Felix, the Governor of Judea, was well acquainted with the “Way”…in fact he was even married to a Jewess named Drusilla. So as he listened to Paul speak about faith in Jesus Christ, conviction hit a little too close to home. Conviction by the Holy Spirit is an intense persuasion…a laying bare of our personal sin, and the realization of the judgment to come if we don’t repent. Paul saw this force at work by the Holy Spirit first hand and later wrote to the Thessalonians, “Because our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” (I Thessalonians 1:5) Never underestimate the power of conviction by the Holy Spirit…for it is unrelenting and able to reach where no human words can.
Tag: I Thessalonians
I Thessalonians 1:2 ” We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”
And I do want to thank each one of you! Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the Safetypinlove.com. This post is its 1639th devotional…reaching into 121 countries around the world. As I marvel at God’s work, His faithfulness, and His divine guidance, I want to take this moment to thank each and every one of you who have faithfully stood by me in this endeavor over the last five years. Your words of encouragement and support have spurred me on many times when I felt I couldn’t continue. So what have I learned in 5 years writing this daily devotional? I’ve learned that God can use anyone as long as they are obedient. He will take what you have, and then bless and multiply it for His glory. I’ve learned that my vision is minuscule compared to God’s vision…and that I shouldn’t limit His vision for me or for this Devotional. And finally, I’ve learned to be grateful…grateful for readers who share posts with others over Social Media, thankful for each new country that’s been added to the Reader base, and especially I thank God for you…whether you’ve been part of this for the last 5 years, or you’ve stumbled upon this for the very first time today…know that you’re not here by chance, but that God has brought you here for a reason. For the Lord loves you and His Word is alive and powerful and filling the world. To Him be the glory! Pam
I Thessalonians 5:14 ” And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Even though Paul was addressing this letter to the Church in Thessalonica…he probably could be speaking directly to any modern-day Church you know. Certain members of the Thessalonian Church, in anticipation of Christ’s return, had become careless and neglectful of their responsibility to work and support themselves. In other words…they were sitting around, waiting for the Rapture! Now, we may not see that degree of slothfulness in Church today…but what you can see is the attitude that “It’s me and Thee, God, and I’m not worrying about anybody else.” Paul warned that laziness and apathy would contribute to the downfall of any Church. Secondly, as the Church Body, we are to be Spiritual Cheerleaders for the fainthearted…the worry-warts…and those who can only see the cup half empty. We are to be encouragers of each other. Finally, as the Church, we are all to be ready with a helping hand for those who are weak spiritually, for when they grow, the Church grows.
I Thessalonians 3:5 ” For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. “
Temptation in and of itself isn’t sin…but if acted upon, gives way to sin. And temptation acted upon, gives leave to a gateway or portal of evil into our very being. Evil now has a foothold…a threshold into our lives that we can’t even imagine. We’re all tempted on a daily basis, by endless means, all focused to cause us to fall into sin. But we don’t have to give in…and we don’t have to permit that entryway to be established in our lives. God is greater than any temptation that will befall you today. Look to Him for guidance.
I Thessalonians 4:1 ” Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
It would be easy if living a Godly life was a once and done…or if we could somehow attain “Christian perfection.” Unfortunately, our walk is a lifelong journey…our race is a marathon not a sprint. What we learn one day…we apply to the next…and slowly we’re changed…day by day.
I Thessalonians 2:4 ” On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, Who tests our hearts.”
There will come a time when you’ll come to a crossroads and you’ll have to make a hard decision…do you please man, or God. Sure, pleasing man is easy, painless and non-confrontational…for the moment. But it usually comes with compromise and difficulties in the end. When we intentionally and deliberately focus our conduct on what the Lord would want us to do…people will see that our walk matches our talk.
Safetypinlove 