Category: 1 Thessalonians

Not Normal

2 Chronicles 21-22

Psalm 81

1 Thessalonians 4

-Devotion by Bethany Ligon (AZ)

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”

NASA has recently made some exciting progress towards the goal of establishing a livable station on the Moon’s surface. Just imagine, in a few short years, we’ll have humans living and working on the Moon. And it’s quite possible that if NASA and its global partners keep their projected timeline, we’ll be sending astronauts to Mars within a decade from now. 

The required preparation for such feats is staggering. Transporting humans is only one piece of the puzzle. Determining how to have a sustainable existence in space is another. Why? Because space, for all its glory and wonder, is NOT where humans were meant to exist. It’s not our natural habitat. Learning how to support living beings where the necessary resources of oxygen and water do not exist requires scientific ingenuity at its finest. 

Prior to any space mission, astronauts undergo years of training to prepare for their journey. They are not only given the tools but lessons, and practice, and feedback in order to go and do what a space agency is asking them to do.

Like an astronaut living in space is not normal…being a Christian in today’s culture is not normal.

We, as children of God, are living in a world that is not our natural habitat. We were created to live in existence with God. But because of sin, we’re relegated to living in a broken world. 

Upon our declaration of faith, we receive God’s Spirit in order to live in this broken world according to His will and plans. And like the astronauts who receive training, we also need lessons on how to live like God intends for us.

In his letter to the believers of the Thessalonican church, Paul writes to encourage them to live a life pleasing to God. They (and we) are reminded to abstain from what is culturally “normal”; to live a holy lifestyle that honors God. 

So what does that look like for us? Scripture tells us plainly:

“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind, and with all of your strength…love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31)

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

If you have a chance this evening, go out and look at the stars. And while you’re gazing at the night sky, give thanks to God for giving you His Spirit in order that you are able to live in such a way that honors Him.   

Reflection Questions:

  1. Like a human living in space, what parts of life in this present world is supposed to be foreign or unlivable to a Christian? How instead is a Christian to live?
  2. The Thessalonians were living in a way that was pleasing to God but Paul told them to do it more and more. Should we be content with a little holiness or pleasing God? In what ways are you working at pleasing God and what would it look like to do so more and more?
  3. Since living to please God is not this world’s normal behavior or goal, what instruction and training have you received to be a successful alien here living as God desires? And from whom? What additional and repeated training would be helpful this week? To whom can you offer some on earth alien training to and how would you go about it?

Prayer

Dear God – I thank You for providing all we truly need to live in this broken world as Christians. Thank You for the instruction given in Your perfect Word, Your Son who shows the way, Your Spirit which guides, and our Christian brother and sister aliens. Help me to live in a way that is pleasing to You Father, more and more. We are so looking forward to life with You in Your coming Kingdom. Help me be prepared and help me prepare others for eternal life with You.

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The “Good” List

2 Chronicles 19-20

Psalm 81

I Thessalonians 3

-Devotions by Juliet Taylor (TN)

Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped being taking out for his mistake in aligning himself with the most evil king in Israel’s history, going to war with him against the LORD’S advice. Upon return home, he’s met with the words of the LORD through Jehu who says,

“Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord and so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord? 3 But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.” (2 Chr 19:3).

This says a lot. Yes, Jehoshaphat did much good in the eyes of the Lord, but he made a grave mistake. After his return and listening to the words of the LORD, it seems he learns from his mistakes and gets back on track, following the path of righteousness. He appoints judges in all the fortified cities of Judah to consider carefully how they judge, as they are being judge for God, “for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.” (2 Chron 19:7). We find this bit of wisdom in the New Covenant too.

They’re also told to warn their brother if a dispute comes between brother or sister, so that they may not be guilty, and the wrath of God will not come on either of them. This sounds like the wisdom we find in Matthew 18.

Jehoshaphat is prepared for the next battle, as he seeks God and his wisdom about what to do. He declares a fast and humbles himself before God, declaring that he is afraid, powerless, and doesn’t know what to do, but his eyes are on God. He praises God for being above all, almighty and powerful. He remembers what God has done for his fathers and reminds him of his promises to them.

