datethewordtest

Tag: 1 Thessalonians

  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 25 (5/25) is 1 Thessalonians 5:25

    “Brethren, pray for us.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:25
    The Request of Request – PRAY FOR US!

    One must describe the great Apostle Paul as a man who BELIEVES IN PRAYER!! He started letter after letter telling of how he was praying for those he was writing to, whether an individual or a church. He was a PRAYER WARRIOR for others.  Then as you get to the end of his letters, he almost always made a personal APPEAL for prayer. For instance: 
    Romans 15:30 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive (agonize) together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,”
    Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
    Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison  4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

    Friends, the appeals of Paul in just these few verses convey a huge truth for all of us.  If the Apostle Paul absolutely knew he could not do ministry without PRAYER what makes any of us think we can do ministry without prayer?    We must be prayer warriors and we must have prayer warriors!

    How will you apply 1 Thessalonians 5:25?  
    If you are the “brethren” of the verse I trust you will pray for your spiritual leaders (the “us” of the verse)
    If you are the “us” of the verse I trust you will be spending time in individual prayer but also ASKING OTHERS (the “brethren” of the verse) TO PRAY FOR YOU!

    “Brethren,” are you spending time praying? Are you praying for your spiritual leaders?
    “Us,” are you asking others to pray for you? 

    The verse to DATE the Word on May 25 (5/25) is 1 Thessalonians 5:25. It says, “Brethren, pray for us.”

    Reminder: “Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer!”  Dr. Jerry Falwell

    Continue Strong as a PRAYER WARRIOR,
    And remember to DATE the Word
    BTW – your prayers for Date the Word are greatly appreciated!!!! 
    www.datetheword.com 
  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 24 (5/24) is 1 Thessalonians 5:24

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 24 (5/24) is 1 Thessalonians 5:24

    “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
    FAITHFUL in name and in character is God

    1 Thessalonians is one of the most REASSURING verses in the Bible.  We live in a world of UNFAITHFULNESS.  The evidence is all around us, whether in the family unit, the church, the political world, etc.  It is hard to know who to TRUST.  It is hard to know who to believe.   

    Then you read 1 Thessalonians 5:24 that GOD, “who calls you is FAITHFUL” and then comes the additional confirmation, “who also will do it”.   As I internalize these words, I find comfort and I find assurance and I find encouragement.   As I have entrusted my soul and my life to Jesus, I have placed myself in the sure hands of one who is FAITHFUL.  He is reliable and dependable.  He can be TRUSTED.  He keeps His PROMISES!  

    Going a little deeper let me remind you that this description of God is mentioned many times in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  For instance, in Deuteronomy 7:9 we read, “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
    Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:9  that “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.:
    To the Thessalonians, he wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:3 that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”  
    John wrote that He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us when we confess our sins. (I John 1:9). John describes Jesus as the FAITHFUL witness (Rev. 1:5) and tells us that one of His names is FAITHFUL. (Rev. 19:11)  

    I know we live in a world filled with unfaithfulness and where we find ourselves wondering if anyone can be trusted.  However, we do know One we can always rely on.  When God makes a promise, He keeps a promise.  And the promises of promises are tied to our salvation.  Another verse for 5/24 is John 5:24 and in John 5:24 we have this promise: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life”   What a promise.  The One we put our trust in for salvation is trustworthy!  He is faithful and will DO IT!!

    Ponder the great faithfulness of the Lord to you!!  What does His faithfulness mean to you? 

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 24 (5/24) is 1 Thessalonians 5:24. It says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

    Continue Strong KNOWING He is FAITHFUL,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 22 (5/22) is 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 22 (5/22) is 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    “Abstain from every form (or appearance, KJV) of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
    The apostle Paul PUSHES us to make serious decisions about participating in sin and doing any type of evil.  As believers, we are not to participate in any form of evil! The call is to ABSTAIN. Abstain means total REJECTION.  It means to completely WITHDRAW from it.  Abstain means to absolutely STAY AWAY from the practice of any evil. In the strongest sense, it means DON’T DO IT!!  ABSTAIN!! DON’T DO EVIL!!!  Don’t even give the APPEARANCE of doing evil!

    Determining what to avoid means we must get into our Bibles to learn what is good and what is evil.  A major reason for learning what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil is there are those who will call good evil and evil good. (Isaiah 5:20) We must learn the difference and then abstain not just from the action but even the appearance of doing anything sinful or evil.  

    In growing to be stronger and more victorious over temptations we must remember that victory over temptation many times comes down to the decision of STAYING AWAY from the people and places that provide temptations. 

