James 1:12-18

James 1:12-18

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God' for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death."       

                                      directing my thoughts

                What are your biggest temptations?  Can you see how they connect to your own desires?  If I desire recognition, I will be tempted to do things that will lead others to focus on me rather than on God.  If I desire to escape stress or worry, I will be tempted to do things that numb my mind to rational thinking.  If I desire to feel loved, I may do things that cross moral boundaries to get that sensation (even if only momentarily).  The irony is that these needs can truly and fully be met through relationship with Jesus, and through renewal that comes as a result of His truth being worked in our life.  The catch, is we must be deliberate in how we position ourselves to face difficulties.

                Where do actions originate?  If we want our actions to be good, wholesome, pleasing to God, we need to begin by recognizing the battles are won and lost, first, in our hearts and minds.  We must take all of our thoughts to Jesus.  Nothing will shock or surprise Him.  Nothing can separate you from His love.  In our weakness He will meet us and provide His strength if we sincerely invite Him to do so.  

If there is an area of your life where a particular temptation repeatedly presents itself, consider these tactics:  1) Avoid the “scene of the crime” 2) Use scripture to reinforce truth 3) Establish accountability with another sincere follower of Jesus.  In I Corinthians Paul speaks truly when he says, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  The question is, will I choose to be lured into the temptation, follow with sin, and experience the death that results?   It may be the death of innocence, the death of humility, the death of some relationships, the death of purity, the death of hope, the death of joy, the death of freedom…--you get the idea!  Or will I take the way of escape by finding shelter with Jesus in the Word of Truth?  It is entirely my choice.  The course will be set according to where I direct my thoughts.

                Though circumstances and challenges change, the Lord does not.  He is faithful, true, kind, good, merciful, forgiving and full of love for us!

Read and Pray: 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Rom. 8:38-39, John 17:17, Phil. 2:8

James 1:9-11

"Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.  For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes.  So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits."

                                            glory in Christ, not myself

               When I read this passage, I often struggle because I know that on a global scale, I am one of the wealthy ones.  I have secure lodgings, plenty of food and clean water, ample clothing, and all sorts of amenities that are above and beyond my basic needs. So I identify with the rich, and that makes me uncomfortable.  Who do you most identify with in this passage? Whatever we may appear to be in the eyes of the world, lowly or rich, our true status is determined by our relationship to God. Where is the “lowly” brother’s exaltation?  It is in his belonging to God in Christ. The lowly brother knows need and seeks peace. Where is the rich man’s humiliation? Perhaps it is shown in the comparison of the temporary nature of the earth’s goods with the eternal nature of God the Creator.   He may be one who “has it all” but he still seeks peace. Our status before God is far, far different than our status before the world. For all of us, our only secure identification, our only avenue to peace is in Jesus.

               When we get bogged down by what we lack, we have an alternative:  Be lifted up in the spiritual reality of belonging to God, being at peace with Him, and having a future inheritance in His kingdom.  When we find ourselves walking in a fleeting confidence because of favorable circumstances: Take note, and be humble, for the comforts and riches of this world are temporary and ever changing!   Jesus said that whoever humbles himself will be exalted, and whoever exalts himself will be humbled. (Matt.23:12)

            Is your ‘glass’ half-full or is it half-empty?  Either way, the thing we can glory in and dwell upon, is not the present state but the fact that in Christ, our cup is in the process of being filled, and will one day be completely spilling over.

               Read and Pray: Isaiah 40:6-7, Isaiah 55:6-11, Phil.3:8-10

James 1:5-8

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord:  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

                                                 single minded seeking

There are a couple of particular areas I am feeling an acute need for wisdom:  career/job change/potentials, interactions with specific people, navigating aging parent issues.   Often I am afraid of making decisions because I am afraid it is not the very best decision.  So I waffle back and forth, agonize, and worry.   I think I sometimes miss the gift of wisdom because I miss the peace that comes with trusting God to work all things together for good.  
*‘faith’, pistis,  means more than a belief that God will give what we ask; it is active and includes confident, unwavering trust in God.
*‘doubting’, diakrino, means to differentiate and includes the idea of judging and disputing with oneself.  This implies that James is not talking about intellectual doubt, but rather about conflicted loyalties.          