God in turn tells the people not to be afraid, for the battle belongs to him. They get to stand on the sidelines and see the salvation of the LORD put to work on their behalf. So the king worships God with all the people, then instructs his people to put their trust in God to be established and to succeed. He sends the singers out to battle first. When they begin singing, the LORD God goes to work. It’s a miraculous tale. When the battle is won, the people bless the LORD and he gives them peace…

……until Jehoshaphat goes and makes the same mistake again. He aligns himself with the next evil king of Israel and his plans are thwarted. If only Jehoshaphat would have listened to God until the end of his race.

There’s so much going on here that we can apply to our lives. For one, set your heart to seek God and do what he says. Don’t align yourself with evil doers. If you do, repent, humble yourself, cry out to God in your distress. Seek God’s admonishment for your own good. Sing praises to him for all his goodness. Bless him. Watch him work.

Jehoshaphat is on the list of “good kings,” or “mostly good kings.” Oh, that we would be on the list of good people in the eyes of our God until the end of our race. Thank God that we can through our Lord Jesus.

The Thessalonians are on Paul’s “good” list. He writes so passionately to them. He couldn’t bear the thought that they may have been deceived by those who don’t want them to know Christ, or through thinking that they may have lost heart after seeing him suffer for Christ (as they too will have to suffer for Christ).

He can rejoice though after sending Timothy to them, to know that their faith is strong, and their love abounds, despite the battles they’ve faced on behalf of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God for Christ. Now that Paul has heard their good report, he can really live.

Imagine that being our attitude towards brothers and sisters we’ve preached to, or someone you know who’s changed her mind and decided to live for Christ. This is exactly who we are supposed to be in Christ. Having this attitude because you’ve gained souls for Christ will establish your heart blameless before God at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Christ.

QUESTIONS

1.      What are ways you can humble yourself before the LORD when facing an impossible battle, like Jehoshaphat?

2.      Do you see any other wisdom from God that he reiterates from the Old Testament into the New Testament?

3.      Do you “really live” after hearing a good report about your brothers and sisters in Christ you’ve witnessed to? What a beautiful attitude to have. 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father – I thank You for Your wisdom, power and love and for revealing Yourself and Your way to us through Your Word. Like Jehoshaphat, help me to seek You, not align with evil, humble myself, know the power of singing praise, and turn my eyes on You, especially when I don’t know what to do. May I learn from my mistakes, and show others the good way that leads to life eternal, made possible by Your precious Son Jesus. In his name I pray, Amen.

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In Opposition

2 Chronicles 17-18

Psalm 80

I Thessalonians 2

-Devotion by Juliet Taylor (TN)

Jehoshaphat was a strong leader, who protected his people by placing troops and garrisons in all the fortified cities he ruled. More importantly, Jehoshaphat was a strong leader who sought God the father for his wisdom and guidance, and took pride in serving him. He sent officials and priests to teach from the book of the law of the LORD throughout his cities.

And in return, God established Jehoshaphat’s kingdom and his control over the people Judah. The dread of God was on all the surrounding kingdoms, so that they did not make war with Judah. It sounds like God protected his people by making the other nations fear them.

But then we’re taken on a wild ride with Jehoshaphat as he aligns himself with Ahab, the worst of all the kings of Israel, through a marriage. I don’t think this marriage was ordained by God, as Ahab was not a seeker of God’s wisdom.

Ahab wants Jehoshaphat to go with him to battle, which Jehoshaphat is willing to do after seeking wisdom and approval from the LORD. Ahab gets the approval from several false prophets, but Jehoshaphat seeks a true prophet of God for advice. Ahab is well aware that Michaiah is a true prophet of God, but I can almost see him rolling his eyes as he talks about his hatred for him, as Michaiah is known for his negative prophecy. 

I think Michaiah rolls his eyes right back as he tells the king what he wants to hear, I imagine sarcastically at first, as the king understands that that’s not what Michaiah really heard from God. When he tells the true word of the LORD, that if he goes to battle, Ahab will die, Ahab says, “See, didn’t I tell you?” Because of the words he spoke, Ahab threw him in jail and went to battle anyway.

