and his suggestion was to steal it since I did not have the money. “Just take it. Let me do it for you.” I accepted the stolen goods.

 

• I felt something was wrong with his advice.
• I also really, really wanted to fit in.
• I did not think his action was “bad” because he did not get caught.

 

Paul mentions his true friends to everyone. These people stood with him through thick and thin. In other words they went through the trouble he faced. They did this with one major caveat, their purpose was for CHRIST and furthering the Kingdom of GOD.

 

My Observations

• Misery loves company so I have to be careful not to fall into miserable company.
• Only GOD can open my eyes to when I am on the wrong path.
• My circle of friends can be for or against the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Choosing “friends” can be tricky. I mean, if I need to “fit in” I can find all sorts of people who will allow me in their world. But is that world worth it? Sometimes no. GOD’s kingdom is the only place that matters. I can make excuses and justify my actions with a group, but without GOD, all my actions are wasted.

 

GOD’s purpose should be included in my circle of friends. I don’t mean I should isolate from people who are not believers in JESUS. I mean, I should hang with those who will pray, praise and promote who GOD is. I am grateful I have met many who bow down to the Living GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions these people?
• What advice are you receiving from your circle of friends?
• Will you be a friend to someone by living your life with the purpose of GOD today?

All the News

All the News

Colossians 4: ⁷ Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. ⁸ That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. ⁹ With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

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Blurting out “Didn’t we have a great time at the club last night?” seemed inappropriate in church, but that’s what the guy asked me. I was trying to live a double or triple life. One segment I appeared to be one way another segment I appeared a different way.

 

• I tried living a segmented life.
• I wanted to “have pleasure” and “have CHRIST” and “have money” even though sometimes they conflict with one another.
• I was embarrassed that one segment of my life was exposed to another.

 

Tychicus and Onesimus were dear friends of Paul. He mentions both in other letters in the highest regard. They observed his life and were witnesses to his actions in CHRIST. Paul had given up his life to follow CHRIST fully. To him, it was more profitable to follow the LORD.

 

My Observations

• My life was given to me by the LORD for HIS purpose.
• Any part of my life that I may be ashamed of will be exposed painfully or easily.
• GOD uses my life to be an example one way or another.

 

“All the news” is scary to me. I mean, it seems like a huge amount of pressure to be “good” when I am not. Only GOD is good and I could never live up to any expectation that others may place on me by following HIM. Fortunately GOD does not require “good” people to mention HIM.

 

GOD uses sinners like me to say “I am forgiven by JESUS for all my sins, past, present and future!” By believing in JESUS, I have hope. I can now bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how much I have messed up, GOD is there. I am glad “All the news” includes JESUS forgiving me.

 

Challenge

• What news do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Do you feel you do not measure up to other people or are not meeting the expectations of those who have given their life to the LORD?
• Will you let go of your life and place the burden of perfection on the only one who is, namely JESUS today?

Pleasant and Interesting

Pleasant and Interesting

Colossians 4: ⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. ⁶ Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

 

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Smalltalk did not seem natural to me. I was at a gathering where I was the guest. I did not have any conversation starters. Then someone asked me about the “game.” I did not see that sporting event so I was at a loss for words.

 

I felt awkward.

I felt embarrassed.

I did not know what to say and I wanted out of there.

 

Paul expresses the need to be “pleasant and interesting” in terms of conversation, especially toward those who are unbelievers. This was important to “make good use of every opportunity.”

 

My Observations

GOD wants me to treat everyone as special.

Conversations with strangers can be interesting within itself.

I must be ready to answer why I believe in JESUS at all times, even with strangers.

 

Speaking with strangers is not always comfortable. I mean, trying to “be interesting” could lead to awkward interactions versus natural. I may try too hard and come across in a weird way. But adding “pleasant” to my “interest” in the person makes the conversation flow.

 

Genuine interest in the wellbeing of others reduces the awkwardness. If anyone asks about my belief, GOD will give me the right answer. I am glad GOD puts interesting people in my path.

 

Challenge

What opportunity is the writer speaking of?

How do you feel talking to strangers?

Will you become interested in others so you can be ready with the Gospel when given the “opportunity?”

Make It Clear

Make It Clear

Colossians 4: ² Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. ³ At the same time pray also for us, so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of Christ. For that is why I am now in prison. ⁴ Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear.

 

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“Why aren’t you hanging with us anymore?” was a question posed to me. We used to go out every weekend from one club to the next. But when my life changed, I sought something in life that seemed a bit more. I could not answer the question clearly.

 

• I had a sense of purpose but could not explain it well.
• I had to learn about JESUS and how to explain what I believed.
• I had done things one way for so long that I could not tell people why my life had changed.

 

Paul asks for prayer because his life had changed. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees, meaning he was a leader of leaders. He may have been wealthy being in this position and was very powerful. BUT JESUS met him and changed his life. He had to learn how to tell people about his encounter with the one true and living GOD.

 

My Observations

• It’s hard to explain why I believe in JESUS, but I do.
• Prayer is powerful and GOD will guide me to the right words.
• I need many people to pray for me to make “it” clear.

 

“It” is JESUS. I mean, making “it” clear is making JESUS clear to those who need hope and eternal life. To me, this is everyone. Unfortunately, the enemy, Satan, wants people to live blinded lives that do not ever seek HIM.

 

GOD wants HIS people to have peaceful lives full of love and abundant joy. HE also wants HIS SON known to all of mankind. HE uses imperfect people like me to say “I believe”, so others will do the same. I am glad I can have many people pray for me to make “it” clear.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s request?
• What is your purpose in life?
• Will you seek opportunities to speak “as you should” about JESUS to someone who needs hope and eternal life today?