                These are important distinctions.  Grasping complex intellectual concepts is often a result of intellectual doubt or questioning, and I do not believe this is being discouraged.  We need to have courage to ask our questions, dare to search for answers, and accept that we will likely fail to grasp everything.  Wonder can be, actually should be, part of our intellectual development.  There can be an undergirding security in the midst of this kind of questioning or doubt:  trusting God's love and His good intentions for us and for others.

               Think about someone (or yourself), conflicted in loyalties.  One who is divided like that tends to change according to circumstance, as James says, like a wave on the sea.  “That man[person]”, (verse 7), should not logically expect God to answer their prayer, because if their loyalty is divided, behavior will be inconsistent,  commitment and sincerity lacking.

            In my current situation, it would be helpful to recognize my own motivation for seeking wisdom.  Am I aiming to be something special like a “notch above the others” (where really it is all about me), or am I aiming to love well?  I need to let go of the desire, hope, and expectation that I will be a great _______________, and cling to God as the Great One who fills people with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to love with divine love.  I need and want wisdom so that what I choose to do won’t simply be in hope of some personal satisfaction or recognition. I hope and pray my personal ambition can be subservient to the love of God, that the wisdom God grants me will lead others to ponder the beauty and wonder of God, the horror of sin, and our need for relationship with Jesus.

            In what area do you need wisdom right now?  What have you been praying about? What are driving your requests to God? Is it a whole hearted love for God or a heart divided with self-serving desire?  Thankfully, we can approach God in any state of being, and receive both grace and mercy to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 underscores this and empowers us to live Deuteronomy 6:5 .  May God grant each of us the wisdom to recognize the state of our heart, and the action(s) that can/should be taken to move toward wholeheartedly loving God and loving others, and may He help us to trust in His faithfulness.

               Read and pray:  Proverbs 1, Psalm 51

James 1:1-4

                                                          Joyful in spite of trials

What trial(s) are you currently facing?  How do you deal with difficult things, and what surfaces as a result?  Do you find you are irritated, angry, sad, frustrated, insecure, …?  Trials give us an opportunity to see what is really at work within us.  It takes a lot of courage, but we can work to identify and change our negative reactions/responses—if we choose.  The purifying of metals is much the same:  as the heat rises, the impurities rise to the top and can be skimmed or poured off.   The “skimming off” of impurities happens as we look at things in the light of truth, repent of the attitudes which are not born out of love for God and man, and purpose to walk in a new way.   But this is not something that “just happens”.  We must take deliberate action.  (I John 1:9, and Romans 12:1-2) 

                The trials you and I face are not so much about ‘testing’ to show whether or not we have faith.  (I am pretty sure God already has a sense of our faith!)  Rather, might they have the potential to be about strengthening the faith that is already present?  I say potential, because you and I are free to choose how we will respond and that choice will either strengthen or erode our relationship with God, and either strengthen or erode our personal character and integrity.  In this light, if we meet our trials with rigorous honesty our trial is a opportunity for our faith to grow deeper, our understanding and compassion broader, and our love stronger.
                 My current trial of not knowing what to do next, is like an octopus with tentacles that reach into how I react to other things. I have some work to do --not just mind mapping, networking and resumé building.  For my spiritual and emotional health I also need to reflect on truth, accept grace, receive and grant forgiveness, keep seeking wisdom, rest and enjoy the presence of God.
How are your current trials affecting you, and do you have a plan for navigating them?

                Read and pray:  Psalm 119:73-76, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, Heb. 4:16

Here are a couple of great resources for personal growth:  

The Renewing of the Mind Project by Barb Raveling (this is especially practical)

Rising Strong by Brené Brown 

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

                God’s calling is not necessarily like a telegram that tells me what I get to do in my little world.  Nor is it simply an invitation.  As John Piper says, it is an act of creation!

“…when God looked forward into history from His standpoint in eternity he did not see free people using powers of self-determination to believe; he saw people enslaved to sin and spiritually dead, whose only hope was that the sovereign call of God would create the faith he commands.”[1]

 We are not called to uncleanness, though our will can choose to go toward uncleanness.  But in His holiness, God’s created call is holy, beckoning our spirit to lead the rest of our body to follow toward holiness.

