Talking To Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; KJV; 3^rd Sun in Advent; Pray without ceasing and

thank Him that He is there for you!

Praying Often; Always

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. (Matt 14:19 KJV)

Most of you have probably heard the story about how Jesus fed the multitude on five loaves and two fish. They were so fed heartily with this meager meal, after Jesus prayed over the the food and the disciples shared it with the people, that there were leftovers. 

We are encouraged to pray and give thanks to the Lord not just on Sunday but always for everything and everyone. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thess 5:16-18)

The other evening after shopping my husband and I stopped to eat at "Steak and Shake," an almost fast food hamburger restaurant. Service is really quick; but, you actually get a friendly server and a few minutes to look at the menu. While waiting for our meal, I saw something that I don't get to see too often. It was a family of five (with at least two teens) holding hands and praying before they ate. There were no cell phones at the table.  What there was after they prayed was quiet conversation as they ate. I don't get to see many people praying publicly so it caught my attention. I pray that God blesses every member of that family with faithfulness all the days of their lives. Those young people are off to a good start...

May God help us all to remember to pray often, even unceasingly, giving thanks for all that He has done and continues to do for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hope of Future and Fruit of Labor

In all toil there is profit,
  but mere talk leads only to poverty.

                           (Prov 14:23 NRSV)

I was listening to Dr. Jordan Peterson on YouTube this morning and something that he said really caught my attention. He said something to the effect of, "an old person has the fruit of their labor; young people have the hope of their future."  

As an older person, there are days when I am not exactly sure how fruitful my labors have actually been. I have worked hard and for many, many decades. I am not rich financially. But, I feel blessed almost all of the time. I am comfortable. I am comfortable because I know that in the days when I was not so profitable or fruitful, God provided for my needs. I am comfortable because I know that he will always take care of me according to his good will. That does not mean that I get to quit laboring and let God through others take care of me. 

I am comfortable (but, not always and completely because of my sinful nature) in that I do recognize the fruit of the work of my hands. But, the question is: has my labor been fruitful in the eyes of God? Has my labor glorified God? The answer to that is definitely not always.

Dr. Peterson said that the young people have the hope of their future. Hope is a good thing. It is a necessary motivator to strive for the things one dreams of. It is necessary for growth and to being able to, when one grows old, to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 

It is the hope of many of my generation that the young will not make the same mistakes as some of us have; spending too much time dreaming and not enough time toiling to accomplish their dreams. Dreaming is a good thing. But, if we are to accomplish any thing then action must follow and often it is quite a lot of action. It is not enough to say that we will do this or that. We must work to reach the goal. There must be labor in order to be fruitful. Fruitfulness follows labor which follows the birth of our hopes and dreams.

I do not understand the philosophy that those who do not work, even though they are able, should be fed by others. Sadly, it is a growing ideology. St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living." (2 Thess 3:10:12)

And, it is not just so that we can have the basic necessities of life that we labor.  Christians will labor and do all that they can to the best of their God given abilities that God might be glorified. When St. Paul wrote to the Colossians concerning our duties to one another he said: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ." (Col 3:17, 23-24)

Whether young or old; whether still forming your hopes and dreams or enjoying the fruits of your labor in your later years; may all things that we say and think and do glorify our Father in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Increases

We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thess 1:3 NRVS)

On the first Wednesday of every month our congregation has a special service or program followed by a soup supper. The services began this past year with me leading a prayer or healing service and has evolved into having members of the congregation leading. 

This past Wednesday the theme was on Valentine's Day and love. Phyllis did an absolutely marvelous job sharing about the love of God in Christ and about the love we have for one another. The most amazing part was not just about what she said; but, about how her love of God and for us was seen in her words and actions as she presented some really Good News. What she shared about love was shared with genuine love. It was a unifying and edifying time together. It was evident in the way in which she shared the love of God that we are family and that not only does God love us; but, she also loves God and all the brothers and sisters in Christ to whom she was speaking.

