Growing up into the full measure of Christ (Including preaching the Gospel, healing the sick and setting the captives free) & Embracing our New Identity in Him
Thursday 30 and Wednesday April 29, 2020 Daily Bible Study 1 Thessalonians
95 thoughts on “Thursday 30 and Wednesday April 29, 2020 Daily Bible Study 1 Thessalonians”
1 Thessalonians 1 King James Version (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Amplified V4 For we know, brothers and sisters[b] 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 deep conviction.
So many scriptures identify us as chosen, belonging to the Father, known by Him before we were born.
Love it.
Rob
This one stood out to me too. vs 5 in particular. WITH POWER. There is very little people can do to argue with actual manifestation of true godly power. The gifts of the Spirit so often disarm the unbelief and open up doors of utterance to those who hearts are otherwise cold to the things of the Lord.
and in the Holy Spirit… WOW!!! He is just so central to the post Pentecost Christian reality. We must understand Him better and know how to yield to Hime more
Good morning all on this rainy cloudy day, but I say, This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. That is my declaration today!!
I love how in so many of the books that Paul writes he often opens with giving thanks for all the saints and recognizing their dedication and work to further the Kingdom. It is such a sincere and heartfelt recognition of all that they have done and are doing in concert with Paul and his men to spread the gospel of Christ.
in everything with thanksgiving…. Also a MAIN and essential element to a true disciples walk. Complaining, grumbling, fearing, being anxious are all the antithesis of being thankful in every circumstance. These are in direct rebellion against the command of God for us.
Yes having thankfulness and gratitude become more and more the first and natural response to every circumstance ‘good or bad , in pleasant or uncomfortable ‘weather’ metaphorically speaking indicates He is transforming us and taking us from glory to glory, as its just not humanly natural or possible to be thankful in all circumstances except through the working of the Holy Spirit within us.!KC
V10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Reminds me of
Amplified Phil 3 Verse 20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.
Amen! These verses are so encouraging. We must wait on the Son…. so so many keys in this one passage. WOW!!! So thankful that we will be spared the wrath to come. Not from tribulation and human persecutions which we are promised, but the wrath of the coming day of the Lord.
I love how this says “ from THERE we eagerly await” …again speaking of functioning out of that identity of being citizens of another realm.. the realm of Spirit,in the world but not of it! KC
vs 9. They truly (genuinely) turned from their idols and gave their full attention to God. THIS IS A HUGE key to living according to Kingdom principles and in Kingdom realities
Good morning friends!
Verse 9 I’m really struggling of late with the odd sentence structure of the KJV and ancient speech patterns ,finding I have to try and reinterpret what I think it’s saying so it makes sense to me ..and I don’t know if that is a good practise or not as so many other translations are not necessarily accurate . Anyway in vs 9 “ shew us of what manner of entering in we had unto you” I take it he is seeing that they have been influenced by their teaching and are acting on it by sharing with others and turning away from other gods. Paul is seeing transformation take place .KC
LOL.. I turn to NLT on the passages that I can’t make out in the KJV often ” for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.”
Vs8 For the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed (like thunder). What a cool visual picture that evokes. That is what I would like, that the word would resound from me and echo like thunder and in the power of the Holy Spirit that is obviously possible. It must have been so gratifying to Paul to see real change, knowing the Holy Spirit was doing His work within him.
Wendy
1 Thessalonians 2 World English Bible (WEB)
2 For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn’t in vain, 2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. 4 But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak: not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), 6 nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. 10 You are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. 11 As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and don’t please God, and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire, 18 because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and our joy.
vs 3 and 4… Truly we cannot cater to man at all in what we say and do. We must live for an audience of One and care with laser focus on what He desires and has planned for our time and lives. It is simply impossible to serve two masters. Many have tried.. Compromise is simply not an option. God requires us to follow Him with all. We see this in the main commandment of the NT
Matthew 6:24 World English Bible (WEB)
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
This is such a vulnerability for us. Seeking approval in all its forms. I look to see approval from the Father only. And then that is through the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Amen, that is something very precious to seek and find and have it be enough. I want it to be enough and actually more than enough, so there is no approval that I seek from the world or man.
