Category: I Thessalonians

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Elections Don’t Change God

Across the country I’m sure there were some who stayed up for late night election results. But that’s really not much different from what it has been for the last few elections.

I wrote this six years ago, the day after the elections then. Somehow I think it is very appropriate for today.

Based on last night’s election some feel they don’t have much to be thankful for this morning and some are elated. Some want to dance in the streets while others feel like punching something or someone. And others may have to wait days to know the final outcome in those races that are too close to call.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to let God’s word have final say. “In everything give thanks”, it doesn’t say “for” everything give thanks but in everything.

Not thankful for the circumstance or the situation but thankful because God is STILL in control. Read these words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica.

“We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

16 Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.
19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil.

23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.” I Thessalonians 5:14-24

As long as there are imperfect men and women running for office there will be imperfect people who will win those offices. There is One who knows the beginning from the end. He is the God of peace and we are instructed to never stop praying.

Here is one more instruction from Paul to us who are believers. This is an admonition, not just for the day after election, but it should be a daily responsibility.

“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.” II Timothy 2:1-2 ERV

I love the last line of the chapter in Thessalonians.  “You can trust Him” and so I will!

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Lessons From A Barking Dog

Remember a few days back when I was relishing the quiet of my home and neighborhood? Well…last night was anything but quiet!

About midnight the dog across the street started barking. I’m sure he thought he was being helpful, protecting us from some unseen villain but he went on for over an hour.

There had to be  a good explanation. A lone coyote meandering through or possibly some javelina munching on the prickly pear we have planted in the yard. I did not feel any safer because of his duty-bound need to bark. Only annoyed!

So, this morning when I woke all I could think of was going back to sleep. Yes, I almost stayed in bed for another hour’s sleep but I would have missed out on my cherished quiet time. I knew the Lord would understand that I had been awake half the night, of course He would.

Quiet time isn’t something that God demands of me. I’m not going to be punished because I sleep in every now and then. No, not at all. Quiet time is “my” time to charge my spiritual battery before I start my day. It’s time I get to talk one-on-one with my Father and get His insight and wisdom for things that I am facing. It’s my time to pray for those I have promised I would pray and for others who have never asked me too but are on my heart and in my thoughts.

As I was putting food out for Glory and thinking I wished I was still in bed I had a Scripture come to mind.

“He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water.3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:2-3 ERV. 

That one Scripture is the one I will hold on to today. You see the word “restore”. Right at the beginning of it are these four letters  R-E-S-T. I can depend on the Lord to give me rest today. He will restore my strength. He will give me all that I need to be productive and to be an example of His strength working through me.

I’ll leave you with one more verse as I close.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

This verse doesn’t say we are supposed to give thanks for everything but in everything. My desire to chuck rocks at the neighbor’s dog last night was not a way of giving thanks. Sorry Lord.

When we are thankful we have a God perspective instead of a problem perspective.

Thank you Lord that You are bigger than the barking dogs in our lives. Thank you that You give us rest when life seems to drain us of our energy and ambition. Thank you for restoring our joy and anything else that has been siphoned off in aggravating circumstances.  Thank you!

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Everything

There are some absolutes in the Word of God that aren’t preceded by “the” but instead they use the phrase “in everything” or “always”.


“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Notice the verse doesn’t say “for everything” give thanks but “In everything” give thanks. It is always God’s will that we give thanks because there is power in praise and thanksgiving to God.

I know you’ve all heard it before but giving thanks in a bad situation is focusing on God’s deliverance and not on the circumstances.
Tell your problem how big your God is instead of telling God how big your problem is. There are no big problems to God, He can handle them all.

Daniel gave thanks in the lions den and then he laid down and went to sleep.  He was thankful that he was worthy of being persecuted for his stand for God.

Paul and Silas gave thanks by singing at midnight after they had been beaten and thrown in the prison. They praised God for who He is and that they had the privilege to proclaim the gospel.  Paul wrote these words.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6  KJV

This is the way that verse reads in another translation.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.” Philippians 4:6 ERV

To be careful means to be “full of care” or worry. Worry brings anxiety.  Jesus told the disciples that the “cares of this world” would choke out the Word of God that has been planted in their hearts.

