Day 38
1 Thessalonians 3 NIV
1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Trials and Persecutions!
Chapter 3 is a relatively short section of this letter but the content is weighty. The Apostle Paul is trying to help this young church endure trials, sufferings, and persecutions. Paul mentions that he had concern about this church and when he couldn't wait any longer he sent Timothy to encourage the people and bring back a report. Paul's concern was that these trials and sufferings would cause some to fall and hurt the fledgling church. "I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless" here the Paul is voicing the reason for his concern. He realizes that since he had to leave prematurely that he was concerned that temptation and discouragement might set in and break up this young ministry effort. The persecution began while Paul and his missionary team were ministering in Thessalonica. The Jewish leaders became enraged as Paul began to win over new converts to Christianity and away from Judaism. Paul was accused of treason and forced to flee for his life. Jason a native of Thessalonica had been Paul's host and he was brought out before the mob and accused of aiding and abetting a traitor. These persecutions apparently continued even after Paul and the team had fled. In fact you can read where people from Thessalonica followed Paul to other locations again inciting riots and stirring up strife. I'm sure Paul hated to leave not knowing what would happen to his new converts therefore he sent Timothy to check on them. Timothy returned with a report that their faith had continued it seems this is often the case when a church is persecuted. Verse 6 states "but Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love" This news was enough to ease Paul's concerns therefore Timothy's trip not only satisfied Paul but also greatly encouraged this young church. Paul concludes with a word of longing to worship with them again and then a prayer of blessing. Verse 13 "May He (God) strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. Paul again mentions the coming of the Lord as we often do when we begin to go through times of distress or difficulty. Any time I go to the hospital to visit and elderly saint one sure consolation is the prize that is just ahead of them. The Thessalonians must have taken solace and encouragement from these words because repeatedly refers to the Lord's coming through this first Epistle to these beloved people. Persecution is difficult for you and I to imagine in this free nation where we live but there are those around the world being killed for declaring the name of Christ. Why don't you take a few minutes today and pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters just as the Apostle Paul did for the people of Thessalonica. Thinking of others and their persecution should serve to cause us to pray for our freedom to continue, to pray for others who don't have freedom, and cause us to praise God because we are so blessed.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading February 16 2010 from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 NIV
Day 37
1 Thess. 2:13-20 NIV
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. 17 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.18 For we wanted to come to you–certainly I, Paul, did, again and again–but Satan stopped us.19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
A True Shepherd!
Though Paul filled the role of Evangelist, Missionary, and Apostle you cannot read his writings without seeing his shepherd's heart. Paul loved these people and wrote to correct but also to encourage these churches that he had helped to establish. He was always careful who he sent to them and constantly expressed his desire to hear of their growth. In our passage today his heart for this church and these people truly shows. True shepherds are not just numbers oriented, they build relationships and care about individuals as well as the church as a whole. Paul demonstrates this kind of love and passion consistently throughout his writings. Paul begins with thanksgiving because these believers had heard and accepted God's Word. He was expressing thanks for the evidence of salvation that he had seen and was hearing about. He mentions how these believers had been persecuted for the cause of Christ yet they had remained faithful to Him. Paul closes this section of scripture in by relaying his desire to see these believers again and renew these old relationships. Paul says "we were torn away from you for a short time" but then Paul continues again expressing his love for these individuals "(in person, not in thought)" this parenthetical statement truly expresses my heart and the heart of all pastors. Even when we are separated from our flock either by time or distance we never lose site of the needs and relationships we have found. People come and go and sometimes geography separates but relationships that are built in Christ are eternal and they are significant. This is why we can call our church a church family. Do you have a church family! Is it truly a group of like minded believers passionate about one another? We can sacrifice great preaching, great music, and many other bells and whistles that seem to exemplify the modern church but you cannot replace the true united love of a church that has bonded as a family in the love of Christ. These churches are favored of God because there is true love for God and one another. I pray that everyone who reads this post can identify with what I am writing. I pray you have a true church family and a shepherd that truly cares for you. Find someone you can pour your life into, someone not as strong in their relationship, someone who needs a mentor, or someone who just needs an accountability partner. We can all shepherd someone! Do you have the heart of a shepherd?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Thess. 2:13-20 NIV
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. 17 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.18 For we wanted to come to you–certainly I, Paul, did, again and again–but Satan stopped us.19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
A True Shepherd!