                The person who rejects this holy calling is rejecting the very source of faith, and ultimately the giver of life.  This is pretty serious stuff to consider when sin presents its alluring temptations.  How might we respond if it were phrased to us this way:  “Come away dear one to my uncleanness.  You will find sickness, decay and death both for your body and your soul.”?

                The context of 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 reveals that this is not referring merely to a one-time conversion experience.  It is referring to our daily experience of walking with God in the world.  It is not just about a one-time blatant rejection of the gospel, but it is about receiving or rejecting God’s call to us to choose life—daily! 

Our relationship with God is to be a dynamic, daily experience moving us toward His holiness.  It is a cooperative experience wherein He calls, we respond, He calls, we respond, He calls, we respond…

May we each understand that today is another opportunity to surrender the thoughts and intents of our hearts which lead us away from God.  Today is another opportunity to receive His holy call which beckons us toward His holiness, and enables us to daily live more and more in His holiness.

Read and Pray:  Deuteronomy 30:19-20a, Proverbs 13:14, Isaiah 42:5-9

---

[1] Piper, John, Future Grace, (Multnomah Publishers, Oregon, 1995), p.128

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

                                             increase in love

                Paul’s hope and prayer is that the Lord will work so as to cause the Thessalonians to increase and abound in love to one another.  Why?       ______________________________________________________________ 

So that our hearts will become established in His goodness and holiness—so that we will not be ashamed when we are face to face with Jesus.  Does Paul’s prayer cover it in such a way that the Thessalonians don’t really have to do anything except sit back and watch God cause their love to increase?  The Scriptures put way too much responsibility on us to think it is an entirely passive experience.  How does this increase come about?  ______________________________________________________________

                It is often in the context of relationships that we see God’s goodness reflected.  It is also in the context of relationships that we recognize our own weaknesses, and the weaknesses of others.  In the context of relationships we discover not only the sins and faults of others, but our own as well.  Relationships can reflect what is deep in the heart, and hard relationships sometimes reveal the most!

                Choosing to grow in love means at least three things:

1.        Confronting sin in my own heart

2.       Sacrificing my selfish interests and desires for the sake of others

3.       Putting off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and being renewed in the spirit of your mind, and putting on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22-24)

How, specifically can we do these things and increase in love?  Asking ourselves a few questions is a great way to get started:

1.        Are there things in my life that are preventing me from loving God and others well?  --Do I want to grow enough that I will address those things?

2.       What is the loving thing to do (in a particular situation)?

3.       How can I best love God in this situation?

4.       How can I best love others in this situation?

We grow in love in the context of relationship, with the elements of need and time:  work, play, trials, suffering, rejoicing, … We will not be truly established as blameless and holy in Christ without an increase and abounding experience of his love in and through us.  Are we willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that our love will increase and abound?

Read and Pray:   Psalm 119:9, Philippians 1:9-11, 1 Peter 1:22 & 3:8-9, Colossian 3:12-14

               

1 Thessalonians 3:11

                                            being directed

In verse 11 Paul says, “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.”  Paul is not demanding God to take him where he wants to go, nor is he planning to force his own will in regard to his own whereabouts.  He uses the word,  “may”,  implying a prayer and hope, but it is not a demand nor does it carry with it an absolute guarantee.  This is a good reminder to hold our plans lightly, trusting that if things don’t turn out as we currently desire, God is still at work in our lives and in our situations.

I believe there is another subtle message in this verse that has to do with God’s relationship to our situation.  Read the verse again and then answer the question, “Is God more like the ‘Grand Watchmaker who plans and designs the world then sits back and lets it roll’ (as the Deists claim), or is He more like the ‘loving Father intimately involved in our lives’?”  Paul apparently has a clear opinion on this—our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ—directs our way!  He cares about where we are and what we do!

But how does God direct us?  Through circumstances?  Other people?  Our own desires?  He may sometimes use any of these, but we must remember these can all be used to influence us for good or for evil.  Scripture, if we are willing to take it in its entirety, will consistently influence us for our own good as well as the good of others.  It may not tell us specifically where to go, or when, but it will tell us  1) what is of true value, and 2) how to move forward with a right attitude and a pure heart.

