⏳At The Present Time⌛️

 Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. ~Vince Lombardi~

1 Thessalonians 3:11 (KJV) Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

I like that word “Now”  . It simply means at the present time. “Now God himself ” not someone else but our God in the present.   Now “our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ” what are they all doing? Well we are told  Paul is saying that “our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ” as we pray for you will direct our way to you. It’s strange that today I read this verse. Why? you may ask. Well as I was listening to the radio as I was about my business. I was listening to a preacher and he was teaching about praying about everything before he did it. I have a friend that does that if it’s a car he thinks he needs he asked his Heavenly Father about it. That’s what the Apostle Paul is saying: I need God my Father to direct my path at this present time. Just think our Heavenly Father is a “Now” God. Oh it’s great to read in our Bibles how God did things for His children just in the time of need. It’s much better to know that the same God will do the same in this day and time for His children. Have you ever experienced what God can do? I like to walk cemeteries and read the epitaphs on the gravestones. I like looking for our veterans, maybe because I’m one and know some of the heart aches they may have felt and the horrors that never leave that can only be known by a veteran. Well one day not long ago I was walking in a cemetery where my grandparents were buried and the strangest thing happened. In the neighborhood I was raised in, we knew everyone on the block. Our next door neighbor moved away after I left and went into the military and I had not seen them nor heard anything about them for many years. They had moved to this part of town where my grandparents were buried. I said to myself that maybe they were buried in this cemetery; I know it's strange but I remember people and think of them from time to time. I said Lord if they are buried here help find their grave. It 

were as if I was led to their grave. You may be thinking what a nut, I will agree I do some crazy things at times. That’s not the way I looked at it. I asked God to help me find their grave if they were buried here and God in the present time did. That is a small thing but nonetheless it reminds me that our God is concerned about the small things too.  Philippians 4:6 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. If God would answer that kind of prayer don’t you think that God would be just as concerned about the big prayers we need answers? 

💪Be Strong Stand Firm🇺🇸

 Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid 

1 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV) For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:9 (KJV) For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

1 Thessalonians 3:10 (KJV) Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

We live if “ye stand fast in the Lord.” Remember the football we wrote about? What was the principal that Coach Lombardi taught his players? He taught his players the fundamentals. Knowing the fundamentals, the Green Bay Packers began to win. Can I say it’s always better to win than to lose. Winner or Loser? In our Christian life we are one or the other.  The Apostle Paul said one of the fundamentals is to stand fast in the Lord. 

“stand fast in the Lord.” Stand Fast means to be FIRM, FIXED, SETTLED to MAINTAIN POSITION. The question is how are we doing as Christians standing fast in the Lord? How are we doing in standing fast in His Word? How are we doing standing fast in Prayer? How are we doing in standing fast in our Walk with the Lord? The questions could go on but it’s not questions, it’s are we Firm, Fixed and Settled in what we believe? So much so that if we were to die today that we aren’t worried about where we are going? If not then we must “might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” Don’t let weak or non Christians influence you to the point that you yourself become weak in your faith. The fundamental fact is you and I are closer today than we were yesterday to our final day here on earth. Stand Firm one learns to do that by doing it. I go to Sunday school and worship services and sometimes it may seem like a big waste of time. The surgeon yesterday that was operating on that 10 year old little girl thought the same thing when he was going to college. On other days we both learned the things that helped us today. May I say it was all well worth our time. One becomes weak by not using their muscles. Staying home is not an option if we are going to stand firm and be strong in the Lord.