Though Paul filled the role of Evangelist, Missionary, and Apostle you cannot read his writings without seeing his shepherd's heart. Paul loved these people and wrote to correct but also to encourage these churches that he had helped to establish. He was always careful who he sent to them and constantly expressed his desire to hear of their growth. In our passage today his heart for this church and these people truly shows. True shepherds are not just numbers oriented, they build relationships and care about individuals as well as the church as a whole. Paul demonstrates this kind of love and passion consistently throughout his writings. Paul begins with thanksgiving because these believers had heard and accepted God's Word. He was expressing thanks for the evidence of salvation that he had seen and was hearing about. He mentions how these believers had been persecuted for the cause of Christ yet they had remained faithful to Him. Paul closes this section of scripture in by relaying his desire to see these believers again and renew these old relationships. Paul says "we were torn away from you for a short time" but then Paul continues again expressing his love for these individuals "(in person, not in thought)" this parenthetical statement truly expresses my heart and the heart of all pastors. Even when we are separated from our flock either by time or distance we never lose site of the needs and relationships we have found. People come and go and sometimes geography separates but relationships that are built in Christ are eternal and they are significant. This is why we can call our church a church family. Do you have a church family! Is it truly a group of like minded believers passionate about one another? We can sacrifice great preaching, great music, and many other bells and whistles that seem to exemplify the modern church but you cannot replace the true united love of a church that has bonded as a family in the love of Christ. These churches are favored of God because there is true love for God and one another. I pray that everyone who reads this post can identify with what I am writing. I pray you have a true church family and a shepherd that truly cares for you. Find someone you can pour your life into, someone not as strong in their relationship, someone who needs a mentor, or someone who just needs an accountability partner. We can all shepherd someone! Do you have the heart of a shepherd?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Daily Reading February 15 2010 from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NIV
Day 36
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NIV
1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
God-Pleasers!!!
Paul expresses the love that he has for these believers in our reading today. Paul lists the many ways they have tried to present the gospel without offense to the Thessalonian church. Paul first mentions that during the time he preached their that he encountered serious opposition. Many places the Apostle traveled he was met with those who would try and prevent the preaching of God's Word. Paul mentions this opposition to remind his readers of the significance of the gospel he was preaching around the world. He goes on to say that in spite of this resistance they will continue to preach because they are seeking to please God and not man. What a valid point for us today. We should also be seeking to please God, sometimes this is difficult but especially when you are ministering God's Word. Some of the teachings of the bible both today and in Paul's day are out of favor with society. This is why God's Word tells us that we are strangers and aliens that we are separate because we have been reborn into Jesus Christ. Paul continues by pointing out that they didn't come as a burden demanding money or support but they came and preached the gospel without strings in order to convince these people of the relevance of their message. This was apparently a great contradiction to what some other ministers of the day were doing. Obviously we can see from the text that some were preaching for financial gain and out of greed. Some were deceiving these believers and trying to preach a gospel that brought them gain rather than God. Paul then reminds them of not only his work, and enduring opposition but also of the love they demonstrated while ministering in Thessalonica. What a powerful lesson for us to learn. Paul said he didn't preach with big words or exciting messages, he didn't have capture an audience with his charisma, or promises, he didn't alter the Word of God in order to entice these people to glorify him rather than God. But he rather preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul preached for God and not for man. Paul was not known for compromising on the truth of the Word and because of his faithful preaching the truth in love God blessed him with a great and fruitful ministry. Many were saved because Paul was a God Please, are you? I truly want to be a God pleaser and I'm sure you do as well. What a challenge this can be when we all want to be well thought of. Sometimes sharing the truth is difficult, sometimes it hurts us to present these truths, sometimes when reading God's Word we ourselves are hurt by what we read. God Word is a "two-edged sword" it doesn't just cut and change the listener but it should also change the preacher. Are you being changed by God's Word? I know if you are reading it with sincerity of heart that God is changing you just as He is me.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NIV
1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
God-Pleasers!!!
