16Jan2014 - The Work in You

How you doin?  A better nights sleep last night.  There is something to be said for freedom in Christ.  We attended a social event at our church last night and enjoyed it very much.  It's good to fellowship.  It feels like the Holy Ghost is giving me rest today.  1 Thessalonians 2 today.

Verses 7-8,  "But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. ⁸ Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us."  These verses describe love for each other in brilliant way.  I can't imagine having or receiving this type of ministry and love. 

Verses 11-12,  "just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, ¹² so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."  I find myself recognizing this ministry in some of the apostles and spiritual fathers in today's body of Christ.  I praise God for those men and women.

Verse 13,  "For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe."  This verse takes the cake.  Paul and his crew delighted in seeing people receive what God is offering.  Imparting truth in disciples and watching that truth "work" in the believers.  I think the key word is "believe".  I've found that believing in my head, out of obligation or rules, is much different then believing in my heart, out of love for Jesus and His love for me.  COME ON!!!!!!!  That's a good word.  There have been many times were I've thought to myself, "I believe that because it's being said by (someone in ministry) or because it's in the Bible, but...".  Know I find myself believing in a different way.  I believe in my heart God has a work in me.  I know many people have different opinions about apostles, pastors, and teachers.  I've come to have an opinion about the Holy Ghost whom I believe can work through anyone.  I know for sure that I love the Word that is at work in me.   

The thing that stood out the most to me in this chapter is what I call "God's glory connection".  It's like a triangle.  God's love flows into certain people (that say "yes" to Christ), then God's love flows throughthem into other people (who also say "yes" to Christ), then love for God flows back to Him for His glory.  This is "God's glory connection".  As followers of Jesus we probably should be some part of this connection as He leads.  We may be a different part to different people.  We should always be saying "yes" to Jesus.  Let the Word work in you today.