2 Thessalonians 2-Part 1
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2 Thess. 2:1-2
LET IT GLOW
Have you ever experienced an earthquake? I'm sure our friends in California and Japan could tells us a few things- how they felt, the insecurity, the results of things moving and falling down due to the ground shaking. Because of modern tv, we have seen its power displayed, resulting in bridges colapsing, buildings tumbling down, homes flattened. Such a display of power. Personally, I have only experienced two light ones. Years ago, during my first earthquake, my glasses in the kitchen shook, since we lived in a second floor apartment. The second one was only last year. I didn't feel any shaking, but there was a loud boom afterwards. Earthquakes can be devistating. I think they cause a fear because the ground under one is not secure. It's shaky ground. Shall we see what Paul has to say about being shaken?
In the first verse, Paul is trying to correct a misunderstanding about the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. The Thessalonians had not missed out on the Rapture. As he said in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, all believers will be taken from this earth, alive and dead, to heaven in the twinkling of an eye. They had the impression that the Day of the Lord events had already started. It simply wasn't true. Paul was trying to clear up a rumor that had spread.
We haven't missed the Second Coming either. Everyone will know when it happens. From all over the world, all people will see our Jesus. It won't be a secret.
LET IT GROW
In verse 2, Paul uses the verb shaken, which means in the original language, is a sudden action rather than a continuous one. It's a verb that is often used to mean a literal shaking, especially of a violent nature, as produced by a wind, wave, or earthquake.
Who hasn't seen the results of tornadoes (Joplin, Missouri resently), waves (sunomi in Indonesia), earthquakes (Japan), tidal wave of New Orleans, and hurricanes in the tropics.
Paul didn't want the Thessalonians to be troubled, disturbed, which is in the present tense, denotes a continuing state of worry and fear, as might be caused by continuing aftershocks. I understand that the aftershocks of an earthquake can be worse than the earthquake itself.
[Resource: Steadfast Christianity by Charles Swindoll]
So I think Paul clarified this matter. He didn't make the accusation that the Thessalonians had missed the Rapture.
Is my faith shaken up when these things happen around the world? Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:11 warn us about things to come. In fact, the whole chapter 13 of Mark gives a good outline of expected happenings.
LET IT GO
Don't allow my faith in Jesus to be shakened or done away with.
Trust Him to do all He has said He will do.
Pray for mercy for the lost.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Glorious Sunrise
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 7
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 1:12
LET IT GLOW
Here is Paul, writing a prayer for his brethren, the Thessalonians, beginning in verse 11.
As a Christian, a saint, I am now glorified in Jesus as my head. I am being raised to sit together with Him in heavenly places. Through His blood covering my sins, wearing His robe of Righteousness, I can enter the Throne Room of the Most High God and lay my petitions at His feet, converse with Him. How humbling it is to think such a powerful God would take time to listen to me, would even pay me attention. And then, He is building me a mansion in His kingdom. Yes indeed, what a glorious Lord we have!
Isaiah 28:5 states, "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people."
Here are some comments I found concerning verse 12:
When it's all said and done, just give me Jesus.
LET IT GROW
It was 6 am this morning, when I began my usual routine-take a pill with water an hour before eating and pull back my kitchen curtain to see what the new day had in store outside. Ahh, another quiet Saturday morning in summer. There's nothing like it. (Late sleepers, you miss out on so much.) Then it happened, I caught a glimpse of the sun's rays shining. So I took two steps to the left, pulled the curtian back further, and saw this glorious sunrise. It was so radiant in the midst of a deep blue sky, with a few clouds sourrounding it. Glory to the Lord on high! God of Wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy! I stood there absorbing the magnificance of God's creation, feeling His presence. Do I thank Him for the clouds and sunshine in my life?
How many times do I allow my vision of the Lord's working to be blocked by clouds in my life?
Then I walked to my computer room, opened my Bible, and read our key verse again. This morning's sight was for me. Christ Jesus brought me out of my spiritual darkness and into His marvelous light. Oh yes, there are times that clouds of affliction surround me; times that persecution darkens my vision. But they are only minute in comparisond to Paul's sufferings. They are trying to hide the Son, but He comes through, giving me a ray of hope, shining in my life. He is Sovereign and in control.
In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Is my Lord Jesus shining through me?
Do others see my good works and glorify Him instead of me?