Wendy
vs 6. Lording the truth over others was an approached eschewed by the apostles. They approached in a spirit of meekness and gentleness. Knowing that the Word of God and the power packing it was sufficient for the task. Such tender imagery in vs 7. As a nursing mother is with a young infant…. Tenderhearted love is something I think the world often crowds out, mocks or crushes out of people.
Big picture here: I see God’s faithfulnes and love as expressed to the Thessalonians in how He was personified by the disciples here. These give us a picture of God and how He approaches unsaved people.
Yes I love the tenderheartedness and how precious these people were to Paul and the others. I would agree Karen that it seems like it was a safe place for them and they had something there with those people that maybe they didn’t have in very many places.
Wendy
IT must have been so refreshing for Paul to be in an atmosphere of faith and acceptance from this group of people. It feels like it was a ‘safe ‘place for him where he could truly be himself and open up to them .
8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
‘Not the Good news Only ,but also our own souls” … It takes a certain atmosphere of faith and oneness that you don’t often find ,to really experience this ourselves as believers ,sharing in and abiding in the ‘good news ‘ together.KC
Vs19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. Their true joy was to see these people in Jesus presence at His coming. It could seem as if that was a joy even above their own salvation. I love that.
Wendy
vs 18. This is a sober note that there are times when Satan can hinder/delay a provision God is sending our way. Cannot stop it, but this for me is an encouragement to wait on the Lord, to pray without ceasing in a posture of patience and anticipation for His answers to my prayers and needs. This also motivates me to understand the weapons of our warfare so that I can effectively tear down (in Christ) the weapons formed against us and God’s plans for our lives.
Isaiah 54:17 World English Bible (WEB)
17 No weapon that is formed against you will prevail;
and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of Yahweh’s servants,
and their righteousness is of me,” says Yahweh.
Yes …spiritual warfare , definitely needs to be understood and we need to be reminded of the fact that when we are experiencing delays and hinderances ,even with things like technology not working,or ‘Murphy’s law’ experiences that the enemy is often behind those things and moving and speaking in our authority to not just accept these things as a normal part of life but rising up in faith to address them ,bind and refuse them ,casting them out so to speak should be part of our lifestyle. God focussed but not unaware of the enemies tactics.KC
Amplified Daniel 10 V12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the [e]prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days. Then, behold, Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
There is so much going on that we only have a partial awareness of. Truly humbling.
Rob
1 Thessalonians 3 World English Bible (WEB)
3 Therefore when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 that no one would be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. 4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 5 For this cause I also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain. 6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you, 7 for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Wow ! Paul uses this phrase twice in these passages …when we couldn’t stand it any longer,! Indicating that caring as he did for the people ,and longing to know how they were doing being ‘out of communication’ for a while was grievous to him. Connection and communication was so important. I’m so grateful we have means for continuing that even in times of not being physically together. KC
Yes it is a lifesaver for sure. Being able to commune with those of like heart is truly a precious gift and I am so very thankful for all of you.
Wendy
vs 3… interesting exhortation that we need to be prepared to not be moved by these anticipated and to be expected challenges. I feel like humanly speaking, we tend to respond as Peter did.. “Let it not be so Lord” when it came to hearing what Jesus must suffer. We tend to skim read or skip or ignore the verses that talk about how we will have to suffer some things. It is a form of ungodly denial. This is perhaps why the apostle couldn’t register what the Lord was revealting to them about His death AND resurrection. The reality, is there are certain uncomfortable, painful and deeply challenging things that believers are told they may have to pass through as disciples. In a way we have to “force” ourselves to meditate on these things so that we will be prepared for these possiblities. The reality is, at some point, we may have to face persecution to the point of death to follow Jesus and do as He says. Sure, none of want to think about it, but we must as God included these passages to prepare us for just such times.
John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Like a tender mother ,and true father Paul reveals that what distresses him ,is the thought that these people might fall prey to the enemies tactics to steal and destroy.
“when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent (Timothy) that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.”
