Category Archives: Career

Advice, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Disciplemaking, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Suffering

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?


1 THESSALONIANS 3:11

11Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 

You must excuse me, but I love word studies. I love to look up different words in Scripture to see what the etymology of the word is and where else it is used in the Scriptures. This verse is no exception. I had to look up the word “direct.” I found something interesting.

It is only used three times – right here, in Luke 1:79 and 2 Thessalonians 3:5. It means to direct without any deviations, to go straight to a destination. What is really interesting is in these three verses where it is used, it is directing three different things, but they must go together.  In today’s verse it directs our way. In Luke it directs our feet, and in 2 Thessalonians it directs our heart. If your heart is directed correctly, your feet will take you the right way.

APPLICATION

I bet you use a GPS when you travel. Most of us do today. It’s hard to find a road map anymore. With those you could contemplate different routes to your destination. Now, all you have to do is punch in the address, and your route is mapped for you.

The next time you travel with your family, get one of your children to set the GPS. Get them to direct your family to its destination. Then talk about this verse. Just as they just put in the address to take you to your final destination, God has punched in our eternal destination. He wants us to take the path He has chosen. But just like the GPS, when we stray, He will reroute us in order to get us back on the path.

Where are you going? Is your heart right? If it is, your feet will follow. Then and only then can you stay on the right path. Following God’s path does NOT guarantee the smoothest roads. Sometimes He takes us on bumpy roads. Sometimes He takes the scenic route. But the final destination will be worth it all.

You are in control of my life path, Lord. I give You control of mapping it out for me. I may complain from time to time when I don’t understand the route, but I will trust You.

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Advice, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Disciplemaking, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Witnessing

I‘M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET


1 THESSALONIANS 3:10

“as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”

Paul’s training of the Thessalonians wasn’t done yet. He had so much more to teach them. That’s why he longed to see them again. He wasn’t just desiring fellowship. He wanted more time to complete his teaching, so they could walk with Christ with more confidence.

I love to teach. Being able to share what the Lord has taught me gives me joy. I understand Paul’s heart here. When someone sends me a note or tells me after I get through teaching that they learned something new, that just blesses my heart. Not because I taught – NO! Because the Holy Spirit spoke through me.

APPLICATION

When do you get through teaching your children? Never! I learned from dad up until the day he died. In the last few years of his life I asked him for advice. I pray I can continue to advise my son and daughter as they get older. But I know any wisdom I impart is not mine. It all comes from the Lord.

But I also learn from my children. Don’t you? Think about a time when your child has said or done something which gave you a new insight into something. Encourage your child when that happens. Tell them that they just helped mommy or daddy to learn something new. 

Is there someone in your life right now to whom you go for advice? Does someone seek you out for advice? Advice is just advice unless it is bathed in prayer and is centered upon His Word. As you receive or give it make sure that is your source. That kind of advice will last for a lifetime.

You are the perfect advisor, God. Your words are always right. Your advice is holy and righteous. I can always trust it.

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Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Disciplemaking, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Praise, Thanksgiving, Witnessing

PAYBACK


1 THESSALONIANS 3:9

“For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account,”  

Most of the time when you hear the term “payback” you think about getting back at someone for something they have done to you. That is NOT what Paul meant in this verse when he said “render to God.” The word “render” means payback. So, what did Paul mean?

Paul was caught up in a moment of praise and thanksgiving to God for these Thessalonians. As he is reflecting on his memories of them and on the report he had received from Timothy, he erupts in thanks to God. He is literally paying back God for all He has done in and through the Thessalonians. Paul just lost it in praise!

APPLICATION

Have you ever seen your children “lose it” when they got overjoyed about something? They get so excited they can’t even talk, and then they scream and yell and shout! Right? Maybe you have surprised them with that long, awaited trip to Disney World. They can’t put the words together to thank you. They want to “render” to you the thanks they feel, but they don’t know how.

The next time that happens, stop and get them to calm down. Then lead them in thanking God for the blessing they have received. Make sure they know that all praise goes to Him. He is the only one who deserves it. Paul knew that. So should we.

Who are you thanking? Who are you giving praise to today? Point all your praise to your heavenly Father. When we do that the Word says He inhabits it. Now that is incredible. He loves our praise so much He lives in it. What are you waiting on? Praise Him!

I praise You, O Lord. There is no other one I can thank for all that has come to me. I give You the glory!

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JUST GOT TO KNOW


1 THESSALONIANS 3:5

“For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.” 

Paul was concerned. Notice I didn’t say worried. That wouldn’t be like him. But he was needing to know how the Thessalonians were getting along. The “father” of this new fledgling church needed to check on his “babies” in the faith. He wanted to make sure that the afflictions they were suffering at the hand of the devil were not discouraging them in their walk with Christ.

This is so important. So many times we lead someone to Christ and then leave them on their own. No! The conversion experience is just the beginning. We must come alongside them and mentor them. They need to be discipled to walk worthy. That was Paul’s concern. That’s why he sent Timothy and Silas back to Thessalonica. They needed instruction and support.

APPLICATION

Have you ever had to teach your child to drive? Maybe your children are still too young. But after all the hours in the car beside them, there will come that moment when you hand them the keys and off they go. There has to be a release day. But you do that after hours and hours of teaching and correcting. You know they are ready.

How dumb would it be to just hand them the keys to a brand, new car the day they turn 16? They wouldn’t last long on the road. Why do we think we can pray the sinner’s pray with our children and then do nothing else? They need years of training while they are with you. In fact, we are still learning as parents how to “do this Jesus thing.” 

Will you commit today to be intentional about training your children in Christ? If your children are grown, keep investing in them. Ask they how their walk is. Find someone you can mentor and disciple. We do have that mandate (Matt. 22:36-38).

Lord, open my eyes to those around me who need to be taught. I pray for my children today that they will have a hunger and thirst for Your Word. I pray they will accept any words of encouragement from me.

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I TOLD YOU SO


1 THESSALONIANS 3:4

“For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.” 

Do you know what instantly popped into my head when I read this verse today? I thought of Jesus telling His disciples that He would suffer. In fact, in Matthew He tells them this on three separate occasions. What did they do? In one instance, Peter is rebuked by Jesus for saying this can’t be. In another it says they were deeply grieved. 

It’s still the same today as it was in Paul’s day or Jesus’ day. People don’t want to hear anything about suffering. If you tell anyone that you are willing to die for the gospel, they think you are crazy. If you say the afflictions and sufferings you face will make you more like Christ, they want to get you counseling. But it’s true. 

APPLICATION

As followers of Christ, we should expect afflictions. We should expect persecutions. We should, in fact, welcome the opportunity to suffer for Jesus. It is called a gift in Scripture. Who doesn’t want a gift? But try telling your little Gertrude you are going to get her a gift of suffering. That won’t be received well.

What you should do, however, is take the opportunity the next time there is a gift giving occasion in your family to explain this gift of suffering. Read them this verse. Read them the passages in Matthew mentioned above. It is important they know that if and when they suffer for Jesus, it is part of His plan to use them for His glory. 

Now that I’ve said all that, are you ready to suffer? I told you it’s going to come. Are you willing? Are you prepared to receive this gift yourself? I can’t say it will be easy, but it will give Him glory when we praise Him through it all.

Lord, I am not even worthy to suffer in Your name. I don’t like the idea of afflictions, but if it can be used to bring Your glory, I’m all in. I trust You in the struggle.

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DESTINED FOR AFFLICTIONS


1 THESSALONIANS 3:3

“so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.” 

I really don’t like the title today – destined for afflictions. But that is exactly what Paul said. He was telling the Thessalonians that he didn’t want anyone upset that he or others were suffering or being persecuted. He said, “we have been destined for this.

Do you want to hear something really cool? That word “destined” is used in another interesting place and translated very differently.  It is used in Luke 2:12. There it is translated “lying.” Yep, baby Jesus was lying in a manger. He too was destined for afflictions. 

APPLICATION

This is a hard truth to swallow, much less teach our children. As believers in the 21stcentury, we are destined to suffer. The world hates everything we stand for. Our righteousness in Christ goes against their worldview, their lifestyles and their agendas. We can expect to suffer. Our children can expect to be persecuted and ridiculed.

Hallelujah! We are counted worthy to suffer for Him. That’s a strange comment to make. Who wants to suffer? Who in their right mind would celebrate their children suffering? Well, we don’t exactly celebrate it, but we do understand it and thank the Lord that He is able to sustain us through it. Our suffering is nothing in comparison to His.

Are you willing to be laid down in suffering? Are you willing to be persecuted for Jesus? He calls us to that. And He promises to give us the ability to withstand anyone who comes against us because in reality they are against Him. He will defend you.

I am willing to suffer. I hate saying those words, but I trust You. It is through Your suffering that You gave me life. For that I am thankful.

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ON A MISSION


1 THESSALONIANS 3:2

“and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,”

Timothy was relatively new to all this. He hadn’t been with Paul very long and was already being sent out on his own, or at least without Paul. Was he ready? Was he up to the task? Paul must have had faith in his young apprentice in the faith to send him back to Thessalonica.

Has God sent you on a mission? If the Lord has told you to go and do something, you must be ready. Don’t delay. He would never send you where you are not prepared to go. Remember, you are not alone. He is with you, but you still have to go. You have to make the first step.

APPLICATION

Your children will have moments when they are afraid to advance. It may be that first time they have to drive by themselves. It may be when you send them to do something for you. Your job as parent is to give them the strength and courage they need to take that first step. When we prepare them we must let them go.

