The Daily Dose

Please God

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Pleasing God!  Do any of us really do that?  I know most of us try to be good and do the right things, but inevitably, we all fall down sometimes.  Is that what really pleases God?  Is it all about keeping a set of rules and then feeling condemned when you break one of them?

In today’s passage, Paul lists some of the behaviors that we are supposed to do that will please God.  Things such as:  being set apart, abstaining from sexual immorality, self-control, don’t be lustful, don’t take advantage of others, don’t be unclean, be holy.  While these are all good rules to follow and certainly pleasing God would result in these behaviors, we can see what really pleases God if we look at verse 9 in this chapter.  It says that God teaches us to love each other.  The best part about that is, if we love others, we won’t be doing the long list of things that were listed in verses 3-7. 

You can look at it this way, selfish behavior does not please God.  It is the way that we love others and put them first that shows how much we love God.  We don’t do this because it is a law or rule of some kind, we love others because we love God and are close to Him.  When you spend time with God each day, getting to know Him more, your love for Him will grow.  The result will be that you want to do the things that please Him and it won’t be hard.  Here’s the thing, it is like other relationships we have here in the world.  The more you hang out with someone, the more you become like them.  The more you hang out with God, He will begin to rub off on you and you will start loving the way He loves.  You will love people because you are becoming more like your Father and the reason is because of the amount of time you spend talking with Him, listening to Him and His Word and following the example He has given in His Word.

Today I want to encourage you to walk out your life with the intent to please God.  Not by keeping a list of rules, but by setting time aside each day to get to know and love your Father more.  Let the love of God rub off on you and the automatic result will be that you love others the way God your Father loves them.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-9

Overflowing love

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.  1 Thessalonians 3:12

Here is the solution for all the world’s problems.  It was the solution in Paul’s day and it continues to be the answer now.  Love one another with a growing to the overflow kind of love.  This kind of love leaves no room for anger, stress and anxiety.  It is to busy overflowing with God’s kindness and love.  The kind of love that looks for every opportunity to bless others.  The kind of love that isn’t preoccupied with selfish desires and ambitions.  It’s the kind of love that takes time to listen to and connect with others.  To genuinely care about what others may be going through.  Who has time for that?

Today’s world has become so busy, it’s no wonder everybody is so angry all the time.  Constantly complaining about and criticizing how things are so messed up.  They are messed up for sure but complaining and criticizing isn’t going to make things any better.  What will make things better is to be a voice of love and concern for people.  Take time to know how others are doing and when you ask someone how they are doing, take time to listen to the answer.  Then the next time you see them, ask about how that situation came out.  Show people that they are important enough to impact your life just because you took time to listen.

All people are important to God; therefore, they should be important to us.  Let’s begin to love those around us like never before.  Pray for your love for others to grow and overflow in the same way that our Father’s love overflows for us.  Take time to talk to and get to know people and make a difference in the lives of all God would bring across your path.

Today I want to encourage you to pray for an overflowing love for others that grows stronger each day.  Begin to serve people with the God kind of love wherever you are.  Don’t let the busyness of life rob you of the joy of loving on those who just need to know that God is real and really loves them.  Instead, take time to share His love and become the solution to your world problems by loving, not by being angry like they are.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Trouble

To keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.  1 Thessalonians 3:3

Trouble?  It seems to be all around us.  So much so that the media can’t even keep up with all the trouble going on in the world today.  Most people expected the new year to be a fresh start, but it really looks like (in the natural circumstances) just more trouble ahead.  Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, the craziness around us seems to be growing.  These are definitely the signs of the end time.  2 Timothy 3:13 says it is going to get worse and worse and things sure seem to be getting worse and worse.  We are definitely closing in on the end of this age.

In today’s scripture, Paul is talking about trouble they were going through way back then.  Even more trouble than we are today as Christian people.  Paul sent Timothy to make sure the Thessalonian church was able to stand through the trouble they were up against.  He was concerned that evil had gotten a grip on them and all of his team’s work there had been for nothing.  Timothy’s visit assured Paul that the Thessalonian church was standing strong and growing in their faith.  With this news, Paul was able to rejoice and thank God for their growth. Yet, he continued to pray for them night and day.  Paul knew they needed God’s help to stand firm in the trouble of their day.

