👀Don’t Look The Other Way🚶🏻‍♂️‍➡️

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent ~Eleanor Roosevelt~

2 Thessalonians 3:4 (KJV) And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 (KJV) And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

I see the word “confidence” Webster say it means 

“A trusting, or reliance; an assurance of mind or firm belief in the integrity, stability or veracity of another, or in the truth and reality of a fact. ” Where is this assurance of their mind? “in the Lord” Paul is simply saying that the “confidence” they have is not in themselves but in the Lord and what He will do in them. Could this be why God used Paul as He did? I’m sure of it. Too many try to make God a money making business, that should never be. Paul is teaching that it’s not him but Christ working in him. So what’s your gift? How are you using it? Who is your confidence in? I had to learn that myself. When God opens up doors for me to use the gift that He has given me. I want to see others accept the Lord as their Lord and Savior. I want to tell the whole story of how and why the Lord loves them, that  opportunity doesn’t always present itself. It was when I learned this principle that helped me understand.  Mark 4:3 (KJV) Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

The seed is not the fruit but without the seed there will never be any fruit. Sometimes it’s just a seed of faith which might be saying a word about our 

Savior. Then at other times we may have the opportunity to help remove a weed, so the seed is not hindered. The Lord may allow us to help another by telling of how He helped them. I just don’t think we need to rush in like a bull in a china shop. Have you ever had an experience with a sales person who just kept on and on and on? That’s not the way one should feel about the Lord’s servant. Paul says the confidence is not in ourselves but in Christ who does the work in the hearts of the person or persons we have the opportunity to talk to. How should one feel after you leave? Who is directing our heart? The pressure of others, the pressure of yourself or are we allowing the Lord to direct our heart? We may never be recognized for what we do for Christ but that is not the reason we are doing what we do? Listen, the plaques on the wall will one day mean very little. The things we did for Christ will last 

Philippians 3:7 (KJV) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

What will you and I receive? I have never heard of any awards given for the almost. This award is given to John Mishap for almost becoming an MD. He will start his practice this coming Monday. We hope you enjoy your flight today. Your pilot is John Mishap and he almost knows how to fly this plane. That’s not the case at the “judgment seat of Christ” for “we must all appear” that we ALL “may receive” “whether it be good or bad.” Oh my! The rewards are  coming and it may not be what you expected. 

🚶🏻‍♂️Walk Away 🏃‍➡️

I am learning to love the sound of my feet walking away from things not meant for me.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV) But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

As the Apostle Paul finishes up his letter he leaves those at Thessalonica with words of great encouragement. He says “the Lord is faithful” you and I live in a world of unfaithfulness. Although that might be true there is still one who is faithful;

1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV) God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. That should encourage you and I for in this world of things and people that aren’t faithful we have it in writing that God is faithful. Our God will keep His Word; we can say what God says will come to pass. Paul says God is faithful to “stablish you” or strengthen you and “keep you from evil.” In what we call the Lord’s Prayer which is really an outline of how we should pray. In that prayer the Lord tells His disciples this “lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” Temptation is something that attracts our wants or secrets desires. Temptation grabs our attention and we have to act on this temptation in one of two ways. First we have to be careful of how we think about it and how long we think about it. The longer we think about it the more we are likely to follow through with it.   1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Ok here is your choice, temptation is common, we will experience it. Now on the other hand we can allow this temptation to over take us or we can overcome this temptation. How? We read in the verse above these words “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape” Escape! Do you want the escape or enjoy and suffer the consequences? Remember temptations will always have consequences. The consequences will not be worth the enjoyment of the temptation. The temptation comes, it has its powerful draw on you. At this point we must ask God for help to overcome what we can’t. God is faithful and in His faithfulness He makes a way for us to escape. King David allowed his temptation of seeing Bathsheba as she  washed herself to overtake him and he committed a wrongful act. Had he knew that the consequences of that one night stand would cost him a lifetime of troubles. Just maybe he would have walked away. This sin that no one was to know about; well people are still reading about it. Just remember 

Numbers 32:23 (KJV) But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.  Don’t think you’ll get away with it, that’s what David thought and oh how wrong he was. 

 

👂The Last Time 📣

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

As Paul ends his letter he asks those in Thessalonica to first pray that they would be able to spread the Gospel as they did there with them.  It is important that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ be spread. First people need to hear Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. One way is by the preaching of the Word of God. 

Jesus preached Matthew 4:17 (KJV) From that time on us Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The Disciples Preached  Mark 3:14 (KJV) And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Acts 5:42 (KJV) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

You say preaching is nothing but a bunch of foolishness. Would it surprise you if I agreed? Would it even surprise you more if God himself agreed with you? 1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. That’s what God chose to save mankind from their sin. Now I will agree there are preachers that do foolish preaching that’s not pleasing to God nor is it spreading the Gospel. It goes back to the enemy who doesn’t want mankind to be saved and have a relationship with Christ or a home in heaven. Any preaching that doesn’t uplift the Lord Jesus Christ I would be very careful about. 