Your little Johnny may fall flat on his face. I bet you Timothy didn’t do or say everything perfectly when he was sent back to Thessalonica. But he went. Send your Johnny out knowing he can rely on you for support. Even better, make sure he knows He is with him.

Today, make that first step out so the Lord can show you how He plans to use you. I don’t want to see you stifle your potential out of fear. Step out! Be a Timothy. Believe in Him who sends you out.

Lord, I am thankful You have enough faith in me to place me in some sticky situations. But with You by my side, WE can accomplish anything.

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ALONE TIME


1 THESSALONIANS 3:1

“Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,”   

Sometimes, in the midst of pursuing God’s Will, we have to make tough, hard choices. Paul was faced with one here. He had to decide, probably for his safety and the future of his ministry, to not return to Thessalonica then. Instead, he remained in Athens and sent Timothy (and probably Silvanus) back to them. That meant he was left alone in Athens.

But it was in Athens where Paul made his famous speech on Mars Hill. I have stood there. It was quite humbling to know I was standing in the same exact spot as Paul as he looked at the Parthenon and city of Athens. Paul may have felt he was alone but standing there I guarantee you he felt empowered by the Lord Himself.

APPLICATION

So, what is my point from this verse for you and your children? We are never alone. Sometimes, while we are serving the Lord, we feel we are alone. You have to remind yourself that you are not. You may, in fact, have some of your greatest moments at those times. When no one is around you to distract you, you can hear God clearly.

In this day and age, however, we have to teach our children how to be alone. The digital age allows them to be in the presence of others all the time. That is not good. We need alone time. We need quiet to hear the Lord speak. The next time your little Susie says, “I’m bored,” tell her it’s a good time to pray and listen to the Lord.

Have you purposely sought out some alone time? When was the last time you did that? Do it soon. Do it today, if you can. Find a spot and some time to just get alone and listen. You may be surprised at what you hear.

Lord, I love our time with each other. It’s not alone time. I’m with You, and You fill every void of my life.

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YOU MAKE ME LOOK GOOD


1 THESSALONIANS 2:20 

“For you are our glory and joy.”

I have had the privilege in my four decades of ministry to supervise some awesome people. Whenever I have received kudos and praise for something that occurred under my responsibility, I have tried to be quick to give all the credit to my staff. They are the ones who did all the work, making me look good.

That’s a very loose example of what Paul is talking about here with the Thessalonians. He is telling them that they make him look good. He gets glory and joy from them. They give him his value and worth because they exemplify the investment he has made in them for the cause of Christ. And because of that, they give him joy.

APPLICATION

I bet you can tell your children that they are your glory and joy. Well, maybe not all the time, lol. I am sure there are moments when their behavior is not glorious and joyous. Am I right? But don’t think about their everyday choices. Think about their eternal worth. God has placed them in your care to prepare them for eternity. Wow! That sure changes your perspective.

And most of us parents will have the privilege to not only affect how our children live. We will have the opportunity to invest in our grandchildren and even perhaps our great grandchildren. They can all be our glory and joy, but only if we invest in them spiritually. How? Pray for them. Read God’s Word to them. Tell the repeatedly how much God loves them. That will impact them for life.

Are you doing those things right now? Are you investing in others so that they can be your glory and joy? If not, do it today. Impact their lives for Christ. One day you too could look back at them and tell them, “You are our glory and joy.”

I want to impact my children and my children’s children so that I too can say those words to them. I thank You, Lord, for entrusting them to me. I will invest in them today.

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I’M SO PROUD OF YOU


1 THESSALONIANS 2:19 

“For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” 

I need to explain this verse. Paul is NOT boasting about himself or anything he has done. Paul is boasting about the Thessalonians. Basically, what he is saying is when the Lord Jesus returns, he will proud of them. Why? Because of the life they have lived in Christ. How was that possible? Paul introduced them to Jesus, and they accepted the Word of God.

The closest thing I can compare it to is when I have had the privilege to lead someone to Christ and then I get to watch them get baptized. When I see them publicly declare their love and allegiance to Christ, I am so proud of them. Knowing the Lord used me in the process thrills my heart.

APPLICATION

The greatest joy a Christian parent can have is to see their child walk with Christ. When we observe them making life decisions based on God’s Word, our chest should be bursting. Pride gets a bum rap a lot of times. But pride in the right things is good. Pride in godly living is good. Pride in pleasing Jesus is good. 

Teach your children to love and obey the Lord and your boasting in them will be centered upon that. Winning sports trophies or academic achievements may sound great. But nothing this world offers is eternal. When they achieve spiritually, that will last forever. 

In whom are you boasting? Are there people in your life whom you have led to Christ? Have you played a role in leading them to the Lord? If so, you understand this boasting. If not, you have no idea the joy you are missing. Paul says the Thessalonians were his hope, his joy, his crown of boasting. Who is yours?

I want to boast in You and what You have done in and through me in the lives of others. Show me, Lord, who You would have me invest my time and energy. I desire to see others come to know You.

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