Category Archives: Motherhood

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

NOW THAT’S LIVING


1 THESSALONIANS 3:8

“for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.” 

I heard a joke once about a very, rich man who had in his will that when he died, he wanted to be buried in his Cadillac. The day arrived, and all his friends and family gathered around the gravesite, which was huge. As they lowered the Cadillac, with him inside, into the grave, one of his friends said, “Now, that’s living!”

Well, really that’s dying. How do you enjoy a Cadillac in the grave? You can’t! In fact, you can’t enjoy anything once you are dead UNLESS you are living in Christ. The word “live” in this verse is the word that means real life. It means to experience God’s gift of life. Now, that’s living.

APPLICATION

But Paul goes on to say in this verse that real living depends on us standing firm in the Lord. How do you teach your children to stand firm? Get your little Johnny or Susie to stand up. Place them on a stool or ottoman in the middle of the room. Now shove them off the stool. Wait! I didn’t mean for you to actually do that. But grab their shoulders and act like you are going to. Ask them if they think they could stand if you shoved them. Probably not.

Now, get someone else to help you. This time stand behind your child and hold them snugly around the shoulders. Ask your helper to try to shove them off while you hold them. Now ask your child if they think they can stand there. Yep, I bet they can.

You see, our standing is not dependent on us. It’s the Lord who keeps us standing firm. We just have to trust Him. We have to relax in His firm grip. No matter what shoves us, He’s got us. We may move a bit, but we are in His arms. Stand firm today and live!

Father God, I can feel Your arms around me each day. I know I can depend on Your capable hands to hold me up. Help me stand firm in You today and always.

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

THAT’S A RELIEF


1 THESSALONIANS 3:7

“for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;” 

Upon hearing the good news from Timothy (yesterday’s verse), Paul was relieved. He had been waiting to hear how the Thessalonians were doing and was overjoyed at the report. Paul had invested time and energy to plant the church and teach them. He did not want all that effort to be in vain.

Have you ever had that same kind of relief? Today we get news almost instantaneous through text, phone calls or social media. Can you imagine having to wait weeks for someone to arrive to give you the news? Messages were hand delivered. We could learn a lot from Paul about. He waited patiently, praying for the Thessalonians and Timothy and Silas. 

APPLICATION

Are your children patient? Probably not. They are used to instant gratification. They can’t imagine waiting. So, the next time they complain about waiting for something, read them this verse and explain that Paul had to wait on Timothy to arrive to get the news. Paul was in the total dark about what was happening in Thessalonica until Timothy arrived with the report.

We are blessed to have access to information so quickly. Take advantage of that. Don’t let someone you love wait on the good news. Call them, text them or send them a private message. However you do it, do it today. Don’t let the excuse you don’t have time get in the way. It takes seconds to send a message. Relieve them with the gospel. It is the ultimate relief.

I bet as I wrote that someone came to mind. Send them a message like this: “I’ve been thinking about you today. We’ve been friends for a while, and I can’t bear the thought of not spending eternity with you. God loves you and wants you to know and love Him. Can we talk today about this?” Who knows what may happen?

Lord God, You are the deliverer of the best news. Your news of salvation certainly gives me comfort. Even in the midst of suffering, the assurance of my salvation gives peace.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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