Category Archives: Comfort

Advice, Bible, Busyness, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Sanctification, Scripture, Surrender, Thessalonians

TIRED OF BEING GOOD

2 THESSALONIANS 3:13

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”

If you know me personally, you know I spent over 30 years of my 40+ years of ministry serving in the Child Welfare environment. I served in various capacities at several Children’s Homes. So many of the children I worked with would start learning how to handle their own behavior and make progress in school and home. But most of them would reach a point when they would regress to previous bad behavior. When asked why, they would say, “I am just tired of being good.”

That may sound like a cop out, but until they learned the truth of the Gospel, they were doomed to repeat this roller coaster of good behavior and bad behavior. Once they learned they didn’t have to be good and to allow Christ to live through them, they began to stabilize their behavior. They weren’t always good, but they recognized it was all about surrender.

APPLICATION

Don’t teach your children to be good. Yes, you read that right. Don’t teach them to behave. Teach them, instead, to trust the only Good One. When our children learn to depend solely on Christ, behaviors will improve. When they learn to follow Christ’s example of selfless living, they will put others first. 

You can’t teach goodness. You have to live it out. You have to experience life. Your children will have ample opportunities to “be good.” But nothing they can do will ever make them good. Only Christ can do that.

Are you pointing others to Jesus by your “goodness”? Are you allowing Christ to live in and through you? Apart from Him you have absolutely no goodness in you. You might be morally good. You might treat others nicely. But there is no goodness in you. We are simply sinners, saved by grace. Let His goodness lead you to do good works.

O Lord, I am so grateful that I don’t have to do good works to achieve my “goodness.” I recognize that no amount of deeds on my part will achieve that. Only You can make me “good” in Your sight.

Standard
Alone, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Encouragement, Inspirational, Parenting, Peace

PEACE AND QUIET

2 THESSALONIANS 3:12

“Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.” 

I will never forget my Mama telling us all she wanted for Mothers’ Day was some peace and quiet. With four children running around the house, she surely needed that. Of course, we always got her the most awesome gift anyway. Those childhood gifts were all stored away as treasures, which we found when she passed away. She never did get that peace and quiet, though, on Mothers’ Day.

This word “quiet” is only used four times in the New Testament. It refers to the God produced calmness that only a believer can have. It is not speechlessness, but it implies that true peace and quiet feeling in which you can truly rest. Who doesn’t want that? You can only experience this as you rest in Christ and follow His precepts.

APPLICATION

Ask your children for some peace and quiet and see what happens. They may get quiet for a moment, but pretty soon the snickers and giggles will start or the arguing returns. Children, at least most of them, are just not naturally quiet. There is just too much of life to investigate and enjoy.

But we have to introduce them to the quiet peace of Jesus. That will stay with them for life. They will only find true rest as they discover the peace that transcends all understanding. It is there they can get spiritually quiet and hear the Lord. It is there they can find solace in the midst of life’s storms.

You may be saying, “Carl, I have never had that kind of peace and quiet.” Well, ask Him for it. It all begins with your salvation. Through His saving power He pours out His peace on us. Through His sanctifying power He fills us with His peace. If you don’t have His peace, you will never experience true peace. Turn to Him today and rest. Get quiet with Jesus.

I hear Your voice in the still moments, Lord. I rest in You. I want that quietness. I need Your peace.

Standard
Advice, Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Passion, Scripture, Surrender, Thessalonians, Trust, Witnessing

DON’T BE A BURDEN


2 THESSALONIANS 3:8

“nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;” 

The only three times this word for “burden” is used in the New Testament, they are used by Paul. Once in 2 Corinthians 2:5, once in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and then here in this verse. Paul did not in any way want to be a burden to those to whom he was shepherding. Whether it was what he was saying or doing, he wanted to spare them the obligation to care for him.

Unfortunately, too many believers today dump all their “stuff” on others. They guilt others into caring for them. I had an experience once when someone approached me to ask for money because they were “down on their luck right now.” When I told them I couldn’t help, they accused me of not being a Christian. Guilt!

APPLICATION

Teach your children to not be a burden. Teach them to carry their own weight. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. There is nothing wrong with receiving help. But we should never guilt someone into helping us. We should never cause someone else to feel obligated to take care of us. 