Here's that s-word again.
Do you recall that Paul used the phrase "the Lord Jesus" three times in each chapter? Did you find them in chapter 1? I found it in verses 1, 7, and 12. How about you?
LET IT GO
Allow God's grace to increase my faith.
Let His light shine through me.
Give Jesus the glory for all and in all things.
Pray for God's will to be done in my life and the life of others.
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 1:12
LET IT GLOW
Here is Paul, writing a prayer for his brethren, the Thessalonians, beginning in verse 11.
As a Christian, a saint, I am now glorified in Jesus as my head. I am being raised to sit together with Him in heavenly places. Through His blood covering my sins, wearing His robe of Righteousness, I can enter the Throne Room of the Most High God and lay my petitions at His feet, converse with Him. How humbling it is to think such a powerful God would take time to listen to me, would even pay me attention. And then, He is building me a mansion in His kingdom. Yes indeed, what a glorious Lord we have!
Isaiah 28:5 states, "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people."
Here are some comments I found concerning verse 12:
- The wonderful glory of Christ shall shine in them (Thessalonians). The love and power of our Lord may be glorified-gloriously desplayed in you. (John Wesley Explanatory Notes)
- May my life show His virtues and His glorious excellence; that I may be adorned with the graces of His Spirit, as He's glorified by my salvation from all sin. (Adam Clarke Commentary)
- Grace is used of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, increases them in Christian faith. (Thayer's Lexicon)
- It's His grace, merciful kindness, blessed Spirit, that sanctifies, elects, redeems, calls, justifies, pardon, adopts me, not my works. (The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible)
- The worthy walk of verse 11 allows God to be glorified in us, the light of all purposes (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)
- For the believer, the ultimate goal in life is to glorify God. Effective intercessory prayer is not necessarily praying for relief for the afflicted or even for removal of the affliction. It is praying purposefully in light of a kingdom perspective. Read the kingdom into someone's situation, then reflect on the development of their faith, remembering the ultimate goal of glorifying God. (Contagious Christianity by Charles Swindoll)
When it's all said and done, just give me Jesus.
LET IT GROW
It was 6 am this morning, when I began my usual routine-take a pill with water an hour before eating and pull back my kitchen curtain to see what the new day had in store outside. Ahh, another quiet Saturday morning in summer. There's nothing like it. (Late sleepers, you miss out on so much.) Then it happened, I caught a glimpse of the sun's rays shining. So I took two steps to the left, pulled the curtian back further, and saw this glorious sunrise. It was so radiant in the midst of a deep blue sky, with a few clouds sourrounding it. Glory to the Lord on high! God of Wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy! I stood there absorbing the magnificance of God's creation, feeling His presence. Do I thank Him for the clouds and sunshine in my life?
How many times do I allow my vision of the Lord's working to be blocked by clouds in my life?
Then I walked to my computer room, opened my Bible, and read our key verse again. This morning's sight was for me. Christ Jesus brought me out of my spiritual darkness and into His marvelous light. Oh yes, there are times that clouds of affliction surround me; times that persecution darkens my vision. But they are only minute in comparisond to Paul's sufferings. They are trying to hide the Son, but He comes through, giving me a ray of hope, shining in my life. He is Sovereign and in control.
In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Is my Lord Jesus shining through me?
Do others see my good works and glorify Him instead of me?
Here's that s-word again.
Do you recall that Paul used the phrase "the Lord Jesus" three times in each chapter? Did you find them in chapter 1? I found it in verses 1, 7, and 12. How about you?
LET IT GO
Allow God's grace to increase my faith.
Let His light shine through me.
Give Jesus the glory for all and in all things.
Pray for God's will to be done in my life and the life of others.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pulling Weeds
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 6
To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. 2 Thess. 1:11
LET IT GLOW
This week I was pulling weeds and tall grass by my mailbox. I only got half of it done when it started to get dark. I planned on finishing the rest of it the following day. However, my hip joint and bottom muscles were so sore from all that bending over, I couldn't do it. (I sure didn't get on the treadmill either.) And two days later, I am still sore. My hubby used to tell me concerning exercise, "No pain, no gain." Well that wasn't meant to be exercise and I definitely didn't want to suffer any pain for my deed. What I want didn't make any difference. At least I can see the result of my work as I sit on the front porch swing, enjoying a cold glass of water. But that is only a small suffering in comparison to those persecutions and afflictions which I have endured for the Lord. In my mind, they lasted a lot longer and the hurt was deeper. What does God use to pull the weeds out of my life? Has He been weeding out anything in your life lately?
