🫱 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.

☕️This is Great I Just Spilled My Coffee🫟

 Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while... you don't do things right once in a while... you do them right all the time. Winning is habit.  Vince Lombardi

1 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

For our “exhortation” or our encouragement was not of  misleading words or corrupt practices, or deception.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Look what Paul is saying “we were allowed of God ” what did God allow Paul to do? “to be put in trust with the gospel” Paul knew what the Gospel was. One afternoon as Saul (Paul) for his name had not been changed by God yet. Saul on his way to capture those who are telling others about Jesus Christ. Who had died on a cross but then rose from the dead and many were turning to God from idols.. 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;

Saul was willing and ready to bring those types of people bound back to Jerusalem 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. Paul’s trip was interrupted  Acts 9:3 (KJV) And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Thank God for interruptions when life is going in the wrong direction. Have you ever thought that what we do always affects others? Well it does. That day as Saul traveled toward Damascus God changed his life and by doing so many were kept safe. You know what? They probably didn’t know it. Like the morning everything was going wrong, you couldn’t find your keys, before you could get out the door you spilled coffee on your clothes and had to change, the tire pressure was low and you had to put air in your tire. Wow you are 15 minutes late leaving the house. As you turn the radio on you hear of a 10 cars pileup on the highway you would have been on. God may have delayed you for your safety. Just a thought! How many times has our Heavenly Father protected you without you knowing it? I would say daily. 

1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

God had placed the trust of Paul Preaching the Gospel to those at Thessalonica. Paul didn’t use “flattering words” preaching the Gospel will convict us of our sin that’s why many won’t go to Church. They don’t want to be reminded that what they are doing is sinful and displeasing to God so they make excuses. Like “you don’t have to go to Church to go to heaven. No and you don’t have to know how to speak Spanish to go to Peru but it would help tremendously if you did. Why is biblical preaching so important?  The very first time we read the word “Preach” in the New Testament it’s in the Book of Matthew and Jesus is doing the preaching.

Matthew 4:17 (KJV) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus is saying “Repent” To feel sorrow. Well there you go, that's why I don’t want to go to Church. But wait preaching does more than convict

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Preaching also encourages and teaches us to walk in this present evil world..

Galatians 1:4 (KJV) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: So when we convince ourselves that it’s not all that important to attend a Bible teaching and preaching church we have just been wounded by the enemy and you can rest assured it is going to affect you and others as well. On the way to Church on Sunday I pass two Churches. One I know about the other I really don’t know anything about. The one I know about is a bible teaching and preaching Church. As I drive by there’s not very many there. As I drive by the other Church there are those showing people where to park their cars and they are everywhere. What makes the difference? I don’t know for like I said I don’t know much about the second Church. What I do know is that the one church with fewer people all have Bibles in their hands as they walk toward the Church. The other where there are so many as they walk toward the Church they have no Bibles. They could all be using their phones or ipads I don’t know.  In order to know I would just have to go. Both Churches might be doing a great work for the Lord which is what I hope. How do we view the preaching to our the Cross? Foolish or Powerful?

🙆🏻‍♂️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.