Message for 13th June
Thessalonians
The Two letters to the Church at Thessalonica were written by Paul. He wrote them to encourage the believers there to fulfil their daily responsibilities while anticipating Christ's return. Some of the young believers had misunderstood Paul's first letter and thought Christ's return was imminent. They used that assumption as an excuse for being lazy and disruptive. Not all of the believers thought this way, and so continued to act responsively.
Paul wrote the second letter because the lazy ones claimed that they were living a true faith. Though Paul wrote to correct this he commended the Church for its faithfulness to God. Paul's message was simple. He told them to be content with their situation and disciplined about fulfilling their responsibilities.
Whilst we look forward to Christ's return, we have to live here and now.
2 Thessalonians 3 stood out strongly to me. One part is headed, ‘AN EXHORTATION TO PROPER LIVING’. Very challenging!
Paul asked for prayer and was strengthened by the answers to these prayers. The false understanding of some of the believers led them to live irresponsibly. Some of them began to meddle in other people's business. Not only does this breed discouragement among the people being bothered, but it keeps us from examining our own lives as we should. Paul prompts the believers to set things straight and to live in the power of God.
God does not want insipid Christians in His "church", it seems to say. We are to be all for Him or not for Him, and He wants us to get up and be counted, to be seven days all for Him, not one day in Church going through the motions. Coming out and saying, ' that was a great sermon, did me good,' then not going out and putting it into practice.
God wants to revive the Church, but can't work with half-hearted Christians.
Don't be led astray by someone or other's attractive arguments.
We must have faith in the tremendous power of God who has allowed us to share in the very life of Christ.
Our completeness is realised only In Him, who is the ruler over ALL authorities, and the supreme head over ALL powers.
2 Thessalonians 3
Finally, pray that the Lord's message may go forward unhindered, and may bring Him glory, as it has with you.
Pray too, that we may be rescued from bigoted, wicked men, for all men, alas, have not faith. Yet the Lord is utterly to be depended upon, and He will give you stability and protection against the evil one. It is He who makes us feel confident about you, that you are acting, and will act in accordance with His commands.
May The Lord guide your hearts into deeper understanding of God's love, and of the patient suffering of Christ. Amen
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word recorded and passed down over the years. This is one of the ways in which we hear your voice, giving us the joy of getting to really know you and love you.
Lord, help us to see you as you are, enable us to take on board all that you bring before us. Help us when we are challenged by your word to grow from it, to rise up, to build our faith and longing to be people of power, growing your Church, shining the light where you have placed us.
Keep our eyes on you Lord, and not diverted elsewhere.
Lord, for many people life can be hard. Sometimes it takes us to a place where we can't see straight, where we are beset by worries and concerns.
I thank you that we can bring our joys and worries to you. That you listen, that you bring comfort and healing.
Lord, I lay my worries before you, and ask for your mighty intervention. You know what I am needing.
Show me what's right when I can only see what's wrong. I want to see good, so please help me not to be blinded by my own fears, doubts, wants and ideas.
Lord, I, as with other people need you to reveal your truth in our own situations. We need the ability to see the bigger picture, and to distinguish the difference between what is important and what is not.
When things go wrong help us not to jump to negative conclusions.
Father God, help me and others or recognise the answers to our prayers. I've so often prayed and not recognised the answers because they didn't come in the way I thought they would.
Forgive me, and others when we have been ungrateful because of lack of perception. Help us to see things from your perspective. Help us to see your goodness in all things.
Father, your word says, 'and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called to His purpose for them. And He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His Glory.'
Thank You Lord. Amen.
From Irene