Do I resolve to do goodness in spite of my circumstances?
Camelot's King Arthur did after he learned that his wife, Guinevere, and his best friend, Sir Lancelot, had an affair. Swindoll quoted the king, "We shall live through this together, Excalibur: They, you and I! And God have mercy on us all." [form Idylls and Camelot by Knee]
Eventually, I'll get back to finish pulling the rest of those weeds by my mailbox. It may be a while. In the meantime, I will survive any sufferings, physically and spiritually. My God is with me.
LET IT GROW
According to Charles Swindoll in his book, Contagious Christianity, Paul prayed for three specific things in this verse for the Thessalonians:
(1) that God may count you worthy of your calling,
This is reminiscent of verse 5. Paul doesn't ask God to remove the source of their suffering; he asks that
they might live and act in such a way as to be considered worthy of their high calling-which is "not only to
believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29). Suffering is part of the kingdom life. Read "the
kingdom" into the situations of others. (These Thessalonians were going through persecution and affliction.)
(2) that He may "fulfill every desire for goodness,"
The word desire could be be rendered "resolve." This part of the prayer addresses the Thessalonians'
attitudes in the midst of their suffering. The term goodness is closely akin to "generouity," describing one
who is openhanded and openhearted. When suffering strikes, it's easy to become clench-fisted and
resentful, even bitter. However, the Thessalonian believers resolved to emerge from this siege of suffering
full of goodness, with a generous spirit.
(3) that "the work of faith with power" may be completed.
This request has to do with the Thessalonians' walk of faith. He prayed that their faith would reach fruition
in a harvest of good works (1 Thess. 1:3). He now prays that their suffering doesn't impede that work,
doesn't stop it or cut it short, but rather fulfills it with power.
Paul asks boldly that God see them as worthy of the kingdom's calling. He asks that they realize their resolve to develop the character quality of goodness, and he asks that their walk of faith be strengthened by the hard times they are going through. God wants to deepen our character, to see us through, and to say that the testing did its full work.
Is my pain developing faith?
David Guzik said, "We live worthy of His call when we fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, living lives touched by His goodness, and displaying His goodness. We live worthy of His call when we fulfill the work of faith with power, believing on Jesus and seeing His work done all around us by faith."
Do I allow the Holy Spirit to give me power to keep on living by faith?
LET IT GO
Stay faithful to the Lord during problems.
Let my life be pleasing to Him.
Allow His Spirit to empower me for the work of faith.
To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. 2 Thess. 1:11
LET IT GLOW
This week I was pulling weeds and tall grass by my mailbox. I only got half of it done when it started to get dark. I planned on finishing the rest of it the following day. However, my hip joint and bottom muscles were so sore from all that bending over, I couldn't do it. (I sure didn't get on the treadmill either.) And two days later, I am still sore. My hubby used to tell me concerning exercise, "No pain, no gain." Well that wasn't meant to be exercise and I definitely didn't want to suffer any pain for my deed. What I want didn't make any difference. At least I can see the result of my work as I sit on the front porch swing, enjoying a cold glass of water. But that is only a small suffering in comparison to those persecutions and afflictions which I have endured for the Lord. In my mind, they lasted a lot longer and the hurt was deeper. What does God use to pull the weeds out of my life? Has He been weeding out anything in your life lately?
Do I resolve to do goodness in spite of my circumstances?
Camelot's King Arthur did after he learned that his wife, Guinevere, and his best friend, Sir Lancelot, had an affair. Swindoll quoted the king, "We shall live through this together, Excalibur: They, you and I! And God have mercy on us all." [form Idylls and Camelot by Knee]
Eventually, I'll get back to finish pulling the rest of those weeds by my mailbox. It may be a while. In the meantime, I will survive any sufferings, physically and spiritually. My God is with me.
LET IT GROW
According to Charles Swindoll in his book, Contagious Christianity, Paul prayed for three specific things in this verse for the Thessalonians:
(1) that God may count you worthy of your calling,
This is reminiscent of verse 5. Paul doesn't ask God to remove the source of their suffering; he asks that
they might live and act in such a way as to be considered worthy of their high calling-which is "not only to
believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29). Suffering is part of the kingdom life. Read "the
kingdom" into the situations of others. (These Thessalonians were going through persecution and affliction.)
