Category Archives: Love

Advice, Busyness, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Family, Fatherhood, Glory, God's Will, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Surrender

BUSY BEE

2 THESSALONIANS 2:9

“that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,” 

Busy! Busy! Busy! Have you ever been so busy you lose track of time? That happens to me sometimes. I run from meeting to meeting and before I know it, it’s bedtime. Being busy isn’t a bad thing unless you are busy doing things that don’t really have an eternal purpose. That’s the point of today’s devotional.

The word “activity” in today’s verse is used eight times in the New Testament, all by Paul. But the interesting thing about today’s verse is that this is the ONLY time it is used when it doesn’t refer to God’s energy or activity. Here it’s talking about Satan’s activity. You have to remember, though, that Satan can only do what God allows him. So, this lawless man Paul is referring to in this chapter is on the same leash with Satan.

APPLICATION

Are your kids busy? Does your little Johnny wake up fully charged for the day and not stop until he drops? My fourteen-month-old granddaughter is that way. She will play and run until she literally passes out. Busy, busy, busy!  One of our goals as parents (or grandparents) is to teach our children to be busy about God’s things. There is so much stuff in the world that can distract us. Before we know it, we don’t have time for God.

Give your children some activities to do that will cause them to think about God. Hey, even chores can be done for His glory. Make sure that their daily schedules include some time to learn about and live out the Word. Don’t let the activity of Satan get a grip in your home through busyness.

Look at your calendar today and see how busy you are. Do you have 25 minutes to spend alone with the Lord? Find the time. You need it. You need to spend alone time with the Creator of the universe. Slow down. Get rid of some distractions. Take a deep breath.

Lord, I like staying busy. But help me point all my activities towards You. Don’t let me get sidetracked by the enemy and get engaged in his activities unknowingly.

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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. 

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Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Fatherhood, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Sanctification, Surrender

GOD COMPLEX

2 THESSALONIANS 2:4

“who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” 

Some people think they are above everyone, including God. They have what I call a God complex. Everyone should bow to them. Everyone is beneath them. What they think and say is the ONLY thing that matters. Well, this is nothing new. Paul even says that this “man of lawlessness” will be this way. 

The problem with these sorts of people is you really can’t talk to them. There is no reasoning with them. They look at you from upturned noses. They seem to resent that you are even talking to them. But guess what? God sent His Son to die for them just like He did for you. Every soul is precious to God. He wants everyone created in His image to come home to Him. 

APPLICATION

As parents, we have the responsibility to teach our children how NOT to be that way. Now, I am not suggesting that your little Elrod is the “man of lawlessness.” But he can sure act like it if you don’t discipline and correct him. Our little Susie can be hard to live with if we don’t teach her respect for others. The sin nature is strong and will not be tamed on its own.

Teaching respect for others is such an important thing for a parent to do. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Our children will be tempted to see themselves as better than others at times. But humility is a much stronger trait than pride. Focus on that. Model that to them.

Do you know someone who places themselves on that pedestal? You may have a boss who comes across that way. Just be Jesus to them. Submission is hard for most, if not all, people. But if we allow the Spirit of God to live through us, we will have the attitude necessary to yield. Pray for that person. Ask the Lord to humble them as only He can. That’s not your job. Trust Him.

Father, guard my heart from self-glorification. Keep me focused on my humility before You. I know all I am is only because of You.

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Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Love, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Passion, Prayer, Sanctification

A GREAT PRAYER

2 THESSALONIANS 1:11

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,” 

Do you ever tell people you are going to pray for them? Come on, do you? I am sure you do. But do you actually remember to do it? I started a practice years ago that when someone asks me to pray for them, if at all possible, I do it right then. I tend to forget things, and I don’t want to forget to pray for someone who has asked me to pray for them.

Paul was always praying for others. Look through his letters and you will find time and time again when he tells the recipients of the letters that he is praying for them. Today’s verse is one of those times. And it is a good one. He is praying 1) that God would count them worthy of their calling, 2) that God would fulfill every desire for goodness and 3) that God would also fulfill every desire for the work of faith with power. Wow! That’s a great prayer!

APPLICATION

We need to teach our children to pray. But don’t waste time with trivial prayers. Now, hear me out. I don’t mean prayers are trivial, but if you are going to teach them to pray, make sure they understand that they can pray with power, believing God hears and will answer. Pray with purpose. Pray with passion. Pray with broken hearts for a lost world.

Do you get my meaning? Our prayers should be meaningful, not just going through the motions to check off a box at the end of the day. Paul prayed with purpose for his spiritual children. We should do the same. And as we teach our children this privilege, they will in turn teach their children to pray this way. Now that’s a legacy to leave. Amen?

Are you praying with purpose for others? Are you claiming victories in prayer? Are you teaching others that prayer is powerful and meaningful? Do that today. Practice that today. Live it today.