His motivation always foremost in his mind as a servant apostle was vs 13 “to the end he may ESTABLISH your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” KC
1 Thessalonians 4 World English Bible (WEB)
4 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God, 6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. 7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 8 Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, 10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; 11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
I was led to Thessalonians this morning and couldn’t help but chuckle as so many of these verses or themes have come to my heart in the last weeks. 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5 are perfect to meditate in “the last days” and through every season as they really provide strong and specific directions of how to walk and what to focus on in such a season as this
Vs 1 jumps out to me. We are continually called to be transformed (let Him transform us) The more we set our hearts on this mark, the more He is able to accomplish in and through us.
vs 4 KEY TO THE KINGDOM. Self control. The ability to not let our physical bodies rules our days and appetites is such a big theme all through scripture. The reality whether it is sexual sin, mental strongholds, physical sickness and symptoms, self-pity and despair are right there shouting you are powerless, you are hopeless, you are beyond help. These are all absolute lies . Scripture says I can do all things in Christ who strenghthens me. Yes, it is seemingly much easier at the time to sit than to stand in truth. But being fiesty and determined to bring our physical into the subjection of Christ is necessary. For me, it has been a process. But the more time I spend with the Word before my eyes, the more I desire to be made pure and to be free from the things that used to drive me (in truth, the things I was a slave to)
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Amplified 7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness [to be dedicated, and set apart by behavior that pleases Him, whether in public or in private].
Amen!! Let that be our anthem and reality. I turn away from anything that says it is not possible.
Yes I agree with you Lisa. We have to have the word so ingrained in us because the world screams at us that it is okay, anything we want to do is fine and even exalts the perversions and excesses of anything. Paul talks about buffeting his body to make it come unto subjection to the Lord. 1Cor 9:27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
Wendy
vs 6. The Lord is the avenger. God is making a pretty strong point here that our physical passions can lead us to sin against one another and that God will not stand for that. We can have a much deeper sense of peace when we get a revelation of God as the perfectly just Judge. This releases us from attempting to judge others (which we can never rightly do as we lack the perception to know the heart of a man) and allows us to commit every case to His court and leave our own minds free from the critical, judicial, condemning process of judgement or exoneration.
vs 8 is interesting too.. so often we feel that we are judging or rejecting a man, but scripture warns us that in truth, we are doing these things to the Lord. Very humbling to think about.. I need to be slow to “speak” .
“11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.” LOVE this. My ambition in life defined. I need to read this over and over
This shows us that ambitions don’t have to be a big thing but living a simple quiet life ,can be effective in reaching others for Christ ,a thing to be admired and sought after! We have come through a time where the whole worlds lifestyles have been simplified ,quiet and pared down to more important things. My prayer is that many many will have woken up to the fact that frenetic self seeking ambitions and lifestyles are not really what edifies and be more aware of their need for all that is in the Lord our God.KC
vs 13.. WOW! Death is just supposed to look and feel so different to those who have a revelation of eternal life in Christ. I have personally experienced this through the loss of my mom to cancer and through the early translation of 3 of our precious children in utero to the Father. Truly peace and joy is possible even in these circumstances. He has so much more for us. The dead in Christ get to actually rise first when He comes back.. and then we get to join them. What a joyful reunion day that will be. So much in these two books of Thessalonians on what Christ’s return will look like. And then we get to be with the Lord more tangibly forever. What a beautiful day to look forward to.
I am very motivated now to meditate on life post new body.. It stirs up such joy and I think will be a blessing if we do go into a season of deeper persecution and tribulation before the Lord returns. I feel like it is one of the central truths and realities that I want to establish my children and grandchildren in.
1 Thessalonians 5 World English Bible (WEB)
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 3 For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape. 4 But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, 6 so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 12 But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake.
Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all. 15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
16 Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19 Don’t quench the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies. 21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Thess 5;16-18 Always Rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus toward you. These 3 verses for me are the ones that can make it possible to do the impossible, as I keep myself before Him, and in His will then He can do the impossible. We say a lot or at least I do, Father show us your will. Well here it is right here, always rejoice, pray without ceasing,And in EVERYTHING give thanks. If we don’t know any other part of His will, for me this seems to enough, at least for a start.!!!
Wendy
YES! Totally I think this is one of the things we can all be blessed to focus on . Complaining, grumbling and anything not thanksgiving steals so much otherwise.
Love V9-11
Amplified 9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
Constantly reminds me of the goal. He has come, not to destroy us, but to save us, and live together with Him.