(2) that He may "fulfill every desire for goodness,"
The word desire could be be rendered "resolve." This part of the prayer addresses the Thessalonians'
attitudes in the midst of their suffering. The term goodness is closely akin to "generouity," describing one
who is openhanded and openhearted. When suffering strikes, it's easy to become clench-fisted and
resentful, even bitter. However, the Thessalonian believers resolved to emerge from this siege of suffering
full of goodness, with a generous spirit.
(3) that "the work of faith with power" may be completed.
This request has to do with the Thessalonians' walk of faith. He prayed that their faith would reach fruition
in a harvest of good works (1 Thess. 1:3). He now prays that their suffering doesn't impede that work,
doesn't stop it or cut it short, but rather fulfills it with power.
Paul asks boldly that God see them as worthy of the kingdom's calling. He asks that they realize their resolve to develop the character quality of goodness, and he asks that their walk of faith be strengthened by the hard times they are going through. God wants to deepen our character, to see us through, and to say that the testing did its full work.
Is my pain developing faith?
David Guzik said, "We live worthy of His call when we fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, living lives touched by His goodness, and displaying His goodness. We live worthy of His call when we fulfill the work of faith with power, believing on Jesus and seeing His work done all around us by faith."
Do I allow the Holy Spirit to give me power to keep on living by faith?
LET IT GO
Stay faithful to the Lord during problems.
Let my life be pleasing to Him.
Allow His Spirit to empower me for the work of faith.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Earnestly Praying
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 5
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.
2 Thess. 1:11
LET IT GLOW
Did you hear what Paul said? He told the Thessalonians that his missionary team is always praying for them. This is quite a common thing. We have touched on prayer several times in our study. Not only do I pray before getting out of bed, but I pray while on the treadmill, during Bible study, and other times. How serious am I about interceeding for someone? Am I earnestly praying for someone today? I have seen the Lord answer my prayers, so why don't I?
What is prayer?
"Through prayer we become co-laborers with God in bringing His will to pass," states Charles Swindoll in
Contagious Christianity.
"Prayer is as natural as breathing, as necessary as oxygen," said edith Schaeffer in her book Common Sense Christian Living.
"More things are wrought by prayer/Than this world dreams of," King Arthur said in Tennyson's Idylls of the King.
Here's what Swindoll had to say in this same study book:
Prayer is making deliberate contact with God in word or in thought. It's a voice of faith, whose whisper can be felt across the street or across the world. It is what pries us from our seats as spectators and places us as participants with God in matters of destiny. Through spending time in His presence, His thoughts gradually become our thoughts and His ways, our ways. Through prayer we become transformed.
A prayer expresses itself in many ways:
LET IT GROW
Swindoll said that intercession occurs when we "labor earnestly" in prayer for others.
At the root of this Greek word agonizomai is the English transliteration "agony."
Webster's Dictionary defines agony as an extreme and prolonged mental or bodily pain; prolong is extended in time or length; earnestly is sincerely and seriously.
Oh my. Are my prayers for others long, agonizing prayers, in which I labor earnestly, sincerely, and seriously? To be honest, they aren't. I thought by praying daily for someone was enough. Like Paul, will I always pray for my spouse, children, family, friends, church members, co-workers, missionaries, government leaders in this way? Not just a "bless and protect" prayer, but an intercessory prayer with details?
Tomorrow we will see how Paul says we can live worthy of His call.
LET IT GO
Prasie the Lord, give thanks for what He does, confess my sins.
Let go of my agenda for the day and spend time in agonizing prayer for loved ones and the lost.
Believe that God will hear my prayers and will answer in His time and His way.
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.
2 Thess. 1:11
LET IT GLOW
Did you hear what Paul said? He told the Thessalonians that his missionary team is always praying for them. This is quite a common thing. We have touched on prayer several times in our study. Not only do I pray before getting out of bed, but I pray while on the treadmill, during Bible study, and other times. How serious am I about interceeding for someone? Am I earnestly praying for someone today? I have seen the Lord answer my prayers, so why don't I?
What is prayer?
"Through prayer we become co-laborers with God in bringing His will to pass," states Charles Swindoll in
Contagious Christianity.
