1 Thessalonians 3

You’ve Got This! {1 Thessalonians 3}

4:00 PM



Monday March 23, “Walking In Wisdom”


One of the things I admire most about Paul is his heart. For as passionate as he was about Jesus, he was equally passionate about those he led to the Lord. And like a father who loves and cares for his children, Paul was there to teach, strengthen, and reassure young believers as they grew in their faith. He knew that as important as is the ministry of spreading the gospel, so is the ministry of encouragement.

The meaning of encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. The members of the Thessalonian church were facing serious opposition from the Jews. And they needed all the encouragement Paul could give. So how did Paul spur them on in their Christian faith? 

  1. Paul Sacrificed-Timothy was dear to Paul. And even though it meant Paul being left alone in Athens, he was willing to suffer discomfort in order to inspire others. And so he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in order to, “strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.” (vs. 2)

  1. Paul Prepared-Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12) Knowing that tribulations can cause new believers to become discouraged in their faith, Paul made them ready by previously warning them, “that we were going to suffer affliction.” (vs. 3) 

  1. Paul Rejoiced-Nothing is more comforting than seeing fellow believers grow in their faith walk. Paul delighted in the positive reports given to him by Timothy saying, “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.” (vs. 9)

  1. Paul Prayed- We all need the prayers of others offered to God on our behalf. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that God would, “Establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (vs. 13)

“God has designed the Christian life as a community event, not a solo endeavor.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

As the days grow shorter until the glorious return of Jesus, times will continue to get worse before they get better. (2 Tim. 3:1-5, Luke 21:11, Matt. 24:7) And in the current climate of fear and hysteria in which we find ourselves, we all need the love, support, confidence, and hope from fellow Christians. Ephesians 6:18 commands us, “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the Lord’s people.” So today and everyday, be an encourager! Be willing to sacrifice for others, share God’s Word abundantly, rejoice in fellowship, and pray that we all will abound in love and be grounded in holiness! ( vs. 12-13)



End Times

Look Up! {Luke 21}

5:00 PM



Monday Feb. 3, “Walking in Wisdom”


When I visited New York City, one of my favorite sights was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was blown away by the size, beauty, and majesty of the church. I’m sure the disciples felt that same awe and amazement as they marveled at the Jewish temple with its exquisite stones, and many gifts dedicated to God. “The Jewish historian Josephus says that the temple was covered on the outside with gold plates that were so brilliant, when the sun shone on them it was blinding to look at. And where there was no gold, there were blocks of marble of such a pure white, that strangers from a distance thought there was snow on the temple.” (David Guzik)

So I can just imagine the shock and amazement of the disciples when Jesus says of the temple, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” (vs. 6) Immediately they questioned Him asking, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (vs. 21:7) Jesus responds by giving a series of signs that would signal His return. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (vs. 21:10-11) But more than just signs, Jesus next gives a series of warnings. Warnings of things the Lord says will take place before the day of His glorious return. 

Don’t Be Misled- Many false prophets will come in Jesus’ name saying, “I am He”! And deceitful date setters will cry, “The time is near”! (vs. 8) So how do we guard ourselves against such people? By knowing the Word of God. Whatever teaching we hear, the first thing we need to do is to go to the Bible and make sure it is line with scripture. For as 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches, “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. Measuring everything others say against what God says keeps us from falling prey to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. (Matt. 7:10)

You Will Be Persecuted- “They will lay their hands on you”, and “Bring you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.” Following the Lord doesn’t ensure a life of peace. In fact, He says quite the opposite. He tells us that as Christians we will be betrayed, hated, and some of us even put to death. But to that Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Matt. 10:28) When persecution comes, as it undoubtedly will, we are to stand not in our own strength, but in His. Every tribulation is an opportunity to share the gospel. And Jesus says that if we trust Him, He’ll give us the perfect words to speak; words that no one will be able to refute. 

Be On Guard- Just like sprouting leaves in the spring assures us that summer will soon follow, Jesus warns that when we see the signs fulfilled, “Recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” (vs. 21:31) He cautions us to keep watching, praying, and most of all, to guard our hearts. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (vs. 21:36)  We need to keep our eyes on the prize, living in constant awareness of His soon return. For as Jesus declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (vs. 33)

With all of the anger and division in the world today, like King David, I too find myself crying out,”How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exult.” (Ps. 94:3) How much longer before God cries, “Enough!” Yet I do not despair. For far from the world falling to pieces, instead the pieces of God’s plan are falling into place. Time’s are, as Pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “growing gloriously dark!” The season of the Lord’s return is upon us! So be on guard! Look up! “Straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (vs. 21:28)



Beatitudes

What Fruit Does Your Tree Bear? {Luke 6}

5:00 PM



Walking in Wisdom, Monday Jan. 13


My childhood home had a small crab apple tree that grew in the backyard. The branches were low, and spread out just enough that we could climb up and nestle in the middle. It had thick, bushy leaves which provided perfect shade from the summer heat. And at the end of each branch dangled the most inviting apples. Their color was as green as a lime popsicle, and their size like plump overgrown cherries. That fruit looked delicious, and I’ll never forget the first time I twisted one of the apples from its stem and took a bite. Far from the sweet juiciness I expected, my mouth was filled with a such a sour and bitter taste, I spit the apple out and threw the remainder on the ground to rot. The disappointment I felt, accompanied by a stomach ache from the little I had swallowed, taught me that not all trees bear good fruit.