Rob
YES!!! He wants us sozo-ed. Made whole, pure, Holy, blameless, full of peace and joy and completely redeemed and well. Salvation is so much bigger than getting a ticket to heaven.
vs 8 our part.. be sober, be vigilant, be prepared… vs 9 He desires to spare us from the day of wrath.. vs 9 or 10… so great. whether in this body or the next, our desire is to live with Him in deep fellowship. Love that this is available to us right now
Vs 23:May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then Paul throw in vs,24 He who calls you IS faithful, who will also do it. WOW He is faithful and He will do it. We don’t have to strive and try on our own, we have a saviour who is faithful and will do it in the relationship with me. Oh Father God burn that on my heart and spirit. Let me experience the reality of that and how amazing and awesome that is. There really are no words to express it. Thank you thank you thank you.
Wendy
Shall we come back to these last 2 passages tomorrow? There is a lot here for sure. God’s focus on our relationships with Him and others shine through these verses powerfully. Blessings Dear Friends,
Yes lets continue this tomorrow. Love and blessings on your day today. We welcome you Holy Spirit to our day and to direct our paths today.
Love, Wendy❤️
Good morning! The sun is on its way I feel and a new season opening up!
Vs 11-13 The lifestyle and vision within the body starts off with being aware and recognizing those gift ministries who have given themselves to serve us by building up, admonishing and covering us..and clearly speaking to what is of the Lord ,( his Word) and what is not. The body must have a greater understanding ,without putting these people on a pedestal
,how they need a flow of love and strengthening coming back to them as well.for when they speak the truth in love ..admonish the disorderly and speak corrective words with patience ….that is not an easy thing. I deeply appreciate those in my life that have laid down their lives to speak the Word and shepherd me .KC
1 John 3:1-10 WEB3 See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and no sin is in him. 6 Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him and doesn’t know him.
7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed: that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin, because his seed remains in him, and he can’t sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.
2 Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.
For many years now we have been in a process of God opening up Himself to us that we might find Him… even though its the ‘glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of Kings to search out a matter” Proverbs 25;2 . Its when our hearts begin and remain hungering for Him and seeking Him with all of our hearts that He becomes eager to reveal Himself… its like our hunger triggers a response that brings His glory to us as we search for Him. KC
vs 2 “Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is” THIS verse just fills me with such JOY! When we get a true revelation of God and what He is like, WE are transformed into His likeness. My deepest heart cry is for all the lies and false images I have of Him my mind be crowded out with His true self. Where we are at truly is a reflection of our present discernment and revelaiton of Him. SO so powerful. He is willing to reveal Himself even now to those who seek Him. This so motivates me to seek Him HARD!!!!!
I Love that!! Its sort of like a safe relationship. He reveals Himself. In the process, we are changed, transformed. Love it. And we have a real relationship.
Rob
vs 8 Jesus was revealed to destroy the works of the devil. I love that He has put a target on every work of darkness. This motivates me personally to step back as far back as I can from all things sin and evil so that I do not get hit in the fallout when He detroys them utterly.
vs 10. Litmus test… these verses are very plain.. We cannot say we love God and do what He came to destroy. While I do believe there are somethings that are unclear in the Bible, there are many many things that are simply black and white.. and shades of grey are really just black in disguise. Scripture cuts between the joint and the marrow. Lord, let us have the courage to face the black and submit to You so that all of it can be removed utterly from our lives. Thank you that you are finishing the good work you began in my life and are faithful, forbearing, merciful, gracious and loving with me all of the time.
Amen. Love you all and look forward to meeting again right here tomorrow.
Blessings for a blessed day and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our steps.
Wendy❤️
Healing and Discipleship 
1 Thessalonians 1 King James Version (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Amplified V4 For we know, brothers and sisters[b] 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 deep conviction.
So many scriptures identify us as chosen, belonging to the Father, known by Him before we were born.
Love it.
Rob
This one stood out to me too. vs 5 in particular. WITH POWER. There is very little people can do to argue with actual manifestation of true godly power. The gifts of the Spirit so often disarm the unbelief and open up doors of utterance to those who hearts are otherwise cold to the things of the Lord.
and in the Holy Spirit… WOW!!! He is just so central to the post Pentecost Christian reality. We must understand Him better and know how to yield to Hime more
Amen!!
Rob
Yes amen!
Good morning all on this rainy cloudy day, but I say, This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. That is my declaration today!!
