1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Personal Note:
Just spent some quality time previewing Howard Hendricks', Living By the Book, DVDs. This is the Howard Hendricks I grew up with - looks like, based on dress, back in the 80's. He's at the height of his game and very funny, practical and convicting in his presentation. This is going to be a great series!
Overview:
Our coming to you has a purpose. Remember how we were treated so horribly at Philippi, but even so the message was delivered with boldness. The reason why people come to hear us is that we have the approval of God Himself, not because we have to trick or deceive people into hearing the Gospel message. We speak to please God, not men, because He examines our hearts. We also did not come to make you feel good about yourselves (words of flattery) or to get something from you (pretext for greed), nor was it to be famous apostles of Christ. Rather we were nurturing to you like a mother with her children. So because of our love for you, we desire to share the gospel as well as our own selves with you.
Application:
Often Paul's letters are very similar in making it clear their purpose and their message. What stands out to me is the regard he had for the Thessalonicans. He lovingly cared for them as a mother with her young. That is a self-sacrificing kind of love, when a child needs you, you leave what you are doing and go to them. Am I selfless enough, or do my selfish needs take precedence in ministering to others? He goes on to say he will share the message, but also himself with them. I just had a call - a very frantic call - about something I could not help with, although I made the offer. I was in the middle of the most important thing I could be doing - studying God's Word. Surely God doesn't want me to stop that and take care of some minor problem?! Sounds to me like He does. Now, we must remember that there is a balance. You can not give out to others, what you do not have - I cannot share from my knowledge of God's Word, if I have no knowledge of the Word. Study is important, but so are people.
"God help me to have Your nurturing yet discerning heart for people and ministry. Make my days, hours, and moments count for you. Help me persevere when others don't understand my heart and motives. Make me more concerned about pleasing You, than guarding my reputation and defending my every action. Make me more like Your Son!"

1 Thessalonians 1

Personal Note:
Yeah!! A problem that I've been working on the webpage is now solved! And...(here goes some boasting) - I was right and the tech was wrong. He still is my good support guy, but it's nice to know that persistence and God watching out for me are what made the difference today. Thankfully it wasn't a problem that others were seeing, it was a behind the scenes headache, but very important problem that would affect the site's future changes if not solved. (I know, BORING - but if you spent over 16 hours on a problem, you'd be rejoicing too!)
Also found out today that I was going to get to watch Catherine's graduation from grad school. Then the next day is Sunday, and they've planned a special brunch for Ash's mom and I. What neat kids I have!!
Overview:
This letter to the Thessalonians is from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. He commends their faith as evidenced by what they do (labor of love) and their confidence in their salvation (steadfastness of hope). Paul and his companions were models of Christ-like behavior before them and they began to imitate him and the Holy Spirit. They became Christians inspite of the affliction they were suffering at the time, and that led to them being an example to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. They were such a testimony to believers everywhere because they formerly were idol worshipers that turned to the living God.
Application:
If I am exhibiting Christ-likeness, then others will notice and want to know more about the God I serve. That is something to aim for... The other thing that hit me was that they turned to Christ while under affliction. Being a Christian would only add to their afflictions, but they were true lovers of God and wanted to be imitators of Him. We turn to God when we are having hard times - that's common, but if it would cause us additional pain, I fear - at least w/ out the Holy Spirit's filling/control - that I might postpone my acceptance if I were in their place.

Ephesians 6: 18-24

Overview:
Pray always; be on the alert, persevere! Paul requests prayer so that God would give him the words to say to make the gospel message clear and to give him boldness in its presentation. Tychicus is coming to you to tell you all about me so that you won't be concerned. Peace, love with faith and God's grace be with you all who "love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love."
Application:
I love that last part - loving Christ with an "incorruptible love." My take on that is that there are many things that vie for our affections, things that would seek to take us away from our first love. Our/my prayer and aim is to love Him with an incorruptible love, one that can't be swayed. We say we want to love Him  more...more than what? More than our family, more than our careers,more than our comfort, more than wealth, more than anything else in the world - do I love Him more than I love me? Is my love for God corruptible or incorruptible - I pray that it is the latter.

Ephesians 6:10-17

Overview:
The only strength is from the Lord using His strength. Put on your Godly armor that will enable you to stand against all the devil sends your way. Your fight isn't with men, but against the forces of evil and wickedness. That is why you must wear your spiritual armor to enable you to resist when the battle begins. Stand firm with confidence because you have the armor of: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith will allow you to extinguish the enemies blows. Guard your head with salvation and use the sword of the Bible as you fight.
Application:
I struggled this weekend with anxious thoughts - thoughts that Satan kept bringing to mind again and again. Our church is at such a crucial juncture - do we continue to maintain (I pray we do not!), or do we press on to make a difference for God. In many ways, I feel our leadership has let us down because they have not stood firm in the various battles that have come our way. I pray that our leadership will be on their knees seeking God's will in the decisions to be made - as they could make or break the future of our church. But these are things I have no part in, which for me, is excruciating having to trust others for decisions that seem so obvious to me. This is an opportunity for me to submit. I need to remind myself that God can turn the heart of kings, so surely He can change the minds of men who love Him! Oh me of little faith... I need to put on my spiritual armor and fight against Satan - not against my own army.
 God, I need you to guard my heart and mind - help me to trust when I want to run in fear. Make me stand firm, knowing I have an Invincible Commander who goes to battle before me.