1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 

English Standard Version 

  God who calls you is faithful.

  Remember that today.  Write it in your calendar.  Stick that note somewhere so that you'll see it all weekend.  Remember it, today and forevermore.  When you're stressed and anxious and tempted to forget that God is there, remember that the God who calls you is faithful, no matter what trials life throws your way.  God is faithful, now and always, and God is holding fast to you, even in the midst of the storm.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-22

1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 

English Standard Version 

  Our natural inclination is to repay evil with evil -- that way we're even.  If we're on the losing end, we feel like we're falling short.  But Paul calls us to always seek to do good to everyone... which is a really, really hard thing to take into the world.  Maybe this is why Paul follows it up with a word to pray without ceasing, because Paul knows that the only way we'd ever be able to do good to everyone is to be in prayer constantly!  Jesus was able to do good to everyone, even the people who were crucifying him, but we're not Jesus.  

  So may we pray for the Spirit to be alive within us, guiding us, leading us, so that we learn how to be constantly grateful.  For if we're constantly grateful to God, that enables us to be good to everyone, because when we're focused on what God has given us, we're not worried about the world can take away from us, because we know that God's gifts cannot be taken away no matter how strong the world may be.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-14

1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 

English Standard Version 

  We know about the epidemic of loneliness -- it's everywhere, despite our smartphones that connect us.  We aren't sure what we're connected to, or if we really want to be connected to much of it!  

  Paul is consistent, though, and his words are good for us.  We're called to encourage one another, to help the weak, patiently serving one another.  We need encouragement -- the world is hard enough.  Life is hard enough.  We need someone we care about to remind us to keep putting the next foot forward, trusting in the strength of God and in the power of community, that we'll be sustained through the journey.  There are all sorts of people who give up, and how many of those could be prevented by a word of encouragement whispered in the dark night of the soul?

  Who can you encourage today?

1 Thessalonians 5:5-11

1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 

English Standard Version 

  We like to think that we'd be shielded from all conflict, but we know that's not the case, and the good news of the Gospel means that conflict doesn't mean God has abandoned us.  No, God has equipped us for conflict, sending us out with a breastplate and a helmet, knowing that the world will fling its arrows and stones at us.  We are not to be defeated, for we are destined for salvation, but that doesn't mean the road will always be easy and gentle.  Life is hard at times, but know that God remains with you, and that peace will win the day.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 

English Standard Version 

  What is your peace and security?  

  It's easy to grab hold of things in the world that will offer us peace and security.  What Paul is warning us is that in the day of the Lord, those things will suddenly reveal themselves to fall short of their promises, but if we've built our lives upon them, by then it's too late to realize it.  We went to the Titanic exhibit today, and by the time they realized that the ship wasn't actually unsinkable and they needed more lifeboats, it was far too late and half the lifeboats had been launched empty.  

  So may we spend the time now thinking about true peace and true security.  What can offer that in the face of the greatest challenges life will throw at us?  If we opt for anything in this world, it can only save us for small problems.  If, however, we opt for Jesus Christ, who is outside of this world, then we can discover a solution that is bigger than the problems of this world.  Then, and only then, do we learn that we have true peace and true security.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

English Standard Version

  I love to listen to Cincinnati Reds games on the radio.  I remember falling to sleep in the summer to the sounds of the Reds announcers calling a game, and ever since those days, I've always enjoyed catching a game on the radio.  Right now, one of the two main announcers is a former pitcher, and he brings insight that I would never have on my own.  He talks about games from the pitchers perspective, and he describes different pitches and how he would address things.  He's an expert, and it's increased my appreciation for the game.

  In the same way, when Paul talks about the sequence of things in the end times, I am grateful for his expertise.  He tells us that this has come to him by a word from the Lord, just as God called out to him on the road to Damascus.  He has been given knowledge, and he shares it with the church, to give them peace about how to deal with the reality that church members have died and they have questions about the resurrection.  He shares his knowledge to give them assurance.

  May we rest on that knowledge as well, and give thanks to God for the glimpses we have into the eternal.  It's a veil, through which we cannot see fully, but Paul helps pull back the curtain to give us comfort and peace.  

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

English Standard Version

  Can you imagine what it was like for these communities to receive these letters from Paul?  They were hungry for guidance, and they clearly had conflict, both within their own community and between the community and the outside world.  They were enmeshed in something new, something uncertain, and trying to determine the most faithful steps for what came next.

  It's a very different world in which we live.  It certainly doesn't feel new -- Christianity feels comfortable in so many ways, like an old jacket that we've had for years and we know how it fits.  I think the challenge is how do we rest in that, letting God surround us with care developed over the years, and also challenge us to see how God's mercies are new every morning, how the Holy Spirit is calling us to take another step in our growth in a life of faith.  We all have a next step, no matter if we've been a Christian for two weeks or two decades.  