I love how in so many of the books that Paul writes he often opens with giving thanks for all the saints and recognizing their dedication and work to further the Kingdom. It is such a sincere and heartfelt recognition of all that they have done and are doing in concert with Paul and his men to spread the gospel of Christ.
Wendy
in everything with thanksgiving…. Also a MAIN and essential element to a true disciples walk. Complaining, grumbling, fearing, being anxious are all the antithesis of being thankful in every circumstance. These are in direct rebellion against the command of God for us.
Good morning Wendy… I love this point! If we could only attain the ability to be thankful our lives would be utterly transformed.
Yes having thankfulness and gratitude become more and more the first and natural response to every circumstance ‘good or bad , in pleasant or uncomfortable ‘weather’ metaphorically speaking indicates He is transforming us and taking us from glory to glory, as its just not humanly natural or possible to be thankful in all circumstances except through the working of the Holy Spirit within us.!KC
V10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Reminds me of
Amplified Phil 3 Verse 20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.
Rob
Amen! These verses are so encouraging. We must wait on the Son…. so so many keys in this one passage. WOW!!! So thankful that we will be spared the wrath to come. Not from tribulation and human persecutions which we are promised, but the wrath of the coming day of the Lord.
I love how this says “ from THERE we eagerly await” …again speaking of functioning out of that identity of being citizens of another realm.. the realm of Spirit,in the world but not of it! KC
vs 9. They truly (genuinely) turned from their idols and gave their full attention to God. THIS IS A HUGE key to living according to Kingdom principles and in Kingdom realities
Let that be our reality and truth also.
Rob
Good morning friends!
Verse 9 I’m really struggling of late with the odd sentence structure of the KJV and ancient speech patterns ,finding I have to try and reinterpret what I think it’s saying so it makes sense to me ..and I don’t know if that is a good practise or not as so many other translations are not necessarily accurate . Anyway in vs 9 “ shew us of what manner of entering in we had unto you” I take it he is seeing that they have been influenced by their teaching and are acting on it by sharing with others and turning away from other gods. Paul is seeing transformation take place .KC
LOL.. I turn to NLT on the passages that I can’t make out in the KJV often ” for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.”
Vs8 For the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed (like thunder). What a cool visual picture that evokes. That is what I would like, that the word would resound from me and echo like thunder and in the power of the Holy Spirit that is obviously possible. It must have been so gratifying to Paul to see real change, knowing the Holy Spirit was doing His work within him.
Wendy
Praise You Lord, more more more please!!! That the things You reveal would come back to my heart often. In Jesus name.
1 Thessalonians 2 World English Bible (WEB)
2 For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn’t in vain, 2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. 4 But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak: not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), 6 nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. 10 You are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. 11 As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and don’t please God, and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire, 18 because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and our joy.
vs 3 and 4… Truly we cannot cater to man at all in what we say and do. We must live for an audience of One and care with laser focus on what He desires and has planned for our time and lives. It is simply impossible to serve two masters. Many have tried.. Compromise is simply not an option. God requires us to follow Him with all. We see this in the main commandment of the NT
Matthew 6:24 World English Bible (WEB)
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
This is such a vulnerability for us. Seeking approval in all its forms. I look to see approval from the Father only. And then that is through the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Rob
Not that I have attained it but I reach for the place where I only cherish His approval.
Rob
Amen Rob! I want to come to the place where I don’t need any approval from others but His KC
Amen, that is something very precious to seek and find and have it be enough. I want it to be enough and actually more than enough, so there is no approval that I seek from the world or man.
Wendy
vs 6. Lording the truth over others was an approached eschewed by the apostles. They approached in a spirit of meekness and gentleness. Knowing that the Word of God and the power packing it was sufficient for the task. Such tender imagery in vs 7. As a nursing mother is with a young infant…. Tenderhearted love is something I think the world often crowds out, mocks or crushes out of people.
Big picture here: I see God’s faithfulnes and love as expressed to the Thessalonians in how He was personified by the disciples here. These give us a picture of God and how He approaches unsaved people.
Yes I love the tenderheartedness and how precious these people were to Paul and the others. I would agree Karen that it seems like it was a safe place for them and they had something there with those people that maybe they didn’t have in very many places.
Wendy
Yes with compassion and gentleness ,tenderness and seeking to nourish and build up. KC
IT must have been so refreshing for Paul to be in an atmosphere of faith and acceptance from this group of people. It feels like it was a ‘safe ‘place for him where he could truly be himself and open up to them .