Acts 8:12 (KJV) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 10:36 (KJV) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Paul says pray for us that we will be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we did with you.  

I love the way verse 2 starts off “And” when I read that I thought of those commercials that say “and that’s not all.” 

2 Thessalonians 3:2 (KJV) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Paul says pray for us “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” Paul knew that the unreasonable and wicked men would come and try to put an end to his preaching. Follow this man Paul and you will find he spent time in jail for preaching. He was beaten for his preaching. Asked to leave town for his preaching. Well you would think that he would quit preaching. But no Paul never did and then one day he was killed for his preaching. I would say preaching was of much importance not only to him but to those that heard him. When was the last time our ears heard  preaching like that? The most compassionate man I ever knew to see others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Left this life and went to be with his Lord and Savior on 6 September 2024 at age 74. His compassion was seen as his tears ran down his cheeks, as he told others of how they could go to heaven. 

Leaders should not be more concerned with goals than people. Leaders serve others, not goals. People are not disposable resources to accomplish a vision. Integrity, love, and justice should not be compromised for achievement.

👰🏻‍♀️Relationship 📖

Cultivating trust, Embracing effective communication, Navigating challenges with grace, Investing time and effort, and Fostering growth together, we build strong and meaningful connections.

 2Th 2:14  Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember in verse 13 Paul used the term “God from the beginning chosen you to salvation.” I wrote about “whosoever” here in verse 14 we read that these chosen for salvation were called by the gospel. What is the gospel? The gospel is the Death, Burial and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and those who believe in that have a life changing moment instantly. This life changing moment is to be followed by teaching. Let me explain my wife and I ran off and got married. Now that made us husband and wife but I didn’t know her. Let me explain why I said that. I was in the military and was station in Duluth Minnesota and came home for Christmas. I was told that I would soon be going to Vietnam. Let say at 19 years old I’m not sure I gave that must thought. Well before I went back to Duluth I was married. I didn’t know her and if you would have asked me the color of her eyes I probably couldn’t have answered correctly you see we had only been together 5 days.  That didn’t make any difference we were still married but I didn’t know her. Now when a person believes in what Jesus Christ did for them and placed there trust in Him they are saved but they don't really know Jesus Christ.  Well I really wanted to know my wife and was working on learning about her. Then I got orders and was gone and all we could do was write letters and send cassette tapes back and forth. I learned more about her yes but I desired to have a personal relationship with her on a daily basics.  That is the same thing that happen to me when I asked Chrsit to forgive me and placed my trust in Him. I enjoyed reading his letter of His great love for me the Bible but I wanted a relationship with Him. I learned to talk to God in prayer, I learned from His word because of those who taught me. I took time to read and reread that which was taught to me and God through His Holy Spirit began to teach me. I hungered for more and the more I hungered the more The Lord let me see and understand. 

2Th 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. I’m grateful for those who taught me just like those whom the Apostle Paul taught. Let me say thanks to Raymond Gray my first Pastor, to James A Peppers my second Pastor who taught me so much and gave me opportunities and allowed me to have first hand experiences. Thanks Ray Hill for the great encouragement by telling me like it was and giving me the words of confidence needed for the new work that was coming. Thanks First Baptist of Youth for the 22 years of experience. Thanks Edgar Thomas for your friendship and words of encouragement over the many years of friendship. Thanks to my Father n Law who I had first hand witness of a Godly life for over 50 years. There are many others I could mention but as time goes these and more are gone from this life. The good news is I will see them all again soon. Oh what a day that is going to be when my Jesus I shall see when I look on His face the one who saved me by His grace. Yes I took the time to know and have a real relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord. 

2Th 2:16  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2Th 2:17  Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

😰Why He Wasn’t Even There🤦‍♀️

 Getting less input from workers because managers don’t trust them enough to come up with good ideas