🤠Living🥶

 Without The Dark We Would Never See The Stars. Make the most of living or let the living pass you by.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV) For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

The rut is real! It’s an everyday thing We get up so we can go to work, so that we can come home, so we can go to bed, so we can get up, so we can go to work, so we can come home, so we can go to bed. We turn on the radio so we can hear bad news, sad stories and what we should be doing with our 401k so we will have enough to retire and live comfortably. I’m not sure about you but that doesn’t sound like “For now we live” The year was 1959 when a new coach for the Green Bay Packers began his coaching. Green Bay's record  for the past 11 years wasn’t good, you might say “LOSERS.” In 1961 after the heartbreaking loss of the NFL Championship Game. Coach Vince Lobardi walked into the first day of training camp in July.  The 38 players on his Green Bay Packers football team expected to immediately begin where they left off and work on ways to advance their game to start working on plays.  Coach Vince Lobardi stands before them and says “Gentlemen, this is a football!” The rest is history. I’m afraid we as God’s children get into a rut and miss out on the living part of our Christian life. It’s time someone stood up and said “ladies and gentlemen this is a Bible” so it might turn us around so we can say “For now we live.” Everybody wants to go to heaven but the question is how many of us know much about heaven? In 1985 I went to Brazil, got into a car with a Missionary and drove 6 hours. When we arrived in the city where he lived, what I knew as a language was useless. Because they were speaking Portuguese and I knew nothing about what I was hearing nor anything else. Had it not been for the Missionaries I would have been in trouble. Many may be on their way to heaven that know little to nothing about where they are going. You may say big deal, for we aren’t told much about what heaven is like. That’s right but we are told as we read our Bibles about many that are there. How many of them will we know?  Don’t get so caught up in the rut of this life that you miss out on the living.  The knowing about the place and the people  that are already inside Heaven. Don’t just sing about it on Sunday, keep singing those songs during the week. Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

“Now that we live Stand fast in the Lord.”

🗣️Tell ☃️💦

1 Thessalonians 3:6 (KJV) But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

The reason Timothy was sent unto those in Thessalonica was to establish, to comfort concerning their faith. Paul goes on to write about what young Timothy said when he returned.  Timothy came back and told us the good news about your faith and love. He also told us of the fond memories you have for us and are wanting to see us again. I remember 4 men that helped me tremendously although I’m not sure any of them knew the magnitude of their advice and teaching. They have all gone to their reward now, but as for me, I’m still here telling the grand and glorious story that never gets old. I’m not sure how many people those men encouraged in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but I would say many. How can we not share the good news to others? For that’s what the Scriptures tell us to do.  

Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 (KJV) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Go, Tell, Teach.  

🤝Thanks👊🏻

THANKS IS THE ONLY WORD I KNOW AND THAT SEEMS SO SMALL FOR ALL YOU GAVE

DUST

We were young, strong and fool hearty.
We were men of steel who rode iron horses.

But steel and iron rust away.

Soon we shall all fade, as did the life we led.

And we shall return to the dust from whence we came,
leaving only a fleeting memory and a name upon a wall.

One Charlie Niner Hotel (1C9H)

Gentlemen, prepare to defend yourselves!  

U. S. Army PFC Wayne J Stokes KIA 2 December 1967

PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service
9th Infantry Division
Length of service 0 years
His tour began on Nov 22, 1967
Casualty was on Dec 2, 1967
In LONG AN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
 Panel 31E - Line 26

U.S. Marine Thomas Craig Richard Jr. PFC KIA 8 February 1968

PFC - E2 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 0 years
His tour began on Dec 27, 1967
Casualty was on Feb 8, 1968
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
Body was recovered
Panel 38E - Line 24

U.S. Army Neil Kroger KIA November 1965

2LT - O1 - Army - Reserve
Length of service 0 years
His tour began on Aug 18, 1965
Casualty was on Nov 15, 1965
In , SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS
Body was recovered
Panel 03E - Line 59

U. S Army Tom Metsker KIA 14 November 1965

CAPT - O3 - Army - Reserve
Length of service 4 years
His tour began on Aug 6, 1965
Casualty was on Nov 14, 1965
In , SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
 Panel 03E - Line 49