8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
‘Not the Good news Only ,but also our own souls” … It takes a certain atmosphere of faith and oneness that you don’t often find ,to really experience this ourselves as believers ,sharing in and abiding in the ‘good news ‘ together.KC
Well said Karen!!
Rob
So encouraging
Vs19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. Their true joy was to see these people in Jesus presence at His coming. It could seem as if that was a joy even above their own salvation. I love that.
Wendy
vs 18. This is a sober note that there are times when Satan can hinder/delay a provision God is sending our way. Cannot stop it, but this for me is an encouragement to wait on the Lord, to pray without ceasing in a posture of patience and anticipation for His answers to my prayers and needs. This also motivates me to understand the weapons of our warfare so that I can effectively tear down (in Christ) the weapons formed against us and God’s plans for our lives.
Isaiah 54:17 World English Bible (WEB)
17 No weapon that is formed against you will prevail;
and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of Yahweh’s servants,
and their righteousness is of me,” says Yahweh.
Yes …spiritual warfare , definitely needs to be understood and we need to be reminded of the fact that when we are experiencing delays and hinderances ,even with things like technology not working,or ‘Murphy’s law’ experiences that the enemy is often behind those things and moving and speaking in our authority to not just accept these things as a normal part of life but rising up in faith to address them ,bind and refuse them ,casting them out so to speak should be part of our lifestyle. God focussed but not unaware of the enemies tactics.KC
Reminds me of
Amplified Daniel 10 V12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the [e]prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days. Then, behold, Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
There is so much going on that we only have a partial awareness of. Truly humbling.
Rob
1 Thessalonians 3 World English Bible (WEB)
3 Therefore when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 that no one would be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. 4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 5 For this cause I also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain. 6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you, 7 for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Wow ! Paul uses this phrase twice in these passages …when we couldn’t stand it any longer,! Indicating that caring as he did for the people ,and longing to know how they were doing being ‘out of communication’ for a while was grievous to him. Connection and communication was so important. I’m so grateful we have means for continuing that even in times of not being physically together. KC
so so thankful for this time of mutual encouragement and fellowship. You are all so precious to me in this season especially
Yes it is a lifesaver for sure. Being able to commune with those of like heart is truly a precious gift and I am so very thankful for all of you.
Wendy
Thankful with you and for you! KC
vs 3… interesting exhortation that we need to be prepared to not be moved by these anticipated and to be expected challenges. I feel like humanly speaking, we tend to respond as Peter did.. “Let it not be so Lord” when it came to hearing what Jesus must suffer. We tend to skim read or skip or ignore the verses that talk about how we will have to suffer some things. It is a form of ungodly denial. This is perhaps why the apostle couldn’t register what the Lord was revealting to them about His death AND resurrection. The reality, is there are certain uncomfortable, painful and deeply challenging things that believers are told they may have to pass through as disciples. In a way we have to “force” ourselves to meditate on these things so that we will be prepared for these possiblities. The reality is, at some point, we may have to face persecution to the point of death to follow Jesus and do as He says. Sure, none of want to think about it, but we must as God included these passages to prepare us for just such times.
John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
vs 11-13.. I love passages like these that I can pray almost word for word. Such a beautiful blessing.
Amen. WR.
Like a tender mother ,and true father Paul reveals that what distresses him ,is the thought that these people might fall prey to the enemies tactics to steal and destroy.
“when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent (Timothy) that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.”
His motivation always foremost in his mind as a servant apostle was vs 13 “to the end he may ESTABLISH your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” KC
1 Thessalonians 4 World English Bible (WEB)
4 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God, 6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. 7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 8 Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, 10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; 11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
I was led to Thessalonians this morning and couldn’t help but chuckle as so many of these verses or themes have come to my heart in the last weeks. 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5 are perfect to meditate in “the last days” and through every season as they really provide strong and specific directions of how to walk and what to focus on in such a season as this
Good morning! perfect kind of day to get lots done!
Good morning!!
Rob
Good morning all. The sun is trying to peek out, but no matter what I choose to rejoice and be thankful because of Him today.