He must have had an inkling that the words of Michaiah were true –why else would he disguise himself to avoid being killed? It didn’t work however. Jehoshaphat went to war too, even after hearing the word of the Lord. But in his distress, he called upon the LORD and was saved.

I don’t know why Jehoshaphat decided to go to battle with Ahab, despite the word of the LORD, and despite already living in peace, as the LORD was fighting his battles for him. If we’re being human, I can speculate that it had something to do with wanting to please his wife and father-in-law. Perhaps there was some arrogance there, thinking he could bring peace.

I don’t know why it reads as if God sent the deceiver to have Ahab killed. But I can speculate that God wanted the evil in Israel to stop, as Ahab did much harm to those he served and led many astray.

What I absolutely do know though is that God heard Jehoshaphat when he called out to him in his distress and saved him.

1 Thessalonians 2

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, it seems that someone(s) was trying to lead them astray. It reads like a plea from a loving relative to a loved one to resist the influence of those trying to keep them from maintaining their status as Christians, thus hindering their walk on the path of righteousness to the kingdom.

The lengths he goes to in this letter emphasizes how much love went into preaching the gospel to these people at their start, who thereafter accepted it, preached it, and were living it out.

Paul recounts how there were some in Judea who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets who were trying to hinder their preaching of the gospel to the gentiles, the Thessalonians being among them. Those hinderers sound a lot like Jonah when he didn’t want the people of Ninevah to repent and be saved. This is an act of Satan.  

Though Paul’s absence from them may have seemed like an abandonment, leaving orphans behind who had recently come into the family of God, Paul reminds them of his acts of love towards them when they first heard the saving gospel from him, like a father teaching his children.

Most apostles don’t stick around too long after establishing a church, as it’s their position in the body of Christ to preach to various places and plant more churches for the Lord. But a good apostle like Paul checks in on his people, and he receives glory and joy from seeing them continuing in the Lord’s work and resisting evil, as he knows there will be opposition.

This is who we should all become post following Jesus—a person who rejoices over others being saved and transforming their lives. And we should be sure to check in on those we’ve witnessed to, because adversity will come. We need to encourage each other to keep going. Let’s be the people whose glory and joy comes by seeing others repent and choose to do God’s will too, until the end of our race to the kingdom.

Psalms 80:19

“19 Lord God of armies, restore us;
Make Your face shine upon us, and we will be saved.”

QUESTIONS

1.      What do you think was going on with God and the sending of a distressing spirit to Ahab? It sounds consistent with some of the work he was doing with the nations surrounding Judah to keep war from them to protect his people.

2.      Do you think there are professing Christians today who would go to such lengths to keep someone away from hearing or adhering to the Gospel, like Jonah initially tried to do, or like those Paul advises to be on guard against to the Thessalonians?

3.      How can you encourage someone who may be persuaded by a different gospel (which may be subtle changes to the true gospel) like Paul does with the Thessalonians?

Prayer

Dear God, I thank You for Your love and faithfulness and justice. I want to see You and what You see – and boldly share that with the world. Help me discern truth and Your will and follow in Your way, not led astray by plans, people, delusions, different gospels or selfish pride. In the name of Your Son Jesus I pray.

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The Lord is with You, But…

2 Chronicles 15-16

Psalm 80

1 Thessalonians 1

-Devotion by Juliet Taylor (TN)

2 Chronicles 15:2 – The Lord God is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will let you find him.

Beautiful.

But if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

Scary.

What does that mean?

I tend to push the narrative of God being our loving father, disciplining us as we need correction and direction, but I don’t often talk about verses like this, wherein it is said of him, “…but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” (2 Chron 15:2), nor “…for God troubled them with every kind of distress” (2 Chron. 15:6). I don’t enjoy thinking of my God like this, but we need to understand why this may be said of him, and be ready with an answer for our hope whenever asked.

It all boils down to becoming a person like Jesus, who doesn’t want harm to come to anyone, I think. But we cannot live in a world wherein lawlessness reigns. If you forsake God, you’re not going to be a person who desires to do God’s will for the good of others. This line of thinking and behaving will result in a nation like that in the time of Noah over time. In the end, who would enter the kingdom wherein there will be no more death, crying, mourning, or pain?

