Monthly Archives: March 2019

Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting

LET IT BURN

1 THESSALONIANS 5:19

“Do not quench the Spirit;” 

Have you ever had heartburn? Boy, I have. You’ll do just about anything to get that burning to stop. You will drink cold water, milk, take antacids or other medications. You just want your throat and stomach to cool down. 

The Spirit burns within us also, but it’s a good thing. He wants us to know He is there. He will burden us, entice us and encourage us. He will prod us, direct us and lead us. So, what did Paul mean here about not quenching the Spirit? The word means to extinguish or put out (as in a fire). The Spirit of God is often symbolized by a flame. He should burn within us, not like heartburn, but as a catalyst to light our fire for the Lord.

APPLICATION

Get a couple of candles to light with your kids, but make sure one of those is a trick candle that they can’t blow out. Light them both and talk about this verse. Explain to them that the Holy Spirit is like that flame that burns. He is in us to energize us spiritually to hear from and live for the Lord.

Now have them blow the candles out. Of course, one goes out and the other one won’t. Tell them the Lord wants us to keep our flame of the Holy Spirit burning. We shouldn’t do anything to put out the flame, to quench it. The Holy Spirit is NOT like the candle that blew out easy. We all make mistakes and sin. Quenching the Spirit has to be a deliberate attempt, just like it is to put out the trick candle. It takes a certain effort.

Have you quenched the Spirit in your life? Have you ignored His prompting so long that He has stopped “talking to you”? Well, He is still talking. The problem is you have stopped listening. You have allowed your ears to block His voice. Confess this to the Lord. Reopen that line of communication. Let the Spirit burn within you.

I want to feel the burn, Lord. I want to be so controlled by the Spirit that the things of this world can’t touch me. Keep me sensitive to His leading.

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WHAT IS GOD’S WILL?

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

I want to challenge you to do a word study. Look up how many times the Bible mentions “God’s will” or “the will of God.” Make a list of all the things it says is God’s will for your life. The list may just surprise you. And here we have one more thing that is included in God’s will for you – to give thanks in everything.

Notice, Paul didn’t say “for” everything. It’s hard to thank God for some things. But IN whatever situation, we can thank Him. My brother and sister-in-law give thanks for my brother’s cancer he had several years ago. Now, they don’t thank Him FOR the cancer, but they are truly grateful for the opportunity it gave them to trust Him afresh with his very life. 

APPLICATION

Help your little Elrod or Gertrude make a list of things for which they are thankful. They will probably list the good stuff. Most of us would also. But help them think of some things that were difficult. Talk about what they learned through those things and how they can thank God for them. This is a deliberate choice on our part. We don’t naturally do this.

How about helping them thank God for the difficult people in their lives? “What?! Carl, you can’t mean that!” Well, I don’t, but God does. He places people in our lives who will challenge us and whom He will use to make us more like Him. We can thank Him for that. We don’t enjoy the process, but we sure love the outcome.

Are you thankful? Are you giving the Lord all the gratitude for all the things He allows to touch you? If you are like me, you probably aren’t. It’s hard to thank Him when your eyes are on the situation. Look up. Know that He is there. His will, His desire for you, His best offer can be accepted or rejected. What will you do with it.

Lord, I must confess that sometimes I find it hard to thank You for some of the things that come into my life. But I must trust that if You allow them, You have a purpose for them. For that I am thankful.

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DON’T STOP

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17

“pray without ceasing;” 

Here is the other shortest verse in the Scriptures (at least in the original Greek). This verse is also just two words in the Greek, like the previous verse. But there is nothing short about its meaning. Pray without ceasing. How is that possible? Does Paul mean we should spend all our time on our knees? I don’t think so.

The word translated “without ceasing” is only used four times in the New Testament, three times in 1 Thessalonians (1:3, 2:13 and here). The other time it is used is in Romans 1:9. Now what is very interesting is that in ALL four times it is referring to prayer. What does that tell us? Don’t stop praying!

