Following through on the ‘follow through’

                Today I would like to encourage you to take some time to apply yesterday’s devotion. 

1.        Spend a few minutes in prayer for one or more of the people in your life.

2.       Find some scriptures that could be an encouragement to them at this time.

3.       Do something practical and tangible to help encourage and strengthen their faith:  write a note, send a message, make a phone call, go out for coffee…

It is also important to remember that with modern technology, our sphere of influence can even span an ocean!  We have brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving Him overseas doing all sorts of things:  Bible translation, church planting, community development, and appropriate technologies among other things.  Do you know any missionaries?  If so, why not send them a note or message –you can express interest in their work, and ask questions, but remember, even just sharing what God is doing in your own life will be an encouragement to them.

        Especially dear to God’s priorities are the poor and oppressed.  In our rich society, how can we really make a difference and be obedient in serving them?  There are a number of organizations that make this quite easy, but we still have to make the effort to utilize the opportunity.   Through Voice of the Martyrs, you can bring encouragement to those who are suffering greatly because of their faith.  And though they have physical needs, their greatest request is prayer.  We can do that much can’t we?

        Please take a few moments to pray for those who are being persecuted for Christ.  You may access more information, and you may write a letter to a prisoner through this link:  http://www.persecution.com/

        We have so many blessings, and so much freedom, let us not waste it!  May your day be blessed with being a blessing!

Read and Pray:   Genesis 12:2, Psalm 103, Luke 4:18, Romans 12:4-17

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

                                           follow through

Here, Timothy is sent from Paul to establish and strengthen the Thessalonians.  Paul’s sincere and devoted care for those who converted to Christianity after his preaching out-weighed his desire for his own comfort.

 In our ‘me-centered’ culture, sacrifice for the sake of growth in other people is the exception rather than the rule.  We tend to be more “hands-off”—especially if getting involved will mean discomfort for ourselves.  We may toss a few tid-bits of wisdom someone’s way, but often we choose not to go too deeply or get too involved.

 Look at Paul’s priorities:  He did not want to see dear friends unsettled by the smooth-talking of those who would have them abandon their faith, nor did he want them shaken by the afflictions accompanying a sincere walk with God. 

Is the faith of my friends a high priority?  If so, how can I encourage and help to establish them in the truth?  If I am taking a “hands-off” approach to their faith, it will most likely seem to them that how they walk with God is of little importance.  On the other hand, look at the words Paul uses, and note how these might be blessings:

1.        Establish – to set fast, turn resolutely in a certain direction, to confirm, to strengthen –this is what he wants for his friends—he cares!

2.        Encourage – to call near, invite, invoke, beseech, call for, comfort, exhort, entreat, pray—this is what he wants for his friends—he cares!

How can I, how should I, come along side those who may be experiencing some affliction or trial?  Regardless of the mode of communication, I will need to be willing to go past the light, fun chit-chat and into the thoughts and concerns of their heart which need to be met with Truth.  Truth will help establish solid relationship with God and will bring lasting encouragement.  Like Paul, I may have to experience some discomfort for the sake of the comfort, encouragement and growth of others.

The ‘one-time conversion experience’ is not enough to sustain a person through trials and difficulties of life. Christian life is not about trying to avoid all trials, but it is about learning how to walk with God through the trials. There must be a growth in knowledge and wisdom, and an increase in the understanding of God’s love, in order to ‘abide in Christ’.  One beauty of the body of believers is that walking together, we are able to share encouragement, support, and help in times of need. 

Who, specifically, might you reach out to for their strengthening and establishing in the faith?  Pray about this.  Observe those in your life.  Listen to them, listen to God.  Then follow through on what you know.   Go forth with the truth in love!  It can be a letter, a phone call, going out for coffee, or going to someone’s house.  Just be practical, be real, and be on time.  Now is the time to follow through!

Read and Pray: Luke 22:32, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:20,Revelation 3:1-6

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

                                                  hope, joy, and a crown

Contrasting the relationship we have with those who oppose the gospel, Paul illustrates the tenderness shared between believers:  “brethren”.  This is a great reminder not to take for granted the familial bonds we have with other believers, and to remember the goodness of being “connected”.

It is not known how “Satan hindered” Paul from his intended visit to the Thessalonians.  Perhaps it was illness, perhaps political maneuvering, perhaps it was a series of circumstantial events.  The point is, Paul is convinced and confirming the reality of the evil spirit which opposes the gospel and our best interests.

Paul was not always in control of his circumstances and he knew it, but he did not focus on the frustration that could bring, nor on the evil force behind it.  He simply states it as it is:  Satan at work keeping people separated from one another.  Then, as with a heart of gratitude Paul comments on why he desires again their fellowship:

1.        Hope: to see God’s workmanship continuing to develop in them.

2.       Joy: delight about their relationship with God.

3.       Crown of rejoicing:  They, the Thessalonians are a signpost or mark of Paul’s labor of love, their walk with God demonstrates the fruit of Paul’s evangelism under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  God working in others and through Paul.