We need God’s teaching and law (New Covenant law). We need to seek God for that (he put it all in Jesus). For now, I don’t think God renders much judgement towards the nations, as he’s waiting for all who will repent, to repent (2 Peter 3:9). But he will, through Jesus in the end. He will not leave the guilty unpunished. Perhaps we can win some over beforehand, such as is our job under Christ.

In Asa’s time, he did well to heed the wisdom of God coming through the priest Azariah and acted accordingly. The result was that many from Israel, the split kingdom, defected to Asa’s kingdom. The people celebrated God and his laws and his goodness with sacrifice. They even entered a covenant with God, to do what the LORD had spoken to seek the LORD with their heart and soul.

Anyone who did not would be put to death (!!!). But for those who sought him earnestly, he let them find him. And they did it with joy because they understood the goodness of God. Then God gave them peace.

Of course, Asa eventually forsook God.

Aren’t you glad that we don’t live in a time like Asa’s, even though he was generally regarded as a “good” king? It is so good to realize how good we’ve got it under our Lord Jesus. For all the “good” kings of Israel/Judah, none can even come close to what we have in Jesus. It is good to honor him for all he’s done for us like Paul does with many of his writings to the churches of Jesus.

His opening statements are almost always letters abounding in love for the brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoy reading about what an apostle of God did in the early church years through these letters. I think we can all learn a little from them when it comes to interacting with members of the body of Christ today.

To the newly formed church in Thessalonica, Paul writes about his love for them, but also encourages them to keep the faith.

The Thessalonians became imitators of Paul, Salvanus, and Timothy because of their tribulation upon hearing the word of the Lord. But they had joy of the holy spirit despite circumstances. They became an example of faith to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaiai because they preached the good news of Christ.

Their deeds were made known to Paul, how they had turned from idols to serve the living and true God, how they waited upon Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, who rescues us from the wrath to come (the wrath being whatever happens to those in the end who did not want to conform to the image of Christ).

They sound a little like Asa to me. Oh that they, and we, would be the people who desire to keep covenant with God joyously, ongoing, to the end of our race, for the good of others. Oh that God may shine his face upon us because of his beloved son, the son of Man Jesus, who directs us to put our hope in God. Praise God for his eyes that “move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chron. 16:9).

QUESTIONS:

1.      Asa was king who had not been brought up to know the LORD God, nor serve him. Yet, he is listed among the “good” kings of Israel (Judah). Why do you think Asa chose to listen to the words of the LORD in the first place? I think it’s because there was much distress in all the lands. Sometimes, it is in the most hopeless times that people decide to turn to God. What do you think?

2.      Because Asa eventually relied on another for help instead of turning to God in his distress, his peace ended. He became a foolish man in his last days instead of turning to God. Why do you think Asa chose not to seek God after hearing admonishment from the LORD?

3.      Did you know that you too are beloved of God and his choice?

PRAYER

Dear Lord God, You are the One true God and the One that I seek. Help me to seek You and follow Your ways all the days of my life. Forgive me for the times I am distracted from following You whole-heartedly. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, the perfect king in submission to You who shows us how to love You and others. Help me to show others the goodness of seeking and following You.

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Unity

1 Thessalonians 1-5

Devotion by Emilee (Ross) Christian

The book of 1 Thessalonians covers a lot. Shout out to the Wednesday night Bible study group at Jaynes Street in Omaha, NE and Pastor Isaac! Last Spring we took our time diving into all Paul had to say in his letter to the church in Thessalonica. This sparked some great discussions and I recommend a deeper study into this book. While reading through it this time around, I was struck by one theme in particular: unity. We live in a world with so much division. In this letter, Paul urges us to get along with everyone and gives us a few pointers on how to do so. 

First, Paul advises us to “live a quiet life, minding your own business” (4:11 NLT). It’s interesting how this comes after his instructions for holy living. In yesterday’s reading we saw Paul correcting a group of people for their unholy idol worship and leading them in love towards the truth. Christians are given clear instructions to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the good news. I believe there is a right way and a wrong way to go about doing that. Basically, avoid causing drama for drama’s sake. If you want to offer your opinion, make sure it is done with the right heart and mindset. Treat others with dignity and respect. Let that be the first thing people notice about you, rather than preachy words for holier living. 