APPLICATION

Get your little Johnny or Susie to stand up and start running in place. Tell them not to stop until you tell them to. As they are running, talk to them about this verse. Explain how the Lord wants us to pray all the time. Ask them, as they are still running, if they think praying is tiring. Does praying wear them out? As they begin to pant for breath, they will probably say no or not at all.

Now, tell them to stop running and have a seat. Explain to them that praying unceasingly or constantly is possible because it is not a physical thing. It’s a spiritual activity. It’s an attitude of prayer. It’s a mindset that you are always heaven focused. You don’t hesitate to talk to God because you know He is always ready to listen. There is nothing tiring about that.

When do you pray? Do you only pray at certain points in the day? Make prayer a constant in your life. This word for “pray” literally means exchanging our desires for God’s. Don’t you think His desires for us are better than ours? Why wouldn’t you want His desires for your life? Tell Him that. Keep that conversation going all day every day.

Knowing You are always there encourages me to talk to You constantly, Lord. I know You are listening and ready to answer. Remind me today to keep the lines of communication open.

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REJOICE – ALWAYS


1 THESSALONIANS 5:16

“Rejoice always;” 

This is a first for me. I have put the entire verse in the title, lol.  One of the shortest verses in the Bible. In fact, in the Greek, it is shorter than the commonly thought of shortest verse “Jesus wept.” How ironic that the verse we think is the shortest has an exact opposite thought than the actual shortest verse. On the one hand we have weeping and on the other we have rejoicing.  That was just interesting to me. It didn’t cost you anything extra.

What does Paul mean here? This word “rejoice” is a command. We are commanded to rejoice ALL THE TIME. Is that possible? We can if we understand where this word comes from. “Rejoice,” “joy” and “grace” all come from the same root word in the Greek. If you understand grace and have experienced it through salvation, you will have joy. And if you have joy, you can’t help but rejoice. Even in bad times, God’s grace and joy will explode in rejoicing.

APPLICATION

Have you had a “Rejoicing Party” lately with your children? What fun! Put on a cd with some songs of rejoicing and praising our Savior. Dance and sing. Rejoice! Children love to dance with daddy and mommy. They love to watch us celebrate. 

Teach them this verse. Even a three-year-old can memorize this one. But explain it to them. Make sure they understand that rejoicing is based on joy and grace. We rejoice because of what God has done through His Son Jesus. We can’t rejoice in anything we’ve done. What a great verse – rejoice always.

Do you? Do you rejoice? Do you rejoice always? It is possible, if you allow yourself to die to your selfishness and pride. If you allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you, He will bring the joy to the top and it will overflow with rejoicing. Let it flow!

I praise You, my Lord, for filling me with Your grace and joy through the knowledge of Your Son. Because of Him I can rejoice always, even when the world is dead set against me. I WILL rejoice.

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GOOD OR EVIL


1 THESSALONIANS 5:15

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” 

What an interesting use of words, but you have to go back to the original language to really see why. You see, “repays” carries the idea of a payment or repayment. That is usually a good thing, but in this situation it’s bad. You’ve heard the expression “payback.” Well, that’s the idea here. It’s getting back at someone.

And the other words that are interesting are “seek after.” That’s one word in the Greek, and it can also be used in a good way or a bad way. Here, of course, it is a good thing. It means to earnestly pursue something. It’s your passion. It’s what drives you. You just can’t stop.

APPLICATION

This is an easy application, if you will teach it. Children naturally want to “get back” at someone who has done them wrong. We all get that naturally. It’s part of our sin nature. Our job as parents is to lead our children to Christ who can transform that nature into His nature. Then, like Him, they will desire what is good for others, not payback.

One of the best ways to teach your children to do good towards those who try to harm them is to teach them to pray for them. It’s really hard to try to “get back” at someone you are praying for. Your child may even suggest a way to actually do something nice for that person in the name of Jesus. Encourage that. 

