Category Archives: Ministry

Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting

NEVER STOP


VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:3

“constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,”

This is a loaded verse. Look at all Paul says to the Thessalonians here. When he says “constantly,” he means without ceasing. In fact, he uses this same word two other times in this letter. My favorite is in chapter 5, verse 17 when he says, “pray without ceasing.” The same word!

But then Paul tells them what he has not stopped doing. He is remembering all they have done. He lists them: work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope. And all of this is “in our Lord Jesus Christ” in God’s presence. There is no use doing those things if that’s not the case.

APPLICATION

How do you apply this verse to your own life or the life of your children? It’s the word “constantly.” We must never stop. We must never stop praying. We must never stop seeking God for the lost. We must never stop remembering all He has done for us through others. We simply must never stop.

“Come on, Carl. I can’t physically or spiritually do that.” Of course, you can’t. But Christ can through you. Just let Him have complete control, and He will do the rest. Just as Paul was remembering their faith, love and hope, you can do the same. And let them know you have done that.

Let me ask you this question. Can others say that about you? Can they constantly remember your works of faith, labors of love and steadfastness of hope? If not, ask yourself what it will take to be noticed in this way. It’s not about others seeing you. It’s about standing out for Jesus.

O Heavenly Father, I praise You for saving me. Give me the strength to be bold and courageous as I face my biggest challenges.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Uncategorized

ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR OTHERS?


VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:2

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;”

I love how Paul tells ALL the Thessalonians these words. He was thanking God for all of them. Now, that’s hard for me to believe. Surely, there was at least one person in that church that Paul wasn’t entirely thankful for. I’ve been in a lot of churches, and I can’t think of a one where I was thankful for everyone. There always seems to be one who just causes me trouble.

Then Paul goes on to say he is praying for them. He, Silvanus and Timothy were praying for them. What do you think he was praying? I am sure he was reflecting on all they had done for him and the Lord. Who do you mention in your prayers?

APPLICATION

Teaching our children to pray is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a parent. Hearing them pray for Aunt Susie, Uncle Fred, the mailman and the dog down the street really warms your heart. Making mention of people!  That’s what they are doing.  They are doing the same thing Paul was doing.

Our job is teach them to talk to the Lord about others. They should pray for healing for the sick. They should pray for the salvation of the lost. And they should pray for wisdom for fellow believers to walk with the Lord. Whatever it is, they should pray for others and be thankful for them.

Who are you the most thankful for? Who are you praying for? Be like Paul today and give thanks for all, not just a few. Remember, God has placed each person in your life for a reason. Be thankful!

O God, I confess I am not thankful for everyone in my life. Give me Your love for them. Help me see them as You. Then I can be grateful for them and pray for them.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting

WELL WISHES

VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” 

We don’t write letters much anymore. We text, tweet, post to social media, but we don’t sit down and write a letter. Why is that? What are we missing?

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Thessaloniki. I’ve been to Thessaloniki. What a beautiful city. The ancient city wall is still partially standing. You can stand on the hill which overlooks the harbor and watch the ships come and go. I could almost imagine Paul standing in that spot almost 2,000 years ago.

How does Paul address these believers?  With grace and peace. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to address other believers today? Just think how refreshing that would be if we did that. 

APPLICATION

Do that today and see the responses you get. Say to the first person you meet today, “Grace and peace to you.” I bet you will get some raised eyebrows or maybe a puzzled look. They may ask you what you mean by that.

Now, that opens a door to share the Gospel. After all, isn’t sharing the Gospel essentially sharing about the grace and peace of God? Understanding grace brings peace. I want to encourage you to try it. Make someone’s day. It will make yours too.

God of grace and peace, help me today to be the bearer of grace. Help me speak peace.  Let me, like Paul, wish well to other believers who are traveling the same road I am.

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