1 Thessalonians_3

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3,53 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 co-worker in God’s service 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. For you know quite well that we are destined for them…. 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 had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 

Observation:

This chapter speaks to the love of Paul towards the Thessalonians, his heart’s desire towards their continued building of faith and the happiness he felt in knowing they had stayed the course, even in the absence of those that had initially shared the gospel with them.  

Understanding:

Paul had a leader’s heart for the Thessalonians.  He was concerned about them, about their faith, about how they were handling persecution, worried that they had been tempted to disregard and leave behind their faith.  So he sent reinforcements – someone he loved and who’s character he trusted – with the intention of checking on them and, if needed, encouraging them.  “Though [Paul] was hindered from going to them himself, yet his love was such that he could not forbear sending Timothy to them. Though Timothy was very useful to him, and he could not well spare him, yet Paul was content, for their good, to be left alone at Athens.”https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=3 This struck me because, I feel like there are many that weary right now.  2020 has been…trying, exhausting, emotional, frustrating, heartbreaking.  No doubt everyone has been impacted…whether by the coronavirus or illness, financial stresses, anxiety, hurt and/or outrage at the events around death of George Floyd and/or the worldwide outcry that has followed.  I can’t think of one person that has been left unaffected. So what is our response as a church, as individuals within our community and our own centers of influence?  We need to have love like Paul.  We need to check on those we love and care about.  We need to encourage others in their faith.  We need to look to meet people’s needs.  We need to follow the example of the early church.  

Life Application:

¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May we have God’s heart towards those we know and those we don’t.  Listen to understand.  May we be the ones that let people be seen, heard and loved.  We must put our love in action.  Rei 

Psalm 24

Scripture:

Psalm 24:1-2 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

Observation-What does it say?

This is a Psalm of David. It was possibly written as a processional song for when the Ark was first carried into Jerusalem. It begs the question of who is worthy to be in the presence of God. If it weren’t for the covenant that God made with his people, and the eventual sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, no one would be.

Understanding-What does it mean?

The other day, as I was getting ready for work, I began to feel overwhelmed with the week to come. I began to think about some of the other stressors that accompany my job, the jockeying and striving for recognition, the constant pull to fit in, as well as making sure I do my job within the policies laid out for me (even the ones I don’t agree with). In a rare moment of clarity, I knew I needed to lean on God’s strength instead of my own. I stopped my family and prayed for peace and strength for the upcoming week.

After praying, I was able to reflect on some of my past failures. Or at least what I took as failures. Jobs that I applied and didn’t get, auxiliary assignments that I was denied, and transfers that did not go through. As I was doing this, I was also listening to a sermon pod-cast, and encountered what I like to call God’s sense of humor. The pastor was speaking about Paul during one of his missionary trips. In Acts 16:6-10, we encounter the story of Paul trying, and being denied by the spirit, to go to Asia and Bithynia to share the good news of Jesus. However, he then received a very clear message from God to go to Macedonia, which was the first missionary journey into Europe. This was the jumping point for Paul to go to Rome.

The pastor aptly pointed out that, often times, a “no” from God will lead to an even bigger “YES!” On that day, God showed me His peace by shedding light on the fact that he is ultimately in control. When I trust in His wisdom, he will ultimately guide me to what His will is. So when I look back on my “failures,” I can see the “no’s” that I was hearing as God leading me to a bigger yes.

Life Application:

Jesus help me to trust in you everyday. As you taught the disciples how to pray, “Your kingdom come, and Your will be done,” let me learn to pray this earnestly. Help me to trust that you have plans for me to prosper, as you tell me in Jeremiah 29:11. I know that if I seek to bring You glory, You will work things out for good (Romans 8:28).

-Tyler Galloway

Psalm 23

Scripture - What stood out?Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.Observation - What does it say?A psalm of David a shepherd and a man after God’s own heart. (I had to go KJV for this one. I will never forget verse 4. Thanks Coolio!)Understanding - What does it mean?For several days now I have been contemplating the fragility of the human spirit, its brokenness. And with all that our nation is dealing with, it has been easy for me to feel overwhelmed with emotion. Overwhelmed with ideas. Overwhelmed with...confusion. As I write this and as I read today’s bible reading I read from a place of deep emptiness. Sometimes my feelings of deep sorrow bring me to a place of deep apathy like that. Where it feels like there is this giant hole in my heart.

 

And so from that unpleasant place I called out to God. And He met me in Psalm 23.  

 

I’m so lacking in - everything. You shall not want.I am broken - too. You shall be restored.I feel so empty - like everyone else. Your cup shall runneth over.

 

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Thank you for reminding me who my shepherd is. Thank You for Your written word. Thank you for my church family. Thank you for your perfect timing.Lord, let me pay it forward. Please, send me to somebody who needs You. Use me to draw others to You. And may they experience You the way I do. As Amazing shepherd. Prince of Peace. God of Wonders. God of all comfort. God of Love.  

 

In the name of Jesus,-kenneth lee