And, then... all the brothers and sisters in Christ that were present gathered in the fellowship hall to share their love for one another over some awesome soup and bread.

I thank God for the love of every one of you for one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Pray Without Ceasing!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 NRSV

There is so much to be thankful for. The reasons to rejoice never end because "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God." (Rom 8:28) Yet, we know that there are those whom we love who do not love God; who do not know the Lord, and so we pray without ceasing. We pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that they may be strengthened in their inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, as they are being rooted and grounded in love. We pray that they may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph 3:16-19)

Because we love even those who do not love or know God, we will never stop praying for them. We will joyfully give thanks for we know that God hears our prayers and answers, according to His good will.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:15-20 NIV)

Another way that I can say it is this, "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15) Will you serve the spirits of alcohol and other drugs or will you serve the Lord; the only one who can bring you real peace and joy beyond measure? St. Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." (1 Thess 1:6) 

The Spirit of God is the bringer of joy and peace no matter what adversity we might be facing. Trust Him to be with you and to guide you in the truth always. Speaking from my own experience, I can testify that in doing so, you will find joy and peace that surpasses anything that this world might offer.

May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Goal

 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)

So much time and energy is wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."

But, the "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal: life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Spending your life accumulating stuff is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Build Up The Church

Preaching in Laskela, Russia years ago, it was necessary to
have two translators: Russian (on my right); Finnish
(on my left). The Church of Christ is bigger than any
one congregation or denomination!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11 NIV)

There are enough negative things  happening and being said in the world without there being so many negative and disrespectful things going on in the Body of Christ. Some congregations spend so much time disrespecting the leadership and others in their congregations that there ends up being very little time left to do the work the Lord has called us to do. The leadership is too busy putting out fires. If a congregation has no time to proclaim the Gospel; to reach out to the sick and the suffering, then what kind of fellowship are they really? Are they Christian?

We must always remember that there are more members in the Body of Christ, in the Church, than just those who physically fellowship with us on Sunday mornings. God has called multitudes around the world to be His children. It would behoove us to remember that when we are judging (intentionally or unintentionally) people around the world; when we are judging who we should encourage and support or not that Jesus commanded us to go out and make disciples of all people. (Matt 28:16-20) Making disciples of Jesus means encouraging not discouraging people to follow and become a fellow brother or sister in Christ.

Christ died so that all people might be reconciled to our Father in heaven and to one another through him. He died and he calls us to be willing to give of ourselves for the building up of His Body, which is the Church. He died to make us one in Him. Let us live and serve as one Body no matter who we are or what we do or where we live or where we worship. Let us continue to encourage one another for the building up of the Church to the glory of our Holy Father in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoice!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV)

There are days when rejoicing seems to be the farthest thing from our minds. Yet, if in the midst of trouble we take the time to slow down and get with God in prayer; if we take the time to consider all that God has blessed us with; we will find ourselves giving thanks and rejoicing.

Yes, bad things do seem to happen to good people. But, there are way more good things that happen if we would bother to take the time to consider them and count our blessings. The truth though is that none of us are truly good people; none of us deserve the blessings that we have been granted. We receive them only by the mercy of a God who loves us so much that He was willing to give His only begotten Son for us. Herein lies our blessings. Rejoice for the Son of God who died for us is risen for us! As the Son died and yet lives; so shall all who believe in him.

May God bless your day with abundant peace and joy.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trials

  

Toksovan Lutheran Church, Russia (2002)
A church, then communist meeting hall,
now a church. There is always hope for
those who persevere.

  "Paul, Silas and Timothy,
  To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

  Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

  All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." (2 Thess 1:1-7 NIV)

  

In the face of persecution by friends, family, community; how easy it would be to just give up and follow in the ways of the world! But, for those who are confident in the Lord and in His justice, we do not give up following in the Lord's way. Our hope is in the Lord and in His promises. We know that in the end God will work all things out for the good to those who love Him and He will be glorified.

Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians begins with words of encouragement. He commends them for their perseverance and faith. They are enduring many persecutions and trials; yet, they remain faithful.