U. S Army Jack Geoghegan KIA

U. S Army Phillip Nixon

U.S. Army Stanley DeCastor

U.S. Army Jimmy Johnson

U.S. Army Jerry Barns

U.S. Army Ted Beck

U.S. Army Jerry Pinson

U.S. Army Larry Keown

U.S. Army Stanley Richardson

U.S. Army Clinton Ayers

U.S. Army Ted Taylor

U.S. Army Terry Booth

U. S. Army Bill Dowis

 Joe Marion Morgan Sr. KOREA  1957-1959

U.S. Marine David Savage

U.S. Marine Keith Allison

U.S. Marine Ryan Sosebee

U.S. Marine Wayne Baker

U.S. Marine John Kerr

USAF Richard Ford

USAF Wayne S Sosebee  

USAF Thomas Burns

USAF Ronald Lamp

USAF Randy Fawn

USAF Steve Sparks

USAF Clinton Sexton 

USAF Luke Sosebee

 

Army Air Force John H Sosebee WII; Thanks Dad; Passed away December 27, 1986 age 65

U.S. Marine Thomas Henry Roberts I knew him well; we all thought he was strange when we were kids. Then I found out why! He was a Corporal in the Marine Corps, serving as a Rifle Sharpshooter and member of the Mortar Platoon, a survivor of Iwo Jima. He passed away July 14, 2007 at the age of 86. 

⌚️It Takes Time 2 Teach Others 👨‍🏫

 Nothing is easy, but who wants nothing?

1 Thessalonians 3:5 (KJV) For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

The Apostle Paul couldn’t wait to know about their faith; he sent Timothy to help them. Why? Paul understands the enemy, the tempter. When I was in the military I was taught about an enemy, some of his tactics and the awful results. Now pictures and words only make you aware but seeing explains and teaches. Yes many had accepted Christ as their savior but these young believers needed to be taught for the tempter is coming with his temptations. Now just because you have been taught doesn’t mean you will never fail. One of my best friends was a pastor of a growing Church. The church could sit 700 or 800 and it was beginning to fill up. It happened, the attack from the enemy, the temptation and he failed. It cost him way more than he wanted to pay, the pleasure only lasted a short while but the wounds a lifetime. Paul sends Timothy so the learning can begin. One would think that in the day we live this tactic would be way out dated. One comes to Church to a revival meeting,  a special day, or maybe a friend has asked. It really doesn’t matter, they are there. During the service they ask the Lord to save them. They are so excited but as time goes on they really don’t know what to do. Maybe it’s like going to visit the school and being so excited but no one cares enough to help you get there. Why is that? The enemy hinders by getting the Church so excited about what God has done that they never go to the homes of the ones God has reached. Then those who have given their heart to the Lord are easy prey for the enemy. 

If only I took a moment to share, the works of the God who really cares. 

If only I would have taken the time to show what great love He has for you.

Oh I meant too but to make the time I never did so you my friend drifted away ever so slow. 

Many years have now passed and the troubles you’ve had are all so many.

Oh I wish I would have taken the time but I too was deceived by the enemy lures. 

🌄Don’t You Want To Go😎

 The more I study science, the more I believe in God.  ~Albert Einstein 

1 Thessalonians 3:4 (KJV) For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Paul writes letting the Thessalonians know by remembrance of his words “when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation.” It doesn’t matter about the tribulations of this life we all have them. Troubles will come, sad days, lonely days, bad news, bad health, broken hearts and the list goes on and on. When one accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior that will not change. Sometimes, like here in Thessalonica it may increase but may I say the reward will be far better than the troubles. Paul, knowing this has sent Timothy to teach and comfort. We all need a Timothy in our lives, one that will encourage in the times of sorrow and also teach us that we might grow in the knowledge of Christ our Savior. Shouldn’t that just come naturally? The desire yes but the knowledge no! The Apostle Paul had to learn himself he said this;