It is clear from this letter, and others, that a strong work ethic was important to Paul. Paul was proud of his ability to support himself through his tentmaking trade while he was a missionary. He urges believers to “work with their hands…then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others” (4:11 & 12 NLT). I believe Paul is wanting the church to take an active role in society, not a passive one. We can be a people set apart, holy, and chosen by God while still serving the unchurched. 

How do we do this? How do we live transformed without shunning the world? It’s quite easy, actually. “Be patient with everyone” and “do good to each other and to all people” (5:14 & 15). I hope my sarcastic humor is coming through these typed words. It is certainly not easy to remain patient with all people. Simply put, there are a lot of idiots out there – ourselves included. God has remained faithful and patient with us. Give this patience to others. Even those with whom you disagree. Yesterday, Paul approached the Athens people with patience. He didn’t accuse them of pagan worship, but rather approached them as a group of misunderstood people whom he sought to lead towards truth. I wonder what it would be like if we treated those with differing ideas from us as toddlers who truly know no better. 

Finally, there was one place where the theme of unity struck me the most, in reading Paul’s words for the hope of the resurrection. This might seem an odd place to find unity as there are differing end of life and end of time doctrine. Those in the church of God Conference know this especially all too well. While passages like this seem to support a sleep of the dead theology, Paul’s intentions for writing these words on the resurrection were not so much to teach as they were to encourage. The hope of the resurrection is not meant to cause division but to encourage us in the future glory we will share with Jesus. The timeline and order of events is not as important as the actual event. We know that there will be a day where we will be with the Lord forever. THAT is our hope. This is not to say that the when, the where, the how, are not also important, but they don’t seem to be Paul’s focus of his resurrection writings to the Thessalonians. More than once Paul mentions how he doesn’t need to write to the church about such things as they are already aware (5:1, 5:4). Rather Paul says he is writing about the resurrection to “encourage each other” and “build each other up” (4:18, 5:11 NLT). Until today, I had only looked at this resurrection passage as supporting a particular doctrine. When I read Paul’s closing statements as to why he wrote such things I was hit with the sad realization that we as Christians, myself included, have allowed the hope of the resurrection to be a dividing point in our faith rather than something that unites us. 

Reflection Questions

  1. I challenge you today to look for ways you have allowed divisions to occur between you and others. How can we take Paul’s instructions for unity and apply in our lives, today? 
  2. How do we live transformed without shunning the world?
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Children of the Light

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 9-10

Poetry: Psalm 94

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 5

            The start of 1 Thessalonians 5 shares the promising truth of Jesus’s return. We can rest assured as children of light and look forward to Jesus’s glorious return that will usher in the Kingdom of God. This mindset of being children of light or being light itself is shared in the following passages:

“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:8

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Our identity is found within the Bible. We can find peace and hope in our identity. You are a child of light. You are light through Christ. This means you are filled with the love and goodness of God, and your life has been sanctified through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. What you have read about in the last few devotionals are all centered around living out this light. Living in a manner that brings glory to God by shining your light to all those around you. 

            I grew up going to Midwest Family Camp every year. One of the most important items I would pack would be a flashlight. The walk from the tabernacle to the girls’ yurts was long and dark at night so that flashlight made it less likely to trip and fall over uneven ground. One of my friends would commonly forget her flashlight so most years we would walk together sharing the light. It would have been selfish to have kept the light to myself and it would have caused her to stumble and fall without it. The same applies to the light we have received from Christ. It is not something to be hidden under a bushel, we have to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Allow the identity you find through Christ to shine forth to those around you. 

            Take Solomon as an example of this. Was he a perfect guy? Absolutely not. But as you read in today’s readings his actions and skills shined brightly to those around him. The queen that visited Solomon saw how much God cared for His people through the actions of Solomon. She recognized the glory of God because of Solomon. He did not hide the light that God had given him. Solomon worked hard and would always point his work back to God, like you have read in the last few days of 2 Chronicles. God’s light and love shines through all His children. Don’t hide it!

-Makenna Landry

Reflection:

1- What has been the main takeaway of 1 Thessalonians?

2- How has King Solomon’s life served as an example to you?

