🙆🏻‍♂️Giving Up🤷🏼‍♂️

Giving up is always tempting in challenging situations. Sometimes we find ourselves facing so much adversity, we’d do anything to escape it. That may mean giving up on ourselves, our dreams, or even our principles. Get the understanding of what the Apostle Paul is teaching..

1 Thessalonians 2:1 (KJV) For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

1 Thessalonians 2:2 (KJV) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

As you have heard how we suffered rough and treated in Philippi. We were beaten, placed in jail but we never gave up nor were willing to quit. We prayed and then we sang so all could hear of the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then somewhere around midnight God shook everything loose and we were free. The doors of the cells opened, we could have ran and been free. We didn’t for God had opened up the door in the jailer’s heart and before daylight the jailer and his family believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Quitting Can be easy to do. I personally don’t like quitting. Just yesterday my wife and I were in the grocery store. I was looking on the shelf for an ídem. It appeared as they were out of what I was looking for. I started to walk away but turned again to look one more time, once again I didn’t see it. Then I just stood there looking and started to quit and walk away when I saw what I was looking for. It was pushed to the back and you really had to look to see it; I just hate giving up. Paul said we could have quit for there was much contention but “we were bold in our God to speak unto you” there’s no time for quitting.    

The words of Vince Lombardi

Winners never quit, and quitters never win.

🤗RU Returning or Ru Not 🥱

It is impossible to say enough or be grateful enough for God’s amazing love.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV) For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Those that we have read about in veres 7 “ensamples” that sounded out the Word of the Lord. 

“how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” Turning to God from idols may cause problems sometimes.  It could cause contention from others, maybe persecutions, could they endure? Oh yeah for we read in verse 9 “how ye turned to God” not only did they turn, we read that they “serve the living and true God” but wait don’t miss the very first part of verse 9 “they themselves shew” One can talk all day but showing is putting your feet to what your mouth is saying. First there was a turning to God but then there was a waiting for Jesus Christ God Son they were grateful and returned. Yes they returned, they told others of Jesus which had delivered them from (hell) the wrath to come. That my friend is something to talk about once I was lost, then I was found, now I am serving and I looking for His return. You know what? They kept looking but He never came and still today those who serve the true and living God are still looking. Many say He will never come. I do agree that every day it looks more grim than it did the day before. I think many are like those in Noah’s day as he built a giant ship and talked of water that would fall from the sky. I'm sure they talked of the man with crazy ideas of water that would fall from the sky. They had never seen such for the earth was watered from coming up from the ground not falling to the ground. 

Genesis 2:5 (KJV) And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Genesis 2:6 (KJV) But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

Jesus went up from the earth but very soon He will be coming down to get His children. Don’t be fooled like those of Noah’s day there Salvation from the rain to come was simply get on the boat. Our day is just as simple: trust Jesus Christ the Savior of our soul.

❓Can I Be Happy🤗

 Don't worry about what you can't do; focus instead on what you can do... and then do it.

~ Billy Graham ~

1 Thessalonians 1:8 (KJV) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

That’s what “ensamples” do: they sound out what they believe to be the truth. In this case it’s God's truth about salvation. These Thessalonians sounded out the truth in Macedonia and then in Achaea then in every place. They watched as the effects of God's wonderful salvation for mankind took its effects on those that believed “so that we need not to speak any thing.” 

Wouldn’t that be great to see in our day? God’s Holy Word spreading upon our land like a fresh cleansing rain. I have only seen that happen once and then it was only in the community I lived in. It started out as a revival meeting at my Church. The Pastor was Raymond Gray and the Evangelist was Mike Hendon. The meeting started off on Monday night with plenty of room to find a seat. By Friday night the church was full and people were standing everywhere to hear God's Word preached. Altars were so full that people were spread out everywhere. There’s no telling how many were saved during that meeting but God’s Word swept through like a fresh cleaning rain and many lives were changed for eternity. Oh in the day and hour we live with so many looking for happiness and joy but they are looking in the wrong places. Some look to religion but there’s little happiness to be found there. Others look to excitement in drugs, alcohol, gambling thinking all this will for sure bring happiness only to find too late it only brings misery. Then if I could just find that one person I could talk with that would understand. They soon do and before long their home, marriage and family is destroyed and they are no closer to their goal than before. Just remember the grass that looks so green on the other side of the fence will also turn brown. Remember this, life has its ups  and downs. I remember these words my father n law spoke to me one day as we rode down the road. I was so depressed because our work had been almost nothing for a while. I needed a paycheck, I had a family to support. My father n law was acting like he had a boat load of cash to draw from, but I knew he didn’t. Then in a soft voice he said these words I have never forgotten “the sun will shine again.” You know what? He was right the clouds will come and many have but the sun also returns and there are more sunny days than rainy days. The truth of God’s Word never fails. The truth of salvation for those who place their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The promise, He will never leave us no matter the storms this life brings. Our future home in heaven for all the redeemed. I hope you, like me, rejoice in the day that someone told you about the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you like me discover the goodness of our Heavenly Father? Oh my what a day, so much so I’m still rejoicing in the goodness of God. 

