Category Archives: Family

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

GOOD NEWS


1 THESSALONIANS 3:6

“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,” 

They say no news is good news. I’m not sure where that expression began, but it was not with me. I don’t like not knowing. Even if it’s bad news, tell me something. Not knowing drives me crazy! Can I get an amen?

Paul has received good news from Timothy about the Thessalonians. They are growing in their faith and love. They have good thoughts and comments about Paul. AND they want to see him as bad as he wants to see them. That is good news. Don’t you know Paul’s heart was glad and full of joy?

APPLICATION

Ask your little Gertrude if she likes good news. I bet she does. Ask her what the best news was she has ever received. That might surprise you. It could be the news that she was going to be a big sister. Or it could be that she got picked for the ball team.

Then tell her about the best news you ever got – the gospel. It IS the GOOD NEWS! There is no better news. Jesus died for US! He intercedes for us right now in heaven. He is talking to the Father about US! He knows our name! Now that’s good news. 

If you know this good news, tell someone. If it is really good news, don’t you want to? Maybe today someone you share it with will receive it and make it their good news. The more who know this news the better it is. Bring some folks along with you to celebrate this good news today.

The good news of Your Son Jesus is news worth sharing to everyone, Father. Give me the opportunities today to do that. Let me share the joy of knowing You and living for Him.

Standard
Alone, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Disciplemaking, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Suffering

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.

Standard
Alone, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Suffering

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.

Standard
Alone, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting, Suffering

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.

Standard
Alone, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

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.

Standard
Alone, Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

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.

Standard
Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

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.

Standard
Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

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.

Standard
Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

ROADBLOCK


1 THESSALONIANS 2:18 

“For we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, more than once-and yet Satan hindered us.” 

Has Satan ever got in your way? You were following what you believed was God’s will for your life, and all of a sudden, the devil jumped in. Boy, that has happened to me more than once. Now, to be honest, it probably wasn’t the devil. It was probably just one of his demons he sent. The end result is the same though.

That word “hindered” literally means to cut into like blocking off a road, to introduce an obstacle that stands sharply in the way of a moving object. But guess what?  When Satan does that, God reroutes us. He sees the big picture. He knows the end result. We just have to listen. He will tell us what to do when this happens.

APPLICATION

Sooner or later your child is going to face one of those obstacles. They have something planned which they truly believe is in God’s will. But…obstacle after obstacle is blocking their path. That can be so frustrating. We have to teach them to listen closely to God’s voice. He will guide them through the most difficult course. But they have to listen.

And do you know what I have discovered? A lot of the times the new path is more exciting. It’s more scenic. I learn more. I didn’t want to go that way, but I was sure glad I did in the end. Share that with your children.

Is Satan in your way right now? Are you sure it’s him? Sometimes what we blame on the devil is actually the Lord trying to keep us out of trouble. Listen to His voice. You can hear it clearly in His Word. He has the PERFECT destination planned for you.

O God, I know You are the one who directs my path. In those times when Satan tries to block me, show me how to get past him. You may choose to reroute me or have me plow right through. I trust You to show me.

Standard
Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Parenting

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU


1 THESSALONIANS 2:17 

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while-in person, not in spirit-were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.” 

Have you ever been away from someone for a while and can’t wait to see them again? When my children were small, I traveled a good bit. I was always anxious to get home to see them and hold them and kiss them. Oh yeah, my wife too, lol.  But I missed them terribly.

The word “eager” here in this verse comes from the root word which means “with speed.” It means to hasten, go quickly or hurry. I love that. But what is great about that is Paul is saying this to his Christian brothers and sisters, not his biological family. He had that kind of love for them. 

APPLICATION

Children naturally get excited about going to see Grandma or Grandpa. They can’t wait to get home and see their dog or cat after they have been gone for a while somewhere. How do we teach them to have that same kind of desire for their Christian friends and family? We want them to desire that kind of deep fellowship because those are the people who will walk with them in this life long after we are gone.

Are you modeling that kind of love for others? Are there people in your life who you just can’t wait to see? Children watch that. They will ask you, “Why do you love Mr. Sam so much?” Then you can read this verse and explain it is all because of Jesus. They will get that.

If you don’t have someone in your life like that, you need it. I have some dear brothers in Uganda and Kenya whom fill that role for me. I can’t wait to see them when I travel there. I long for their fellowship and embrace. They are truly my brothers from another mother.

Father, thank You that as much as I love others, I can never run out of love to give. Thank You that Your love is endless. It is through Your love that I can love others that way.

Standard