“There is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit.” (vs. 43-44) Jesus says that each of us is a fruit bearing tree. And the way in which we live our lives, meaning the decisions we make, the words we speak, and our actions towards others, determine the goodness of our fruit. In His most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord gives His newly chosen disciples, and all who follow Him, the key to being a tree that produces the sweetest and most choicest of fruit; and as it turns out, it’s all about attitude.

Attitude of Gratitude- Life has more than its fair share of sorrows. In verses 20-26, Jesus tells us that we can “leap for joy” through all we endure by keeping our minds fixed on the great reward that awaits us in heaven.

Attitude of Love- It’s easy to love those who love us, but in verses 27-38 Jesus tells us to go one step further and love our enemies. Treating others the way Jesus Himself does, shows us as the sons and daughters of the “Most High” that we are created to be.

Attitude of Honesty- I’ve heard it said that we tend to look at others through a microscope and ourselves through rose colored glasses. In verses 39-45, Jesus tells us to get honest about our own sins before pointing out the “speck that is in your bother’s eye.”

In my family appearances have always been important. Generation after generation have followed a pattern of putting others opinions above all else; resulting in an orchard filled with crab apple trees that are pretty to look at, but loaded with bitter fruit. I want 2020 to be a year of change for me. I want to get my attitude right, break the cycle, and grow a tree that produces a bounty of fruit for the Lord. That means getting in the dirt and fertilizing my roots with God’s Word to become firmly planted in Him. It means stretching out my branches far and wide to others in the hopes of providing love and comfort. It means making sure my own trunk is healthy and strong before noticing another’s. It means seeking the light of God’s presence, trusting Him alone to provide the warmth and nutrients I need for my fruit to grow and ripen. And finally, it means always walking, “in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of the Lord.” (Col. 1:10)



Gabriel

God Doesn’t Make Resolutions, He Makes Promises {Luke 1}

4:38 PM


Welcome to our study entitled, “Walking in Wisdom”. As we spend the year together in the New Testament, I pray that God will bless each of us with growth, wisdom, and understanding as we dig deep into His Word! 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[ may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 


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Monday Jan. 6 


 Can you believe it? Here we are fresh off the holidays and ready to begin 2020! Another year is upon us, and with it comes both renewed hope and a commitment to resolutions made. For me each new year brings the familiar pattern of good intentions and promises of doing and being better. But invariably, my faithfulness comes up lacking and my follow through becomes almost nonexistent. And even though I own my accountability, I try not to be too hard on myself; after all I’m a work in progress. So I forgive my failures, never give up trying, and remember that although I might not always be faithful in fulfilling my own promises, I know who I can always count on to fulfill His; and that’s God. For as I am reminded by the Apostle Paul, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13)

That’s why I’m happy we are beginning our study in the book of Luke. Because more than just the beautiful Christmas Gospel of our Savior’s birth, Luke also contains promises made by God. And here in chapter 1 we learn of the awesome ones He makes to Mary, the Jewish girl chosen by the Lord. Living in Galilee and engaged to a man named Joseph, Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel. After greeting her as, “favored one”, Gabriel lists seven promises God has in store for her and the baby she would be carrying. 1. She will conceive and bear a son. 2. He shall be named Jesus. 3. He will be great. 4. He will be called the Son of the Most High. 5. God will give to Him the throne of David. 6. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. 7. His kingdom will have no end. (vs. 31-33) 

I often imagine how Mary must have felt hearing the glorious news. Was she scared, excited, overwhelmed? Did she laugh, cry, or stand frozen in shock? Of the many emotions Mary must have felt, the Bible is clear that the one she didn’t feel was disbelief. For after asking how this miracle would come to be and hearing, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child will be called the Son of God.” (vs. 35), She simply replied, “may it be done to me according to your word.” (vs. 38) The example of strength and faith in God shown by Mary, a young girl of probably between 13 and 16 years of age, is something to behold and an inspiration to us all. 

So how did Mary find such unshakable faith? First, she believed God would keep His promises. Mary knew the history of the Jewish people and how, “Not one of the good promises which God made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.” (Josh. 21:45) Second, she trusted God’s ability to make His will come to fruition. For not only did Gabriel say, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (vs. 37), God Himself also declares, “Behold, I will do something new, I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Is. 43:19) Finally, she walked in surrendered obedience to God. Just as we are told in 2 Cor. 9:8,  Mary knew the Lord would provide whatever He required. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 

Each January 1st carries with it the excitement of a clean slate, a fresh start, a new beginning. It marks the start of the year ahead filled with the certainty of love and loss, triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow. Yet no matter what 2020 may hold, whatever change this new decade ushers in, we can rest assured that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8). So make resolutions. Commit to growth. Set new goals. Above all else, trust in the promises of God. In her lifetime Mary saw four of God’s promises fulfilled, and soon she will see the final three as well. And just as He did for Mary, God will fulfill each of His promises to us, so that like Elizabeth we too will cry, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (vs. 45)