Philippians 3:10 (KJV) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Philippians 4:11 (KJV) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. So accepting Christ as your Savior is not a life of no more sorrow, troubles and disappointments. Oh know, not by far but what it does mean is you and I have help from the God who made us. When I read my Bible I read of many that have troubles and fears but I also read of one who shows up to comfort and that someone is Jesus. Peter on a dark night with raging wind and waves, cries out in fear of death and Jesus reaches out and brings him to a safe place. My father in law had pain and was disabled for a few years. I watched the expression of pain on his face more than once but he never complained. On a afternoon in June 2022 he asked to be placed in his bed. My wife and brother in law placed him in his bed. He then laid back and then he left this world and went to a place he had only read about. One may ask why does God allow such suffering to one of His children? I don’t know but just maybe it’s for those left behind for us to see there’s no fear in dying. As one man said “we get to die.”  My friend told me this after 5 years of dialysis, many falls and a broken hip. He is lying in a bed in a facility where others are taking care of him. He told me these words “I’m done, no more.” The next day they came to do his dialysis and he said no I have had enough. He soon was gone. Oh you say that’s awful. One day your words might change to please come Lord Jesus; we get to die. There is a place far beyond the skies and soon we will die and get to go. Arriving on that sunny day we will get to see the ones we love. Oh, don’t you want to go.

🌊Help 👋😩

"Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience. You need experience to gain wisdom." ~Albert Einstein ~

1 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV) Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;                                                                                         1 Thessalonians 3:2 (KJV)  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Why did Paul think it best to send unto them Timotheus? Because of what happened at Jason’s house back in Acts 17. When Paul came into Thessalonica he went into the  synagogue of the Jews and 3 Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.            Acts 17:3 (KJV) Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. When Christ is preached people get saved and here is no different because in Verse 4 we read  Acts 17:4 (KJV) And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. Watch what happened. We read “some of them believed” then theses some told others and then it was a great multitude and then some of the wives of prominent men got saved.  Then what happened?  The Jews which believed not, started an uproar; no that’s not right, prominent people don’t do stuff like that they get others to do it for them.  They formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason's home and searched it for Paul and Silas and when they didn't find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and some other believers in front of the city officials. Acts 17:5 (KJV) But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. Jason is in trouble because  he let Paul and Silas come into his home. So what’s the big deal? The big deal is that they referred to Jesus as King. Long story short Paul and Silas had to get out of town. Now Paul is telling those in Thessalonica that he is sending Timotheus for this purpose 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (KJV) And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: There’s not a person who has accepted Jesus Christ and their Savior that hasn’t needed to be Establish and Comforted. Galatians 6:1 (KJV) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Timothy encourages and gives comfort to those at Thessalonica in their faith. If we are not careful we will let the troubles around us draw us away from the truths in God's Word. Remember Peter? He walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. Then he started sinking and would have been consumed by the storm had he not corrected his vision and cried out for help. 

🫱 Mailbox 📬

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1 Thessalonians 2:17 (KJV) But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

The letter comes, the envelope is opened and the letter is read. Oh, look it’s from Paul, wonder what he has to say? Paul says he wants to come see us face to face; oh it would be so great to see him too. He says here that he has been hindered. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (KJV) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.  Then Paul goes on with words of encouragement. It’s always good to read words of encouragement, you know why? Because encouraged people, encourage people.                                                    1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?                                     1 Thessalonians 2:20 (KJV) For ye are our glory and joy. When I go to the mail boxes there are letters in their from an assortment of people. There is no hurry nor am I excited to open the letter from the taxes assessment office for that will not encourage me. Then there is the postcard from those telling me that they will be in my area this week and they would be glad to give me a free estimate. Then as I go through the rest of my mail I see a letter from my friend and at that point I stop and open his letter first. Why? Because I’m interested in what he or she has to say. After reading the letter I’m so encouraged that I go tell my wife and let her read the letter and now we are both are encouraged by the written words. Then it’s  to the phone and now the letter is told more and the words from my friend now are encouraging others. Notice I didn’t do that with the tax assessment letter, why I haven’t even opened it yet. Know what we all need? We all need words of encouragement that is why I opened my Bible every morning and read words of encouragement before I start the day. Many times I get so consumed in what I’m reading that I see myself in the crowd . Oh I’m not one of the disciples but I’m walking with them and listening to them as they talk with Jesus; “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?” There is so much going on around me that I must hear words of encouragement. I have a special needs grandson, his speaking ability is about 5 words but he is able to get his point across very well. Many times he pats me on the back and I’ll say “everybody needs a pats on the back” and he will just laugh and do it again. That’s the truth we all need a pat on the back. Today is a great day to encourage someone with a pat on the back. A pat on the back with kind words will do wonders because that’s like going to the mailbox and getting that letter from your friend. 