Paul expresses the love that he has for these believers in our reading today. Paul lists the many ways they have tried to present the gospel without offense to the Thessalonian church. Paul first mentions that during the time he preached their that he encountered serious opposition. Many places the Apostle traveled he was met with those who would try and prevent the preaching of God's Word. Paul mentions this opposition to remind his readers of the significance of the gospel he was preaching around the world. He goes on to say that in spite of this resistance they will continue to preach because they are seeking to please God and not man. What a valid point for us today. We should also be seeking to please God, sometimes this is difficult but especially when you are ministering God's Word. Some of the teachings of the bible both today and in Paul's day are out of favor with society. This is why God's Word tells us that we are strangers and aliens that we are separate because we have been reborn into Jesus Christ. Paul continues by pointing out that they didn't come as a burden demanding money or support but they came and preached the gospel without strings in order to convince these people of the relevance of their message. This was apparently a great contradiction to what some other ministers of the day were doing. Obviously we can see from the text that some were preaching for financial gain and out of greed. Some were deceiving these believers and trying to preach a gospel that brought them gain rather than God. Paul then reminds them of not only his work, and enduring opposition but also of the love they demonstrated while ministering in Thessalonica. What a powerful lesson for us to learn. Paul said he didn't preach with big words or exciting messages, he didn't have capture an audience with his charisma, or promises, he didn't alter the Word of God in order to entice these people to glorify him rather than God. But he rather preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul preached for God and not for man. Paul was not known for compromising on the truth of the Word and because of his faithful preaching the truth in love God blessed him with a great and fruitful ministry. Many were saved because Paul was a God Please, are you? I truly want to be a God pleaser and I'm sure you do as well. What a challenge this can be when we all want to be well thought of. Sometimes sharing the truth is difficult, sometimes it hurts us to present these truths, sometimes when reading God's Word we ourselves are hurt by what we read. God Word is a "two-edged sword" it doesn't just cut and change the listener but it should also change the preacher. Are you being changed by God's Word? I know if you are reading it with sincerity of heart that God is changing you just as He is me.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Monday, February 15, 2010
Daily Reading February 14 2010 from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 NIV
Day 35
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 NIV
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually 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. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Imitators of Christ!
Today we begin the letter to the church at Thessalonica. You will notice this letter is addressed from not only Paul but Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Obviously all three are familiar and have participated in the ministry to this church. Paul uses three statements to describe the Thessalonians a faith that was productive, a labor of love, and their endurance inspired by the hope of Christ. Faith, hope, and love appear to be present with these believers. Paul also mentions that God emphasized the gospel he preached to these people with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. Paul says that they are obviously chosen because of the way that God proved the Word they preached. In verse 6 the Apostle says that these believers have proven themselves faithful to God even in their severe suffering, they received the message of hope with joy. What a compliment these believers are given "your faith in God has become known everywhere", this was a church that was making a difference in their world. It wasn't necessary for Paul to brag about these people and their faithfulness nor was it necessary for them to brag about themselves their actions spoke clearly about their love for Christ. Paul said they had become imitators of the Lord. Have you become an imitator of Christ? Do your model your Christianity after others you know or have you taken time to get to know the God of the Word and to imitate Jesus and the way He lived when He came as a man? These believers had imitated Paul and in so doing they had become imitators of Christ. Paul had resigned himself to doing nothing that didn't reflect Christ and therefore he had become a minister that only brought God glory and honor. What an epitaph! These are the words we should long to have written about us that when others imitate us they are also imitating Christ because we have become invisible, we have died to self and now only live to reflect and glorify God. Does your life reflect and glorify God? These are the kinds of questions we should be asking ourselves. Have you decreased so that Christ increases in you?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 NIV
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually 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. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Imitators of Christ!