"Prayer is as natural as breathing, as necessary as oxygen," said edith Schaeffer in her book Common Sense Christian Living.
"More things are wrought by prayer/Than this world dreams of," King Arthur said in Tennyson's Idylls of the King.
Here's what Swindoll had to say in this same study book:
Prayer is making deliberate contact with God in word or in thought. It's a voice of faith, whose whisper can be felt across the street or across the world. It is what pries us from our seats as spectators and places us as participants with God in matters of destiny. Through spending time in His presence, His thoughts gradually become our thoughts and His ways, our ways. Through prayer we become transformed.
A prayer expresses itself in many ways:
- as an act of praise,
- a confession of wrong,
- a request for help,
- a declaration of need,
- a statement of thanks,
- an intercession for others,
- drawing near to God with confidence (Heb. 4:16);
- asking, seeking, and knocking (Matt. 7:7-8);
- releasing anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7)
- gaining wisdom by asking for it (James 1:5);
- the discipline of mind that is always appropriate for our needs (Eph. 6:18);
- an invaluable discipline that we are commanded to do (pray without ceasing 1Thess. 5:17);
- a preoccupation with the Lord-to live with Christ in such a way that you can talk with Him or listen with Him at any moment.
LET IT GROW
Swindoll said that intercession occurs when we "labor earnestly" in prayer for others.
At the root of this Greek word agonizomai is the English transliteration "agony."
Webster's Dictionary defines agony as an extreme and prolonged mental or bodily pain; prolong is extended in time or length; earnestly is sincerely and seriously.
Oh my. Are my prayers for others long, agonizing prayers, in which I labor earnestly, sincerely, and seriously? To be honest, they aren't. I thought by praying daily for someone was enough. Like Paul, will I always pray for my spouse, children, family, friends, church members, co-workers, missionaries, government leaders in this way? Not just a "bless and protect" prayer, but an intercessory prayer with details?
Tomorrow we will see how Paul says we can live worthy of His call.
LET IT GO
Prasie the Lord, give thanks for what He does, confess my sins.
Let go of my agenda for the day and spend time in agonizing prayer for loved ones and the lost.
Believe that God will hear my prayers and will answer in His time and His way.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Rest
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 4
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 2 Thess. 1:7-10
LET IT GLOW
What helps you to rest? Is it a vacation away from the stress of work or circumstances? Is it a recreational activity? Is it involvement in a hobby? Is it going to see a movie? I think I can say yes to all these solutions. Anything that will take my mind off the hurtful words said to me, honery deeds done to me, disappointments, aggrivations-you name it. The problem is getting rest for my mind. I can rest my body, but my mind plays the drama over and over again. What did I do to cause this to happen to me? What do I do now to resolve this problem or change this situation? Unfortunate for those around me, I talk about it repeatedly. My conclusion is, that is how I process something. I mull it over in my mind, as the old timers used to say. It's not that the logical thing to do is hard to figure out, it's that my feelings get in the way. Someone or something hurt my feelings. Are you with me? So I have to put "me" aside and let the Lord speak to me about this thing bothering me. Then I have to let Him handle it.
Paul said that to us who are troubled, rest with them. He was a fellow sufferer for the just cause of Christ.
"In the first century, many Jewish leaders hated Christians because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and believed a crucified Savior was an offense. Many Romans hated Christians because they considered them "atheists," because they would not worship the national gods of Rome. The Thessalonian Christians were persecuted and had tribulation, and God used it for His glory. But the time of persecution would not last. A day of rest is promised for every believer, " stated David Guzik.
Well now, if my troubles are due to my following the Word or my doing a right thing, then it is to be expected that I will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
John 14:1 records Jesus saying, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
Then I shall praise the Lord that I am counted worthy of suffering for Him. so where do I find rest or relief? It should be in the Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. (There's that s-word.) Do I seek rest from Him and not from the things of this world? Ouch!
LET IT GROW
Although the original Greek doesn't use punctuation, I couldn't stop at verse 7, but had to continue reading to verse 10 where our Scripture has a period ending these thoughts. Here we see the judgment and vengenance on those who don't know God and those who disobey Jesus.
