Author: missionspaul

Every morning that you wake PEACE is right there waiting for you.

Some will wake today after experiencing a deep loss … but they wake with the Lord of peace.

Some will be afraid to go into work for all kinds of reasons … but they go with the Lord of peace.

Some are expecting a phone call or a letter that will determine their next chapter of life … yes, you understand what I am saying. The Lord is peace is with you every moment of the day. So when someone is praying for peace to be with you it isn’t because peace isn’t there but it is so that you will know He is.

It has to be the greatest prayer.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 16-18)

Now …. I don’t think I will be seeing you again.

Now …. After all I have said to you there is just one more important point to make.

Now …. I need to pray for you again.

Now …. This is probably the most important thing.

He is your Peace.

John 14 v27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

It is a peace that remains. It doesn’t change or die because of the circumstance.

At all times and in every way. It doesn’t matter what circumstances you are in today or tomorrow this prayer is for peace that flows continuously from the Lord to you.

This prayer is that you will recognise that no matter what you are going through the Lord of peace has set up home in your life.

Oh and this is Paul himself. His letter was transcribed. But he is putting his name to it. This is personal. This is from his own heart… and hand!

The final word and the final blog on Thessalonians and its peace, the Lord is peace and its grace. Peace and Grace are here with you now.

There has been a push-back against these words over the years and rightly so. Tough love has a no-nonsense and no-negotiation approach whilst still proclaiming this is done in love. The challenge has been because some have taken this to the borders of abuse damaging relationships etc. It is a fine line and one that some fail in their crossing of it. Yet softness doesn’t seem to work either.

Paul is closing down his letter. See how strongly he feels about what he has written.

“Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 14-15)

Strong words aren’t they?

But the intention is not for exclusivity in itself but to bring back the disobedient believer. This is not for the sins of murder or immorality etc. It is for those who are not complying with Paul’s command to work hard. What he means I think is don’t let them keep borrowing with no intention to repay, don’t let them carry on sponging. But do explain that enough is enough and that it is them who needs to change.

The devil never warns us. He wants us to fail. He will never come alongside and say if you don’t do what you are reading in the Bible (ie Paul’s letter) it is all going to go wrong for you. It is the Church that is commanded to warn. But if we don’t then who is going to do it? No one and every one will live as they seem fit. When we warn, don’t do it as if they’re an enemy, someone you don’t like, but as a loved brother or sister in Christ who you want the very best for.

Who are you in relationship with today that God is calling you to warn? Tread carefully, pray for wisdom, but don’t miss any opportunity God may give.

If your life is all about comparing yourself with others then disappointment is never far away. People will disappoint you. But keep your eyes on Jesus and keep on doing good.

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 11-13)

Around your life and they may be Christians you will see:-

• The idle
• Those who disrupt.
• Those who look busy but who are not really doing anything worthwhile.

Though Paul commands them to stop being like this he brings an encouragement to those who are not like that.

When you are working hard and see lazy people it can be disheartening. When you see those who are not uniting or loving but they’re just causing problems wherever they go, it can be easy to say I don’t want to do this anymore. It is easy to abandon the work when others are ruining it. When you are living a life of integrity and you see others looking like they’re the real deal and working hard and speaking the right things but it is all pone charade then it is understandable that you wonder what is the point of it all?

Paul has an instruction, don’t tire from doing what is good. Don’t give up. Don’t back down. Don’t let other people who are ruining their own race ruin yours.

If some abuse your generosity that doesn’t mean you have to stop giving to others.

If some have verbal diarrhoea and arrogantly talk about themselves all the time that doesn’t mean you stop talking and telling of what God has done for you.

You will get tired but that is not the reason for giving up what you know is good.

You will sacrifice but that is not the reason to give up and it will be worth it when you see the success of God in your life.

You will get people’s backlash and words will be spoken against you but that is not the reason to stop doing good, look how others have and are suffering for the same thing.

You will have defeats, failures and disappointments but that is not the reason to stop doing good. That is life.