Most Christians will say that they want God to direct their ways.  And most Christians probably also have a preference about where they end up.  The real question, I believe, is will we submit our desires to the scrutiny of the  Bible, and will we trust God with the outcome even if it is not what we necessarily hoped for at the outset.   I personally, could use continued growth in learning to follow His direction.  How about you?

 I think the first step is humility in understanding that I don’t necessarily see the whole picture.  The second is learning to watch for and listen to God as He guides and directs in a variety of ways –all of which should line up with scripture.  And finally, to trust that He has our very best interests in mind.

Read and Pray:   Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 58:9-14, Jeremiah 29:11-13

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

                           comfort and joy

            Where do you usually seek and find comfort?  ___________________________________________________________________________________________

                Where do you usually go for inspiration?

___________________________________________________________________________________________

                Have you ever pondered how dependent human beings are upon one another?  I suppose this might best be seen in the city where various people do various jobs, everyone reliant on some others for food, water, electricity, clothing, shelter.  Why is it that we accept a physical dependence and inter-connectedness, but sometimes act as if this is not the case emotionally and spiritually?

                Jesus was clear on the point of relationship:  love others as yourself, be in fellowship with, in and through Jesus, and the result is an awesome unity.   Unfortunately, a spirit of independence is strong in our culture, and seems to have crept into the church.  This attitude is contrary to our maturing in Christ.

                I love the way this passage displays the importance of relationships.  Paul, a “strong Christian”, is in need of encouragement.  He has a real and transparent relationship—even with those he mentors—and he recognizes the mutual encouragement and benefit that results from the relationship.  His focus is not on the choking, pressing cares of life, nor upon the potentially crushing troubles that face him.  His focus is on the goodness of God, and on how that goodness can be seen in other believers.

                Can you see the goodness of God at work in the lives of your friends and family?  How so?  ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

If you cannot see this goodnesst, is it because God is not at work in them, or because you are focusing on the negative aspects, or because you just really cannot see anything reflective of His hand in their life? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

If it is the latter, what happens to your perspective if you take into consideration the fact that God does use trials and affliction, as well as His goodness, to draw people to Himself? ____________________________________________________

                Now is a great time to recognize God’s wonderful work in you, and in others.  Be encouraged and comforted as you note those who are seeking God, crying out to Him, loving Him, serving Him.  Be encouraged that you and me, even with all our failings and imperfections, are being used to help teach, train, encourage and bring to maturity other believers.  God is that big, and that able.  The Lord can and does use all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are brought to life by His calling to them.

Read and Pray:   Romans 8:15-21, 2 Corinthians 1:2-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11

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

1 Thess. 2:5-10

                                  opportunity

What tactics do you use when you want to get people to do something?  _____________________________________________________________________ 

Paul lays out for us his four typical tactics from which Christians should depart:

1.        Flattering words:  manipulating people by using words which are insincere, but will make them feel good, and be more likely to comply with our wishes.

2.        Cloak for covetousness:  using the gospel message, or spiritual authority for the sake of securing personal gain and/or profit. 

3.        Glory from men:  speaking and behaving in a way that obtains the approval and praise of other people.

4.        Demands as apostles:  using seniority, vast or intimate experience as a license for control over other people.

Paul’s approach is, and has been over the course of time, proven to render lasting impact.  What is that approach?  Sincere love.  What does this look like, and how does it compare to the above list?  It is:

       1.  Gentle:  this is the kind of gentleness that is symbolized by a nursing mother cherishing her own children.

       2.  Sharing the Gospel:  GOOD news is what is imparted to those who will listen

       3.  Sharing own lives:  remaining open and accessible to any and all who desire to draw near for the sake of learning and knowing more of the Lord Jesus.

       4.  Laboring so as not to be a burden:  not assuming that others can and will be able to cover our physical needs, but taking responsibility and using our strength to provide what we can

This latter list can be summarized as devout, just, and blameless.  These behaviors are God-focused, receiving grace and giving grace, forgiving and being forgiven.

How would you evaluate your own ways of trying to motivate people?  When it is the end of the day, is your conscience clear regarding how you have interacted with, and treated others?  Which of these lists is more typical of your own behavior?  

