Category: I Thessalonians

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Stay on Course

Recently we watched “Kon Tiki”. It’s a movie about the “real life” of Thor Heyerdahl and his crew who sailed from Peru across the Pacific to the Polynesian Islands in 1947 on a balsa wood raft. It was a 4300 mile trip and took over one hundred days. The courage of Heyerdahl and his crew is matched only by their determination. It’s definitely a “must” watch.

The raft’s only means of propulsion was its sail and the ocean’s currents and a rudder were its means of navigation. The rudder helped them hold their course as the current and the trade winds moved them on their journey. I was captivated by their story, after all, Heyerdahl is Norwegian and so am I.

The rudder – a long wooden pole with a flat piece of wood tied to the end of it – was the only thing they had to steer them through the waters. It would have been disastrous to have lost it.

We also need a rudder to stay on course and the Bible tells us what that rudder is.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body. 3 By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. 4 It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. 5 Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.” James 3:2-5a CEV

Our tongue, the words that we speak, are our rudder in life. The things we say to ourselves and the things we say to others will set our course in all our relationships. One of the best examples of controlling life’s circumstances with words comes from the life of Job. Job had lost all of his children, his animals and his crops. Physically he was suffering and this was his wife’s advice:

“Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Job 2:8-10 NLT

Job kept his words pure; they were his life’s rudder. He knew if he began complaining about the way things were going, he would lose the only thing he had left, his faith. He had faith that God would vindicate him and He did!

King David said this: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NLT

Jesus said this: “I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 CEV

And the Apostle Paul said this: “and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:17-18 CEV

We don’t need to give thanks for the troubles we face but, like Job, we keep our focus on the One who will bring us through the troubles and stay with us in the troubles to keep us in His loving care.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

When God’s words become our words they are a powerful rudder that will keep our lives on the right course, a course filled with gentleness, kindness, sincerity and peace.

Stay on course!

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National Day of Prayer

Today, the first Thursday in May, was designated as a National Day of Prayer by President Reagan in 1988. However, President Harry Truman signed a bill into law which established a National Day of Prayer in 1952.

Since the early days of our country prayer has been the backbone of strength for our leaders. Benjamin Franklin asked then President George Washington to open each day with prayer seeking God’s guidance. President Abraham Lincoln called the nation to prayer during the Civil War and declared a day of Thanksgiving. Down through our history presidents have asked the citizens of our nation to pray.

The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction:

“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. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior. 4 God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 ERV

We should begin each day praying for our President, The Congress, our Supreme Court, and the State and Local governments. We should pray that they represent us with honesty and integrity, that their actions are directed by Almighty God. We should also pray that those who ignore the Lord’s leading are convicted of their ways and repent or are removed from office.

And we should pray that our hearts are pure. We need to be citizens who love God, our country and work to preserve and protect it.

“if My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open. And My ears will hear the prayer that is made in this place.” II Chronicles 7:14-15 ERV

God’s heart has always been open to the prayers of His people. He calls us to pray so that our land and our hearts will be healed.

I ask you to join me today in prayer for our nation and our fellow citizens. Each time we see a flag today, let’s whisper a prayer. Let’s pray for wisdom, strength, actions of justice and honor. Let’s pray for humble hearts, in all of us. Hearts of repentance. Pray for healing.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, the name above every name, we pray for our nation and our leaders this day. Let our President and members of Congress, Governors and Justices be men and women of honesty and integrity. Let them turn to You for guidance in the laws and judgements they make. Let them work together to preserve our nation and not destroy it. Let them work together for the good of this country; laying aside partisan issues and truly be a leadership that is by the people, of the people and for the people. Father, forgive us for our grumbling and complaining instead of praying and encouraging those in leadership. We repent and humbly ask that You heal our land. Your word says if we will call You will answer; if we ask we will receive. So we thank You now for hearing our prayers – cleansing our hearts and healing our land. May You receive glory for who You are. Amen and Amen.”

The Bible tells us when we ask the Father for something in Jesus name, it is done by our Father in heaven. I truly believe that God heard that prayer and that He is working on our behalf.

One other Scripture I would like to share in closing comes from a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Thessalonica.

“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Let’s never stop praying and giving thanks for all that God has blessed us with. Having this perspective fills us with joy!

Praise God for this nation we live in. In spite of her shortcomings she is still the best nation on earth.

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Not Without Hope

Today we will attend the memorial service of a long time friend. Don was a wonderful man. He had a generous heart and he never met a stranger. He loved the Lord and was committed to telling people how much Jesus loved them. His wife is a dear lady with the same love of Jesus and together they shared their faith by singing country gospel music.

As Christians, when we lose a friend or loved one to death it’s only a brief separation. We have God’s promise that we will see them again once we get to heaven.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the One Who raises the dead and gives them life. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will live again, even if he dies. 26 Anyone who lives and has put his trust in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NLV

It’s hard to say good bye because our hearts are wanting to keep that person close. We don’t want to lose that touch of a hug or the sound of their voice. But for them, death is like standing in a doorway. At one moment they are on this side and then with one step they cross over to the heavenly side. Although life on earth ceases, as Jesus said, they never die. They simply walk into life in heaven.

In heaven there is no sorrow, no tears, no pain! What a glorious thought.

We have hope – hope of heaven, hope of the Lord’s return, hope of eternal life.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLV

We grieve certainly but not like those who have no hope! We put our hope in God and in Him we find comfort, joy and peace.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

Thank you Father for filling us with hope!