Luke 7:2 (KJV) And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

Luke 7:3 (KJV) And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

One has to ask themselves was this centurion too busy to come himself? He sends the elders of the Jews. Who does this centurion think he is? What is being taught here? Remember Jesus is teaching men and I think if all we see is another person being healed by Jesus we too miss what was being taught here. I think we can learn much about what we call micromanaging. A micromanager is one who wants leaders but doesn’t really trust them. So therefore they tell them to get something done and then tell them how to do it and then make sure they do it the way they said. Micromanaging someone means excessively controlling their work, closely monitoring their actions, and scrutinizing details, often to the point of hindering their autonomy and creativity. It's a management style characterized by a lack of trust and a need to control every aspect of a task's completion. I find it hard to work for a micromanager. They give you a task and then they almost do it themselves. If you have ever worked                                                                                    for one you know what I’m talking about. A micromanager always gets less done by their leaders or managers. I wish I had the time to write about my good friend Ron. He manages a DQ in a small town in Indiana. He is by no way a micromanager and because he isn’t that DQ does unbelievable busy. Why? Simply because he let those who work for him use their own creativity. I was on a board one time under a micromanager. I worked hard at trying to make things happen but kept getting knocked back by the micromanager. I finally resigned because in all the time I was on that board I saw very little change. Here we read of a non micromanager and Jesus had great respect for him. This centurion sends someone else to tell Jesus that he needs Jesus to heal someone important to him. Jesus respects that to the point that we read in verse 9 these words “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. ” As far as I can tell this Centurion never saw Jesus and Jesus never saw the one he healed. Read it yourself Luke 7:1-10 and see what you think. I remember I was 27 years old. I had just become the Assistant Pastor and was under the leadership of my Pastor. One day he came to me and said we are having a problem and I want you to go take care of it. No how too, not what to say, no when to meet with the parties. I started to say something and he stopped me and said these words “you’ll do fine now get it done.” He probably would have handled it differently but he also knew that if all I did was watch him I would never learn. He never said anything to the nature of how you should have or I would have done it this way. No, not one word of negativity. That’s what Jesus was doing training men. One of the greatest messages I ever heard was on this subject of micromanaging. I learned so much as he taught from Mark 3:14 (KJV) And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Jesus ordained 12 men that they should be with Him, for the purpose to send the forth. One can’t micromanage and send forth because they have nothing to send forth. 

🫥Instant Change😎

If you do not change direction you might end up where you are heading.  Lao Tzu

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

The Apostle Paul says  We give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters “ alway ” what great words to read. The Apostle Paul takes time not only to say those words but to put in writing so it can be read over and over. Words in a letter are better than words spoken. You see one might forget the words and what was really said but a letter never.  Then Paul goes on to give the reason for their thanks; “because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation” What does this mean? This my friend is a very touchy subject. Did God from the beginning choose who would and who would not go to heaven? Did some that were born have no chance at all of going to heaven? No chance of being forgiven of their sin? I personally don’t think so. Did God create male and female to sin by believing what the devil in the form of a serpent told them by lying? What does John 3:16 really mean? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Did God so love planet earth that God gave His only son Jesus Christ for it? I don’t think so. First I must ask myself what is in the world? Aren't there people in the world? Of course they are. I would say that God sent Jesus into the world for the people who are in the world. For what reason did God do this? To keep the people who are in the world from perishing. How is this “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish” Ok who are these whosoever people?  Webster says this “Any one; any person” How do we know if a person really believes  2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  In an instant, you become a “new creature”, a new person. Well how do you know that? New is different from old. Saul who later would become Paul we read about him having an instant change in Acts chapter 9

Acts 9:1 (KJV) And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Acts 9:2 (KJV) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Looks as if it’s going to be a bad day for anyone who had placed their trust in the Lord Jesus as their savior. Saul is on his way to not only find them but to bound them and bring them to Jerusalem. But something happened to Saul before he found the first believer. In a moment, not days or weeks, not years of going to Church no in an instant, Saul’s life changed.  

Acts 9:6 (KJV) And he “Saul” trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. From that point on Saul’s life was never the same. One might say that God chose Saul and I would agree why would I say that? Because Saul was just like you and I, he was a whosoever. Oh yes God knows who is and who isn’t going to accept Him. Although God knows He gives  everyone the same opportunity. Yet God didn’t make that choice for us; we did “whosoever believeth in him should not perish.” Has there been an instant change? 

😳Something to Consider😱

 The trouble with lying and deceiving is that their efficiency depends entirely upon a clear notion of the truth that the liar and deceiver wishes to hide.

Hannah Arendt

After reading the little phrase in verse 6 “And now ye know” we read of the awfulness of what sin really does. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2 Thessalonians 2:9 (KJV) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”

2 Thessalonians 2:10 (KJV) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 (KJV) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Looks to me as I read those verses there is someone coming that’s going to be doing the “working of Satan” not satan himself but someone else. What will they be doing? We are first told or warned “with all power and signs and lying wonders” did you notice those two words “lying wonders” we read lying or not telling the truth. 

In verse 10 we read this “with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish” there’s that word deceive. Remember how much I have written about being deceived? The purpose of being deceived is so one can be destroyed. This deceiver is coming with powers, signs and LYING wonders. I remember watching a magician on television one night who made a commercial passenger jet appear to disappear. It looked as if the plane had vanished. The people watching were in amazement. Now I know the plane didn’t vanish from sight but it sure looked as if it did. So here comes this person with power and signs with wonders and the Bible says they are lying. It’s easy to lie to those who don’t know the truth; you see the truth never misleads. There is another word and it’s “perish” when I read that word this verse quickly jumped into my mind.