3- What is one way you can shine your light to those around you?

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Quiet Living

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 7-8

Poetry: Psalm 93

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4 continues in the instruction of how believers should be living. Paul commends the people in Thessalonica for doing well in following God’s commands and encourages them to do even more. Paul writes that God calls us to sanctification. Sanctification means to be made clean or holy. God calls us to be clean and holy. He provides this cleansing through Christ’s death and resurrection. Hebrews 10:10 says “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (NASB95). This verse is in the midst of a passage that expresses that Jesus’s sacrifice is sufficient for us and there will be sanctification and forgiveness through his sacrifice. It aligns with what Paul writes confirming that we have been made clean from our sins through Christ. 

In the 2 Chronicles reading for today, some of that same theme of cleansing/forgiveness of sin can be seen. God appears to Solomon after the finishing of the temple and tells Solomon that He will be present in the temple. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” God has often reminded His people that He will forgive their sins. In the time of Solomon, the cleansing of sins was sought through prayer with an animal sacrifice. Hebrews shows that the sacrifices are no longer needed because of Christ and 1 Thessalonians encourages how to live out this cleansing of sins. 

In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, Paul discusses one of the ways to live a sanctified life. Paul reminds the readers to love one another which God has taught them previously. In the case of the Thessalonians they were doing well with showing this brotherly love to those around them. Because they are doing well, Paul encourages them to love even more. What a high praise to have received from Paul and great encouragement to continue not only in doing well but to do it even more! If Paul wrote you a letter inspired by God, would he praise you for the love you show others or would he need to teach you what it means to love those around you? 

            1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, “to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you” (HCSB).  This reminds me of Hebrews 12:14 which says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (NASB95). A quiet life that pursues peace with all people can be a difficult life to lead. Living a quiet life that is minding your own business and seeking peace with those around you is centered around living out our sanctification. Through our forgiveness, we are called to love those around us which looks like living quietly, minding our own business, and seeking peace. 

            If you’re in any social setting where people are involved, it can be difficult to both love them deeply and also mind your own business while trying to pursue peace. Everyone has something that you won’t like about them. It might annoy you and get on your nerves. It could be anything from a difference of beliefs or political views, to the way someone pronounces a specific word. It’s really easy to get frustrated and lash out at someone who is annoying you, but that is not living out our sanctification. When a moment comes where you are feeling frustrated, annoyed, upset, or angry with someone, try to take a moment to remember the two verses from the previous paragraph. When in a place of disagreement or frustration, seeking peace and loving the person takes priority over being right and having your way. Showing grace and forgiveness will display the forgiveness you have received. It will also allow the person to feel loved and cared for. 

-Makenna Landry

Reflection:

  1. How do you live out sanctification in your life?
  2. When someone is getting on your nerves or you come to a disagreement, how do you seek to live peacefully and quietly with them?
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Changed

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 1-2

Poetry: Psalm 91

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 1

Key Verses: “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

In 1 Thessalonians 1, we see Paul praising the church of Thessalonica due to their receptiveness of the gospel message and their life changes that came from following the Word of God. Instead of living in sin, they turned their lives around to honor God and their example was seen by other believers. Those in Thessalonica were not the only ones who had a pivotal life change due to their faith. Take the author of this letter, Paul, as an example. He had been a devout Jew who persecuted the Christians and attempted to put a stop to the spread of the gospel message. After being confronted by Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul had a pivotal life change that would impact people for generations. To this day, Paul and his inspired writings shape the lives of people around the world. 

This pivotal life change that the people in Thessalonica experienced and that Paul had experienced due to their faith in God and His son Jesus, wasn’t uncommon. God has been working in the lives of His people since the beginning of the world. In the reading of 2 Chronicles today, we see a life change God grants to King Solomon. Even the King of another nation recognized the gifts and talents God himself had given Solomon. The gifts of wisdom and knowledge shaped King Solomon’s reign and allowed the kingdom of Israel to prosper. What an impressive life change for King Solomon. 