"Not ' knowing' God may be an extension of the Old Testament idiom of not loving God or serving Him rather than a simple lack of knowledge," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Anyway, the thing is, these people will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. (verse 9 NLT)
This speaks of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Retribution is not dealt out because of persecuting Christians, but because they did not obey God's command to believe and call upon the name of the Lord to be saved from their sin. Salvation is never obtained by works but always by placing one's faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Christ's great glory is displayed, the result will be rest and relief for believers and the privilege of sharing His glory. (John 17:3; Romans 10:9-13,17; Eph. 2:8-10; 1John 3:2)
Am I helping others get ready?
LET IT GO
Rest my mind knowing that God is in charge of all things.
Help others get ready for the Day of the Lord.
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 2 Thess. 1:7-10
LET IT GLOW
What helps you to rest? Is it a vacation away from the stress of work or circumstances? Is it a recreational activity? Is it involvement in a hobby? Is it going to see a movie? I think I can say yes to all these solutions. Anything that will take my mind off the hurtful words said to me, honery deeds done to me, disappointments, aggrivations-you name it. The problem is getting rest for my mind. I can rest my body, but my mind plays the drama over and over again. What did I do to cause this to happen to me? What do I do now to resolve this problem or change this situation? Unfortunate for those around me, I talk about it repeatedly. My conclusion is, that is how I process something. I mull it over in my mind, as the old timers used to say. It's not that the logical thing to do is hard to figure out, it's that my feelings get in the way. Someone or something hurt my feelings. Are you with me? So I have to put "me" aside and let the Lord speak to me about this thing bothering me. Then I have to let Him handle it.
Paul said that to us who are troubled, rest with them. He was a fellow sufferer for the just cause of Christ.
"In the first century, many Jewish leaders hated Christians because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and believed a crucified Savior was an offense. Many Romans hated Christians because they considered them "atheists," because they would not worship the national gods of Rome. The Thessalonian Christians were persecuted and had tribulation, and God used it for His glory. But the time of persecution would not last. A day of rest is promised for every believer, " stated David Guzik.
Well now, if my troubles are due to my following the Word or my doing a right thing, then it is to be expected that I will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
John 14:1 records Jesus saying, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
Then I shall praise the Lord that I am counted worthy of suffering for Him. so where do I find rest or relief? It should be in the Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. (There's that s-word.) Do I seek rest from Him and not from the things of this world? Ouch!
LET IT GROW
Although the original Greek doesn't use punctuation, I couldn't stop at verse 7, but had to continue reading to verse 10 where our Scripture has a period ending these thoughts. Here we see the judgment and vengenance on those who don't know God and those who disobey Jesus.
"Not ' knowing' God may be an extension of the Old Testament idiom of not loving God or serving Him rather than a simple lack of knowledge," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Anyway, the thing is, these people will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. (verse 9 NLT)
The MacArthur Bible Commentary says:
Am I helping others get ready?
LET IT GO
Rest my mind knowing that God is in charge of all things.
Help others get ready for the Day of the Lord.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Stained Paper Towels
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 3
And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
2 Thess. 1:5-6 NLT
LET IT GLOW
Last night I made some blackberry jelly from the berries which I had picked last summer. A couple nights ago, I cooked them, pressed the juice out, and strained the seeds, in preparation for the jelly making process. After the stirring the sugar and Sure Jell in the juice for 45 minutes, and boiling it, the jelly was ready to pour into jars. Before putting the lids on top of the jars to preserve them, I wiped each one with a paper towel. Because of spills and dribbles down the sides, there were purple stains on the paper towels. Looking back on this, it reminds me of how my life is stained with sin. Even though I've been a Christian for 40 years now, I still sin and I am in need of cleansing and forgiveness daily from the Lord Jesus.
Isaiah 64:6a says, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Yes, sin in my heart is like the purple splotches of blackberry jelly on the paper towel. But after confession, Jesus cleanses me like a new, clean paper towel.
This is what makes me worthy for the Kingdom of God, His forgiveness and cleansing of my soul. It's the helmet of salvation that Jesus provided for me. It's the breastplate of righteousness with which He freely covers me.
There's another thing that makes me worthy of the Kingdom of God-persecution and tribulation. Paul said it in verse 5.