⛰️Too Big To ✋

The middle of the road is a poor place to walk. It’s a poor place to drive. It’s a poor place to live.~Vance Havner~

1 Thessalonians 2:14 (KJV) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Paul called the ones he is talking to in this verse “brethren” Everytime I read words like brethren or brother I’m reminded of what my Pastor James A Peppers taught me. He said brother means born of the same womb. So when the Apostle Paul said ”For ye, brethren” he is talking to those who have place their trust for their eternity in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he goes on and explains in more detail “became followers ” these men and women were not always followers of Christ Jesus, Paul tells us that by the word “became.” How did they become followers and why? They became followers because they had received Jesus Christ as their personal savior and why is that? Because they realized they were sinners and needed a Savior. Because of that they were concerned for their own people and countrymen. Now here is what is interesting, these words were penned down many years ago over 2000. What is so interesting is that the same fight is being fought in our day and time. Look at the next verse.            1 Thessalonians 2:15 (KJV) Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:         Paul says your countrymen “killed the Lord Jesus”  they have also “persecuted us” and they haven't pleased God by their actions. Now 2000 plus years the same battle is going on get rid of the 10 commandments that are on display. Why? We don’t want to be reminded that it is wrong to lie, kill and take others' mates to satisfy our lustful longing, to be dishonest and not to honor our parents. Have a day set aside to rest and remember who made us. Honor God the one who created it all and then don’t abuse His name. Then there are these people who talk about a book the Bible; we don’t need to hear that for it tells of a Savior who came to save sinful mankind. If we don’t nip that, then these sins we love will be toast. Kill it, get rid of it! Listen if getting rid of Jesus hasn’t happened in 2000 plus years what’s the chances of it happening now? None! The more it’s attacked the bigger it grows “became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus:” It’s just way too big to stop.

🕵️‍♂️Facts or Feelings 🥳

“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.”

~Vance Havner~

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

If it doesn’t work, why keep trying? Remember what the Apostle Paul said in the verse before.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Why would you or I want to walk worthy? Verse 13 tells us why because we received something and that something was the Word of God. This Word which they heard was not someone telling them a bunch of if you do this or if you don’t do that. Oh no this wasn’t of men but instead it was the TRUTH of God’s Word. Why would I or anyone else say the Bible was truthful?

Psalms 40:7 (KJV) Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

This book that is written is true. Notice it’s not religion that we were asked to receive or if you do this and not that it was just simply truth. We were not asked to clean up, dress up or even make up just receive just like you are. God is saying just trust me  just receive.                 John 1:17 (KJV) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.                                                                                       When a baby is first born he or she is so pure and then he or she begins to learn things that’s not so pure and over a lifetime he or she can learn a bunch of things not so good or pure. Raise your hand 🙋‍♂️ if you know what I’m talking about. One night a man came to see Jesus. This man was a religious man and, matter of fact, he was a leader at the Church. This man,  we will call him Nick, came to question Jesus. As Nick talked it was if Jesus was not listening but Jesus was listening to every word that came from Nick’s lips. Jesus turned to Nick and said “Nick it’s great you are religious that shows you believe in eternal life but it’s not enough, Nick. Listen to me closely Nick, you must be born again! This Nick could not understand born again how in the world can this be? That is what many ask: How can this be done? I'm too old and too big to fit back into my mother’s womb. If that is what you answered you just got 100 congratulations. Then Jesus goes on and tells Nick that when you were born you came out of your mother’s womb as flesh. Is that not correct? Nick, that is all you’ll ever be flesh, you need more than that to see My Kingdom. Do you not want more? If you do Nick then all you must do is receive the truth. Great, what is the truth? John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.                                                  John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Do you think that the Bible is the Book that is written about Jesus? If it is then Jesus is the “truth” and we can trust and believe what this Book tells us about Jesus the “truth” Being Born Again is receiving Jesus as your Savior and then like a newborn baby learning the things of God from our textbook the Bible which is written about Jesus. 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Realized that what we have learned from our fleshly birth has a lot of good as well as a lot of bad; we realize that we are just sinners. When we realize or understand that we are in great shape to receive Jesus as our savior. When we receive Jesus He will be sure to teach us from the book of Truth. Now here’s the best thing: when one receives Jesus as their personal savior they know it. If I offered you a $100 bill and you received it would you know it? Sure you would. When one receives Jesus as their Savior it is no longer a hope but it becomes a fact not a feeling and the reason I say not a feeling is because feelings change but facts never do. 