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It’s Important to Cuddle

We knew our kids would be heading home right after lunch yesterday. We visited and played for most of the morning and then it was time to gather things up and start moving them out to the car.

I was putting out lunch in the kitchen, the little ones were playing, Kaci was packing and Stephen was loading out. Kristine was doing fine until her Daddy carried out her shoes. She followed him to the door but she had to stay inside. Her Daddy was gone and so were her shoes.

Kaci picked her up and put her in the high chair so she could eat before they left. Brother Sam was already eating. She wanted nothing to do with that, she just kept looking at the door and then the tears started to fall. It’s hard to imagine what might have been going through her little mind – I’m tired and I just want a nap; are they going to leave me; why can’t I go outside too.

I lifted her out of her high chair and began to rub her back. She started to calm down and cuddle in. I held her as her Momma and Daddy sat down to eat their lunch with brother. She snuggled in more as I sat down and then she fell fast asleep.

This scene replayed in my head this morning. And then I read this verse as part of my morning reading.

“You know that we treated each one of you the way a father treats his own children. 12 We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we told you to live good lives for God. He calls you to be part of his glorious kingdom.” I Thessalonians 2:11-12 ERV

We could almost replace that word “comforted” with the word cuddled. Paul had learned from the Lord the importance of comforting and encouraging. That’s what the Father does for us – He doesn’t abandon or desert us. When we feel vulnerable He is there to lift us up and give us peace.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Maybe you need a good cuddle today, come boldly to God’s throne. He’ll pick you up and provide peace. Or maybe there is someone you’ll encounter today who is having a rough go of it; God might use you to act in a “fatherly” way to bring them comfort and encouragement.

Just remember, sometimes we could all use a good cuddle!

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Proper Focus

About two weeks ago I ordered new glasses. I didn’t think much about it because the optometrist told me my prescription hadn’t really changed. Only a slight difference, he said. I got the new specs on Thursday and I am still adjusting to the clarity I have now. It has certainly been surprising what a small change can do.

A small change in our spiritual sight can bring about big changes too. God’s word has a way of helping us bring things into proper focus.

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good!! End of sentence, end of paragraph, end of story! To keep our peace and our joy we MUST keep our focus – God is good.

“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.” I Thessalonians 5:17- 19 ERV

Let’s focus on the verses above. It took me a while to understand them. Growing up I would hear verses like this and they would be followed with a comment like “we just never know what God’s going to do so we have to be thankful for whatever it comes our way”.

No!

No, I don’t have to be thankful for the things that our enemy, Satan, sends to destroy me. I don’t have to be thankful for murder, devastation, corruption, health crises or relationships that implode.

But… I do need to be thankful that no matter what comes, I have Jesus in my life and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can be thankful because this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I can and will be thankful because Jesus said, in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Focus Kristi, focus.

When my life is in Christ Jesus, it doesn’t matter what comes my way, I can give thanks knowing that I won’t be going through it alone. God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide me through victoriously. Yes! I can be thankful and I can be at peace because my mind is stayed or focused on Him and on the truth that He is good!

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

It’s Monday morning – choose to give thanks and keep your heart focused on God and His goodness.

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And All Was Silent

I got up earlier than normal this morning. I checked on the grandkids; gave hugs and kisses, said another round of prayers and restarted the “white noise” station on Pandora. 

Everyone was cuddled in and I came to the living room to read and have my prayer time. The house was, and still is, silent. I love this time when the world, my home, is blanketed with stillness…

I had thoughts of laying down on the couch and going back to sleep. It was so peaceful but all I could think of was God – how great is His love, how vast is His goodness, how personal are His thoughts toward me. (deep sigh) So, I leaned back and snuggled into His presence. I felt dwarfed by the quiet but was completely comfortable in my awareness of the Father’s companionship. 

Quiet.

That’s what I experience in His presence – quiet. I began to search the Scriptures for verses on “quiet”. What I found was  quiet is equated with lack of conflict, turmoil or war. 

“But you have a son who is a man of peace. I will give your son a time of peace. His enemies around him will not bother him. His name is Solomon. And I will give Israel peace and quiet during the time that he is king. 10 Solomon will build a temple for my name. He will be my son, and I will be his Father. I will make his kingdom strong, and someone from his family will rule Israel forever!’” I Chronicles 22:9-10 ERV

“But he who listens to me will live free from danger, and he will rest easy from the fear of what is sinful.” Proverbs 1:33 NLV    or

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 NKJV

“The work of being right and good will give peace. From the right and good work will come quiet trust forever. 18 Then my people will live in a place of peace, in safe homes, and in quiet resting places. ” Isaiah 32:17-18 NLV

And one more…

“Do your best to live a quiet life. Learn to do your own work well. We told you about this before. 12 By doing this, you will be respected by those who are not Christians. Then you will not be in need and others will not have to help you.” I Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLV

Praise God for the quiet. In the quietness there is rest for the soul…

And then there was the abrupt intrusion into this time of silence, the coffee pot beeped to let me know that it was going to automatically shut off. I had to chuckle. 

There could only be one carol that I would share with you while I’m enjoying this silence. It’s one everyone knows but I hope you will take the time to read all the words.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

[Verse 2]
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

[Verse 3]
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

The Father speaks to us in the quiet. If we listen, we can hear His words of love and grace and His word will free us from turmoil and unrest.

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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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