Monday, August 16, 2010
A Little Time Away...
If anyone noticed that I was missing for a few days here's the reason. Terry and I recently celebrated 13 amazing years together. To commemorate this important event we went on a short vacay...it was fun had a blast!! Now it's back to our day to day life...
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My Journey
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Being Different...
August 11, 2010
1 Thessalonians 2:9
V 9 …our labor and toil: we worked day and night, that we might not be a burden to any of you
Apparently the false teachers in Thessalonica were always after money. They didn’t work to make their own way but instead, tried to make money off their religion. In order to show that they were different, to show that their gospel was real, Paul didn’t do this. Instead, he worked and was also sent money from other places. He never asked them for money. This made him different; set him apart from the other “religious” people of his time. Do we, believers today, look different from others? If the lost world where to look at us would they see a mirror image of themselves or something totally different. Paul went out of his way to look different; he not only worked to spread the gospel but worked to support himself monetarily also. This must have been difficult; it would have been much easier to allow the Thessalonica’s to provide him with money. However, the easy isn’t always the path that is best.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
V 9 …our labor and toil: we worked day and night, that we might not be a burden to any of you
Apparently the false teachers in Thessalonica were always after money. They didn’t work to make their own way but instead, tried to make money off their religion. In order to show that they were different, to show that their gospel was real, Paul didn’t do this. Instead, he worked and was also sent money from other places. He never asked them for money. This made him different; set him apart from the other “religious” people of his time. Do we, believers today, look different from others? If the lost world where to look at us would they see a mirror image of themselves or something totally different. Paul went out of his way to look different; he not only worked to spread the gospel but worked to support himself monetarily also. This must have been difficult; it would have been much easier to allow the Thessalonica’s to provide him with money. However, the easy isn’t always the path that is best.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Giving Yourself...
August 10, 2010
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
V 8…we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us
As if sharing the gospel that would save them wasn’t enough Paul cared enough for them that he gave them himself; he put himself out for these believers. As a Mom I can understand his illustration used in verse 4 “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” I know what it is to love my children so much I’d be willing to fight anyone, to give them anything that is to their benefit if it’s in my power to do so, even so much as to lay down my live for them. However, what I can’t understand is how Paul was able to feel that way for someone who wasn’t his children; someone who he didn’t have such a deep emotional attachment to. However, in His word God commands us to “love your neighbor as our selves” and really who do we love more than our selves, right? In fact, He calls it the second greatest commandment. Unfortunately, God didn’t say only when they aren’t getting on our nerves, but all the time. We are to be like Paul and look at others as “very dear to us”, just wish that sometimes that wasn’t so hard.
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
V 8…we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us
As if sharing the gospel that would save them wasn’t enough Paul cared enough for them that he gave them himself; he put himself out for these believers. As a Mom I can understand his illustration used in verse 4 “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” I know what it is to love my children so much I’d be willing to fight anyone, to give them anything that is to their benefit if it’s in my power to do so, even so much as to lay down my live for them. However, what I can’t understand is how Paul was able to feel that way for someone who wasn’t his children; someone who he didn’t have such a deep emotional attachment to. However, in His word God commands us to “love your neighbor as our selves” and really who do we love more than our selves, right? In fact, He calls it the second greatest commandment. Unfortunately, God didn’t say only when they aren’t getting on our nerves, but all the time. We are to be like Paul and look at others as “very dear to us”, just wish that sometimes that wasn’t so hard.
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My Journey
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pleasing God...
August 9, 2010
1Thessalonians 2:3-4
V 4…so we speak not to please man, but to please God
How hard this is. For most of us, myself included, the approval of man is a hard thing to battle against. It’s difficult to decide to follow God’s will for your life when you know it will go against what “man” deems appropriate. This seeking approval from man starts very young and becomes something we do almost like second nature. Some, of course, aren’t concerned with what others think of them. These few will make their own paths and not be bothered with the opinions of others. Not all of us are like this. The second half of this verse reads like this “…please God who tests our hearts.” God knows if we are out to please man or Him. God knows if our hearts are turned to him or to pleasing man. There is never any benefit to doing what “man” tells us to do, and there can be only great benefits for doing what God tells us to do. Isn’t it a shame that sometimes that’s a difficult choice to make?