Today I encourage you to apply an “in everything” attitude to your life. Thankful for the good, the blessings that the Lord gives and thankful that He has made you victorious over the evil.

“ We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

ALWAYS BE THANKFUL! 

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Jumping to Conclusions

Have you ever done that? Come to a conclusion without knowing the facts? Me neither!

I wish I could say that were true but it’s not. Too many times I have looked at a situation and drawn a wrong conclusion. And then I repent.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who drew the wrong conclusion. Young Joseph was a servant in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife wanted to make Joseph her newest conquest. I guess we would call her a Mrs. Robinson. When Joseph refused her advances, she framed him and he was thrown in prison.

“Joseph’s master listened to what his wife said, and he became very angry. 20 So Potiphar put Joseph into the prison where the king’s enemies were held, and that is where Joseph remained. 21 The Lord was with Joseph and continued to show his kindness to him, so the commander of the prison guards began to like Joseph.”             Genesis 39:19-21 ERV

But notice, even when he was judged wrongly the Lord continued to bless Joseph with His kindness.

A young David was also the object of wrong conclusions. His brothers thought he was being a braggadocious teenager when he said he would go out and face Goliath.

“ David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him talking with the soldiers. Eliab was angry at him and said, “What are you doing here, anyway? Who’s taking care of that little flock of sheep out in the desert? You spoiled brat! You came here just to watch the fighting, didn’t you?”      I Samuel 17:28 CEV

We all know how that turned out. The Lord used David to kill Goliath and defeat the Philistine army. Even Samuel the priest, a man of God, jumped to the wrong conclusion when he first met David.

The Lord had sent him to David’s father’s house to anoint a new king. Samuel looked over all of David’s older brothers thinking that one of them was God’s chosen. Jesse, David’s father, also came to the wrong conclusion. He didn’t even invite David to the dinner. But the Lord corrected Samuel.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.” I Samuel 16:7 ERV

There will be times when people jump to the wrong conclusion and make assumptions about who we are or how they think we should act. Our lives won’t be any different than those of Joseph and David.

It is incumbent upon us to follow the leading that the Lord has put in our hearts. Jesus gave this message to his followers early in His ministry.

“Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.

    God’s kingdom belongs to them.

11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 ERV

It’s so hard not to try and explain our actions or motives when we are misjudged much less to be happy about it. Our ultimate goal needs to be one of pleasing God and not man.

“We didn’t have any hidden motives when we won you over, and we didn’t try to fool or trick anyone. 4 God was pleased to trust us with his message. We didn’t speak to please people, but to please God who knows our motives.”  I Thessalonians 2:3-4 CEV

I go to the Psalms time and again because I find so much instruction and comfort there, especially when I am misunderstood. King David’s life was filled with people who maligned him.  Remember just a few weeks back when we talked about David and his relationship with the Lord. God said that David was a man whose heart was toward God.

That may be the reason we see these words repeated over and over in David’s writings.

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses,
    but we trust you, Lord God.
8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong
    and stand firm.” Psalm 20:6-8 CEV

One closing thought – as much as we hate to have people jump to the wrong conclusions about us, we must be on guard that we don’t fall into the same trap where others are concerned.

Father, my prayer is this. Let my words and my thoughts bring honor and glory to You. I trust You to give me the strength to stand on Your word even when no one seems to understand. Thank you for being trustworthy. Amen!

 

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The Bridegroom is Coming

Tomorrow is our daughter and son-in-law’s anniversary. I remember their wedding like it was yesterday.

(this isn’t a picture of them, by the way)

I’ve often heard it said that “this life is just a dress rehearsal for what will come”. That phrase takes on new meaning when looked at through the eyes of a bride.

The wedding rehearsal is a time to make sure that everyone knows what they are doing on the day of the wedding. Where to stand, who sits where, cue the music, walk the aisle, so many things to remember. So much preparation for one day and yet a lifetime.