God continues to grant gifts to His believers and change the lives of those who follow Him. Galatians 5:22-25 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” When we repent from our sins and commit our lives to Christ, there is a pivotal life change that happens. We are granted the holy spirit as a gift that produces good fruit and spiritual gifts in order to be imitators of Christ. It is a slow work in progress to hone your skills and to produce the positive fruit of the spirit, but it will be worth it! Each person has been called to be an imitator of Christ and to dedicate their life to God. The way we spend our time, the things we say, and how we treat other people will serve as an example of our faith. Those in Thessalonica lived as imitators of Christ producing good fruit that was seen by those around them. King Solomon was recognized by the gifts God had granted him because of his faith. How are you impacting those around you? Can you be seen as one imitating Christ, standing in your faith, and working with your spiritual gifts granted by God? Reflect on these things as you go about your day today. 

-Makenna Landry

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you been changed by your faith?
  2. What does it look like to imitate Christ? If others started imitating you – what would they start doing? What would they stop doing? Are there any more changes you want to work on in your own life, with the help of the holy spirit, to be imitating Christ Jesus better?
  3. Just like Makenna asked: How are you impacting those around you? Can you be seen as one imitating Christ, standing in your faith, and working with your spiritual gifts granted by God?
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God’s Fellow Worker

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 25-27

Poetry: Psalm 148

* New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 3

Have you even been introduced to someone as God’s fellow worker? It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Paul described Timothy as, “our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you (the Thessalonians) in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Could you be described as God’s fellow worker?

I am impressed in this chapter (1 Thessalonians 3) with Paul’s obvious heart for his fellow workers (there was a reason they were called brothers even though they had no blood relations) and his heart for the church – some of whom he had not known long and had only spent a short time with. And yet, with the good news Timothy brought of the Thessalonians’ strong faith and love Paul says, “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord” (1 Thess 3:8). You can hear his heart filled with joy. For now we really live!

Paul had been concerned that when he and his fellow workers moved on to carry the gospel message to other towns the tempter might be successful in tempting the young Thessalonian church away from true faith in God and love for Him and one another. It is a very real and powerful threat that is still active and alive today. It is why the armor of God is so important. Thankfully, the Thessalonians were standing strong.

Another way that Paul shows his heart is through his prayers – night and day – most earnestly – remembering the Thessalonians, praying they might see each other again, and praying that their faith would be strengthened even more. This is an important reminder to keep praying for our brothers and sisters in the church – even if they appear to be doing alright and don’t have any known health problems (often the most common needs on the church prayer list). The tempter is always looking for little cracks in the armor. Prayer is huge. Keep at it. Night and day. Most earnestly. Remember your extended church family in your prayers. Pray for their faith to be strong and growing – with any gaps filled in to present a stronger front against the tempter.

Healthy faith displays action and love. Pray also that love will be increased – love for each other (the church) and also for “everyone else” (vs. 12) including those outside who need to know God and His Son Jesus. Increasing love. Love is a beautiful thing – but increasing love is even so much better. Don’t be content being a loving person – strive and pray to have increasing love. Be a parent, a spouse, a neighbor, a boss, a co-worker, a missionary, one of God’s fellow workers with increasing love. Pray for increasing love for yourself, each other and everyone else.

AND – of course we have to end this devotion as Paul ends every chapter in 1 Thessalonians – REMEMBER – Jesus is coming back!! So live your life preparing for that day! As Paul says so well – “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” This is my prayer for you – my fellow SeekGrowLove reader. Blameless and holy, I hope to see you there. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Wh0 has been God’s fellow workers with you? What have they done for you and for God? Do they know how much you appreciate them?
  2. How is your faith and love doing – if someone were sent to give Paul a report on you and your church’s faith and love what would Paul hear back? Would he rejoice that you are standing firm? Where can your faith grow, filling in the gaps? How can your love increase?
  3. Pray the prayers of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 3 (for faith filled in, increasing love and blameless/holy people ready to stand/bow before God when Jesus returns) for yourself, and your church family and extended church family. Use specific names God brings to mind. Repeat night and day – most earnestly.
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Your Joy

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 22-24

Poetry: Psalm 147

*New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 2

In the first chapter of First Thessalonians, which we discussed a little yesterday, we see Paul commending the Thessalonians for welcoming the gospel message with joy, even in the face of severe suffering. He is thankful for their work, labor and hope. They had left behind their idols and were serving God and waiting for the return of His Son. Paul notes how they became imitators of him and of the Lord. It is obvious they had first of all listened and believed the message; but then they were also doing, working, sharing the message and actively being a model to others so that “the Lord’s message rang out from you…your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

I love this picture of Paul’s effective ministry! People have heard the message, they have responded, changed their lives and are serving God. The Lord’s message is now ringing out from the ones Paul shared the Scriptures with! This is a beautiful picture of an effective ministry. This is what I want. Do you want it, too?

