Sharing Our Lives

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) “…had become…” this past tense verb phrase plays a very important role in the interpretation of this passage. It shows that there is some history behind this relationship- it has already been developing- there was a process involved. Paul, Silas, and Timothy worked at their relationship with the Thessalonians. Acquaintances (and even friends) don’t become “dear” over night. A person can have many friends, but only a few that are truly “dear”. So…how do they reach this intimate level of friendship? …by spending time with them, walking alongside them through the good times and bad times, loving them in spite of their little quirks, initiating forgiveness, and being genuine. Basically, sharing life with them…being vulnerable, real, and unselfish. Preaching the gospel to the Thessalonians was not something to cross off the apostles’ “ministry to-do list”, it was an act of love and true friendship…a delight. As Paul, Silas, and Timothy shared their lives with the Thessalonians, it was natural to share their faith with them. After all, their lives were centered around Christ. “…to live is Christ…” (Philippians 1:21) So, are you trying to witness to someone about Jesus? Don’t think of it as an item to check off your to-do list. No! Share your life, invest, and spend time with them! Be real. Show your heart. Live out your faith. Then, you will have many people that are truly “dear” to you!

Here's a "Shout Out!"

I have a part time job at the YMCA, and when someone does something that is noteworthy, we give them “Shout Out”! Basically, it’s a compliment that is broadcasted for everyone to hear. Well, today, I want to give a “Shout Out!” to two very important people in my life (that is an understatement). I was reading in the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians, where Paul, Silas, and Timothy were explaining their ministry to the Thessalonians. Paul says in verse 7, “…we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children…” and in verse 11 & 12, “…we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God…”. Paul did make a generalization of parents in this passage…assuming that all parents live this way…with godly gentleness, encouragement, comfort, and wisdom. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. But, I am so blessed to give my folks a “Shout Out!” because they have truly lived this passage out…my mom is so gentle and loving towards me. I have even told her before, “Mom, I think you love me too much!” I am forever grateful for her kindness and compassion! And, my dad…he is always challenging me to deepen my relationship with the Lord, while reminding me of his love through his comfort and encouragement. As I seek to be a blessing to others, may I follow the example of Paul, Silas, Timothy, my mom, and my dad.
(PS- Thanks, Mom & Dad! And, Happy B-day, Dad!)

Are You Model Material?

Well, I am 5’ 6”, I wear a size 8 shoe, and I am about average in weight. What do you think? Hmmm… not quite the point I was trying to make. Many times, when we hear the word, “model” we think of the airbrushed divas on the covers of magazines. Or maybe the ladies that wear those eccentric, unique, (or just plain weird) fashion designer clothes on a runway. Well, the church in Thessalonica was not seen on the cover of a magazine, but they were a different kind of model. Those believers were excellent examples that were worthy of being imitated. Even in the midst of suffering, they kept the faith and had true joy. Because of their testimony, their faith in God became known everywhere…now THAT is true model material! (“…in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia- your faith in God has become known everywhere.” 1 Thess. 1:6b-8) And, just as people started watching and modeling their lives after them, the Thessalonians watched and modeled their lives after Paul, Silas, and Timothy… (“…you became imitators of us…” 1 Thess. 1:6a). It’s a chain reaction…we can imitate other believers, and in turn, they can imitate us. But, ultimately, we have ONE top model that we imitate…JESUS CHRIST. So, who is imitating you? Is that good news or bad news? Let’s make sure that we are all model material…there are a lot of “wanna be” models watching…