  May we listen to what God has in store for us, and in the meantime, may we live quietly, walking properly before outsiders, demonstrating a life centered on Christ, free from anxiety, resting in the grace and power and provision of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 

English Standard Version 

  The communities to which Paul writes letters sound pretty interesting.  Many of them had conflicts, and there seem to be many debates about sexual immorality.  I'm not a Biblical Scholar and don't know many of the details here as to what kind of sexual immorality Paul might've been addressing, but what's interesting is that it does come up in a section about a life pleasing to God.  We're an embodied people, and how we use our bodies matters to God.  God cares.  We don't section off portions of our life and offer some to God and use the rest how we want.  We're made in the image of God, all of us, and we're called to follow God, all of us, and to pursue a love of God with mind, body, and soul.  So let us be thoughtful about our relationships, about how we use our minds and bodies.  Every interaction is an opportunity to glorify God if we are thoughtful and focused on how God calls us to live.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 

English Standard Version 

  There are so many ways to pray for people.  We often are asked to pray for sick people to be healed, and for those who are mourning to find a way forward.  We can pray for the lonely to find a community, and for those who are broken-hearted to find a next step.  We can pray for those who are lost to find a path forward, and for those who are growing to continue to be challenged.  We can pray for those with birthdays to celebrate the last year and hope for the next, and for those with anniversaries to give thanks for what they have and continue to build for the future.  We can pray for those with children to enjoy the gift and to raise their children well, and we can pray for those caring for parents to do so with love and tenderness.  We pray for those who serve their communities to have strength and wisdom.

  There are so many ways to pray for one another.  May we make the time to do so, and let this world and our neighborhoods be covered in prayer, day after day.

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 27 

English Standard Version 

  When I ask myself this question, the voice of the enemy is always quick to rattle off any number of possible options.  Whom to fear?  There are plenty of options in the world today, and given enough time and space to think, I can probably come up with a list of a few hundred things to fear, and that's without even trying very hard.  

  All it takes it focusing my eyes on the turmoil of the world and forgetting that God is my light and my salvation.  When I forget that, then I'm forced to figure out how I'm going to save myself in the midst of all this trouble.  

  However, when I remember that God is my light and my salvation, then I don't have to figure out a way through all of the troubles.  I can give thanks that God has already done that, and because of God's strength, I am indeed safe in the stronghold.  I can then go out into the world and share the love of God and the good news of Christ's victory without fear, because the Lord has saved me!  

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 

English Standard Version 

  What does community mean to you? 

  There is an epidemic of loneliness in the world.  The United Kingdom appointed a minister of loneliness to deal with 'the sad reality of modern life'.  I wonder how much of it is driven by the lack of participation in authentic Christian community.  Not that Christians don't get lonely, and that being a member of a church means you'll never deal with loneliness, but the church is a place where we should be constantly leaning into one another's lives.  The good news that Timothy brings to Paul gives them comfort in their distress and affliction, and then they start brainstorming about what thanksgiving they can return to God, and they're praying day and night to be gathered together again!  It's a picture of a vibrant community, despite the distance, despite the suffering, because they find joy in one another.  

  This is a reminder that we need to share our joys as well as our concerns -- because our joys can uplift one another, and we need to be thinking about how to be encouragers.  

  Remember -- you are a gift to your community.  It needs you, just as you need it.  So let us share our lives within community, and may the joys and sorrows we share beat back the loneliness as we share our burdens and lift one another up.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 

English Standard Version 

  Imagine telling someone who is about to run a marathon that it will be easy.  Or telling a parent that raising a kid is a piece of cake that won't change their life at all.  It would be malpractice not to disclose the challenges that are ahead -- even if you don't know exactly what those are, you should tell them that it'll be tough, but that it's worth it.  

  Those who promise that a Christian life are not leading you closer to the truth of the Gospel.  Paul was upfront with the church that there was suffering in the future, but that didn't water down the truth or the strength of the message.  It was just as true, but the world didn't comprehend it, and the world was resistant to it.  Suffering doesn't make the Gospel less true.  Jesus was the best Christian ever, and he suffered tremendously, but he endured the Gospel because of what was on the other side of death.

  In the same way, there is something on the other side of whatever suffering we are called to endure.  We walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- we don't remain there.  There is life and light beyond the dark night of the soul, so we endure, and we gather a community to support us through each step we take.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 

English Standard Version 

  Imagine the Pope calling the church and being put on speakerphone during the Sunday morning service and telling the congregation that they are his glory and his joy.  You'd probably feel pretty good about that.  

  Our souls long to hear from those we respect that we bring value to them, that we bring them glory and joy.  To hear words of affirmation lifts the heart.  I suspect this is because we were created for this -- since before the beginning of time, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been telling one another this.  They've been constantly pouring themselves out for the benefit of others.  