This is the same thing we need to be doing today.  Even with all the trouble in the world, we need to remain strong in faith and not give up hope.  We need to encourage each other daily and keep from being shaken.  Praying day and night not only for the faith and hope to get through, but also to be the answer the world is so desperately looking for.  In this passage, Paul says trouble is inevitable and is destined to come, but we, the body of Christ, are the hope of the world in these times of trouble.  We are the ones that know what is really going on and we are the ones who have the answer . . . Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you to be strong in your faith and know that we do not need to be afraid.  Even in the middle of so many uncertainties in today’s world, we are certain of our God and our salvation.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  He is the greater One inside of us and we will fear no evil, because He is always with us.  Stay on mission with the grace and gifts He has given you to reach your part of the world.  Most of all, show everyone around you the love of God by the way you love them.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Cooperate with God

We sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 1 Thessalonians 3:2

Have you made yourself available?  Available for God to work through.  Have you become a vessel filled with His Spirit to give Him access to reach into this world?  In today’s scripture, Paul sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonian church.  In his introduction of Timothy, he calls Timothy his brother and God’s co-worker telling the good news. This seemed a little strong to me . . . God’s co-worker?  Does God need a co-worker?  Isn’t He able to reach the world without a co-worker?  As I thought about it, I considered that Timothy offered himself to be a vessel for God to speak through.  A voice for God to use to share His heart and message with the world.  Timothy was cooperating with the Holy Spirit to get the message of the good news to the world, or at least to the people of Thessalonica.

Isn’t that still our job today?  To be a co-laborer with God by giving voice to His message of love and salvation to the world.  Aren’t we still here to proclaim His message to the lost and broken people of our day?  So, this concept of working along side God isn’t so far fetch after all.  We do co-labor with Him.  We speak as the Holy Spirit prompts and then He shows up to do the supernatural part of saving, cleansing and raising people up.

Does God need us?  Probably not, but He has set up this world to be a place to work with us.  It is a supernatural work for sure!  God made us in His image to be His Family and to work together in the Family business.  The business of saving lives and the business of rescuing, strengthening and encouraging others in their faith.

Today I want to encourage you to offer your body as a living sacrifice.  Become a vessel for God to speak to others through.  Listen closely as the Holy Spirit leads you into all truth and be a voice in the business of God.  A voice that proclaims salvation, encouragement and hope to the lost and dying people of the world.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Crown of rejoicing

After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what is our crown of rejoicing as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!   Yes, you are our glory and joy.  1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

What is our crown of rejoicing?  What do we rejoice or enjoy most in this life?  Some would say family, some may say friends.  Some may even say their career or vocation brings them the most fulfillment.  What ever it is in this life, we all know that it is temporary.  This life is very short and even if we are here for 100 years, it goes by so very quickly.  If you think about it and consider, do you even know anyone that is over 100 years old, today?  Probably not because it is no secret that our life here in this world will end one day.  From the beginning of time, all people have had their brief existence and then pass on.  It is never going to change in earth’s present condition. 

Having said all that, now let me share some good news.  There is something you can take with you when you go.  Something you can carry over into the next world/eternity.  There is an investment you can make in this lifetime that will stay with you forever!  That one thing that can pass from this life to the next with you is the lives of others.  Those you witness to and those you lead into the kingdom of God’s love.

Paul talks about this in today’s passage. He says that his glory and joy are in the people that he encourages and leads to eternal life through Jesus.  It was so obvious in his life.  His time here was a continuous investment into eternity.  He didn’t get distracted by any of the world’s stuff.  Not family, job or material things.  His focus was do all he can for Jesus while he was here.  Even when he was in prison, he continuously sent his thoughts of encouragement and prayers to the churches he had established through telling others his salvation testimony.

We have the same priority today.  Tell our salvation testimony to those around us.  Tell others what a difference walking with Jesus makes in your day to day life.  Talk about the relationship you have with him and encourage those around you that they can know Him too.

Today I want to encourage you to think about how you can invest in your eternity.  Start by setting aside quiet time with God each day to receive direction and power to accomplish His plan.  Grow your desire to be close to your Father through His spirit and ask Him to teach you more about investing into the kingdom of heaven.  Start praying and believing for lost friends and loved ones to come to know Jesus and take every opportunity to show the love of God and tell of His goodness to you every day!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

He shares

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For He called you to share in His Kingdom and glory.  1 Thessalonians 2:12

Live your life in a way that God would consider worthy.  Let’s talk about that for a minute.  What is worthy?  Worthy is of worth or valuable.  What does God consider valuable?  So I started looking up scripture on worth and value and not surprisingly what God values is not the same thing that we as people value as a whole.  Matt. 6:26, Matt. 10:31, Matt. 12:12, Luke 12:7, Luke 12:24 all talk about what Jesus said was valuable, that is people.  My conclusion is that in order to live a life in a way that God would consider worthy would be living a life of loving others.  It makes sense because that is what God does:  He loves people.  As messed up, degenerate and evil as people can be, God not only loves them, but He sent His only son to rescue them.  Not just what we would consider to be the good ones, but all people.  Anyone who has blood pumping through their veins, Jesus came to pay their debt.