You may not get a reward for all your effort on earth but do not give up because there is a reward in heaven.

Keep your eyes off others especially the lazy, deceiving, disruptive people and keep doing what you are doing, keep to the good path.

Some people may not like what I feel these verses are saying:-

“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 6-10)

The Message gives a helpful line: “Don’t permit them to freeload on the rest.”

Here is a key to life: work hard!

The New Testament leader who moved in the power of the Spirit, the chief church planter, operating in the Spirit seeing signs, wonders and many miracles and we are told:-

• He paid for his own food from the work that he had done.
• He worked night shifts.
• He worked day shifts.
• He laboured.
• He toiled
• He was not a burden to anyone.

If that is the main apostle then surely every one of us need to pay attention.

Some people are part time with things that need full time attention.

If you only work half-heartedly then your results will show it.

Some travel the world to find the strategies for success or to receive some special anointing to bring about remarkable results which only come through sheer hard work.

Some people are praying for a move of God when actually a move of God’s people is needed. Why should God work when His people are lazy?

If a worker deserves his wages (1 Tim 5:18) then sadly perhaps we should be saving more money in Christian ministries?

Why should we be talking about rest and taking a Sabbath when work is in decline?

Those who don’t see what they long to see have most probably stopped working for what they saw a long time ago.

Some retire though they were never tired because they never put a shift in.

Maybe today some people are just one day of work away from their breakthrough but they have decided not to show up.

Let’s work.

“We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 4-5)

Paul was not confident in the Thessalonians. But he was definitely confident in the Lord. After all his teaching and now these 2 letters he has sent them he says his confidence is in God. He doesn’t know how they will respond without God. It is true that without God we are nothing. If these Thessalonians are going to continue to follow Jesus it won’t be because of how good they are. It would be because of God. Of course it is a partnership. God cannot break our free will to follow Him or not. But ultimately everything is because of Him.

So he prays. It’s all about prayer isn’t it?

Actually it is all about whether God will decide to move upon His people.

Don’t we just want that for our nation? “God direct the hearts of people back to you!”

The result is they will love like God does and they will live in the steadfastness of Christ. It’s not sympathy we need at times, not even a listening ear … We need someone to say don’t give up! What are you facing? Hold on! I am praying for you!

People never just give up. They gave up behind the smiles and laughter a long time ago. No matter how resilient you are if you are not continually being empowered by Christ then you will fade.

I’m not thinking you need to ‘pull your socks up’ or to ‘keep smiling’ under duress. But rather have a conquering patience with anything that life can throw at you knowing that the Lord will direct your heart into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Whether your friend makes it though isn’t in the end your responsibility. I gave up that burden a while ago. There were moments when I thought I wanted a certain friend to follow Jesus more than they did! Sometimes we just have to leave things with the Lord.

Having asked for prayer for matters that he and the team are facing Paul then says this most wonderful statement:

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 3)

Even if some reject the gospel the Lord is faithful and will find others that will be saved.

Even if ‘wicked and evil people’ (v2) come against you the Lord is faithful and will stand with you in those times.

Even if the evil one attacks you the Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you.

The faithfulness of the Lord never gives up and never runs out. It is constant, continuous and unconditional. It is as new as the day you first experienced it. It was, it is and it will forever be. It cannot be altered, watered down or stolen.

The faithfulness of the Lord is a theological truth and yet it is not for the doctrinal shelf. No! We experience the faithfulness of the Lord every day of our lives. In difficulty? The Lord is faithful! He provides us with stability, comfort and hope. He is faithful!

When the storms of life rage around us and our circumstances seem so uncertain, knowing God is faithful is our greatest comfort.

We live in a world of uncertainty. It is continually changing. We may wonder who we can rely on. Friends come and go. Promises come and go. Commitments come and go. But the Lord is faithful. He never changes.

So turn to Him today.

“I never saw that coming” ever said that? I am sure you have. I said that recently when I discovered that there was a struggle in someone’s life when their exterior suggested all was well.

A Church can be growing numerically and have wonderful services on a Sunday but behind the scenes it isn’t all glory, wonder and praise.