  And through the grace of Jesus Christ, you are invited into that reality for all of time.  

  In the meantime, we can practice this by affirming others in our community that they bring us glory and joy, that our hope and joy and crown of boasting is the relationships we have in our lives.  May we share some good news with one another.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

English Standard Version 

  In the Presbyterian church, we believe that the words the preacher uses become the actual Word of God as it enters the hearts and minds of those who are listening.  In that transformation, it depends not on the worthiness of the preacher (thanks be to God!), but on the work of the Holy Spirit, which is far, far more reliable than the humans entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel.  

  Thousands of years ago, Paul was grateful for this very fact.  When the church heard the Good News proclaimed, they accepted it not because of who was saying it, but rather because of the content, because of the work of God, and it therefore nestled into their hearts and changed their lives.  This is not the work of humans, but of God, and so the people who heard it started to imitate God, and therefore communities began to change.

Psalm 100

Psalm 100 

English Standard Version 

 When we praise God, we aren't doing so on our own.  We're joining with the choir of the entire earth, from the mountains to the birds to the rocks and trees.  All of creation was made to praise God, and so the more time we spend in this life praising God, the better prepared we are for the eternity that awaits us on the other side of the ridge.  

  How can you praise God today?

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 

English Standard Version

  Amazing how much influence our example can set.  I don't know that we always realize it -- we think about our words, but our actions matter as much, if not more.  Paul talks about how they worked while they proclaimed the Gospel.  There was service and there was exhortation.  

  In the modern church, we need to remember this.  How do we serve and proclaim?  We need both -- it's easy to lean towards one or the other.  That's why the church has such a great diversity of gifts -- some are better at one than the other, but as long as we work together, we'll find a way to serve and proclaim as Paul did, and together we'll demonstrate the beauty of God's Kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 

English Standard Version 

  It's amazing when you think of what Jesus could've had.  Remember, he's the most brilliant person that ever lived.  He had a sweetness that attracted people from afar to come and hear his wisdom.  He had the ability to heal, body and soul.  Imagine how far he could've climbed the social ladder if that had been his goal.  If he had sought power and influence for his own sake, he could've ruled empires.

  But that's not what he was looking for, was it?  He came to serve and to set people free, which meant he had to confront power structures.  This cost him influence and put him in conflict with people, because he loved to serve all people, not just the people in power.  He oozed humility.  It was never about him, but he made his life about serving others, even at great cost to himself.  It cost him everything, and he willingly paid it all, such was his love.  

  May we see that example and find a way to demonstrate such care for others, treating them like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.  

1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 

English Standard Version 

  What are you most certain of in the whole world?  

  I believe it was Blaise Pascal who said that 'I believe the people who are willing to get their throats cut', indicating that the people willing to die for their beliefs are likely telling the truth.  Those in the early church were taking a great risk when they proclaimed the Gospel, and many died for their beliefs.  That's important to remember, because they didn't simply proclaim the Gospel because they thought it might be true or they wanted it to be true -- they believed it enough to stake their lives on it.  They believed it enough to give their lives for it.  They wouldn't have done that without being as certain as possible that they were proclaiming the truth.  

  If the Gospel is true, and I believe it is, then it has all sorts of implications for our lives.  It's the single most important question we must face in our lives, because if the resurrection of Jesus Christ happened like the Gospels proclaim, like Paul tells us about, then we should take very, very seriously the words of Jesus Christ.  They're more than just passing curiosities if Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave -- they rise to be the single most important thing that we can contemplate in our lives.  

  Do we treat them that way?  Is our day structured like that?  If not, why not?

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 

English Standard Version 

  I often wonder what it would be like to be a Christian in these times -- when it was so fresh.  It's easy to romanticize, and to forget how many people had their entire community turn their back on them because they joined the early church.  Paul says something key here -- he says that they received the word in much affliction.  I don't know how many of us are signing up for that.  We tend to run from affliction.  But they had the joy of the Holy Spirit, and that helped them overcome this affliction.  Their faith in God was so strong that they were able to endure the afflictions they faced.  

  I don't think it was any easier to be a Christian then.  It might've been harder, in many ways.  But thanks be to God for their witness, and may we live in such a way to leave a similar legacy to others, pointing to the joy we have in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 

English Standard Version 

  Typically, when I read the beginning of Paul's letters, I think about who I should be remembering before God always, or who might be remembering me before God.  These things are important -- but what is wild is to think that Jesus Christ is constantly mentioning you in his prayers.  Jesus loves you with a fierceness that isn't fathomable here on earth, and that love is focused on redeeming you from the pit and preserving you for God.  Jesus was willing to pay the ultimate price to obtain you, and so he continues to remember you in prayer, constantly mentioning you.

  That thought should make you feel pretty good about the day -- the very idea that the Savior of the universe is constantly mentioning you in prayer.