    DON’T place yourself in places where you are prone to FALL! 
    DON’T place yourself with people who are prone to pressure you to FALL! 

    It may be today you need to step up some decision-making! Decide to decide that you are not going to give opportunities to temptation.  Decide that you will abstain from evil!!  Decide that you will not even give to anyone the appearance of evil. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 22 (5/22) is 1 Thessalonians 5:22.  It says, “Abstain from every form (or appearance, KJV) of evil.”

    Continue Strong with strong convictions of doing right and AVOIDING wrong,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 18 (5/18) is 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 18 (5/18) is 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    “In everything (in all circumstances) give thanks; for this is the
    will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
    Our verse to DATE the Word on May 18 (5/18) is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything (in all circumstances) give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    Giving Thanks IN Everything

    I find some Scriptures to be easy to quote but very difficult to live out.  I can easily quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18 but as I process the straightforward teaching of the verse, I want to say back to Paul that this is ridiculous.  I think it is unreasonable to think that when bad things happen that I am supposed to give thanks.  I think it is just as unreasonable to think that I am to “count it all joy when I fall into various trials.” (James 1:2) I don’t think I am alone in this thinking.  Giving thanks for everything just doesn’t make sense. 

    I am not sure if you feel you need to correct me on the very last sentence, but I need to correct what I just wrote.  I wrote that giving thanks for everything just doesn’t make sense and what was written is not what the verse says.  I Thessalonians 5:18 does not say to give thanks FOR everything.  It says, “IN everything give thanks.”  The word IN is far different than the word FOR.  FOR everything means that even as the worst of the worst happens you are to be giving thanks. IN everything means that as you process through even the worst of the worst you can find things to give thanks for.  

    I came across a story about Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie that illustrates this.  During WW2 they were taken captive and were living in a German concentration camp.  In their barrack, they would hold a Bible study and they studied 1 Thess. 5:16-18.   In discussing the application Betsie said they should give thanks.  Corrie was resistant but Betsie was firm.  She believed there were many things to give thanks for even to the point of saying they should give thanks for the FLEAS.  Corrie was not having any of it.  Yet Betsie insisted and they give thanks for the pesty fleas and even the awful lice.

    A few weeks went by, and the ladies began to realize that no guards ever came into their barracks.   They never had anyone interrupt their Bible studies.   They wondered why, as other barracks faced constant harassment.  One day Betsie overheard some guards refusing to go into her barrack and their reason was that the barrack was the barrack with all the fleas and lice.  Betsie and Corrie were able to see God’s purpose for fleas was to protect them.   

    We should consider the alternative to giving thanks.  It is grumbling and complaining and being bitter.  These actions grieve the heart of God.  The Book of Numbers lets us know that God does not handle complaining well!   These actions also bring harm to one’s own life.  You may have heard that bitterness is like drinking poison and then waiting for the other person to die.  

    As you consider the application of IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS, we do need to consider that the Apostle Paul must have known it would be difficult so he added that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

    So, do you have an attitude of gratitude?  Can you see, believe, and trust that IN all circumstances God is working?   Are you expressing thanks to God in both good and bad situations?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 18 (5/18) is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 1 It says, “In everything (in all circumstances) give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
     
    BTW – The time to be most thankful is when you are praying.  
    Psalm 95:2  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, 
    Ps 100:4  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him,  bless His name. 
    Philippians 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
    Colossians 4:2   Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

    Continue Strong expressing gratitude to God
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 14 (5/14) is 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    “Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
    ACTION FOR BEING YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER

    Have you ever wondered what your responsibilities are to other believers?  We are after all our BROTHER’S KEEPER.  While there are well over 60 actions that believers are to do for one another I find 1 Thessalonians 5:14 gives us some of the clearest of instructions we will find for what we are to be doing for each other.   Paul gives three actions that cover a wide range of needs that fellow believers have with a fourth action that is needed with the other three.  The short summary is we need to be patient with each other and then as it is needed we WARN a brother who is getting unruly or wayward in their walk, ENCOURAGE a brother that is exhausted, and POUR into a weak brother to build him up. 

    Going deeper, the apostle Paul expects believers to be involved in each other’s lives and as one sees things, even senses things, one will take proactive action to help a brother out. The first action that Paul calls for is one that is, quite frankly, difficult and challenging.  As we see a brother becoming unruly or wayward we are to WARN them or ADMONISH them.  The unruly has stepped out of line. They are starting to head the wrong way. To admonish means to speak into the mind truth. As brothers and sisters should desire to help each other stay on the path of righteousness so we do the difficult thing and with love speak truth into their lives.  

