Revenge or Rejoice

SCRIPTURE
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:15

OBSERVATION
Two vastly different approaches to life are presented here.  One that seeks revenge and another that rejoices, prays and gives thanks even in the midst of difficulty.  God's desire is for us to approach life with joy and thanksgiving.  When we are wronged, the world tells us to seek revenge, however, God's will for our lives is that exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith.  

APPLICATION
How often do I exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith in the midst of being wronged?  My gut reaction is anger, frustration and the inclination to seek revenge.  To seek pay back.  To teach them a lesson.  Or to fall into self-pity.  In many ways, this is our way of trying to manage the lives of others.  An attempt to exert some sort of control over them.  However, I know this is not God's will for my life.  He is the one in control, not me.  I can take me hands off and let go, for our God is a good God and His ways are right and true.  My faith is in Him and He will take care of me.  So I will choice rejoicing over revenge.

PRAYER
Father, help me to be slow to anger and frustration with others.  Help me to rejoice and be thankful no matter what is going in my life.  Help me to follow your will.

SCRIPTURE
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...

I Thessalonians 4:11

OBSERVATION
At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica that they have received instruction on living lives that please God.  He then encourages them to continue to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.  He talks about sexual purity and brotherly love.  Then we encounter verse 11, where the church is instructed to live a quiet life.  In fact, it says "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life."  This concept of a quiet life jumped off the pages for me, especially that it is placed in a section of scripture referring to living a life pleasing to the Lord.

APPLICATION
We live in a busy world filled with noise and distraction.  The concept of a quiet life seems so counter-cultural.  We fill our lives with busyness and activity.  We even seem to promote how busy we are to others as if there is a relationship between our busyness and our value.  This all leads to a point where we feel burdened and anxious about life, and this isn't how God intended for us to live.  Too frequently I equate my importance and value by the busyness in my life.  I need to embrace the concept of quiet and simplicity.  I need to guard my time.  I need to guard myself from allowing activities and busyness to dictate what is important and true in my life.  I need to place God before everything else.  I need to make it my ambition to lead a quiet life that pleases God.

PRAYER
Father God, help me to take control of my life.  Help me to guard myself from those things that rob time and energy from those things that are important.  Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you.

Increase & Overflow

SCRIPTURE
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else...

I Thessalonians 3:12

OBSERVATION
Paul, with Silas and Timothy, is writing this letter to a new community of believers in Thessalonica.  At the beginning of the letter, he commends them for their love.  This new group of Christ followers are living out their faith in love and it is having an impact on the world around them.  It's as if Paul is saying, "you guys are doing a great job, keep it up.  Then, in chapter 3, Paul says "may the Lord make your love increase and overflow...."  

APPLICATION
As a follower of Jesus, my love needs to continue to increase and overflow, impacting those around me.  The application question for me is:  has my love increased from year to year?  Am I more loving today as opposed to 5 years ago?  Is so, what is the evidence of this love?  Where is the overflow from my love?  These are difficult questions for me to answer which tells me that I need to pursue a closeness with Christ where his love is evident in my life.  I need to combat selfishness and serve others.

PRAYER
Father, I pray the same thing that Paul prayed over the Christians in Thessalonica.  May you make my love increase and overflow for those I encounter on a daily basis.

To Live or Die

SCRIPTURE

Matt. 27:1 ¶ Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.

OBSERVATION

This beginning verse talks about a group of religious people who came together and discussed their concerns about Jesus. They ultimately made a fatal decision - the wrong decision! Maybe that is why I am a bit cautious when it comes to releasing committees to make decisions.
The phrase “came to a decision’ reveals that this was a process which took some time and discussion. It was not a snap decision! Have you ever wondered what they discussed and why they reached their conclusion? Maybe the discussion went like this…

Have you heard that Jesus has a lot of followers? Yes even more than we have. What about the people being healed? Many are experiencing miracles and beginning to say he is God! I too have heard that he stilled the Sea of Galilee and saved the lives of several people. All he said was “Be Still” to the waters and they obeyed. Yah and what about the man who had a legion of demons? Jesus set him free. In view of all these acts of kindness and love there is only one conclusion… We must kill him!

One would think that Jesus should be praised rather than killed. Amazing isn’t it!!!
(Read Mark 5:1-17 and note vs. 17)

APPLICATION

Our decision as followers of Christ is quite different from those of the religious leaders of that day. We choose to die rather than crucify Christ.

Gal. 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
What Decision will you make today?