Today we begin the letter to the church at Thessalonica. You will notice this letter is addressed from not only Paul but Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Obviously all three are familiar and have participated in the ministry to this church. Paul uses three statements to describe the Thessalonians a faith that was productive, a labor of love, and their endurance inspired by the hope of Christ. Faith, hope, and love appear to be present with these believers. Paul also mentions that God emphasized the gospel he preached to these people with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. Paul says that they are obviously chosen because of the way that God proved the Word they preached. In verse 6 the Apostle says that these believers have proven themselves faithful to God even in their severe suffering, they received the message of hope with joy. What a compliment these believers are given "your faith in God has become known everywhere", this was a church that was making a difference in their world. It wasn't necessary for Paul to brag about these people and their faithfulness nor was it necessary for them to brag about themselves their actions spoke clearly about their love for Christ. Paul said they had become imitators of the Lord. Have you become an imitator of Christ? Do your model your Christianity after others you know or have you taken time to get to know the God of the Word and to imitate Jesus and the way He lived when He came as a man? These believers had imitated Paul and in so doing they had become imitators of Christ. Paul had resigned himself to doing nothing that didn't reflect Christ and therefore he had become a minister that only brought God glory and honor. What an epitaph! These are the words we should long to have written about us that when others imitate us they are also imitating Christ because we have become invisible, we have died to self and now only live to reflect and glorify God. Does your life reflect and glorify God? These are the kinds of questions we should be asking ourselves. Have you decreased so that Christ increases in you?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Daily Reading February 13 2010 from Colossians 4:7-18 NIV
Day 34
I could not access the internet yesterday our hotel was experience technical difficulties so here is yesterday's scripture and commentary.
Colossians 4:7-18 NIV
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
These concluding verses of the letter to the Colossians include Paul's mention of his fellow servants. Paul speaks of friends such as Tychicus who he is sending to the Colossians, Onesimus who is apparently a Colossian himself, the Apostle Luke the physician, and many others. It appears that Paul is wanting these people to know that they are not alone that others care greatly about them. This was a common practice of the Apostle Paul to send members of his team to these churches to encourage them to continue in their faith. He closes with a request that this letter also be read to the church at Laodicea. Though we know often we read Paul's letters and find they are written by others in this case in verse 18 Paul makes mention that he has written at least this section with his own hand. This appears to be another way that Paul is emphasizing the importance of this correspondence.
Pastor Larry
I could not access the internet yesterday our hotel was experience technical difficulties so here is yesterday's scripture and commentary.
Colossians 4:7-18 NIV
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
These concluding verses of the letter to the Colossians include Paul's mention of his fellow servants. Paul speaks of friends such as Tychicus who he is sending to the Colossians, Onesimus who is apparently a Colossian himself, the Apostle Luke the physician, and many others. It appears that Paul is wanting these people to know that they are not alone that others care greatly about them. This was a common practice of the Apostle Paul to send members of his team to these churches to encourage them to continue in their faith. He closes with a request that this letter also be read to the church at Laodicea. Though we know often we read Paul's letters and find they are written by others in this case in verse 18 Paul makes mention that he has written at least this section with his own hand. This appears to be another way that Paul is emphasizing the importance of this correspondence.
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading February 12 2010 from Colossians 4:1-6 NIV
Day 33
Colossians 4:1-6 NIV
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Power in Prayer!