We as Christians should be preparing too; preparing for a lifetime of eternity in the presence of our loving Bridegroom, Jesus. Our new life in Christ is eternal life and eternal life started when we accepted Him as our Savior. It doesn’t start when we die but it is a life of living in the power and character of Almighty God. We are to be living this out each day with the same excitement and anticipation of a bride waiting for her groom.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want. 5 Because you have these blessings, do all you can to add to your life these things: to your faith add goodness; to your goodness add knowledge; 6 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add patience; to your patience add devotion to God; 7 to your devotion add kindness toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to this kindness add love. 8 If all these things are in you and growing, you will never fail to be useful to God. You will produce the kind of fruit that should come from your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:3-7

God has provided us with everything we need to be a bride without spot or wrinkle – great and precious promises. As I see it, He has bought us the dress, prepared the venue and hired the caterers. The cake is being decorated and the flowers arranged. It’s time to give Him glory and praise for all He has done.

“ You also know we did everything for you that parents would do for their own children. 12 We begged, encouraged, and urged each of you to live in a way that would honor God. He is the one who chose you to share in his own kingdom and glory. 13 We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn’t something made up by humans. You accepted it as God’s message, and now he is working in you.” I Thessalonians 2:11-13

We have been chosen by Christ to have a new life, to enjoy the gifts and promises that the Father has provided. When I use the word chosen that doesn’t mean that some have been left out. No, God is all inclusive in His love. He has no favorites, He displays no prejudice.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

It is  by our own freewill that we either accept or reject the precious gift of eternal life that He has provided. I want to live each day in anticipation of what a life with God means. This truly is our dress rehearsal for the great and marvelous things that God has in store for us.

The bridegroom is coming!

 

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What’s Better Than Mashed Potatoes

Tomorrow we will be sitting down to an early Thanksgiving dinner. My brother and sister-in-law, my sister and niece, Dave and I along with our oldest daughter and son-in-law will be gathered at our Mother’s home for a day of celebration. I think the last time we were all together for Thanksgiving was when we were teenagers. Life has taken us to different corners of the country but this year, this year, we are celebrating together!

We have asked Mom’s neighbors and friends to join us. These are folks who have been there for her when we couldn’t be. It is such a joy to let them know how thankful we are for their love and friendship that they express so freely to Mom. True Neighbors. True Friends!

Yes, very grateful for friends and family. Isn’t that where our thoughts go when we come to the holiday season? Who and what are we most thankful for? What do we value most/what is the best gift we have ever received? What makes the holidays the most memorable?

The answer is always the same – friends and family and sharing love and laughter!

But the time around the table is never long enough. Some arrive late and others have to leave early…time is too short when you are in the presence of loved ones.

Makes me very grateful for eternity! We’ll be able to sit down to visit and there will be no need to rush! And there will be time to see everyone and share our lives and our love.

Now that’s heaven. And in the center of it all will be the Father and the Son!!

“Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died.

16 With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. 17 Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever.” I Thessalonians 4:15-17 CEV

Oh what a day that will be!

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A Penny Can Change Your Life

I heard a story of a wealthy man who was observed stopping to pick up a coin in a hotel parking lot. When this man and his companions arrived at their destination the man was asked why he, a man of wealth and influence, would stop to pick up a coin that little or no bearing on his financial situation.

The man explained, “There was a time in my life when every penny mattered. Sometimes it meant the difference in being able to afford a meal or not. But now my focus isn’t on the coin but on the message. You see, each coin is a reminder to me that I am not alone. Each coin preaches a sermon, in God we trust!

As my wealth and influence have increased I never want to become confident in my own wisdom, my own ability to conduct transactions or to find my security in my holdings. It was my faith and trust in God that brought me to this place and it will be that and that alone that will keep me here.

So whenever I see a coin I stop and pick it up. As I slide it into my pocket I remind myself to put my trust in God for that day because as I’ve learned, He is the only one who is truly worthy of my trust”.

Situations and circumstances in our homes, our communities and around the world give us pause. Some can even cause us to fear if we don’t keep our hearts focused.