PRAYER

Lord, show me a better way of dying rather than a better way of living. If you do, I know I will experience eternal life.

First Things First

SCRIPTURE

Matt. 26:7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
Matt. 26:8 ¶ When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.

OBSERVATION

What this woman did was an act of worship! Yet, many felt it was a waste?
It always surprises me to discover Christian people who do not understand the purpose, place or power of worship. If we fail to grasp the foundational truth about praise and worship, life will never be experienced to it fullest dimension. You worship God when you put Him FIRST in everything you say or do. Every time you make tithing the first thing you give from your paycheck, (A tithe = a 10% of your income) you worship God. (Mal 3:8-11) Every time you put some persons need before your very own, you worship God. (Phil 2:4) Every time you sing songs to God from the heart, you worship God. (Eph 5:19) Worship makes Him FIRST and FOREMOST. It gives him the seat of honor, the place of preeminence. Worship is anything but a waste - It is the pathway to eternal life. (Deut 6:5)

APPLICATION

I personally have many people that I value greatly. Without them I would be at a loss and my joy would be incomplete. My wife has been my personal friend for 35 years and
a wonderful mother to our two sons. Words can’t express her value to me. I am a better man because of her. My two sons and grandchild are priceless - I would give my life for them. Many other friends cause me to cherish the relationship I have with them.
Jesus, however, is above all other relationships and holds the most important place in my heart. At some point everyone will abandon you. It might be through death, divorce or practical changes in life but Jesus will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)
Your wife (If you are married) your children and your friends deserve to be valued but only Jesus deserves to be worshipped! I don’t know about you but I’m deciding to put Him first in my life today by allowing Him to lead and committing myself to follow. It’s not a waste but true worship! Who is most important to you?

PRAYER

O Lord, you are worthy of all praise!
Help me value things through your eyes and continue to lay the foundation of worship.

What's In Your Pocket?

SCRIPTURE

Matt. 25:14 ¶ (The Kingdom of God) “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities.
Matt. 25:15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. (The Message)

OBSERVATION

When some people read this verse they focus on the apparent inequity of the money (talents) given to the servants (you and me) by the man. (God)
When I read the text, however, I am grateful that God has given something to everyone. No one is left out! While we are in pursuit of God and waiting for His return, we have all been given gifts to utilize for the benefit of His Kingdom. God is not unfair nor does He play favorites. He gives to each person according to their abilities. Remember, it is not what you have been given that is important but what you do with what you have been given.

APPLICATION

What has God given to me? Am I using my gifts, talents and resources to expand His Kingdom? Do I focus more on what others have received or on what I have been given?
Do I spend more time thinking about what I don’t have or on what I do have? Do I compare myself with others or do I realize that I am unique? What am I going to do today with the gifts God has given me?
When we answer these questions by the help of the Holy Spirit and make any necessary adjustments, God will work IN us as well as THROUGH us.

PRAYER

O Lord Thank you for your gracious gifts that I have received. May I use them to bring you honor and glory! May you lead me to a person in need of what I have to give. May we celebrate Christmas in May and rejoice as your gifts to us are opened.

He Is Coming

SCRIPTURE

Matt. 24:3 ¶ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

OBSERVATION

Jesus is coming again! This truth is consistently echoed from Matthew to Revelation. I cant’ speak for you but I’m ready right NOW! Eternity with Him sounds very good.
We all want an E.T.A. (Estimated time of Arrival) but God has chosen to keep the specific time to Himself. This unknown fact keeps us on our toes and causes us to depend upon Him each and every day. We are to live every day as if it were our last. There are signs, however, which indicate His return could happen at any moment. In Revelation 22:12 it says: “Behold, I am coming soon” Are you ready.

APPLICATION

If you are like me, you want to be in “The Know!” I want to know all the details; be informed of all the data, be able to speak my opinion and be prepared in my mind for any surprises. Our Christian lives, however, are to be lived on the basis of TRUST and not knowledge. As we put our faith and confidence in Jesus, we can trust him to give us the knowledge we need and determine the right time. That goes for everything else in our lives too. Timing is important. If you have been waiting a long time for God to answer your prayers, remember these four things.
1. If your prayer request is wrong He may say “NO”
2. If the timing is wrong, God will say, “SLOW”
3. If you are wrong, God will say ”GROW”
4. When the timing is right, God will say, “LET’S GO”.
Check out 2 Peter 3:9 - You may rejoice that He hasn’t come yet!

PRAYER

O Lord - Come Quickly