👩‍🏫Examples✍️

Faith grows when it is planted in the

fertile soil of God's Word. ~Billy Graham~

1 Thessalonians 1:7 (KJV) So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

ENSAMPLE “to shew by example”  you became followers of the Lord, having received the word with joy of the Holy Ghost: That’s what happened after you received the Word of God you became followers of Jesus Christ. Remember the joy that the Holy Ghost brought. Remember, you now wanted everyone you knew to have the joy of salvation. Man, how simple this is surely once everyone sees what Christ has done and how this salvation has changed your life completely they too will want it. Oh but that’s not what happened did it? Oh you were an ensample and others were happy for you but they didn’t want what you have, or not at this time anyways. It has been a few days since the day I got saved and what friends of long ago that haven’t died I’m still wanting to reach. I love the way that verse reads “ye were ensamples to all that believe” The clock on the wall is ticking, time is running out and sooner than you think time will be up. The word came to my friend. The doctor said you have cancer and a year to live. When he told me, this is what he said. I have bad news and good news. Bad news: I have cancer and I’m dying. Good news is it’s not today. He slowly began to get weaker, he stopped walking, then he went to a recliner then to a bed and then he died. A year they told him but that wasn’t the case it turned out to be a year and a half. In that year and a half he kept telling others of Christ and many believed. Like Carl in the ER when he helped do an awful job with an enema, need I say more? After all was done Carl was asked where he went to Church? Carl told him then Carl was asked was he going to heaven? Carl said yes to which my friend smiled and said that’s great Carl. Carl's face beamed with joy. Then Carl was asked how he knew that for sure? Carl, still beaming with joy said “because I treat people with respect, I also help others, I have never cheated on my wife and I’m not too bad of a person. All those things are admirable without doubt, but if that is what it takes for us to go to heaven then Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was not needed. Then Carl was told about what Jesus really did for him and right there in that ER Carl asked Christ to come into his heart and forgive him of his sin. I wrote all that to say that my friend was a great example of what Christ has done in his life. He never quit telling others until time stopped for him and he opened his eyes in the land he had told so many about. 

😷Joy in Affliction🌤️

No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life's journey can be different. With God's help you can begin again.

~ Billy Graham ~

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Not always but sometimes “affliction” brings people to Christ. God forbid that I would wish any type of affliction on anyone but oftentimes it changes mindsets. In Mark chapter 5 we see that in the life of a man named Jairus. His daughter is at the point of death and he comes to Jesus asking Him to come to his home. This affliction in Jairus life has caused him to do something he would not have done months earlier.  Why? Jairus was a ruler of the  synagogue. That would be like an atheist going to a Baptist Pastor asking for Godly guidance. When afflictions come things change. Jairus came to Jesus and asked for help and Jesus went with him. Mark 5:24 (KJV) And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. All was going well until a woman who had been sick for 12 years stopped them. Time is of the essence couldn’t this lady wait. I mean she has been sick for 12 years. What's a few more hours? That’s the way we think our problems seem to be of greater importance. Then the word came to Jairus

Mark 5:35 (KJV) While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? It now looks as if there is no hope.  But wait. Mark 5:36 (KJV) As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

Never give up, believe in the hopeless, believe when others give up, keep trusting in the Lord. That’s what Jairus did not at hopelessness, not at his religion, not in his church or synagogue, not at those laughing at him but in Christ Jesus. Jairus could have given up and buried his daughter and received what little comfort his friends and loved ones could have given him but he didn’t. Too many times we give up too soon and we believe it can’t be done. Oh no, sometimes God uses affliction in our lives to draw us closer to Him. That’s what God used in my life and I’m so glad He did. Sometimes affliction is a good thing “much affliction, with joy”

💗Our Heart 🫀

The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. How will our loved ones remember us? How will others remember us?

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (KJV) For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Look at the words that jump out as that verse is read. Gospel, Power, Holy Ghost, Assurance. What is the “gospel” It is the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ. The revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles. When we read the word “gospel” it comes with a great meaning. When the Apostle Paul writes he writes about the “gospel” and how it came “not unto you in word only” “but also in power” There’s a lot of things we talk about and tell others about that we just heard others say. We might say something like this “I don’t know if this is true but this is what I heard.” “In my opinion this is what I think.” This is not what Paul is saying about the “gospel” No he is saying the “gospel” came with “power” the “gospel” is not just talk or hearsay there is real proof. Was Jesus Christ born? Did Jesus Christ live a real life? Was the life of Jesus Christ an active life? Did Jesus Christ die? Did Jesus Christ come back to life by way of resurrection? Did Jesus Christ ascend back to heaven? That has been questioned by many. What separates words and shows proof? Power! A lightbulb is nothing without the power of electricity then it becomes light. How? By the power of the electric current. The Gospel and the name of Jesus Christ is nothing without the Power of the Holy Spirit which is in you once you have trusted in what Jesus Christ has done for you. 

Colossians 1:27 (KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: There’s the Power “Christ in you” Christ can only be seen in you by how we have greatly changed on the outside. 

Matthew 12:34 (KJV) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

What is in our heart will come out our mouth. What is coming out as we talk? When we mention God’s name how is it coming out of our mouths? That’s because that’s the way it is in our heart. 

🌄Every Day?🙏

The Bible is the only book that reads the reader.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 (KJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; How would that make you feel if someone came up to you with great zeal and said to you  “I want you know that I give thanks to God always for you making mention of you in my prayers regularly. His name is Danny and he is more than a good friend to me. Almost without fail every morning he will text me a 7. You might say “what’s that all about?” That means nothing; I can’t help it but I’m going to use this little phrase to explain. To the untrained eye,👀 I’m sorry I just don’t get to use that phrase. Here is what that seven means to me with the trained eye.🔍Danny is saying with that number 7 I prayed for you this day or I gave thanks to God for you making mention of you in my prayer. He will never know what that does for me. If I am a little discouraged here it comes, at the right time for it’s never the same time of the day.  Boom, I'm motivated to go another mile. I wish I could do the same for him. That’s his ministry, the ministry that God gave him, the burden God laid upon his heart and mind and he does it with great zeal. Thanks Danny for you faithfulness.