Who is giving you a “fit” right now? Is there someone at work who just has it in for you? Perhaps, God forbid, there is someone at church you can’t get along with. Begin by praying for them. We never know what is going on in a person’s life, but God does. Then ask the Lord to use you to do good to them. Find a way to bless them. What happens might surprise you.

O Lord, I know all I deserve is payback for my sins. I do not deserve Your blessings. But because of Your Son, Jesus, I am declared righteous. Help me see others as deserving of that same righteousness.

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DID I LEAVE ANYONE OUT?


1 THESSALONIANS 5:14

“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 

My daughter is planning a wedding! Yep, I am gaining a son-in-law, or as I like to say – a son. They are both busy planning the invitation list. What started out as a small little wedding has naturally grown to a larger event. That’s okay. It’s their wedding, and they want their friends and family there to celebrate with them.

Paul is making a list here in today’s verse for the Thessalonians. He wants them to reach out to the unruly, fainthearted, weak and well…everyone. Now that’s a pretty exhaustive list. In fact, the word “everyone” comes from the word that means not just all, but each and every part that makes up the whole. So, Paul is saying, “each and every person.”

APPLICATION

You will need to teach each of these commands separately to your little Johnny or Susie. I would hold off on the admonishing one until they are older. That takes some skill to do correctly. But it is still a most valuable skill to have.  

Teaching them to encourage, help and to be patient, though, can ONLY be taught by modeling that for them. Sorry about that Mom and Dad. You are the one that has to practice this first. Then your children will see what it looks like.  Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to do what the Lord asks you?

So many of us want to admonish, but we don’t want to encourage, help or show patience. We don’t have the right to admonish someone we are not willing to encourage, help or be patient with. Is that you? Commit today to start at the bottom of that list (patience) and work your way up. See what God will do through you.

Father, You have given us the perfect example in Christ. He showed us patience, help and encouragement so that admonishment wasn’t as necessary. Help me model Christ in my interactions with others.

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ATABOY


1 THESSALONIANS 5:13

“and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” 

Do you know that term – Ataboy? Well, it refers to patting someone on the back for a job well done. It means holding someone in high regard. Or as Paul says, “esteem them very highly.” Have you done that lately to someone? Have you given them an “ataboy”?

Of course, Paul is referring to those in verse 12, to those who teach us and lead us. Go up to your Pastor next week and give him a pat on the back and say, “Pastor, I really appreciate all you do for our church and for me personally. I am praying for you today.” You cannot imagine how much that will mean to him. Most of the time he hears negative stuff and complaints. You will truly bless him.

APPLICATION

Help your little Gertrude or Elrod make a list of people they want to give an “ataboy” to. It could be a teacher, preacher, babysitter or another leader in their life. After you make the list help them make a homemade card of thanks. Those homemade cards are not only fun to make, but they carry a special meaning to the recipient.

I keep a “Smile File” in my office where I keep all the cards I receive from children. I got one recently from a group of girls in our AWANA program. Knowing they took the time to color it and write a personal message meant so much to me. It was a simple gesture, but it blessed my socks off.  Teach your children to do that – to bless others.

Is there someone today you could bless that way? I bet they need it. Shoot them an email card or GIF or a personal text. It is so easy to do that in our digital world. Make a list of people you want to bless in that way. Then do it and sit back and watch them receive it. I promise you will be blessed as much.

I want to thank You first of all, Lord. You deserve all my praise and adoration for salvation. I esteem You very highly in love.

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WHO DO YOU APPRECIATE?


1 THESSALONIANS 5:12

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,” 

If you have ever attended a middle school or high school ballgame, whether it be basketball or football, you have probably heard this cheer.  “2, 4, 6, 8, who do you appreciate…” Am I right?  It didn’t matter if your team was good or bad. The fans were going cheer for them. 

Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians and us to show our appreciation (literally, to remember) those who teach and lead us in our faith. Many churches and communities have “Clergy Appreciation Days.” This is a day set aside to recognize and show appreciation to our spiritual leaders. We would do well to do that in some way.