The Thessalonian believers were not self-centered, but concentrated on God's kingdom. Their focus was not on personal comfort, fulfillment, and happiness, but on the glory of God and the fulfillment of His purposes. They were not murmuring about the injustice of their persecutions. Rather, they were patiently enduring the sufferings they did not deserve (verse 4). This very attitude was "manifested evidence" or positive proof that God's wise process of purging, purifying, and perfecting through suffering was working to make His beloved people worthy of the kingdom by being perfected (James 1:2-4). For believers, afflictions are to be expected as they live and develop Christian character in a satanic world. Suffering is not to be thought of as evidence that God has forsaken them, but evidence that He is with them, perfecting them (Matt. 5:10). So the Thessalonians demonstrated that their salvation, determined by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ, was genuine because they, like Christ, were willing to suffer on account of God and His kingdom. They suffered unjustly as objects of man's wrath against Christ and His kingdom (Acts 5:41).
Thank You Lord that my sufferings so I can be made worthy for Your Kingdom.
LET IT GROW
Verse 6 in the King James Version states: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.
We've seen that the righteous judgment of God works to perfect believers. It also works to repay the wicked.
"Vindication ane retribution are to be exercised by God, not man, in matters of spiritual persecution. When God repays and a how God repays are to be determined by Him," stated MacArthur. (see Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19-21)
It's not my job to pay back evil for evil, but to love them, bless them, do good to them, and pray for them that are my enemies, those that curse me, those who hate me, and to those who despitefully use me and persecute me. (Matthew 5:44) These were words of Jesus.
Did anything jump out at you in that verse? Is there something you are not doing? How many times have I read it and did not see that I am to "bless" those people? Such a tall order, isn't it. But you know, it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I can do those things to those people.
I have found that when God takes His vengence upon a person for what they do to me, it's worse than what I would have done. I realize that we all need His mercy.
LET IT GO
Confess and get cleansed from my sins daily.
Appreciate all that Jesus provided for me when He died on the cross.
Let Him take care things and people.
Keep on lovin' God and others.
And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
2 Thess. 1:5-6 NLT
LET IT GLOW
Last night I made some blackberry jelly from the berries which I had picked last summer. A couple nights ago, I cooked them, pressed the juice out, and strained the seeds, in preparation for the jelly making process. After the stirring the sugar and Sure Jell in the juice for 45 minutes, and boiling it, the jelly was ready to pour into jars. Before putting the lids on top of the jars to preserve them, I wiped each one with a paper towel. Because of spills and dribbles down the sides, there were purple stains on the paper towels. Looking back on this, it reminds me of how my life is stained with sin. Even though I've been a Christian for 40 years now, I still sin and I am in need of cleansing and forgiveness daily from the Lord Jesus.
Isaiah 64:6a says, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Yes, sin in my heart is like the purple splotches of blackberry jelly on the paper towel. But after confession, Jesus cleanses me like a new, clean paper towel.
This is what makes me worthy for the Kingdom of God, His forgiveness and cleansing of my soul. It's the helmet of salvation that Jesus provided for me. It's the breastplate of righteousness with which He freely covers me.
There's another thing that makes me worthy of the Kingdom of God-persecution and tribulation. Paul said it in verse 5.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary says it this way:
Thank You Lord that my sufferings so I can be made worthy for Your Kingdom.
LET IT GROW
Verse 6 in the King James Version states: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.
We've seen that the righteous judgment of God works to perfect believers. It also works to repay the wicked.
"Vindication ane retribution are to be exercised by God, not man, in matters of spiritual persecution. When God repays and a how God repays are to be determined by Him," stated MacArthur. (see Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19-21)
It's not my job to pay back evil for evil, but to love them, bless them, do good to them, and pray for them that are my enemies, those that curse me, those who hate me, and to those who despitefully use me and persecute me. (Matthew 5:44) These were words of Jesus.
Did anything jump out at you in that verse? Is there something you are not doing? How many times have I read it and did not see that I am to "bless" those people? Such a tall order, isn't it. But you know, it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I can do those things to those people.
I have found that when God takes His vengence upon a person for what they do to me, it's worse than what I would have done. I realize that we all need His mercy.
LET IT GO
Confess and get cleansed from my sins daily.
Appreciate all that Jesus provided for me when He died on the cross.
Let Him take care things and people.
Keep on lovin' God and others.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Growing Sunflowers
2 Thessalonians 1-Part 2
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure. 2 Thess. 1:3-4
LET IT GLOW
Verse 3 in NAS begins this way, "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting..."