    We are to COMFORT or ENCOURAGE the FAINTHEARTED. Becoming fainthearted or being discouraged is very real. We can easily become WEARY doing good. One can become exhausted.  The idea behind the word “fainthearted” is to lose soul.  Picture a hot air balloon that has a puncture and it begins to lose altitude. Encouragement is like a patch over the hole as well as air blown into the balloon so that it soars again.   As good brothers and sisters, we should want to help KEEP other brothers and sisters running strong.  It is amazing what an encouraging word can do for an exhausted soul!

    Then Paul writes that we should UPHOLD the WEAK. The idea here is to help one stand on their own. We are to be EQUIPPING the WEAK to be EMPOWERED to live out their Christian life. 

    The Apostle Paul concludes with an action for all three of the actions in which we are to be PATIENT. We are to be patient with the wayward as we warn them.  We then wait for them to return to the paths of righteousness. 
    We are to be patient with the fainthearted/weary as we encourage them, waiting for them to regain altitude.
    We are to be patient with the weak as we pour into them.  As we equip them they surely will stand on their own. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 14 (5/14) is 1 Thessalonians 5:14.  It says, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”
    Continue Strong helping your brothers and sisters out,
    And Remember to DATE the Word

    What action(s) based on 1 Thess. 5:14 do you need to take with another believer today?

  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 11 (4/11) is 1 Thessalonians 4:11

    “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work
    with your own hands, as we commanded you,” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11
    What are your ASPIRATIONS?

    There is no question that a Christian is to be living DIFFERENTLY and the 3 areas of aspiration found in 1 Thessalonians definitely convey living differently.  Being very transparent I do not recall hearing many if any messages on 1 Thessalonians 4:11. And being very transparent I do not recall ever writing down on a priority sheet the three things that Paul has commanded to be priorities in my life.  I do believe that as we DATE this verse we are going to see how profitable and practical these three areas of living will be for us and others.

    As we start our DATING, our getting to know this verse, we want to look first at the word ASPIRE. The KJV uses the word STUDY. The NASB and NIV use the word AMBITION.  The NLT uses the word GOAL.  All of these words help to guide us in understanding what we should be PURSUING. The Greek word conveys the idea of HONORING.  To “aspire” is to demonstrate by actions what we LOVE TO HONOR.  Paul says to the Thessalonians that these are three areas that need to be a TOP PRIORITY.  These are not three suggestions for daily living.  These are three top priorities for everyday living.  

    With such a high priority, it is vitally important to LEARN how we live.  First, Paul says, PURSUE a QUIET LIFE. (Do you have that on your To Do List?)   A quiet life has the idea of peace or the absence of strife. Proverbs 17:1 “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.”  We are not to go around STIRRING UP TROUBLE, stirring up strife.  We are not to be CONTENTIOUS with one another.  Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “….be of one mind, live in peace…”  Romans 14:19 says, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 

    This idea of pursuing quietness is so important that Paul will restate this command in 2 Thessalonians writing in 2 Thess. 3:12  says, “Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

    Do you pursue a QUIET LIFE, a PEACEFUL life, in your home, where you work, the church you attend, the team you are on, etc.?  Leading a quiet life will see us ceasing to be contentious with one another and pursuing peace with one another.  

    The Apostle Paul now steps on everyone’s toes as he commands us to MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS.  We are not to be BUSYBODIES! We are not to be investigating what’s going on with others and then giving our unsolicited opinion. Proverbs teaches “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” (Proverbs 26:17) Do you stick your “nose” WHERE IT DOES NOT BELONG? 

    To lead the quiet life and not be in everyone else’s business Paul gives the third command, the third priority, in telling us to GET TO DOING OUR OWN WORK!! If one is busy with their own life, one will not have time to interfere with someone else’s life. Getting busy with our own business takes away time to be sticking our “noses” in someone else’s business.  

    Getting up close and personal: Do you “stir up strife?” Do you stick your “nose” where it does not belong? Are you spending too much time in someone else’s business and not taking care of your own work? Maybe 1 Thessalonians needs to be a verse we memorize and put into action.  

    BTW: Why do this?  Verse 12 says, “Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 11 (4/11) is 1 Thessalonians 4:11. It says, “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,” 

    Continue Strong PURSUING the QUIET LIFE taking care of YOUR BUSINESS,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1
    1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk (live) and to please God.“
    Making daily decisions that PLEASE GOD

    As we make daily decisions, we need a FILTER. One of the most vital filters for our decision-making is the question WILL THIS PLEASE GOD? While there is peer pressure to please a friend and/or family pressure to please a parent or grandparent or a spouse, maybe to please a boss and even personal pressure to please oneself the top question remains does the action you are getting ready to do PLEASE GOD? Earlier in my walk with God, I had a poster that read, “If you please God it does not matter who you displease and if you displease God it does not matter who you please.” 