Your little Johnny or Susie may be one of those children who just oozes with mercy. Every time they see a person on the side of the road with one of those homemade signs asking for a handout, they beg you to give them some money. What a perfect teaching lesson. You must do what the Lord directs you to do but use that opportunity to teach this truth. Showing mercy is Christlike, but being an enabler is not.

If you have ever put your guilt on someone else to get them to give you something or care for you, repent. Then go and make that right. We need to follow Paul’s example of accepting a gift but not expecting or demanding it. Then the gift is truly a blessing rather than an entitlement.

Father, I thank You for friends and family who have come alongside me in the past. Help me pay it forward. But Lord, help me to be careful not to pass on any expectations to receive.

Standard
Advice, Alone, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Encouragement, Evil, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Surrender, Thanksgiving, Thessalonians

MY BODYGUARD


2 THESSALONIANS 3:3

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”  

Do you realize that when you surrender your life to Christ and invite Him into your life to save and redeem you, you get your own personal bodyguard? I don’t mean to reduce the Lord to a simple position like that, but He does step in to protect us from evil. The word “protect” has the idea of a military guard, someone who is actively and alertly protecting something or someone.

Jesus is ALWAYS on guard. He is never caught unaware. No one, not even Satan himself, can surprise the Lord. I love to watch military movies or dramas about covert actions. Someone always gets surprised. The whole idea of a covert action is to catch the enemy unprepared. Satan wants to deceive us (to catch us unguarded), but if we trust the Lord Jesus and walk with Him, He is the one who protects us. We just have to rest in Him.

APPLICATION

Have you ever played “King of the Mountain” with your kids? I used to love that game when I was a kid. Find a hill and select who will be “king” first. Then everyone else tries to take the hill and become the king. It can be a pretty rough game with lots of pushing and shoving and tackling. That’s why I loved it as a kid. 

The key to “survive” as the king is to keep your head on a swivel and stay very alert to any advancing “enemy.” The worse thing that could happen is to be caught from behind and shoved off the hill.  No one can stay “king” forever. It just gets too tiring to defend the hill.

But, oh, listen to me. Jesus IS the KING of every hill. He is able to defend you. There is no evil person who can harm you as long as He is there. So, stick close to Jesus. Let Him frustrate and confuse the enemy. He will one day slay him with the breath of His mouth. Jesus can handle this.

Once again, Lord, I place my life in Your hands. In the midst of intense battle with the evil one, I can depend on You to defend me. I trust You and You alone.

Standard
Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Encouragement, Evil, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Love, Motherhood, Parenting, Passion, Prayer, Scripture, Thanksgiving

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL


2 THESSALONIANS 3:2

“and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.” 

Most of us with any familiarity with the Bible will recognize the phrase I used today for the title of this blog. Where is that from? That’s right, from the Lord’s Prayer. It’s from verse 13 of Matthew 6 which reads, “‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”

Have you ever thought about what that means? This word “rescued” means to draw to oneself for safety. So, it means the Lord will not just make us safe. It means He will draw us into His arms for safety. Where had you rather be – in a safe place or safe in the arms of Jesus? I know where I want to be.

APPLICATION

Think of it this way. If your child was in danger, where would you want them to be? I would want my children in my arms so I could protect them. What would you do to protect your children? I would do anything to keep them safe from danger, especially evil danger. 

Ask your children if they feel safe in your arms. Unless you have just had to discipline them for something, they will most certainly say they do. Ask them why. They may say because they know you love them or that you are big and strong and able to protect them. Tell them that as safe as they feel in your arms, you are no comparison to the safe, loving arms of Jesus. He will ALWAYS be there, even when they don’t think He is.

Do you believe that? “I don’t know, Carl. Why do bad things happen to us then?” Because God is allowing them. And if He is allowing them, He will use them to make us more like Him. He will NEVER allow anything to touch us that won’t make us better. That’s a promise you can take to the bank. He will “deliver us from evil.”

I am truly grateful, Lord, that evil cannot touch me unless it touches You first. I am safe in Your arms in which You rescue me. I fear no one because You are my Deliverer.