1Thessalonians 2:3-4
V 4…so we speak not to please man, but to please God
How hard this is. For most of us, myself included, the approval of man is a hard thing to battle against. It’s difficult to decide to follow God’s will for your life when you know it will go against what “man” deems appropriate. This seeking approval from man starts very young and becomes something we do almost like second nature. Some, of course, aren’t concerned with what others think of them. These few will make their own paths and not be bothered with the opinions of others. Not all of us are like this. The second half of this verse reads like this “…please God who tests our hearts.” God knows if we are out to please man or Him. God knows if our hearts are turned to him or to pleasing man. There is never any benefit to doing what “man” tells us to do, and there can be only great benefits for doing what God tells us to do. Isn’t it a shame that sometimes that’s a difficult choice to make?
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Saturday, August 7, 2010
Seeking Boldness...
August 7, 2010
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
V 2 …we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict
Paul epitomizes preaching the gospel in conflict; to name a few, he suffered beatings, false accusations, and prison. His body was marked by the scares he carried as a result of this conflict and his unwillingness to give up. Yet, he persevered. Of course this was not a testament to his strength but rather, a testament to the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit. We can look in awe at Paul’s ability to share and spread the gospel at any cost, but the same power resides in every believer. Recently I came to the realization that if someone is going to ridicule me for making a decision based on God’s direction why should I feel bad about it. Why should I be the one forced to defend my actions? I need no one’s approval but isn’t it interesting that often my actions reflect my need for approval. God’s word says “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).” Perhaps, I need to live like I have this “power” within me, and not cower at the least little opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
V 2 …we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict
Paul epitomizes preaching the gospel in conflict; to name a few, he suffered beatings, false accusations, and prison. His body was marked by the scares he carried as a result of this conflict and his unwillingness to give up. Yet, he persevered. Of course this was not a testament to his strength but rather, a testament to the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit. We can look in awe at Paul’s ability to share and spread the gospel at any cost, but the same power resides in every believer. Recently I came to the realization that if someone is going to ridicule me for making a decision based on God’s direction why should I feel bad about it. Why should I be the one forced to defend my actions? I need no one’s approval but isn’t it interesting that often my actions reflect my need for approval. God’s word says “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).” Perhaps, I need to live like I have this “power” within me, and not cower at the least little opposition.
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My Journey
Friday, August 6, 2010
Turning to God Daily...
August 6, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
V 9 …turned from God from idols
This verse is specifically speaking of repentance. These Thessalonicaian believers were saved. However as I read this I thought about my own life. An idol doesn’t have to be a golden calf but it can represent anything that takes a part of our lives that should belong to God. For many years issues with my weight have been my idol. It has taken me years and years to even be able to admit this because it’s just so much easier to deny the presence of idols in my life than to confront them. However to truly be who God is calling me to be I must confront them. This has been a long hard journey and to be honest it’s still not complete; I understand that this will probably never be completely out of my life. It is my desire to turn from my idol to God. Anyone else have an idol their struggling with?
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
V 9 …turned from God from idols
This verse is specifically speaking of repentance. These Thessalonicaian believers were saved. However as I read this I thought about my own life. An idol doesn’t have to be a golden calf but it can represent anything that takes a part of our lives that should belong to God. For many years issues with my weight have been my idol. It has taken me years and years to even be able to admit this because it’s just so much easier to deny the presence of idols in my life than to confront them. However to truly be who God is calling me to be I must confront them. This has been a long hard journey and to be honest it’s still not complete; I understand that this will probably never be completely out of my life. It is my desire to turn from my idol to God. Anyone else have an idol their struggling with?
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My Journey
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Mark of a Believer...
August 5, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
V 7 so that you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything
According to John MacArthur, the word example was the Greek word used to describe the seal that marked wax or a stamp that minted coins. He used this because in both of these instances what was made was the exact representation of the original. These Thessalonican believers had lived lives that reflected Christ. Their lives were “stamped” with the impression of the Holy Spirit. He directed their actions, their choices, their words. I can only assume that the lives of these early believers weren’t easy; both physically and mentally draining, yet they were able to live lives that left no doubt that they loved Christ. Their circumstances did not dictate their devotion to Christ; does mine?
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
V 7 so that you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything
According to John MacArthur, the word example was the Greek word used to describe the seal that marked wax or a stamp that minted coins. He used this because in both of these instances what was made was the exact representation of the original. These Thessalonican believers had lived lives that reflected Christ. Their lives were “stamped” with the impression of the Holy Spirit. He directed their actions, their choices, their words. I can only assume that the lives of these early believers weren’t easy; both physically and mentally draining, yet they were able to live lives that left no doubt that they loved Christ. Their circumstances did not dictate their devotion to Christ; does mine?