God, I know You are listening each time I open my mouth to talk to You. Teach me to be bold in my prayers. Teach me to ask for exactly what I want from You according to Your will.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Death, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, God's Will, Heaven, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Obedience, Parenting, Rejection, Sanctification, Suffering, Surrender

SEPARATION

2 THESSALONIANS 1:9

“These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

What could be worse than eternal separation from God? No forgiveness, no redemption and, as it says here, eternal destruction. Now, you have to understand something about that word “destruction.” It does not mean that you will cease to be. It really means total ruin without extinction. Who wants that?

When I moved back to Chattanooga in 2007, I moved ahead of my family due to my daughter’s last year in high school. We didn’t want to pull her out that situation. So, we commuted back and forth to Lakeland, FL for eleven and a half months. We made it work but being separated for that amount of time on a daily basis was horrible. I can’t imagine an eternal separation.

APPLICATION

The next time you have to be away from your children draw out a countdown for them to mark off. For each day you are away they can put an “X” on that day when it is complete. This way they can see the days getting closer when you return to them. When you get home ask them how it felt to be apart for that time. Hopefully, they will tell you how much they missed you.

The Father feels the same way. He wants us home. He can’t wait until we are in His presence. He can’t make us come home, but He will do everything in His power to lead us that way. But, because He is a holy God, He can’t allow us to enter into His presence if we haven’t surrendered to His Son. We, in fact, force our own eternal destruction and separation by choosing to ignore His commands to repent.

Are you surrendered to Him? Are you headed home? I pray you are. If you aren’t, would you make that right today? If you aren’t sure, make it sure today. There is no greater peace than knowing your eternal destiny. And as you make sure of that, spread the news to others. Help them make sure too.

I know where I am headed one day, Lord. I look forward to seeing Your face. Help me spread the good news to as many as possible along the way.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christ's Return, Christianity, Comfort, Death, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Heaven, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Motherhood, Parenting, Praise, Rapture, Suffering

RELIEF

2 THESSALONIANS 1:7

“and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,” 

Have you ever been so stressed that you felt you were tied up in ropes? Every breath is labored. Your chest is tight. Your teeth are clinched. It is as if every fiber in your body is constricting. Well, take comfort my brother. Listen, my sister. Today’s verse should encourage you. The God of the universe is well aware of your struggle and has the answer.

He gives you relief. He promises to untie that which binds us. He frees us from our confinement. There is only one requirement. We have to trust Him. Look at the verse. Jesus is coming back with angels in flaming fire. Whoa! And we are on their side. All those who are afflicting us will be destroyed. We will be avenged by the Lord Himself.

APPLICATION

The next time you have to come to your child’s rescue you could share this verse with them. Now, you won’t be coming in a flaming fire, but you will swoop in to help them. Explain to them that just as you are willing to go to any length to keep them safe and rescue them, God will send His Son back one to defeat all our enemies. He is watching over us right now.

Children have lots of questions, and they may ask why He is waiting. Don’t make up an answer to just satisfy their question. Talk about how God is sovereign and perfect. He is waiting for just the right time to allow as many as will to come to Him for salvation. He doesn’t want to lose one of His children.

Are you looking for His return? I am! I can’t wait! But at the same time, there are many people in my life for whom I am praying for their salvation. If He returns today, they would spend eternity in hell. I definitely don’t want that. Would you join me in praying for all your lost friends and family? 

It is a relief to know that You will send Jesus with His angels to rescue us. But Father, I desire, as You do, to see all the lost saved. Give me the boldness to share with those who need You today.

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THE AVENGER

2 THESSALONIANS 1:6

“For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,”

Super heroes are popular today in the movies. Who doesn’t like seeing the bad guy defeated by the good guy? There is even a movie called “The Avengers.” Several super heroes come together to save the world. They all have their special skills, but they also have their own egos and challenges. They end up working together but not before great loss.

But look at today’s verse. God is our ultimate avenger. He repays “with affliction those who afflict you.” God doesn’t need help. He can handle it. He doesn’t have an ego that needs to be stroked. He doesn’t have any limitations. The only problem God has is us getting out of the way. We want to avenge ourselves. 

APPLICATION

Children naturally want to “get back” at someone who has hurt them. I have worked with children for forty years now. Girls are notorious for plotting their revenge. They may wait weeks, months or even years for just the right opportunity to strike back. I have seen girls in a cottage wait until the day a girl was leaving to get back at her for something she had done months ago. 

So, we must teach our children to allow the Lord to handle that “payback.” He knows exactly how to do it, while at the same time giving that person the opportunity to turn to Him. After all, that is His ultimate desire. He wants even our enemies to come to Him. 

Is there someone right now in your life whom you are plotting to get back at? Let it go! Turn it over to the Lord. Let Him handle it. He may tell you to just forgive them. In fact, the issue you are having with this person could be all on you. You might be the problem. Seek the Lord on the matter. Let Him reveal to you what He wants you to do.

Lord, I can always trust You to handle the situation perfectly. Teach me, again, to get out of the way. Allow me to place it into Your capable hands.