Standard
Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Heaven, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Surrender, Thessalonians, Witnessing

EAT YOUR SPINACH

2 THESSALONIANS 2:17

“comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”

Were you ever a Popeye fan? I was growing up. I used to love to see Popeye eat his spinach and come back to win the fight. Olive Oil, his girlfriend, would fall in his arms, swooning over him. What guy doesn’t want that, right?  Unfortunately, I do not like spinach, so I guess I am out of luck, lol.

Seriously though, we are more than Popeye strong, if we take our “God spinach.” It is He who strengthens us. This word “strengthen” is only used 13 times in the New Testament. Four of those are in the letters to the Thessalonians. Paul is reminding them who strengthens them. He is reminding them that their faith is solely dependent upon Jesus, not some external source.

APPLICATION

How many times have you told your children to eat their vegetables so they will grow up to be big and strong? I bet that happens a lot. Some children love vegetables, while others look at a green bean like it is leprosy. It takes a lot of coaxing and bribing (I am not condoning that) to get them to eat those green things.  But you know they need them for good health.

Are you as concerned about them “ingesting” the Word daily? “Well, Carl, they have to decide that on their own.” Really? I know physical health is important, but so is their spiritual health. Remember, you are not just raising your children. You are raising your grandchildren’s parents. If you desire to see a legacy of faith continue into the next generation, you must be diligent to “feed” them what is truly important. God will take care of the strengthening part.

How is your spiritual health today? Are you eating your spiritual spinach? God will strengthen you as much as you allow Him. But you must ingest the proper ingredients. You must have a steady diet of His Word and spend time with Him. Then God can truly comfort and strengthen you in every good work and word.

God, feed me today. Give me the spiritual strength to defeat any enemy that comes my way. I know those victories all belong to You.

Standard
Advice, Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Heaven, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Thessalonians

ETERNITY NOW?


2 THESSALONIANS 2:16

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,” 

Isn’t this a sweet, promising verse? We are promised His love, His comfort and His hope through grace. That’s a lot. And this is one of the few times that Paul mentions Jesus before the Father. That may not be important, but I thought it was just interesting. 

This comfort is not just normal comfort. It’s eternal comfort. Does that mean we only get this when we get to heaven? I don’t think so. Look at this definition of that Greek word for “eternal.” “Thus believers live in ‘eternallife’ right now, experiencing this quality of God’s life now as a present possession.”We can experience eternal comfort right now. Don’t you want that?

APPLICATION

Ask your little Susie how she would feel if when she got hurt you withheld comforting her until she grew up. I bet she wouldn’t like that. You wouldn’t kiss that boo-boo until after it was healed. That’s crazy, isn’t it? Now read your children this verse and explain that the same thing applies to God.

He is not going to withhold His comfort from them just because they are still here on earth. That comfort is eternal because it is ageless.  It covers all time. God is even in the process of comfort long before they (or we) even know they are going to need it. That’s pretty awesome, if you ask me. Eternal comfort lasts a long time. It begins the moment we receive his free gift of salvation and will follow us right into eternity.

Are you in need of comfort today? As I write this, I have several friends who are in need of great comfort. They are going through some very hard things right now. They need to know that the Lord is already at work in their life to comfort their hearts and give them love and hope through grace. Is there someone you need to remind of that today?

O Lord, help me share this great truth with someone who needs it today. Let me be the bearer of that eternal comfort through the Lord Jesus. Thank You for giving me that comfort and hope.

Standard
Advice, Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Glory, God's Will, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Obedience, Surrender

ALL MINE


2 THESSALONIANS 2:14

“It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Can you believe that? If you respond to God’s call given through the Gospel, you will gain (fully possess) His glory. What? Are you kidding me? That’s what it says. God wants to glorify us. But He can only do that if we are His.

You hear a lot people claiming to be believers but who live like the world. Being called through the Gospel has to change us. Our motivations for life shift. Our desire and wishes become more heaven focused. Am I right? The things of this world hold no value, or at least lesser value. All we want is His glory.

