1 & 2 Thessalonians – Be Still…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

^“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You”

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly

^“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

When I read this verse I sat up a little straighter in my chair, bursting with confidence in the Lord and his promise of salvation. We’ve been dealing with technical support for the past week on a new laptop that isn’t working. While that has nothing to do with my faith or trust in God, it has taken its toll on my confidence in humanity and my own understanding of all things technical. Being clearheaded sounds delightful!

Context: This verse in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians comes amidst a discussion about the last days when Jesus will return. Paul was assuring his readers that while we don’t when this will happen, as children of the light we are in the best possible position to be ready. Jesus will return at the perfect time, and we need to trust that. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly”

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 – Who Do You Imitate?

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

What is it about the human psyche that causes us to want to be like someone else? Why are we never comfortable in our own skin? In our business, I’ve been known to teach on the trap of “compare-itis.” That is when we find ourselves stuck in a pattern of looking at those around us, comparing ourselves in unhealthy ways. We find ourselves wanting to be thinner, younger (or older), better speakers, better musicians, have nicer clothes, bigger house, etc. We are always striving to have a better this or better that.

You’d be fooling yourself if you say you’ve never done any of this comparing. Paul is giving us some words of wisdom here. Instead of imitating another because of a physical attribute, Paul wants us to imitate those with greater faith than we have. I take it a step farther and remember the fad of “WWJD” – that is, What Would Jesus Do?

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 – Pray For Each Other

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 :1-5

folded hands on an open Bible with the words overlaying: LET US PRAY for each other

When is the last time you asked someone to pray for you? It’s really an intimate request because you’re asking someone to go to the Father on your behalf. You have revealed your vulnerabilities to another human. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we have privileged access to God. When we can pray for someone else in their time of need, it is the best thing we can do.

We may often wish we could help more or give more to our friends in need. Especially now during a time of pandemic when our hands are tied a bit in how much we can interact. When we remember how powerful prayer is, it’s easier to want to be the prayer warrior for all our friends and family.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 – Who Are You Thankful For?

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Did you know that someone is praying for you simply by thanking God for you? We may never know who those people are. And that’s okay! Paul wanted his readers to know that they were appreciated. There is no greater honor than for someone to tell you, “Hey, I thank God for you!”

In turn, we are probably thanking God for those people in our lives who have made a difference in some way. Maybe it’s the Sunday school teacher you had as a kid, or the neighbor down the street who brought your lost dog back to you, or your very own children who bring you joy every day. The list is endless when you get started. How often do we actually take time to thank God for these people and say a prayer of protection for them?