I am so thankful that He did!  I too was once a file and dirty sinner, but now thanks to the blood of Jesus, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says I am the righteousness of God!  Not because of anything I have done except, received the gift of salvation that He gave.  It’s the same way with everyone on the planet.  Anyone who will turn around from the direction they are heading to look toward God (repent), ask for His forgiveness and receive the washing of the blood, can have His gift of salvation too.  So why do we look at lost, sinful people with disdain and contempt because they sin?  They are sinners and that’s what sinners do, sin!

Now comes the difficult thing to write.  If we are going to live life in a way that God would consider worthy or valuable, we are going to have to start loving people the way God loves them . . . unconditionally and compassionately.  Not the sin, but the sinner. Not by telling them how wrong they are behaving, but by telling them how much God loves them and you love them.

The last part of the verse tells us what we have been called to and that is to share in His kingdom and glory.  We have been called to share God’s love with all people, sinners included and when we do that God shares His Kingdom and His glory with us!  Glory to God!

Today I want to encourage you because we are living in a very messed up world with some very messed up people.  Let’s not add to the chaos.  Instead, let’s be the solution!  It is the reason Jesus established the church.  We are the salt, the preserver.  We have to start loving people.  It doesn’t have to be hard or far reaching, just start with your friends, relatives and neighbors.  Stop focusing on the differences and start focusing on the solution. The love of God!  Reach into this broken world with the hands and feet of Jesus and take the gift of love to all within your influence.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:12-16

If you have never received God’s gift of love, pray this prayer from your heart today. Jesus will come into your heart and into your life and fill you with His worth and value:

God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen

Work while you minister

Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. 1 Thessalonians 2:9

Have you ever known anyone who pulls on others to take care of them?  I’m not talking about people with a legitimate need or disability.  I’m talking about people who would drop little hints of what they are praying for as if to say, “you should meet this need.”  What about people in ministry that use guilt as a means to get people to serve and give?  These things should not be, and yet, they are.

In today’s scripture, the apostle Paul talks about not being a burden to the Thessalonian church.  He was determined not to depend on them to support the ministry, so much that he worked night and day on his own profession to ensure that the needs of the ministry were met.  In fact, he goes on in verse 10 to say how devout, justly and blameless his team acted when they were there.  He said this to reinforce the fact that they are not in ministry for financial gain, but rather to fulfill the call of God.

Paul’s team persevered through all that came their way in ministry.  Both the good and the bad.  They depended on God to supply their needs and He did that through their working in their profession at a daily job.  Yes, they did have other sources.  We know the Philippian church gave into the ministry and others, too.  The point is that Paul’s team didn’t ask, and they didn’t wait around until funds show up.  They went out there and fulfilled the call on their life and did ministry while they worked.

Today I want to encourage you to fulfill the call of God on your life.  Don’t be the one who says: “I know God has this plan and as soon as the money comes in, I will do it.”  Start by doing ministry at your job.  When you get an increase in hours or pay, consider that to be God’s help along the way.  Don’t pull on others to meet your needs, trust God has a plan and He will make sure you have what you need to live and to share His love with others. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:7 “Who serves as a soldier at his won expense?” And in 1 Timothy 5:18 he said “the worker is worthy of his wages.”  Trust God today by taking next steps in His plan and as the need increases, believe His supply will too.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

No matter what

You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.1 Thessalonians 2:2

What are your “No matter whats?”  Maybe it is something simple like: No matter what, I am going to love my family.  Or No matter what, I am going to be a Christian.  Maybe it is even something like: No matter what, I am going to pray and talk to God.  Most likely it is something you have never considered before.  However, it is a good place to start when evaluating what your priorities are and what is important to you.

Today’s passage is about how Paul and Silas were mistreated in Philippi, but they didn’t stop on their mission.  You may remember what happened to them at Philippi?  They were beaten and put in prison.  This is when they were singing and praising God into the night hours and God shook the foundations of the jail to set them free.  They didn’t escape, but they used it as an opportunity to lead the guard and his family to salvation.  Then they went on to Thessalonica and God gave them courage and boldness to take salvation to the people there. 