I recall many years ago visiting a couple in the side room of a hospital ward where the wife had just given birth to her baby. The horror was that that the baby had died. There they were with their Pastor trying to work it all out. The tears flowed and I prayed with them many times. I visited their room many times on that occasion. It was easy to do because across the corridor my wife had given birth to our child. My church was small, I was the only Pastor, I had my own personal matters going on, joyful ones, but I also had members of my church going through their own hell. Naturally they were not thinking about my personal matters they had their whole focus on what mattered to them. And so we read this moving into the final section of the letter:-

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 1-2)

Paul has written to them to challenge the deception that was occurring, putting the record straight of what he did say and didn’t say regarding the return of Christ and setting out his eschatology of the end times.

But Paul personally needs prayer. Paul had personal issues himself when he was writing this. It can be translated simply as ‘finally’ but I love this way, ‘as for other matters’. I love it because it shows that even in the Apostle’s life and team they too had needs. It is worth thinking about in every relationship you have. Life is never only about you no matter how difficult it gets.

1. As for other matters, I need prayer. You are my brothers and sisters, my family. Myself and my team we are in need. You are persecuted, facing deceiving voices and trials are constant but it isn’t a bed of roses for us either. Will you pray for us? It is actually encouraging sometimes to know that the Pastor and their family are also struggling. One of the lies sold to the Pastor is this: “Oh, you can’t have a good friend inside the church because you can’t really be honest with them.” It really is rubbish. Some of my closest friends were those who worked alongside me in the church. J.C. Ryle said, “Friendship is that gift from God that doubles our joys and halves our sorrows.” As for other matters, pray for me. There are other things that matter perhaps what your friend hasn’t realised. I don’t see some of my close friends now. Maybe once a year but I know I can text them right now and say, ‘By the way, pray for me, I am in need.’
2. As for other matters, my work is still going on. I am still carrying vision in my heart. I am still running with desire that people be saved. I want to see evangelisation across huge areas (for Paul it would have been the Roman Empire that was in mind). I am still doing it. The team are still taking the gospel. Pray for us.
3. As for other matters, we are really struggling. We have been facing wicked people who are evil. These are obviously specific people though Paul doesn’t mention them. Paul and the team were being hindered. This was their greatest challenge at that moment. I wonder today when you speak to that person if you simply ask them, ‘what is their greatest challenge right now is?’ what would they say. The fact that you asked it would encourage them in that you are taking the time to realise that they have a backstage, they have other matters than the one you are talking to them about.

As for other matters really does matter.

In what is again a surprise that Jesus is mentioned before the Father but probably because the sacrifice of Jesus has been the central point of Paul’s letter, Paul closes this section with a prayer.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2 v 16-17)

If ever anyone disputes Jesus is God then it is sentences like these in the New Testament that prove He is. Jesus and the Father, two members of the trinity are one God. Paul prays that the Christians are strengthened so that they keep on the right course. He doesn’t want them swayed by persecution, deception or disappointment. He prays they might be strengthened in heart and in what they do and in what comes out of their mouth. How? Simple. God’s unconditional and gracious love seen through the sacrifice of Jesus. I can think of many who need that prayer today. I know of people in prison because of their faith who need that prayer today. There are Pastors needing that prayer today; those who used to be pastors; those in the churches and those who have left the churches; they all need that prayer today. Thankfully, God is here. As you read this. Pause. He is here right now and this prayer is for you. Be strengthened.

Perhaps these verses will help you.

Perhaps the only way to keep leading people is for you to be strengthened.  “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” Deut 3:28

Perhaps the only way to stand your ground when the enemy next strikes is for you to be strengthened. “Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.” 1 Kings 20:22

Perhaps the only way to stand against intimidation is for you to be strengthened. “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9

Perhaps the only way to get through your grief is for you to be strengthened. “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28

Perhaps the only way to stand when it seems everything around you is dry and barren is for you to be strengthened. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Perhaps the only way for you to face your greatest ordeal on earth is for you to be strengthened. “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:43

Perhaps the only way your seen life can keep going is for your unseen life be strengthened. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

Powerful verses all speaking of a God who strengthens because He graciously loves us.