Beginning in the 2nd verse Paul begins teaching on prayer. The subject of prayer seems to consume our reading today and it should also consume our churches hearts and minds. Prayer is an essential element to every believer's life and every churches health. Jesus was angered most when He entered into a temple and found everything but prayer taking place. Paul is simply reminding these believers that without prayer they are powerless and unable to do ministry. Jesus didn't even enter His miraculous ministry until He went out into the wilderness for a season of prayer. Before He faced particular challenges in His life He would find a place alone to quiet Himself and talk with the Father. So often we look to confront the major issues of our lives and ministries without taking the time to call on God or we give a quick mumbled hurried prayer and expect it to be enough to carry us through. No, Jesus did not know this kind of prayer life and neither did Paul. Perhaps that is why when the devils spoke to the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19) they proclaimed that they knew Paul and they knew Jesus but did not know these men. Were they are prayerful group of believers or a powerless hurried religious family? The answer lies in the result, their lack of power and ability to call on God was on display for all to see. We are no different! We need the power of God and a knowledge of His very nature and prayer is the place where we can know God and He can know us. When we spend quiet time before Him we are known in hell. We should make it our goal to get alone in a quiet place and talk to the God of all creation. Our children need to know His power, lost individuals need to experience His power, and in order to walk in faith we need to remain in intimate relation with Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Colossians 4:1-6 NIV
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Power in Prayer!
Beginning in the 2nd verse Paul begins teaching on prayer. The subject of prayer seems to consume our reading today and it should also consume our churches hearts and minds. Prayer is an essential element to every believer's life and every churches health. Jesus was angered most when He entered into a temple and found everything but prayer taking place. Paul is simply reminding these believers that without prayer they are powerless and unable to do ministry. Jesus didn't even enter His miraculous ministry until He went out into the wilderness for a season of prayer. Before He faced particular challenges in His life He would find a place alone to quiet Himself and talk with the Father. So often we look to confront the major issues of our lives and ministries without taking the time to call on God or we give a quick mumbled hurried prayer and expect it to be enough to carry us through. No, Jesus did not know this kind of prayer life and neither did Paul. Perhaps that is why when the devils spoke to the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19) they proclaimed that they knew Paul and they knew Jesus but did not know these men. Were they are prayerful group of believers or a powerless hurried religious family? The answer lies in the result, their lack of power and ability to call on God was on display for all to see. We are no different! We need the power of God and a knowledge of His very nature and prayer is the place where we can know God and He can know us. When we spend quiet time before Him we are known in hell. We should make it our goal to get alone in a quiet place and talk to the God of all creation. Our children need to know His power, lost individuals need to experience His power, and in order to walk in faith we need to remain in intimate relation with Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Friday, February 12, 2010
Daily Reading February 11 2010 from Colossians 3:18-25 NIV
Day 32
Colossians 3:18-25 NIV
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Relationships Covered -
In today's reading Paul takes on various relationships and in every case we are told to love, honor and respect. Wives to husbands, husbands to wives, children to parents, parents to children, slaves to masters, etc... The Bible has much to say about relationships in fact it is a book of relationships those with God and among men. In every instance we are urged to serve one another and then God will elevate us. This is definitely contrary to what our world says about relationships and success. The world measures success by money, prestige, power, and fame but God says that the greatest servant will be the greatest leader and therefore the greatest in the Kingdom. God's ways continue to confound the wisest of humanity but His way is the only way. Commit your relationships to God and see what He can do but in order for any other our relationships to work we must be connected to the God of all relationships. God created marriage, family, and friendship surely abiding in Him will enhance these relations in our daily lives. Our motto at the church is to Connect with God...Connect with others. God first then all other relationships from there.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Colossians 3:18-25 NIV
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Relationships Covered -
In today's reading Paul takes on various relationships and in every case we are told to love, honor and respect. Wives to husbands, husbands to wives, children to parents, parents to children, slaves to masters, etc... The Bible has much to say about relationships in fact it is a book of relationships those with God and among men. In every instance we are urged to serve one another and then God will elevate us. This is definitely contrary to what our world says about relationships and success. The world measures success by money, prestige, power, and fame but God says that the greatest servant will be the greatest leader and therefore the greatest in the Kingdom. God's ways continue to confound the wisest of humanity but His way is the only way. Commit your relationships to God and see what He can do but in order for any other our relationships to work we must be connected to the God of all relationships. God created marriage, family, and friendship surely abiding in Him will enhance these relations in our daily lives. Our motto at the church is to Connect with God...Connect with others. God first then all other relationships from there.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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