1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Overview:
Paul reminds them that when he had to stay behind in Athens, he sent Timothy to help them grow in their new found faith, and so they wouldn't be discouraged by what was happening with Paul. Paul reminds them that he had warned them that he was going to suffer for the cause of Christ, and now it has happened. He became so lonely for news of them, he sent word to learn about their continued faith. He wanted to check to make sure the tempter (Satan) hadn't gotten them off the path they had begun.
Application:
It's not enough to share your faith and lead someone to make a decision for Christ. You must follow up and help them to grow. They are like a tender young plant that needs continual nourishment and care. Discipleship is so important both for the mature believer (to be obedient to the Word) and for the new convert, to be able to have someone help them with questions they may be too embarrassed to ask. The sad part is that often new converts grow quickly and "out-grow" existing believers who ought to be growing, but are just warming the seats of our churches. Oh to be a growing Christian...we are never too mature to grow!

Psalm 119

Personal Note:
Today I was studying various passages of Scripture about why it is important to study God's Word. I was especially drawn to the Psalm 119 passage. Along w/ 4 other ladies, I am beginning a study called, "Living By the Book, by Howard Hendricks - a basic tutorial of how to study the Bible for oneself.
Overview:
Over and over again the writer vows to walk in Your precepts, Your testimonies, Your ways, Your statutes, Your word - all names for the word of God. He acknowledges that when he obeys God's word that he is joyous because he knows he is pleasing to God. The Bible kept him from sinning, and it helped him to grow to spiritual maturity, and corrected him when he strayed from the right path that God had for him. He expresses thanks for the privilege of knowing what God wants him to know as seen in the Word of God.
Application:
Do I truly love God's Word? Do I long for it to sustain me? Or do I see how long I can put it off - always on my "to do list"  - but always allowing other things to take a higher priority? Why am I anxious and worried about things that are totally out of my control? I am focused on the problem, rather than the Problem Solver. I've read and know it to be true that God moves the hearts of kings - if that is so, then He can change my heart, and all those around me. Why do I allow myself to feel overwhelmed - that there is no hope? Perhaps it's hormonal or chemical or even hereditary, but I also know it is because of lack of complete faith that God is in control of ALL THINGS. If that were a reality in my life, why should I worry or fret. I am weak in this area because I have not committed God's Word to memory so that when these times of dark depression and worry overtake me, I can transform my mind from dark to His light. God's Word must be a priority in my life so that I can grow and be effective in all areas of my life, but most of all to drive away the overbearing dark cloud of depression that all too often comes over me.
I am especially aware of it because I am out from under it. I have a renewed energy, a desire to be involved rather than to hide or isolate myself. Things look better to me, my future doesn't seem to be so bleak. I pray that this time will last... How can I be anxious if God is in control?! Think on these things - think on His Word, meditate on what I've read day and night - especially in the night when sleep eludes me. God will not turn away from me, He is well aware of my pain. He has provided a way of escape if I will but take it - read the Word, study it - make it mine. Live by the Book!!

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Overview:
Because of their arrest, they were "torn away" from the Thessalonican church, but only in body because in spirit we never left you. We always desired to see you face to face, especially me (Paul), but Satan was always putting roadblocks in our way. You are our crown of joy - you are what we will present to Jesus at His return. You are our glory and our joy.
Application:
Our spiritual "children" are a delight - especially to see them continue to grow in the Lord. But just like my own children, it is painful when they are not walking with God and seemingly have chosen to toss aside what they knew to be the truth. I don't understand that - you either believe something and it changes you, or you don't and stay in your old ways. I've been able to experience lots of things in ministry, but there is nothing - absolutely nothing that compares to mentoring a young believer. It's invigorating to see Christ through their eyes!!

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

Overview:
You knew that the message we brought you was indeed from God Himself, even though we were the ones speaking it. You are putting that word into action (at work in you believers). You followed the model of the churches in Judea, because you as Gentiles, suffered from your countrymen in much the same way as the Judean churches suffered at the hands of the Jews. These same Jews killed Jesus and the prophets and drove us out, which went against God and all of mankind. They did everything in their power to keep from sharing the gospel message with you Gentiles - to keep you from being saved. Their sins kept piling up against them, but God in His anger has judged them at last!
Application:
When you share the gospel or even teach someone the Bible, make sure they are always pointed to the Teacher - not me. Make sure what I say - I do. I must practice what I teach. God punishes those who sin. He may not do it in my timing, but He will! He hates sin and will only allow it to go on as long as it suits His purpose. If I'd stop worrying about why God doesn't do such-and-such to someone else, and worried more about my relationship that is less than snowy white, then perhaps God would give them what they deserve all the quicker. He knows that I get anxious and angry over continued sin, perhaps He is using it to teach me patience and total reliance on Him?! This world is not "fair" - we will not see "justice" practiced consistently. Why do I foolishly think that non-believers and believers will stop sinning?! Take care of me - and my sin!

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Overview:
Paul is reminding them that they worked hard and long hours so that the Thessalonian church would not have to support them while they were there preaching the gospel. They exhibited "holy, righteous, and blameless conduct" during this time. This time he says he treated them as a father with his children. A father is the disciplinarian who exhorts and encourages his children to do the right thing just as Paul and his fellow laborers did.
Application:
When I work long hours on various projects for the church, I need to be holy, righteous and blameless (not complaining or seeking approval from others by telling them all that I am doing). It is for the Lord, not for anyone else that I should be doing service/ministry.