🧖‍♀️Our Image 🪞

 Many people have the right aim in life, they just never get around to pulling the trigger. The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps -- we must step up the stairs.

~Vance Havner~

1 Thessalonians 2:11 (KJV) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

I think that’s true across the board. Most companies have their employees wear a uniform with their name on it. This does something for the person wearing it and for others that see them. For the person who sees the company's name will most likely view the company by what they see of the employee. If the uniform is clean and sharp looking and the employee is acting with good manners, then it most likely gives the viewer a good reputation of the company. But if not the company may be viewed as the opposite. I have a friend that sold accounts to companies for uniforms. One afternoon he was sitting before the president and the board of a large company. The president asked him what type of uniforms he had to offer? My friend said “UNIFORMS!” My company does offer uniforms. Then he went on. If you are looking for uniforms then you need to talk to a uniform company. The man looking confused then said “well what do you sell?” My friend said we said images. If you want to dress your employees with your image for all to see then we are your company.” He got the account. So how we present ourselves is very important. Say you are a Christian and act like everyone else, talk like everyone else then you will be viewed no different than everyone else. There needs to be differences in our walk “walk worthy of God”  When others see us knowing we claim to be a follower of Christ then we need to act like we are. Have you ever heard someone say “oh Bill Bigtalk who says he is a Christian yeah he never paid me.” Thanks Bill, for you just spoke volumes that you talk big but live just like everyone else.  

1 Corinthians 15:49 (KJV) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Who are we  representing in our walk? What image are we portraying?

💞Tenderly Please☑️

“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.” ~Vance Havner~

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV) So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

What does that word “affectionately” mean? Webster said this “fondly; tenderly; kindly. ”  How does it make you feel when others treat you more than a number? The doctor that takes more time helping you, the nurse that has kind words and asks about your family. I was in a place not long ago and I would have to say they were overly kind and nice. At first I thought to myself wow these people really care. It wasn’t long until I felt like a cookie on a conveyor belt being packaged by nice people. This is not the case here in verse eight. Frist we see a loving kind courageous love toward giving of the gospel. This giving of the gospel was not in words that sounded like an old recording requiring you to do step one then 2 and so forth. Oh no these were words of care and concern of love and compassion because they cared for them. If someone can show that type of concern I’ll take the time to listen. These kinds of people are far and few between.  It was a Saturday morning as the Pastor and his wife knocked on a door. As the door opened there stood a young man who had not long ago visited the church. What this Pastor and his wife didn’t know was that this young man had just caught his wife having an affair. Over by the door was a loaded shotgun that this husband was heading out the door with when a knock came and stopped his plans. As the Pastor began with love and concern to tell this young man the gospel of Jesus Christ he listened. Before long this young man asked the Lord to come into his heart. This Pastor would not know about what the Lord had he and his wife to walk into until a few years later. That young man who had become one of the Churches best members told him. What made the difference that Saturday morning was the love and caring attitude of that Pastor and his wife. It never hurts to be kind and caring for others. Sometimes it’s best not to know. Would the same results that morning been accomplished had that Pastor known what he and his wife had just walked into? Probably not.