As we receive the Grace of God, we should be thankful for it. Not that we deserve this grace, but that it is a gift from God to us who do not deserve it. Paul is thanking God for these Christians growing in faith, love, and patience. So should I.
LET IT GROW
It was only a month ago when my I dug a forrow and my granddaughter dropped the sunflower seeds in it. We covered them up with more dirt, then watered them really well. Waiting for them to pop their heads above ground was very difficult for this three year old. Every day we had to check on them. It took patience. Finally, after a week or so, there they were, tiny green plants looking at the new world. She was so excited. Each morning she sees to it that we faithfully water them. What a joy to see them grow. One is even taller than she is. I know soon these small plants will grow taller than I am and will produce beautiful yellow heads (fruit) shining in the sun. But through this process, these sunflower plants have endured storms-strong winds and heavy rains. Since some bent over and broke, I got some bailing twine and tied the rest together so they would not bend over and break. This helped them stay strong and grow tall. The faith of the Thessalonians was like these sunflower plants. Shall we see how?
Probably Paul had heard from these believers since his sending the former letter. He recognized these qualities:
1. Exceedingly growing faith
Exceeding means superabundant in quantity or superior in quality.
Is my faith in Jesus growing? Better yet, is my faith growing exceedingly?
2. Abounding love
Aboundeth means to increase.
John Wesley said it was "Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increaseth still." During the floods
this spring the water overflowed in creek banks as the rains continued to fall in our area. But, overflowing
love is a good thing.
3. Endure with patience and faith in all persecutions and tribulations
Endure means to undergo hardship, be afflicted, suffer trouble.
Because of their faith in God, profession of Christ, these believers experienced hard times. They stood up
under criticism and false teachings.
How much can I endure? Only God knows. I'm supposed to keep on enduring with patience and faith.
As the seeds we planted grew, so my faith grows as the Holy Spirit waters me. Then my love will increase.
Staying in the Word of God and praying will strengthen me to endure hardships as Paul did.
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of or who do I need to forgive?
Is my faith growing exceedingly, my love abounding or increasing, am I enduring with patience whatever comes my way?
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure. 2 Thess. 1:3-4
LET IT GLOW
Verse 3 in NAS begins this way, "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting..."
As we receive the Grace of God, we should be thankful for it. Not that we deserve this grace, but that it is a gift from God to us who do not deserve it. Paul is thanking God for these Christians growing in faith, love, and patience. So should I.
LET IT GROW
It was only a month ago when my I dug a forrow and my granddaughter dropped the sunflower seeds in it. We covered them up with more dirt, then watered them really well. Waiting for them to pop their heads above ground was very difficult for this three year old. Every day we had to check on them. It took patience. Finally, after a week or so, there they were, tiny green plants looking at the new world. She was so excited. Each morning she sees to it that we faithfully water them. What a joy to see them grow. One is even taller than she is. I know soon these small plants will grow taller than I am and will produce beautiful yellow heads (fruit) shining in the sun. But through this process, these sunflower plants have endured storms-strong winds and heavy rains. Since some bent over and broke, I got some bailing twine and tied the rest together so they would not bend over and break. This helped them stay strong and grow tall. The faith of the Thessalonians was like these sunflower plants. Shall we see how?
Probably Paul had heard from these believers since his sending the former letter. He recognized these qualities:
1. Exceedingly growing faith
Exceeding means superabundant in quantity or superior in quality.
Is my faith in Jesus growing? Better yet, is my faith growing exceedingly?
2. Abounding love
Aboundeth means to increase.
John Wesley said it was "Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increaseth still." During the floods
this spring the water overflowed in creek banks as the rains continued to fall in our area. But, overflowing
love is a good thing.
3. Endure with patience and faith in all persecutions and tribulations
Endure means to undergo hardship, be afflicted, suffer trouble.
Because of their faith in God, profession of Christ, these believers experienced hard times. They stood up
under criticism and false teachings.
How much can I endure? Only God knows. I'm supposed to keep on enduring with patience and faith.
As the seeds we planted grew, so my faith grows as the Holy Spirit waters me. Then my love will increase.
Staying in the Word of God and praying will strengthen me to endure hardships as Paul did.
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of or who do I need to forgive?
Is my faith growing exceedingly, my love abounding or increasing, am I enduring with patience whatever comes my way?
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