But how does this apply to you and to me?  Let’s try and apply it this way:

1.        What or where will I set my focus?  Will it be on the goodness of God and His work in the world, or on the evil of Satan?

2.       What or where is my hope? Am I looking for God’s workmanship in progress, heading toward completion?

3.       What or where is my joy?  Does it involve others’ walk with God?  Should it?  Who are the people in your life that you are pouring into right now?  Are you rejoicing at their victories, praying for their weaknesses, and hoping in Jesus Christ for their maturity in faith?

4.       What is my “crown of rejoicing”?  As a wreath or a trophy might mark completion or success in a race, what “marks of success” can I see in my own sphere of influence? This includes the growth in people in whom I invest my time, energy, prayer and love. 

Spend some time in prayer and reflection on your answers. If adjustments need to be made, invite the Holy Spirit into your situation and to help set a new course in your life according to the powerful Word of God.

Read and Pray:  Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8-11, John 17:20-23

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

                                                       Imitation

Do I welcome the Word of God as it is in truth:  God’s Word?

Why does it work effectively in those who believe?  _______________________________________________________________________________

How does it work effectively in those who believe?________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)  In this place of truth, one can choose to release their own will and receive God’s will.  Coming to the truth helps us come to our senses and escape the snare of the devil—it helps us to get free of evil’s captivity. (2 Tim.2:25b-26)

The Thessalonians became imitators of the devout Judeans who had suffered for the sake of the gospel, because of their faith.  Who do you imitate? __________________________________________________

In our modern culture, we are conditioned to imitate pop stars, the wealthy and the famous, and occasionally, the noble.   But what is the reason for the imitation?  Often I believe, it is for the sake of worldly gain, security, safety, popularity.  But as a follower of Christ, we are called to imitate heroes of an upside down kingdom: those who are giving rather than getting, dependent rather than independent, serving rather than being served.

Our cause for rejoicing is not our status in our culture.  It is rather, our status as “beloved of God”, our experience of transformation, our hope in the glory and unity of Jesus with God the Father and His inclusion of us into this family.  We glory as well, in the good spiritual growth that is taking place in those who are within our sphere of influence. 

If you choose to imitate the heroes of the upside-down kingdom, what might you face?  What did they face?

1. persecution because they speak the truth: ridicule, mocking, slander, attack
2. opposition by those who aim to please “self” rather than God
3. conflict
4. efforts to prevent the furthering of gospel truth. 

Justice and judgment comes upon those who practice these things, but it does not, or at least should not, come from us.  Our job is not to oppose and judge those who are deceived and opposing the gospel.  Our job is to imitate what is good, and by our good conduct to demonstrate and extend the goodness of God. 

Look at who you are imitating and you will get a good idea of where you are headed.

Read and Pray:  James 3:13-18,  Hebrews 6:10-12

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

                                     Exhort, Comfort and Charge!

What is the goal of your behavior?  Is it to acquire or obtain something for yourself?  Or is it that you would walk worthy of God who calls you?  Are these two things always contradictory?

What is it God has called us to?  His own kingdom and glory!  His kingdom is His rule in your life and His reign over your life.  His glory is the magnificien---beyond words---beauty and wonder of His very being.  If His kingdom and His glory is your goal, how is that goal achieved?  Paul suggests people can be helped toward this end through exhortation, comfort and a charge.

Exhortation involves speaking the truth in love.  One must evaluate: Can I, should I, speak to someone?  Am I willing to first have my own thoughts and feelings to go through a filter of truth?  At this stage, the issue should by my own heart and my own motives.  What is driving my concern?  Is it judgment, pride, control, worry, insecurity, fear…? 

By dealing with my own emotions first, I am brought to a greater humility, and an awareness of my own need to find the comfort of God’s grace and forgiveness.  Exhortation should not be a source of broken relationships, but should occur in the climate of love, as 1 Tim 5:1 clarifies by stating that we are to exhort as with a loved family member—that is, for their good, not our own personal comfort.

And how often should exhortation occur?  Daily!!!  Hebrews 3:12 states the importance of this. Our hearts become hardened not necessarily by one big negative experience, but often by the small daily choices made as a result of being deceived by sin.

After the issues of my own heart are addressed in relation to a particular matter, I can begin to look for opportunity to speak the truth into someone else’s life.  Having gone through the process myself, II will be able to speak truth and offer it alongside the comfort which I myself have needed and received.  (2 Cor. 1:3-4)  This is not the “comfort” of saying whatever is necessary to help someone feel good.  It is the comfort of knowing Jesus and being covered by His goodness.

Finally comes the charge of “walk worthy”.  What does this look like?  It certainly is not about inspiring or motivating people to act in a way that benefits myself. In Ephesians 4:1-3 there are some clues: “ with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  And what does this really look like?  Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 lay it out in very practical, tangible terms:  

When we are walking worthy of the calling of God, we are demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit, we are experiencing those fruits in the inner man, and we are being conformed to Jesus' attitude of love. 

Read and Pray:  Titus 2:11-15, Hebrews 13:20-21