This is amazing.  Why didn’t they pack up and go home?  They could have said “Obviously this isn’t God’s will because we are facing so much resistance.  Even to the point of being beaten and imprisoned.”  No, their perspective was “Obviously this is God’s will because we are facing so much resistance in the natural world”  Paul’s team knew that God had called them into this ministry.  They held on to that calling and the word they received through the Holy Spirit and no matter what, they were determined to complete that mission even to the point of death.

What about you and me?  Are we willing to hang on to the call and mission of God to us no matter what?  Do we pray for courage and boldness each day to complete God’s plan no matter what?  Or do we see opposition as an opportunity to pack up, go home and forget about what God is asking us to do?

Today I want to encourage you to consider your “No matter whats.”  What is it in this life that you are determined to complete, achieve and acquire no matter what else happens?  What is it that God has put in your heart to give, minister and bless others with?  Seek His plan and purpose and decide today that no matter what, I will get the step by step process to complete this plan and fulfill all that God has for me in this world.  You only get a short time here on this earth, finish what you were sent here to do . . . no matter what!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

What are they saying about you?

They speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Wow!  Can you imagine if people talked this way about you?  Like in my case, I cannot fathom someone saying, “Lynette talks about how she is looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven and how He is the one who has rescued her from the terror of the coming judgment.”  Mostly because, that isn’t what I talk about.  But why not?  This is the most important thing in my life and I am looking forward to it.  The day of my LORD’s return.

The people in the Thessalonian church were excited about the LORD returning to get them.  They were looking for Jesus to come back every day.  They were also so thankful that they had been rescued, so they were telling everyone about it.  So much so that the news of their discussions got back to Paul all the way in Athens.

So why don’t we get this fired up about Jesus coming back today?  Do we really believe it?  Maybe it’s because it has been over 2000 years and we are not so confident that we will live to see that day?  Maybe it’s because people on the outside will think we are weird or maybe it’s because we aren’t in love with Him like we once were?  What ever the reason, I for one am going to take a step in that direction.  Why not talk about what I have been rescued from?  It is the best thing I have going in my life.  My biggest issue is, I have become too busy trusting and believing God to keep me comfortable in this world that if I start to speak like the Thessalonians did, it could get a little uncomfortable.

Today I want to encourage you to get uncomfortable for Jesus.  Stop praying for Him to give you the perfect day, the perfect spouse, the perfect job or the perfect home and neighborhood.  Instead start praying that He would give you a refreshing of your love for Him and His return.  Think about the eternal separation He rescued you from and ask that you would be emboldened to talk about it no matter who you are around.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Fresh air

The word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it. 1 Thessalonians 1:8

I realized something from this passage in Thessalonians that I have not considered before. It is about the churches that Paul started and how they motivated and inspired him during his life journey. I have always considered the apostle Paul as being self-motivated and Holy Spirit led as he was transported to Rome to stand before Caesar. He started ministry as a Christian with a word from Jesus on the road to Damascus. In Acts 9:15, Jesus told “Saul” that he was His chosen instrument to take His message to the Gentiles/nations and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.” It has always been my presumption that Paul based his ministry on this Word and it kept him from deviating from the plan the whole time. While I know this to be true, I also know that Paul faced many discouraging events the entire time he ministered. The news and messages that were brought to him from the churches strengthen and encouraged him. Although, I’m sure he didn’t depend on them to get him through, I know that the good reports he received were like a breath of fresh air all throughout his imprisonment.

How do I know this? Because that is the same way it works today. As we journey on our mission for the kingdom of heaven, there are many days that go by without anyone even noticing or paying attention to the hours of prayer and hard work being done in the background. Of course, it is the same with any job, but especially in missions.  Walking by faith and following the Holy Spirit are steps that are taken to ensure you are following the plan. Although no one may be watching and that is certainly not the reason you are on the mission, but when a word comes that you have impacted a life or been an inspiration to someone, suddenly there is new wind in your sails in those times that your ship may be stagnate and stuck in immobility.

My point is when you are impacted or encouraged by others, take a minute to tell them. Whether by text message, phone call or email. You can even send a thank you card to express the way someone has touched your life in a positive way. Start with your pastor or teacher. No one fully knows the hours they are spending preparing, praying and planning for the next service or meeting. You can even extend this to your boss or neighbors. Anyone who is leading with very little recognition can be reinvigorate with a kind word of thanks or even a praise report of how their message brought you closer in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Today I want to encourage you to take time to consider those who have impacted your life.  Think about those who have helped you step closer in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.  Then reach out and thank them for taking the time to pray, encourage and help you along the way.  Let them know that what they are doing is making a difference and encourage them to complete all the plans God has for them to accomplish.

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Thessalonians 1:7-10