Wendy
Vs 1 jumps out to me. We are continually called to be transformed (let Him transform us) The more we set our hearts on this mark, the more He is able to accomplish in and through us.
vs 4 KEY TO THE KINGDOM. Self control. The ability to not let our physical bodies rules our days and appetites is such a big theme all through scripture. The reality whether it is sexual sin, mental strongholds, physical sickness and symptoms, self-pity and despair are right there shouting you are powerless, you are hopeless, you are beyond help. These are all absolute lies . Scripture says I can do all things in Christ who strenghthens me. Yes, it is seemingly much easier at the time to sit than to stand in truth. But being fiesty and determined to bring our physical into the subjection of Christ is necessary. For me, it has been a process. But the more time I spend with the Word before my eyes, the more I desire to be made pure and to be free from the things that used to drive me (in truth, the things I was a slave to)
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Verse 7 states it so well.
Amplified 7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness [to be dedicated, and set apart by behavior that pleases Him, whether in public or in private].
Amen!! Let that be our anthem and reality. I turn away from anything that says it is not possible.
Rob
Yes I agree with you Lisa. We have to have the word so ingrained in us because the world screams at us that it is okay, anything we want to do is fine and even exalts the perversions and excesses of anything. Paul talks about buffeting his body to make it come unto subjection to the Lord. 1Cor 9:27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
Wendy
Yes its a process ..but how faithful and patient He is to bring us to that place of self control and mastery over temptations!KC
vs 6. The Lord is the avenger. God is making a pretty strong point here that our physical passions can lead us to sin against one another and that God will not stand for that. We can have a much deeper sense of peace when we get a revelation of God as the perfectly just Judge. This releases us from attempting to judge others (which we can never rightly do as we lack the perception to know the heart of a man) and allows us to commit every case to His court and leave our own minds free from the critical, judicial, condemning process of judgement or exoneration.
Amen!!!
Rob
Oh how I want to be free from any type of judging!!! That is on ongoing prayer.
Wendy
vs 8 is interesting too.. so often we feel that we are judging or rejecting a man, but scripture warns us that in truth, we are doing these things to the Lord. Very humbling to think about.. I need to be slow to “speak” .
Slow to speak and quick to listen!
Rob
Has come to mind time and time again.
Rob
“11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.” LOVE this. My ambition in life defined. I need to read this over and over
This shows us that ambitions don’t have to be a big thing but living a simple quiet life ,can be effective in reaching others for Christ ,a thing to be admired and sought after! We have come through a time where the whole worlds lifestyles have been simplified ,quiet and pared down to more important things. My prayer is that many many will have woken up to the fact that frenetic self seeking ambitions and lifestyles are not really what edifies and be more aware of their need for all that is in the Lord our God.KC
Amen. WR
vs 13.. WOW! Death is just supposed to look and feel so different to those who have a revelation of eternal life in Christ. I have personally experienced this through the loss of my mom to cancer and through the early translation of 3 of our precious children in utero to the Father. Truly peace and joy is possible even in these circumstances. He has so much more for us. The dead in Christ get to actually rise first when He comes back.. and then we get to join them. What a joyful reunion day that will be. So much in these two books of Thessalonians on what Christ’s return will look like. And then we get to be with the Lord more tangibly forever. What a beautiful day to look forward to.
I am very motivated now to meditate on life post new body.. It stirs up such joy and I think will be a blessing if we do go into a season of deeper persecution and tribulation before the Lord returns. I feel like it is one of the central truths and realities that I want to establish my children and grandchildren in.
Yes a good ‘matter to search out’! KC
1 Thessalonians 5 World English Bible (WEB)
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 3 For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape. 4 But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, 6 so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 12 But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake.
Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all. 15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
16 Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19 Don’t quench the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies. 21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Thess 5;16-18 Always Rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus toward you. These 3 verses for me are the ones that can make it possible to do the impossible, as I keep myself before Him, and in His will then He can do the impossible. We say a lot or at least I do, Father show us your will. Well here it is right here, always rejoice, pray without ceasing,And in EVERYTHING give thanks. If we don’t know any other part of His will, for me this seems to enough, at least for a start.!!!
Wendy
YES! Totally I think this is one of the things we can all be blessed to focus on . Complaining, grumbling and anything not thanksgiving steals so much otherwise.
