Day 62
2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV
9 Do your best to come to me quickly,10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Final Words -
Paul writes this last section like a farewell speech. He begins with "do your best to come to me quickly" you can almost see some desperation in this writing as the persecution that Paul has faced for his entire ministry is coming to a head. Paul writes about how his friends have deserted him; "at my first defense, no one came to my supports, but everyone deserted me", Paul has obviously suffered from his imprisonment and is longing to see those whom he loves and of course those who love him. Paul says though everyone deserted him the Lord was beside him and delivered him from sure death from the "lion's mouth". Paul knows that his life has been and will be spared until he has completed the work God has called him to do. Remember, Paul went to Jerusalem warned, knowing that when he went he would be accused and persecuted. Even after his friends begged him to not go he went because this was God's plan for his life. Though we have this knowledge we also must understand that even knowing we are in God's perfect will doesn't completely console us in times of trial. Being in God's will certainly does help us when we do face hard times. Paul shows his humanity in this passage of scripture as he longs to surround himself with some who would encourage him. I have heard many say that the Apostle Paul wrote arrogantly and I too can see where this school of thought comes from, though I tend to disagree. Paul was confident in His God and confident in where he was going and what he was doing. This can certainly sound arrogant as so many of us struggle and question where we are and where we are going. Paul had such a relationship with God that he heard God's voice and obeyed. We too have the ability to know God's will as we become listeners. Do as Paul did, have an intimate relationship with God and quickly obey His voice. Surround yourself with those who share your faith and passion. Encourage others and surround yourself with though who live to encourage as well. This passage just goes to show the need we all have for friends and companions as we walk with the Lord. Seek out those who need encouragement. Look for signs of those who are discouraged in their walk and lift them in prayer and with words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Daily Reading February 21 2010 from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 NIV
Day 42
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16 Be joyful always;17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us.26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Closing Remarks!
It is obvious from today's reading that Paul is bringing this letter to a close. He uses several brief statements to give final instructions to this beloved church. Among Paul's admonishments they are told respect those over them in the Lord, live in peace, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, be joyful always, pray continually, always give thanks, do not quench the spirit, do not treat the prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to good, and hold on to evil. This is quite a summary of commands. The first section of commands verses 12-15 are commands in relating to the treatment of one another while verses 16-22 are in reference to spiritual things. Paul again reminds them of the need to remain in faith and always be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Then he concludes with make sure all brothers read this letter and may God's grace be with you. These letters are so vital for us to study because they are directed to the church, the New Testament church. While reading these passages we not only see the heart of the Apostle Paul but we also see the struggles of these churches. These struggles should be extremely helpful to us today as they were to these very early churches.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16 Be joyful always;17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us.26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Closing Remarks!
It is obvious from today's reading that Paul is bringing this letter to a close. He uses several brief statements to give final instructions to this beloved church. Among Paul's admonishments they are told respect those over them in the Lord, live in peace, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, be joyful always, pray continually, always give thanks, do not quench the spirit, do not treat the prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to good, and hold on to evil. This is quite a summary of commands. The first section of commands verses 12-15 are commands in relating to the treatment of one another while verses 16-22 are in reference to spiritual things. Paul again reminds them of the need to remain in faith and always be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Then he concludes with make sure all brothers read this letter and may God's grace be with you. These letters are so vital for us to study because they are directed to the church, the New Testament church. While reading these passages we not only see the heart of the Apostle Paul but we also see the struggles of these churches. These struggles should be extremely helpful to us today as they were to these very early churches.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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 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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