APPLICATION

This may be one of the toughest things to teach our children. They really have to just live it and experience it. So, our jobs are to lead them to Christ and disciple them once they have surrendered. You can’t disciple a lost child. If your little Johnny doesn’t know Jesus, he will never respond to your efforts to “build him up” spiritually.

BUT if your child comes to the King of Kings, they too will be glorified. You should see a change in their attitude. Will they still mess up? Don’t you? Will your child make some mistakes? Probably so. Pour into them. Let other mentors do the same. Sometimes our kids respond to others better.  That’s okay.

So, have you responded to the call? Have you yielded your heart to the Lord of Lords? He will make you His own. He will exalt you as you humble yourself. Don’t you want His glory all over you? I sure do. Give Him praise.

Father God, You are worthy of all my praise. I do desire Your glory. I long for you gentle hands which direct me toward others who are also in need of it today.

Standard
Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Death, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, God's Will, Heaven, Inspirational, Love, Ministry, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Praise, Resurrection, Surrender, Witnessing

THE PURPOSE OF EASTER

2 THESSALONIANS 2:10

“and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” 

Resurrection Sunday! Easter! Shouldn’t we celebrate the resurrection of Christ every day? I think so. His death atoned for all our sins, but His resurrection gave us victory over the grave and death. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Today’s verse fits nicely with the Easter message. Satan is constantly trying to deceive mankind. His wicked ways will lead us straight down the road to destruction. We will perish without receiving the love of God, the love of truth. We must receive it to be saved. That word “receive” is written in the middle voice, which means it is our decision to receive. No one can make us.

APPLICATION

Okay – here are some clear commands to follow to lead your children to Christ. 1) Satan will try to deceive them. 2) His ways are wicked. 3) His ways lead to destruction. 4) They must receive Jesus on their own. 5) God will save them if they do.

It’s really that simple. Any child can understand the simple truth of the Gospel. Don’t complicate it. Teach them to share this with their friend. You don’t have to have 100 verses memorized to be saved (not that memorization isn’t important). Your little Susie must come to the realization that her sins are wickedness and are only pleasing Satan. Then she must confess them, receive the love of the truth (Jesus) and God will save her.

Who can you share that with today? You see, you have people all around you who are dying spiritually right now. They will certainly perish without receiving the Lord. You are essentially watching them rot and decay before your eyes in their wickedness. Stop the decay! Share today’s truth with them and lead them to receive a resurrected life in Christ. Amen?

Lord, today give me someone I can share truth with. Let me be the one to introduce them to a way of escape. I will give You all the glory!

Standard
Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christ's Return, Comfort, Commands, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Family, Fatherhood, Glory, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Prayer, Resurrection, Sanctification, Suffering, Surrender

BAD BREATH

2 THESSALONIANS 2:8

“Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;” 

Excuse my thought process, lol. But I just could not resist when I read this verse. I am NOT insinuating that the Lord will have bad breath. But, unlike His first appearance on earth, He will be one “bad” dude when He returns. He won’t come as baby. He will come as Ruler and Judge. And this lawless one will pay the price simply by the breath of His mouth.

Now, that word “breath” is the Greek word pneuma, which can also be translated as spirit. In fact, it is the same word used in the title of “Holy Spirit.” I don’t think that is a coincidence, do you? The very breath of God, the very Spirit of God will slay the lawless one. No weapon is needed.

APPLICATION

Here is the great part of that verse. That same “breath” of the Lord is living in us as believers. We have that power coursing through us every day, if we just tap into it. Now, we aren’t going to slay someone with our breath (unless we have been eating a lot of garlic). But the Lord stands ready to defeat any enemy we face. All we have to do is mention His name, and the enemy flees.

We need to teach our children the importance on relying on the Lord to fight their battles. Surrender to Him first, allow Him to work in their lives, and He will stand ready to defend us. He will protect His children, just you do all you can to protect them as their earthly parent. The difference is you can’t be with them all the time. He can and will.

Are you in need of the “breath” of God today? Are you facing unknown forces that are trying to tear you down and destroy you? Allow Him to reign in and through you. Then step back and watch Him work. He is ready. Are you?

Your breath is sweet to me but harsh to the unbeliever. Help me share your breath with others. I want them to also experience its sweetness. 

Standard