Today God is allowing you to live, to breathe, to read this little devotional thought.  You are not set on an island by yourself. He has given you the gift of “today”, and the gift of other people in your life.  It is your choice how you will use this opportunity.  I pray you will be motivated by the sincere love of other people in your life, and that your sincere love will motivate others.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 26:28, Hebrews 13:5-6, Luke 14:27-28,  Philippians 3:14-17

1 Thess. 2:1-4

                             worth the effort 

Paul’s coming was not in vain.  The Word of God does not become null and void.  Suffering and ill treatment did not stop Paul’s speaking the gospel.

Yet, for us in our American culture, we seem to embrace “easy”, “fast”, and “painless”.  Is this the way of truth?  Though I have pacifist leanings, I cannot deny the warfare terminology found in relation to our spiritual life:

• Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
• No one engaged in warfare entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier
• We do not battle against flesh and blood, but the weapons of our warfare are spiritual…

When we enter the Christian life—accepting a place in God’s family—we are approved by God because of Jesus, and God entrusts us with the message of His love toward other people.  The problem lies in the fact that evil is real and present in our world, it is opposing the goodness and grace of God, and humans have a free will to follow and serve whom and/or what they choose.

            Conflict is part of the package.  I don’t like this reality, but it is not one I can change.  What I can do, is aim to please God.  I can also keep in mind that the conflicts and trials can be used as tools in the process of purifying my heart.  I can keep my focus on loving others rather than focusing on my own comfort or loss of comfort.

            Many times, the things I can do, are not things I would naturally do.  There is a conflict, a struggle, a contending for that which is good and pure and right.  That is why I need people in my life to exhort and encourage me, and I need to be willing to exhort and encourage others.  In Jesus Christ, faith was once and for all delivered to all those who will receive it, but it must be taken up and applied by individual people in order for it to render effect.  We must “contend earnestly for the faith” so that we do not forfeit it.

            How are you receiving the input of those who are exhorting you with the truth?  Are you willing to exhort others for their benefit?  Exhortation is not comfortable, but it is good. Loving exhortation directs one's heart to the gospel of God which brings freedom, hope, joy and peace to all who will receive it.  It is worth the effort!

Read and Pray:  Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:3-15

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

                                   Evident  Peace, Truth  & Trust

            The faith of the Thessalonians was apparently so impressive that it became known far and wide.  It was known to the extent that words were not needed to explain and describe it.  The faith revealed itself.  What we do with the gospel is what we do with God.  Our faith, whether it be in the grace of Jesus, the power of money, the signs of the stars, or the pleasure of the moment, will be revealed by where we invest our time, energy and money.  Our faith will be revealed also by how we conduct our relationships with other people.

            How does your faith reveal itself?  

________________________________________________________________________

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as serving idols.  Yet, anything that is given greater importance than our relationship with God is an idol. 

            How can we know when something has become an idol in our life?  Here are some indicators:

1. You seek to justify it, or the actions surrounding it, and you get defensive when others question your activity or pursuit of it
2. It consumes so much of your thought that you have a hard time not thinking about it.
3. You can’t easily stop doing, or pursuing it, and the thought of giving it up is disturbing to you.
4. Other things drop in priority and importance, because you just can’t get enough of it.

The Thessalonians had turned from idols to serve the living God.  They recognized they could not do both.  They transferred their energies and affections from lesser things to the greatest One.  That transformation was itself a testimony to the goodness and truth of God.  Receiving—really receiving—the Truth, will change a person.  It will render three things in particular and it will set in motion continual growth in these three areas.

1. Our past:  receiving forgiveness and coming to peace
2. Our present:  receiving the Word for daily living facilitating new priorities corresponding to the truth.
3. Our future:  receiving a new focus and aim which leads us toward God, and strengthens our trust in Him.

Observers declared that when the Thessalonians received the gospel, they turned from their idols to serve the living and true God.  Their heart change was evident.  What will be the conclusion of t hose who observe you and me?

It is my hope that they will see growth in peace, truth, and trust in God.

Read and Pray:  Revelation 1:8,  Romans 1:8, 1 John 1:5-7