APPLICATION

“Carl, this isn’t a very spiritual devotion today.” Well, hang on. Let’s make this apply to us and our families. One thing that is sorely missing today in our society is valuing our spiritual mentors. We must teach our children to honor and respect those people God has placed over them. Lack of respect for authority is running rampant in our country. Of all people, Christians should lead the way in honoring our leaders.

How do we teach that? It begins at home. Holding your children accountable for disrespectful behavior must be done. Modeling respect for your leaders, even if you disagree with them, teaches our children to do the same. I truly believe God places people over us in life to teach us. We may question that sometime, but if we trust the Lord, we will honor Him by honoring those He has chosen as His instrument of instruction in our lives.

Whom are you complaining about right now? Are you picking apart your Pastor without any measure of honor and respect? Apply this verse to your life today. Ask the Lord to show you when you are NOT appreciating those who teach and lead you.

I am thankful, Lord, for those whom You have placed over me. I repent of any disrespect or dishonor I may have shown. Help me to learn from them what You would have me learn.

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BE A BUILDER


1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 

Imagery can be so important when you are trying to explain something to someone. Paul, through the Holy Spirit, is doing that so well in this verse. He instructs us to literally build up others (to help them stand firm) and also to encourage them (to come alongside them). I get this picture of a tree that is planted in the ground and then braced and supported tightly until it takes firm root.

Unfortunately, too many of us are too concerned with tearing others down and kicking the supports out from under them. We don’t want others “standing over” us. We would rather see them fall that appear to be over us. I pray anyone I have the privilege to mentor becomes MUCH more than me.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you a question. Do you want your children to succeed? Do you want them to achieve more than you? Most parents would quickly say, “Well, of course, Carl.” Their achievement over your achievements makes you proud, not jealous. Their surpassing of your goals is a reflection of you, not an overshadowing of anything you have done.

Why is it, then, that we can’t do the same thing with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ? Why do we compete with them for the top rung on the ladder? Teach your children to be that person who, for the betterment of the Body, is willing to stay at the bottom of the ladder to hold and support it, rather than kick people off on the way up.

How do you encourage and build up your fellow believers? Who are you personally mentoring right now? If you aren’t sure what the answer is to either of those questions, let me encourage you right now to take a moment to ask the Lord to put someone in your life to whom you can do that. We can’t do this Christian life alone and neither can others.

Lord, You have created us to need each other. Let me encourage someone today. Instead of tearing someone down, help me build someone up.

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HEAVENLY LIVING


1 THESSALONIANS 5:10

“who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.” 

I just cAn’t get over the imagery of Christ’s death. It is His death on the cross that gives us the opportunity for life, life eternal. Paul is assuring the Thessalonians and us that whether they are alive when Christ returns or are asleep (as we saw in chapter 4), we WILL be with Christ for eternity.

There are not many people I can think of I would want to live with here on earth. Living with people requires you to share space. It requires you to communicate with them about household stuff. People you live with now just get in your stuff, don’t they? But eternal living will be different. Why? Because our focus will NOT be on us. It will be on Him. 

APPLICATION

Why not ask your children how they like living in their family. Get ready for some crazy answers. Ask them if they could, who would they add or leave out. Now, this is not a time for scolding or correcting. Just let them answer and tell why. You could learn a lot by their answers. 

After you have heard all their answers, talk about our eternal home. Explain how living here is really just preparation for living there. Getting along with family here is preparing us for eternal living. Encourage them to be more forgiving of that brother or sister whom they may spend eternity with. Model this for them by treating your spouse with the kind of affection you will receive from Jesus in your heavenly home. 

Are you ready for eternal living? If you are a believer, God is trying to get you ready each day down here. He is attempting to mold you into a perfect eternal kingdom citizen. Just think how sweet it would be if we could start living heavenly down here. Heaven on earth is possible if we let Him live in and through us.

Father God, give me the wisdom today to live heavenly. Let me treat my earthly family like I will treat my heavenly family. Give me Your eyes today to see them as You see them.

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