We are tried, daily, in many ways. We suffer many injustices here in this world. Yet, we know that our trials will bear fruit for the good of all of God's children. May God help us to persevere in faith 'till the day that we will see His glory in all its fullness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Coming!

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thess 4:16-17 NIV)

What more could one ask for than to spend our whole lives; even eternity, in His presence? That is where the hope of the Christian lies. It lies in the promise of being reconciled to God our Father after having turned our backs on Him over and over again.

The one who died for us died so that we could be reconciled to him in life. This is life: abiding in the presence of God's love; knowing that he was forsaken even by us will not forsake us.

Rejoice for this is the promise to all who believe that the Messiah has come and lived and died and lives again for you!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach Us To Teach By Example

Psalm 119:30

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2 NIV

The Bible verse for the day from Bible Gateway is from Titus 2:2. I'm not trying to pick on older men. But, I wanted to remind all of us, men and women, who especially fall into the "senior" category and claim to have known Jesus for most, if not all of our lives, that we are to be examples to younger persons and newborn Christians.

So, I am using this verse to teach us all and to remind us that through not just our words; but, our actions, as well, we teach others what it truly means to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

May God help us to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into His kingdom and glory. (1 Thess 2:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Gift Of Life

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thess 5:9-11

We have received an amazing gift of life from God, in Him. He breathed the breath of life into humankind and we live in this world. It is a wonderful world. Life in this world is a marvelous gift from God, stained only by our sinful natures. But, God in His mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for us that we might be redeemed from the power of sin and live in His presence, in His Kingdom for all eternity.

In Christ, sin has no power over us. Death has no power over us. All who believe in Jesus' life giving sacrifice shall live in him whether these mortal bodies continue to breath or not; whether we are awake or asleep.

Let us live an abundant life! May God help us to always abide in Christ as we encourage one another to do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Gift Of Life

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thess 5:9-11

We have received an amazing gift of life from God, in Him. He breathed the breath of life into humankind and we live in this world. It is a wonderful world. Life in this world is a marvelous gift from God, stained only by our sinful natures. But, God in His mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for us that we might be redeemed from the power of sin and live in His presence, in His Kingdom for all eternity.

In Christ, sin has no power over us. Death has no power over us. All who believe in Jesus' life giving sacrifice shall live in him whether these mortal bodies continue to breath or not; whether we are awake or asleep.

Let us live an abundant life! May God help us to always abide in Christ as we encourage one another to do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Producing Fruit

"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2 NIV

We are not saved by our works. We are saved by God's grace through faith in the one who loved us so much that he was willing to die that we might live with and in him. That faith; our love for the one who loves us so unconditionally, inspires us to action. We want to share his love with others. We desire to share the hope of the promised kingdom with others.

All of the good works in the world will never save us; but, that will not keep us from doing good to one another. It is because we are saved; because we who do not deserve this free gift of salvation that we respond with fruitful and loving labor that God may be glorified in all that we say and do.

May God bless all that we say and do that we might produce fruit for the Kingdom and for the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Pray Without Ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thess 5:16-19 NRSV 

When we fail to spend time in prayer; when we fail to spend intentional time in the presence of God, the Spirit can become quenched.

I have found that my life and the lives of the people around me go a lot smoother when I begin my days in communication with God. I take it very personal when things interrupt my the times I set aside for prayer each day. Travel and vacation over the last couple of weeks have definitely interrupted my routines. The change of routine has thrown my clock out of whack and I have found it more difficult to find the time to sit quietly in His presence and to be refreshed and empowered to do God's will throughout the day.

The good news is that I am very aware of this and have found myself intentionally praying randomly more often throughout the day and more often for people whom I do not know: for bikers riding in heavy traffic or rain; for the mother pushing a stroller; for the man in the electric cart in the department store; for the beautiful gray haired lady who worships God with such enthusiasm.

Pray without ceasing! Rejoice that you don't need a cell phone to talk to God! The line is always open and He never fails to respond to your call.

God's Peace - Pr. J