Keep in mind, ministry is not just for the licensed pastor. Being a minister of God’s word to God’s creation is for the SS teacher, the elder, the parent, the prayer warrior, the family member, the neighbor, the co-worker who has a heart for God and following his commands and loves people enough to show them the way to be saved through Jesus. Are you a minister? I hope so. Am I a minister? I hope so. If so, let’s do it well. What can we learn from Paul about effective ministry? There’s a lot of wise answers in this short chapter of 1 Thessalonians 2 – here are some of my favorites.

– Know that you don’t do it alone. ONLY do ministry with God’s help. It is HIS gospel message and he will give you the courage and knowledge to share it the way He desires (vs 2).

-Expect some strong opposition. Opposition doesn’t always mean you should stop what you are doing. Sometimes (vs. 2) it means you need God’s help to be bold and carry on because you are doing God’s work and man is opposing you. Other times Paul was stopped from doing what He thought God wanted him to do because God wanted him to do something else. Sometimes, it is Satan opposing us (vs. 18) and we pray and pray some more. In this particular instance Paul found other ways to continue his ministry – can’t go to Thessalonica now but can send Timothy and write letters. Prayerfully consider the source of the opposition before you decide how to proceed.

-Watch yourself so you don’t spread untruths or have impure, selfish motives or use trickery or flattery. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not, don’t be greedy – that’s a huge turn-off (vs. 3 & 5).

-DON’T work to please men. Work to please GOD! (vs. 4) A ministry built to please men will NOT be pleasing to God. It will crumble. Men (and women) are fickle and wrong and selfish and proud and sinners – don’t spend your efforts trying to make them happy and trying to have them like you. God is right and holy and awesome and love and perfect and just. What He says is the One that matters. Live your life and do your ministry to hear His praise and not man’s (vs.6). That doesn’t mean people don’t matter! They matter so much Jesus died for them. But their opinions, wants and view of the truth are always inferior to what God wants and knows to be true. Seek to always please God not men.

-Be gentle – like a mother. And encouraging – like a father. Help them feel valued, important and safe – while urging them to life lives worthy of God who is calling them into his kingdom and glory (vs 7-12). Share your life with them. Be genuinely interested in who they are. Paul wasn’t a street corner evangelist yelling at people as they walked by. He definitely spent a lot of time helping people study and learn the Scriptures – he also spent time working alongside people and having deep discussions – just like a spiritual parent.

So those were some of my favorite pearls of wisdom on how Paul did his effective ministy. Read the chapter to find your own favorites. And then, pray and get to work. We are called to make disciples. What will your ministry look like? How will you imitate Paul and Jesus and the early church which are models for us?

And, as this chapter ends again with a most important theme and reminder, so this devotion ends with the same – Jesus is coming back. Paul was looking forward to the day not only for his sake – but for the joy he would have in standing next to his spiritual brothers and sisters whom he had ministered to in Thessalonica and many other places. They would be his crown, glory and joy as they too were now anxiously anticipating and prepared for the return of Jesus. Look around you today. Prayerfully consider – who is God calling you to minister to? Who is he asking you to prepare for the return of Christ? How is he asking you to do it? Who do you want to be standing next to when Jesus returns, knowing that they are your joy?

-Marcia Railton

Questions for Reflection

  1. Do you have a ministry? What does it look like? How is it similar and different from Paul’s? What do you want it to look like?
  2. What could you do to make your life and ministry more pleasing to God? Pray about it and make a plan with steps to move in this direction.
  3. Prayerfully consider – who is God calling you to minister to? Who is he asking you to prepare for the return of Christ? How is he asking you to do it? Who do you want to be standing next to when Jesus returns, knowing that they are your joy?
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