Amen! Such a clear simple and powerful Kingdom principle to walk in…Thankfulness for ALL things!KC
Love V9-11
Amplified 9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
Constantly reminds me of the goal. He has come, not to destroy us, but to save us, and live together with Him.
Rob
YES!!! He wants us sozo-ed. Made whole, pure, Holy, blameless, full of peace and joy and completely redeemed and well. Salvation is so much bigger than getting a ticket to heaven.
Oh ! His heart! Its so beyond comprehension His great love for us that he would stay His hand from destroying us..undeserved favor! KC
Amen to it all. WR
vs 8 our part.. be sober, be vigilant, be prepared… vs 9 He desires to spare us from the day of wrath.. vs 9 or 10… so great. whether in this body or the next, our desire is to live with Him in deep fellowship. Love that this is available to us right now
Vs 23:May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then Paul throw in vs,24 He who calls you IS faithful, who will also do it. WOW He is faithful and He will do it. We don’t have to strive and try on our own, we have a saviour who is faithful and will do it in the relationship with me. Oh Father God burn that on my heart and spirit. Let me experience the reality of that and how amazing and awesome that is. There really are no words to express it. Thank you thank you thank you.
Wendy
Shall we come back to these last 2 passages tomorrow? There is a lot here for sure. God’s focus on our relationships with Him and others shine through these verses powerfully. Blessings Dear Friends,
Blessings!!!
Rob
Yes lets continue this tomorrow. Love and blessings on your day today. We welcome you Holy Spirit to our day and to direct our paths today.
Love, Wendy❤️
Good morning! The sun is on its way I feel and a new season opening up!
Vs 11-13 The lifestyle and vision within the body starts off with being aware and recognizing those gift ministries who have given themselves to serve us by building up, admonishing and covering us..and clearly speaking to what is of the Lord ,( his Word) and what is not. The body must have a greater understanding ,without putting these people on a pedestal
,how they need a flow of love and strengthening coming back to them as well.for when they speak the truth in love ..admonish the disorderly and speak corrective words with patience ….that is not an easy thing. I deeply appreciate those in my life that have laid down their lives to speak the Word and shepherd me .KC
Amen! I am so thankful for those in my life too. God is so faithful in providing us with the mentors and teachers, pastors etc we need in every season
That is so true Karen. WR
1 John 3:1-10 WEB3 See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and no sin is in him. 6 Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him and doesn’t know him.
7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed: that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin, because his seed remains in him, and he can’t sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.
2 Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.
For many years now we have been in a process of God opening up Himself to us that we might find Him… even though its the ‘glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of Kings to search out a matter” Proverbs 25;2 . Its when our hearts begin and remain hungering for Him and seeking Him with all of our hearts that He becomes eager to reveal Himself… its like our hunger triggers a response that brings His glory to us as we search for Him. KC
vs 2 “Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is” THIS verse just fills me with such JOY! When we get a true revelation of God and what He is like, WE are transformed into His likeness. My deepest heart cry is for all the lies and false images I have of Him my mind be crowded out with His true self. Where we are at truly is a reflection of our present discernment and revelaiton of Him. SO so powerful. He is willing to reveal Himself even now to those who seek Him. This so motivates me to seek Him HARD!!!!!
I Love that!! Its sort of like a safe relationship. He reveals Himself. In the process, we are changed, transformed. Love it. And we have a real relationship.
Rob
AMEN! KC
vs 8 Jesus was revealed to destroy the works of the devil. I love that He has put a target on every work of darkness. This motivates me personally to step back as far back as I can from all things sin and evil so that I do not get hit in the fallout when He detroys them utterly.
I agree!!
Rob
Same time same place tomorrow? I love you all!
vs 10. Litmus test… these verses are very plain.. We cannot say we love God and do what He came to destroy. While I do believe there are somethings that are unclear in the Bible, there are many many things that are simply black and white.. and shades of grey are really just black in disguise. Scripture cuts between the joint and the marrow. Lord, let us have the courage to face the black and submit to You so that all of it can be removed utterly from our lives. Thank you that you are finishing the good work you began in my life and are faithful, forbearing, merciful, gracious and loving with me all of the time.
Amen. Love you all and look forward to meeting again right here tomorrow.
Blessings for a blessed day and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our steps.
Wendy❤️
Love and hugs in Christ Precious Friends,
Lisa