Now more than ever is time to let God’s word have final say. “In everything give thanks”, not “for” everything give thanks but in everything. Not thankful for the circumstance or the situation but thankful because God is STILL in control. Read these words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica.

“We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

16 Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.

19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil.

23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.” I Thessalonians 5:14-24

I love that last line “You can trust Him”.

That story of the coin has stuck with me for the last 7 years. I remember when I heard it for the first time, May 2008. Since that time, nearly every time, when I see a coin in a parking lot or on a street, I stop to pick it up and as I slide it into my pocket I let my fingers run across the face of the coin and I repeat these words “Father, I put my trust in your today. You are faithful. I can trust You.”

So if you’re with me and you see me stop and reach down for a penny or a nickel or possibly a quarter you will know why. I need my attention off my circumstances and on the One who controls my heart – I can trust Him!

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The Smell of Sweet Perfume

Chanel – White Diamonds – Giorgio – Shalimar – perfumes! All have a wonderful odor.

Just one drop, and a room will be completely filled with fragrance. Have you ever experienced that? Just one little dab of expensive perfume on a cloth or piece of clothing will bring a wonderful bouquet to all the other clothes in your closet or drawer. Or maybe you’ve had the experience of walking past someone and you pick up on the sweet smell of perfume and it reminds you of someone you love or a place you love.

“I am grateful that God ALWAYS makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” (emphasis mine) II Corinthians 214 CEV

The Apostle Paul tells us that we should be thankful because God ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ. ALWAYS!! Not just occasionally, not just half the time but ALWAYS!

And then He helps us spread the message of Christ and His victory everywhere like a sweet perfume. We’re not the perfume, the message of Christ is. We’re simply the article that transports the aroma.

Reminds me of the woman who broke the box of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus. People were upset because she had wasted such a costly ointment but everywhere Jesus went, He left a sweet smelling fragrance and there was no denying that they had been in His presence.

“Six days before Passover Jesus went back to Bethany, where he had raised Lazarus from death. 2 A meal had been prepared for Jesus. Martha was doing the serving, and Lazarus himself was there. 3 Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house.” John 12:1-3 CEV

Are we leaving people with the ability to sense that they have been in the presence of the Lord? Talking about His victories in our lives isn’t bragging on us and our great feats; it’s simply leaving the fragrance of Christ for others to enjoy.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Be grateful, be thankful, leave a sweet smell!

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Going Through Dangerous Times

Yesterday afternoon I got to thinking about how good God is and the writing I had posted yesterday morning. The thought came up in my heart that you might think I am saying that when we live under the shadow of the Almighty that evil circumstances don’t even come our way. That’s not it at all! God’s hand of protection keeps us from some things and guides us through others. We’ll never know how many times we were spared from certain situations and that’s a testimony to God’s protection but when we do go through situations and recognize that God is bringing us through victoriously that too is a testimony.

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won’t come near you.
8 Only keep your eyes open, and you will see how the wicked are punished.” Psalm 91:7-8 CJB

David had faced many battles. He had faced the Philistines when he was just a young man. Then as he grew older he faced many enemies and was engaged in hand to hand combat. He knew about enemies falling at his side. He even had King Saul pursuing him through the desert; Saul was jealous of David and even though David destroyed Goliath, Saul was set on killing David himself. Time and time again, David saw the Lord deliver him.

The Bible is filled with examples of those who followed the Lord, depended on His protection and were saved. First example would be Noah. He preached repentance the whole time he was building the ark but no one repented – only he and his family were saved.

Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abindego, Rahab, Esther, Peter, Paul, John and Jesus – now these are some folks with testimonies of God’s protection and power. Their stories are to be examples for us. Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in the church at Thessalonica

“We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn’t something made up by humans. You accepted it as God’s message, and now he is working in you.”

I Thessalonians 2:13 CEV

It’s important that we recognize and receive God’s word as exactly that – God’s word. There is no higher authority – there is no error. It is truth!

Jesus said that in the last days men’s hearts would fail them for fear. We are seeing so many things around us that can cause us to be fearful and anxious but when we look to God’s Word we find protection, peace, joy, hope – we find the God and Father of our salvation!

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