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My Journey
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A Life of Character...
August 4, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
V 5 …you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Paul led a life of character. In his life, you would find nothing to refute his claim to being a believer in Jesus Christ. John MacArthur says this “The quality of the message was confirmed by the character of the lives of the preachers.” We aren’t all preachers, of course, but we are all responsible for how our actions reflect Christ. If those around us know we go to church and claim to love Christ, yet our actions seem no different than those who do not, something is wrong. I often wonder what others see when they look at me; do they notice my level of devotion to God. Do they notice the differences in my life lately? I hope so.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
V 5 …you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Paul led a life of character. In his life, you would find nothing to refute his claim to being a believer in Jesus Christ. John MacArthur says this “The quality of the message was confirmed by the character of the lives of the preachers.” We aren’t all preachers, of course, but we are all responsible for how our actions reflect Christ. If those around us know we go to church and claim to love Christ, yet our actions seem no different than those who do not, something is wrong. I often wonder what others see when they look at me; do they notice my level of devotion to God. Do they notice the differences in my life lately? I hope so.
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My Journey
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Being Steadfast
August 3, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1:3
V 3 remembering before our God and Father you work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
Steadfast is defined as: fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering. In this verse Paul was referring to the ministry efforts of the believers in the Thessalonica church. They were only able to be faithful because they had faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ. The NKJV uses the word patience instead of steadfastness. I was comparing my attitude about ministry to those of these early church believers to see how I would measure up. Am I patient, or steadfast in my ministry efforts to others? I think that sometimes I could answer that with a Yes, but often the answer would be No. I think that I get tired, worn down and sometimes aggravated this would not reflect and attitude of “steadfast hope”; I often lose sight of the most important aspect of ministry, God is the one who actually changes people. I can only do what He has called me to do. God actually brings about the change and that might not happen in my timetable. Realizing this is always hard for me. I want change to happen NOW!!! Anyone else like that??
1 Thessalonians 1:3
V 3 remembering before our God and Father you work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
Steadfast is defined as: fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering. In this verse Paul was referring to the ministry efforts of the believers in the Thessalonica church. They were only able to be faithful because they had faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ. The NKJV uses the word patience instead of steadfastness. I was comparing my attitude about ministry to those of these early church believers to see how I would measure up. Am I patient, or steadfast in my ministry efforts to others? I think that sometimes I could answer that with a Yes, but often the answer would be No. I think that I get tired, worn down and sometimes aggravated this would not reflect and attitude of “steadfast hope”; I often lose sight of the most important aspect of ministry, God is the one who actually changes people. I can only do what He has called me to do. God actually brings about the change and that might not happen in my timetable. Realizing this is always hard for me. I want change to happen NOW!!! Anyone else like that??
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My Journey
Monday, August 2, 2010
Meditate on it day and night....
August 2, 2010
Psalm 119:27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works
I’m going through the book of 1 Thessalonians but decided to take a brief detour today.
Meditate is defined as to engage in thought or contemplation, to consider as something to be done. We are called to meditate on God’s word; as Christians this isn’t an option for when we have the time, but a daily habit we must develop. Meditation is the power that allows God’s word to produce results. We must “know” God’s word before it can effect us, change us. I don’t mean a vague general “know” like most who have at least some knowledge of God’s word would “know” John 3:16. The “know” that I’m referring to is the knowledge that goes so deep within you that you couldn’t get it out; God’s word is hammered into your mind. That can bring about within you a desire to do the will of God in your life despite what others might think or say. Joshua 1:8 says “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it…”
Psalm 119:27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works
I’m going through the book of 1 Thessalonians but decided to take a brief detour today.
Meditate is defined as to engage in thought or contemplation, to consider as something to be done. We are called to meditate on God’s word; as Christians this isn’t an option for when we have the time, but a daily habit we must develop. Meditation is the power that allows God’s word to produce results. We must “know” God’s word before it can effect us, change us. I don’t mean a vague general “know” like most who have at least some knowledge of God’s word would “know” John 3:16. The “know” that I’m referring to is the knowledge that goes so deep within you that you couldn’t get it out; God’s word is hammered into your mind. That can bring about within you a desire to do the will of God in your life despite what others might think or say. Joshua 1:8 says “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it…”
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My Journey
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