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Anyone who believes the truth will not perish. I remember before that airplane disappeared there was first a curtain placed in front of it. Why was that? So no one could see what was happening behind the curtain that is where the deception was going on. Get the picture here he comes with deceptive powers, signs and lying wonders that’s the curtain of deception. The real purpose is to make you believe the airplane is gone, the truth, so you will not get saved. Oh no they believed the lie and refused the truth so God sent them strong delusions. Some people will believe almost anything. My wife and I were on a cruise. We went to a show that night and were told that the cruise liner had seen and picked up Stevie Wonder and he would be performing. It appeared that this man was Stevie Wonder. It looked like him, sounded like and even had his mannerisms. As I thought about it I asked myself what would Stevie Wonder be doing off on some small island and if so how was it so easy to get him to perform on a ship going really nowhere?  Was it him? I think not. Why? Well because of the curtain of deception. I’m ok. I attend church, sing at church , give to my church, I’m a good person, I don’t say bad words, I’m kind to others, I don’t steal, lie or cheat. That’s wonderful. I'm so glad to hear that, not everyone can say that about themselves. If all that is true and I would never say it isn’t then why did Jesus have to come in the first place? If we could be good and do good, why did the Son of God have to be nailed to a cross? That’s just something to consider don’t you think?

👉🏿You Aren’t Seeing It All👀

Just when you think you’ve seen it all.

2 Thessalonians 2:6 (KJV) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

As I read that verse this little phrase jumped out at me “And now ye know” a man by the name of Paul Harvey had a radio broadcast called the Rest of the Story. This broadcast was on the radio from 1951 to 2008. After telling the story of someone or something he would always end his broadcast with these words “and now you know, the rest of the story.” Wow! I think the more we know about what our Bible teaches, the easier it is to see evil or wrong doings. Just because it sounds good doesn’t mean it’s right nor just because the majority like the idea doesn’t make it right either. How would you feel if the majority of people said they didn’t like you and they all decided to beat on you until you were dead. Would that make it right? No, it wouldn’t and why is that? Because there are laws that say you can’t and if you do then there will be punishment applied. Is this not what our Bible says? If you murder someone no matter what the reason then there is a price to be paid. If you steal then there is a punishment that will be applied. Bad laws are made because people don’t know or understand what is right. There was a day when people said that Sunday was different from any other day of the week. Where did they get that thinking? I think it was from the Bible. We read in 

Exodus 20:8 (KJV) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. On Sunday it was a day when very few things were open and many kept it holy. Today most businesses are open, they may open later and close a little earlier but they are still open for business. Have you heard we are open 24/7? Some would argue that the sabbath day was Saturday and they would be right. Others would say that Sunday is the day of Worship but either way all would have to agree we are not keeping any day holy. Take a Bible hand to the average person and ask them to open it to the book of James. How many could do so without first looking at the index? Now here in the book of 2 Thessalonians Paul wrote and told them “And now ye know” the preaching of the Gospel, in its power and purity.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Sin is already at work and the only thing keeping it from working more than it is are those that know the difference because of the Holy Spirit within them.

John 14:17 (KJV) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

You think it’s bad now, oh it’s going to get worse; you see when God and His people have all left and the man of sin has been revealed. All I can say is you haven’t seen anything yet. 

👊🏻Good Job 👏

 Get Active Make a Difference

2 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? In order to remember one first has to know. I can’t express enough of our enemy that is out on a search and destroy mission. When laws change people may think that doing wrong is right. The bad thing is that some how they take Gods Word and try to make it agree with their sin. Have you ever heard this saying “God made me this way.”  

Mark 4:19 (KJV) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. How then is one to prevent this from ever happening? Great question let’s see what God Word has to say. Hebrews 3:13 (KJV) But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Exhort, what does that mean? “to encourage” Encourage each other every day while you have the opportunity. Encouragement works both ways encourage each other. It’s mine and your  job to daily encourage others. At the end of the day I should look back over the day and ask myself who did I encourage today? One might say I am an introvert I have a hard time doing that. What about those you come in contact with on a daily basic could you not say I like you tie, shirt, I like the way you _________. There is always something you can find to encourage another. Don’t you yourself like to be encouraged? You did a great job with that project, I am glad you work for us and not our competitor. A few years ago when I was trimming houses my boss told me I had to get this house finished and put a day I had to have it finished. I worked fast and hard and I had it finished on time. When my boss came and looked at the house to make sure it was ready he only saw and said one thing. It wasn't the words of encouragement oh no it was a mistake I had made and that is all he pointed out. On that day an opportunity was missed to encourage but it also it was a day of learning for me. What could I have possibly learned on that day when I could have been encouraged but wasn’t? I saw the value of encouragement.  I told myself and asked the Lord to help never to make anyone feel like I felt that day when the words of encouragement would have meant so much.