    Our verse to DATE has the Apostle Paul PLEADING that we ABOUND – INCREASE – GROW in PLEASING GOD.  Hear his passionate appeal in the words we URGE and we EXHORT.  

    This idea of living to PLEASE GOD is reinforced by several other SCRIPTURES. 
    2 Corinthians 5:9 as it says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 

    In Colossians 1:10 Paul prayed for the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.

    In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul said that he himself lived to please God. “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

    2 Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

    What does it look like to please the Lord? Scripture gives two significant things:
    1) live by FAITH. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith. Heb. 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 
    2) we OBEY what He says. 1 John 3:22 says, “We keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

    Is it your ambition in life to PLEASE GOD? Are you ABOUNDING in PLEASING GOD?  

    Verse to DATE on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1.  It says, “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.”

    “If you please God it does not matter who you displease and if you displease God it does not matter who you please.” 

    Continue Strong pleasing God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13
    1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe”
    Offering a Warm WELCOME to the WORD

    1 Thessalonians chapter 2 begins with the apostle Paul reminding them of his time with them.  He reminds them how he CARED for them, and he reminds them of the CHARGE he gave them to live lives worthy of their new calling.  

    In verse 13 he continues to remind them of his time with them, but he first commends them by giving words of appreciation.  His appreciation for them is because they RECEIVED the WORD of GOD and in doing so the WORD of GOD went to WORK in them, like a seed that had been planted and was now growing and producing fruit!  

    And they not only received the Word of God they WELCOMED it.  They received the Word with great pleasure.  They wanted the TRUTH.  There were great expectations and excitement about hearing God’s Word.  Their hearts and minds were eager to learn.  What a great compliment Paul has given them.  They WELCOMED the Word.  

    Our verse to DATE gives us, most likely, a new thought for reacting and responding to God’s Word. We are to hear it and receive it and treasure it.  We are to hide it in our hearts.  We are to obey the Word.  Here we read of a church that WELCOMED the Word.  This is the only time we read of this type of response.  The word “welcomed” conveys to receive with pleasure.  It gives a warm reception! Just as Mary and Martha WELCOMED Jesus to their home (Luke 10:38) the Thessalonians WELCOMED the WORD into their hearts! 

    Getting practical I ask do you have a WELCOMING spirit for hearing and learning God’s Word?  Do you offer a warm reception to the Word of God?  How excited are you to hear God’s Word taught?  Can your pastor or Bible study teacher feel a sense of anticipation from your spirit as God’s Word is being opened and taught?  Do you have an eagerness to read God’s Word for yourself?  Would you describe yourself as one who is WELCOMING to the Word?  Would others describe you as a person who is WELCOMING, receiving with pleasure, the Word of God?  

    Our verse also reveals the great WORK the Word does. The Greek word for work here gives us our English word energy.  The Word of God is energy in us and the energy (work) transforms. When received and applied the Word of God goes to work CHANGING US.  Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”   

    Let us take to heart 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and RECEIVE the WORD, and even more so, WELCOME the Word, for as you WELCOME THE WORD, the WORD goes to WORK!
     
    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13. It says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 

    Continue Strong with a warm, welcoming heart to the Word of God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7
    1 Thessalonians 2:7 says, “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”
    HANDLE PEOPLE WITH CARE

    As the Apostle Paul is reconnecting with the Thessalonians, he takes a moment to remind him of his ministry with them. He first conveyed that his ministry was one of integrity.  He tells them in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 that his “preaching did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.  5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

    Having reminded them of how he handled the precious message of the gospel entrusted to him by God, he now reminds them that he handled them with extreme care. He says he was GENTLE. He showed them tender loving care just as a mother handles her precious newborn child.

    One can easily picture this, can one not?  As a mother holds her child in her hands so carefully, tenderly, and lovingly, protecting and providing for her newborn, Paul says his ministry was holding each Thessalonian with care, tenderness, and love, protecting and providing for them.  He was GENTLE with them!

    As we work with people, we must always remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Even with those who are difficult, we are to handle them with care, with gentleness.  Recall 2 Timothy 2:24-26 says, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26  and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

    From the Apostle Paul’s example, we are called to guide and grow people with GENTLENESS!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7. 1 It says, “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”

    People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
    HANDLE PEOPLE WITH CARE!

    Continue Strong showing gentleness to others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD