Good morning everyone. I noticed that yesterday's post didn't go out in an email for some reason, well it's here if you'd like to read it. Also I don't always put a link to the chapter I read so I'll start doing this today.

1 Thessalonians 3

As believers in Christ, as his children, as members of God's family, we ought to love one another. That's my prevailing thought after reading this chapter. Paul talks about his desire to be reunited with the church in Thessalonica to encourage them and also to "know their faith." His eagerness to see them was also driven by the fact that he knew how difficult this Christian walk would be. One lesson we should take from Paul is what he says here in verse 4, "for, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation..." When we share to gospel with people, we ought to let them in on this although it's not appealing. If we don't, and we only paint the rosy picture of you and Christ skipping and picking lilies for the rest of your life, we don't give the whole truth and we set people up for disappointment. The Thessalonians faith endured in spite of affliction because, as verse 3 states, they knew they were appointed for this.

Another lesson we can take is that we ought to check in on each other every once in a while, as it concerns our faith. In our conversations with other believers, we ought to sometimes let our conversations go beyond the surface level stuff and find out how our brothers & sisters walk is going. It can be, as it was for Paul, an encouragement to know that other believers are enduring and remaining faithful. But it also might be an occasion for you to encourage someone to do better, be more faithful. On the flip side, it could also be a time for you to reflect on how faithful your own walk is. When we don't discuss these things and assume everything is alright, we cheat ourselves of an opportunity to grow. So today, that' my goal - to get all up in somebody's business and see how their spiritual walk is going. Maybe I'll encourage them, maybe they'll point me in the right direction. Either way, the body will be edified and Satan won't be happy.

8/30 - 1 Thessalonians 2, Part 2

Congrats to my friends Nate & Stacey! They had their first child yesterday - a baby girl named Madison. I can't imagine what that must feel like to finally have the baby, get to hold it & actually have them let you walk out of the hospital with it. Now there's this new life your responsible for. It's an awesome thing & I suppose I won't have to imagine much longer. T-minus 14 weeks and counting...On with today's scripture.

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out." (v. 13-15)

This morning I'm brought back to a topic that has always amazed me as it concerns the Bible. Of all the controversial parts of the Bible one indisputable fact is that, shortly after Christ died, Christianity spread. It's not so much that it spread (because obviously all religions have done this) but how it spread. The central character of this sect of believers had actually died which, one would think, is an uncommon beginning to such a popular movement. The Message went against the norms of the day. In a time where tradition was greatly valued, the message was new, fresh & unconventional; a time when Jewish beliefs ruled, the message strayed away from it; a time where paganism was rampant, the message taught against it's ways.

I'm probably not giving you much new information here but what I'm trying to get to is the awesomeness of the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm convinced that He's the main culprit in the spread of this gospel. Why else would the new believers of this time turn from their old lives & follow this Man they had only heard about? Why would they sacrifice their lives and the lives of their families for this cause? They had to be convicnced that what they heard & what they believed was absolutely true because the cost was so high. And how else could they know it was true unless revealed by revelation of the Holy Spirit? These believers didn't have the same resources we have today. Most couldn't read & if they could, the New Testament wasn't even a book yet. They didn't have the archaeological & historical evidence of the truth of the Bible. They didn't have the droves of Christian bookstores to get information from.

I understand why Paul was so thankful that they had even received the Word & accepted it as the word of God. He knew the challenges of the times & had to be aware of how silly his gospel message sounded (1 Cor 1:21). They even showed their acceptance by enduring persecution. It's a blessing to see the fruit in the lives of those you've shared the gospel with. That's a long way down the road, however, if we're not at first even sharing the gospel.

So I'm thankful today, for the power in God's word, in His Holy Spirit. The power to convince people of truth, to endure hardships & live holy. I'm thankful for the access we have to this power through His holy word. Thankful that this power resides in me (John 14:16).

8/27 - 1 Thessalonians 2

Wow, it's been quite a few days since I've blogged. I could run down plenty of excuses but instead I'll ask for your prayers that I remain diligent in study & I'll pray the same for you. Our own personal study is an expression of our love for the Savior. Taking the time to get to know Him & to know what pleases Him so we can then go forth and actually do it. I've been studying in the morning but haven't been able to get up in time to blog also. Kinda falling back into this love affair with the snooze button & not getting to bed at a decent hour, so please keep me in prayer on that.

This chapter spoke the same thing to me this morning I felt was revealed to me last night in Bible study, something for which God has placed a serious conviction on my heart. We looked at Isaiah 9:2 and talked about Jesus as a Light. As we began to share & discuss this passage and what it means for us beyond the surface-level understanding that Jesus was a light to the Jews and Gentiles, we concluded that this same spirit that was in Jesus was also in us and that we ought to reflect a light as well. The obvious question, then, became "are you a light?" I tried my best to take an honest, introspective look at myself and I think that in some situations I am a light, but also that I have some blind spots. I call them blind spots because unless you look at them carefully & intentionally, you might not even notice they are there.

Most Christians have a heightened level of spirituality in certain environments, whether it be Sunday morning, bible study or any gathering of believers. In these environments we find it easy and very comfortable to be a strong representation of Christ. But what about at home - are we displaying Christ to our family? Or at work - do we shy away from mentioning Christ? Or amongst old friends - do we avoid uncomfortable conversation in hopes of avoiding being considered "lame"? Well, these are my blind spots. I could show my wife more of that light that resides in me and do more to lover her as Christ loved the church (that might be an understatement...). I struggle with the corporate culture which says faith is never to be discussed. I also often pass on opportunities to share Christ with friends because it may be uncomfortable. In these few areas I see an opportunity for vast improvement so that in all situations I might be able to say, as did Paul, that I walked worthy of God who called me (v.10-12)

So none of this has actually been about 1 Thessalonians 2 yet. Sorry, sometimes I have no idea where the keystrokes will lead....Verse 2 of this chapter actually brought all this back to the forefront of my mind.

"You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition"

Paul suffered real persecution, yet in spite of this he still carried out the purpose God called him for. He didn't let it deter him one bit. I thought back to those blind spots and realized that, for me, this is my "strong opposition." For Paul it was external but for me, and maybe even some of you, my opposition comes from within. In spite of these internal fears & trepidation, I can "dare to tell the gospel" and in doing so, fulfill my call. That same Spirit that was in Christ and was in Paul, abides in me (1 John 2:27, John 14:16). Consider today what your 'blind spots' are. Where do you not allow your light to shine? And if you find yourself to be consistent, glory be to God. Pray for God to sustain that spirit within you and pray for those of us who struggle & sincerely wish to be an accurate reflection of God to the world.

8/21 - 1 Thessalonians 1

I was encouraged today in reading this chapter. I read it yesterday morning and really didn't get much from it except that it was another of Paul's intros to his letters. Reading it again this morning gave me a new perspective. Thank God for this book which is alive & that there's always something new to be revealed to us.

The example of the Thessalonian church is pretty extraordinary considering their background. We know from Acts 17:1-10 (check it out real quick b4 we move on) that there was a strong Jewish influence in the city. It would remain that way in this city for centuries as the Jewish population peaked around 1943, making over half the city Jewish. This would take a dramatic turn shortly thereafter when 96% of the Jews in the city would perish at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Also notable about the city was it's strong Greek influence (well...it's located in Greece). Greek mythology has its roots some 1000 years before Christs arrival. Greek gods & idols were just as common in this place as cheeseburgers & apple pie in America.

So all this background became significant to me when Paul commends the Thessalonians: "your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God" (v.3-4). In the strong climate of Greek and Jewish religious influence, the gospel had penetrated the hearts of these Thessalonians in such a way that their lives bore fruit and they even established a reputation. Had to be the Holy Spirit working. Well it's not just my assumption, it kinda says it in the next verse:

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake" (v. 5)

This verse also becomes significant because of the deliverers of that gospel message. It implies that not only did they preach the gospel but they lived the gospel which could have only been another testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. I think this shows us that no matter how spiritually bankrupt we may deem our society to be, no matter how low the moral climate of our workplaces, no matter what the situation, the Holy Spirit can never be outmatched and can use us to be positive influences that can change lives.

Of course this isn't easy, it wasn't for Paul either. Verse 6 says that the Thessalonians became followers of Paul "in much affliction." Going back to Acts 17:1-10, the Jews became envious when the gospel message had been received, responded violently and accused the men of "turning the world upside down." Even in a "free" society of the Greeks, there was still persecution of Christians, just as there is today. I mean, just saying you're a Christian today is pretty cool & no one would care much. We only truly experience this persecution when we're bold enough to stand out, stand on God's word, preach His gospel & separate ourselves from the world.

Main point I got from this - let's turn the world upside down. With the Holy Spirit as our strength, we can be witnesses for our Lord and like the Thessalonians, cause the word of the Lord to "sound forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place." (v. 8)

8/20 - The Suffering Servant

A suggested reading today. I think it's important that we keep fresh in our minds exactly what Christ did for us & why He did it. We've been through the following passage in Bible study lately & it's truly amazing each time I read it. Written roughly 700 years before Christ....Isaiah 53

¹ Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

³ He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

¹¹ After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

8/19 - Colossians 4, part 2

This morning the word of God spoke to me from Colossians 4:2 about something I've been slacking on,

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving"(NKJV)
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (KJV)

I've been struggling recently trying not to fall asleep during my morning prayer. I'll fade in and out in a battle to just have a conversation with the Lord. He seems to be the only one I do this with, which is a pretty convicting thought. I added the KJV version of this verse because this was the order that I read them this morning and came to learn that that word "watch" in Greek means "stay awake; vigilant." The literal translation of the verse means "continue in prayer and stay awake while doing it!" We know from Matthew 26:41 that Jesus told his disciples to be careful of this very thing and their subsequent failure to do so. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is so weak. Can I get an "Amen" from the balcony?! I sincerely want to be vigilant in prayer but often fall short. I know there's some practical things I can do to get better though.

This verse even goes beyond it's literal translation to mean that we should be persistent & staying alert for specific things to pray rather than just the general "God please bless so-and-so" prayers. Being alert also means being aware of the needs of your friends, co-workers, country or whatever you may be praying for. So the full embodiment of my prayer life is no longer just the time I spend in actual prayer, it's how soon I go to bed & what I expose myself to. I say what I expose myself to meaning asking friends what they need prayer for, being aware of what's happening in our country and having meaningful conversations with people so our prayers turn from "God bless this country or God bless John" to "God guide our leaders what to do concerning healthcare and God be with John as he goes through surgery tomorrow." I also say what I expose myself to because, just to be honest with you guys, when I pray other thoughts pass through my mind no matter how hard I try not to let them. So I'm realizing this morning that prayer, for me, needs to become integrated with my life, not just part of it.

8/18 - Colossians 4

Quick post today. Colossians 4:5-6,

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

'Those who are outside' refers to non-believers, 'redeeming the time' means taking advantage of every opportunity. We ought to be walking in wisdom, taking every opportunity to witness to nonbelievers. Our walk & our talk ought to be lined up so both can testify to the God we claim to serve. This ties in well with yesterday's blog on chapter 3. During this process of becoming 'new men' we're growing in knowledge & wisdom, building characteristics such as mercy, humility & patience (3:12) while letting go of anger, malice & filthy language (3:8). Now our conversations can be 'seasoned with salt,' an appetizing diet of words for the spiritually starving non-believer.

Let's be in prayer for each other in this area. That we'd become fully committed to God, forsaking our old ways & giving God His due. For those who have accepted His salvation, He bought us at the cost of His son's life. By this testimony, we are all witnesses & called to be so in Matthew 28:19-20. The least we could do is show gratitude, learn more about a God who would do such a thing, and spread that message to others.