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WORTHY TO SUFFER

2 THESSALONIANS 1:5

“This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.” 

Did you catch that? Because they were suffering, they were worthy of the kingdom. Now, wait just a minute Paul. That’s not what I expected when I got into this Jesus stuff. I thought He would just forgive me of my sins, and I would go on living a perfect life. That’s the problem most of us have. We want to live for Jesus until it requires suffering or persecution. Then it’s too hard.

The phrase “considered worthy” is only used three times in the New Testament. In all three times, it refers to suffering or death. It means to be weighed accurately. In other words, God has you on a scale and finds that you measure up to this. He won’t put more on the other side of the scale than you can handle. He knows your limits, so just trust Him.

APPLICATION

Children don’t know their limits of suffering yet. They have to experience pain and suffering before they know how much they can take. I remember when I was in high school, I broke my ankle at football camp. I walked on that ankle for a week and half before I knew it was broken. I just dealt with the pain. I discovered then that I have a pretty high pain tolerance. 

But physical pain is a lot different than emotional or mental pain. There are all kinds of suffering. Your children will face a multitude of opportunities to “suffer” for Jesus. If you will teach them to trust Him, they will be able to endure the sufferings that come their way. As they watch you endure, they will learn.

Are you going through a time of suffering right now? Thank the Lord for the opportunity to trust Him. Let Him know right now that you are His to mold and make into whatever He chooses. I promise if you trust Him, you will come out the other side of this suffering a more useable vessel. He always perfects. He never condemns.

Knowing You are in control of my every suffering gives me peace. I trust You, Lord, to teach me through my sufferings. I count it a privilege to considered worthy of suffering for You.

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BOAST WORTHY

2 THESSALONIANS 1:4

“therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”

Notice the origin of this boasting. It’s not the Thessalonians boasting about themselves. It’s Paul and his companions boasting about them. Self-boasting is really just arrogance. But when someone else boasts about you, that is due to your character or reputation. If you are truly worthy of this boasting, you find it hard to accept, but you should.

Look at what Paul was boasting about. He was boasting about their perseverance and faith in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. If you look back at 1 Thessalonians 2-3, Paul recounts to the Thessalonians his suffering and afflictions. Now he is boasting about theirs. I wonder who they learned that from?

APPLICATION

Teach your children to brag on others, not themselves. Help them see the gifts others have or their abilities to “bear up under” and let them know it. When your little Johnny has a friend who perseveres on the ballfield, even though he isn’t as talented, tell Johnny to pat him on the back. Help him encourage him. When your little Susie has a friend who has lost a parent but still smiles and carries on with life, help her to come alongside her.

Too many children today spend way too much time bragging on themselves. We have to redirect them to brag on others. You may have heard of the J-O-Y acrostic. It says Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third. Teach your kids that. Putting Jesus and others ahead of ourselves is a great life lesson.

Who do you know today who could use a little encouragement? Take the time to send them a text or an email. Better yet, pick up the phone and call them. Let them know you are thinking about them. Let them know how proud you are of them. It will send them a message they won’t soon forget.

Lord God, You constantly encourage me. Help me encourage others in the same way. Let me see them through Your eyes.

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Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Completeness, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evangelism, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Inspirational, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Surrender, Witnessing

STRETCHY PANTS

2 THESSALONIANS 1:3

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows evergreater;” 

I think kind of strange at times. I know, shock, shock! But look at this verse – fitting (think fitting room), enlarged, grows…greater. Come on! You can see that too, right? I had this image of going into a fitting room in a store and finding out I had to go to a larger size because I had, well, grown larger. I am sure you have never had that problem, lol.

But Paul isn’t talking about clothing. He’s talking about the Thessalonians’ faith. He had received word back from the messengers stating that their faith had grown larger. What encouraging words for Paul. He was concerned about their spiritual health and had to be relieved to hear they were getting stronger.

APPLICATION

As parents, we all want our children to grown stronger. We feed them, give them vitamins and supplements, take them to the doctor and do everything necessary and within reason to ensure their physical health.  After all, who wants medical bills due to our neglect of their health? But are you as concerned about their spiritual health? Parents have said to me, “Well, I want them to make up their own mind.” Seriously, if you did that about education, what would your child decide?

We have to be more concerned about raising spiritually healthy children. Sure, we can’t MAKE them become a follower of Christ. But we have to make sure we are preparing them every way possible. We give them everything necessary to allow them to respond to His call. God wants them in His family as much as you want them in yours. But He wants us to lead them there.

Can you “double down” on your child’s spiritual growth? What do you need to do to further prepare your child to respond? Ask the Lord today what “supplement” your child needs to lead them in His direction. Give your child a spiritual checkup. Ask them the difficult questions. Then you can rest knowing you have done everything you can do. The rest is up to the Lord.

Father, help me be the kind of parent I need to be for my children and grandchildren. Help me lead them toward You. Teach me as I am teaching them.

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