Those are the words for today 11th November as we remember the war dead. Lest we forget …

Poignant. For our next verse in this second letter to the Thessalonians also tells us to not forget. 

Do you remember your Sunday school teacher, youth leader, those ministers who preached the Bible to you in church or maybe your parents? Do you remember what they taught you? 

Do you remember what you received? Do you remember the light that shone in the darkness of your soul? Look back on what has been taught you over the years. Do you remember the day you gave your life to Jesus? Do you remember the baptism of water? The baptism of the Spirit? Do you remember the songs you sang which testified of your life as a follower? Do you remember the worship times when you experienced the presence of God?

Do you remember the one who passed the baton to you? They may have died some time ago. But do you remember how they influenced you and the story of your life? Look behind you for a moment, who is there? There will be people you have forgotten. Their acts of kindness, neighbours, old friends, work colleagues, church believers, their words of comfort, cards and letters written. They are innumerable. They did it to pass the baton on.

Retain what you remember. If your present life as a Christian is less than what it was yesterday then get it back. Refresh. Set the renew button. Hold on to what you had, retain it. If you believed for revival and a powerful move of God in the past retain it now. If you were passionate for Jesus in the past then keep that passion now. If the Church or the Christian is worse than its past then it lost something but it can get it back. Retrace your steps as you remember what you have received and heard and then take hold again and this time retain it.

This is what Paul is desiring for the Thessalonians:-

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Whether it be persecution, personal suffering, deceptive attacks, temptation and trial the Apostle appeals to the family of God to stand firm because it is like standing in the severest of storms and so he says again to hold fast. The Message says ‘keep a tight grip’ and the NASB ‘hold on’. On what? Again the NASB says the ‘traditions’ and here as we have read, ‘teachings’ that Paul and the apostles passed on to them.

The whole reason for writing this second letter was because they had let go of what had been placed into their life whether by preaching/teaching in person or by letter read to them. If your ancestors in the faith who passed down to you the baton of Christian doctrine, Biblical truth and prophetic revelation had a spotlight on your life today what would they say? Do you care? How far away do we wander in the name of progression? Everyone wants to move forward but Paul wants them to stand still on the traditions/teachings. 

Do not forget.

In the context of Paul warning the Thessalonian believers about being deceived regarding the timing of Christ’s return and then describing a period of lawlessness he now begins to thank God for them.

Here is the thing and what more and more people especially of the Christian faith should know:-

You are not here to be deceived. 

You are not here to come under a great delusion nor to suffer the judgment of it. 

You are here to experience future security with all of the blessings attached to that. 

And here is the big thing: 

YOU were in the mind of God before anything in the past so that you would be here in the present and therefore secured for what is ahead tomorrow. 

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14

The firstfruits. The original first idea of God. When there was nothing. In the chaos and void an idea was formed. Let me put it in the singular for greater effect. 

You. You’re still here. Older. Scarred a bit from the wounds of life. Tired maybe and struggling at times. Highs and lows of life. But still, you’re here! Because you are then you need to be reminded:-

He chose you. He still does. Before you chose Him He had already done so. In fact His choosing of you made it easier for you to choose Him. 

He loved you. He still does. It’s the motivation for all that He does in your life. 

He would save you. Incredible to think that before you breathed your first breath He had decided He would be your Saviour and He hasn’t changed His mind, your Saviour is still here. 

He would sanctify you. He still does. He was not content to just save you from the consequence of sin; the heavy burden of sin is lifted by making you holy. He sees your salvation but the world sees your sanctification. 

He would present the truth to you. He still does. The work of His Spirit through His Word giving you the opportunity to believe is there every day.

He would share His glory with you. He still does. As time goes on you become more and more like Jesus. 

And once again (he had done so at the start of this letter 1:3) Paul gave thanks to God for that original idea. And if the above applies to you then so should we all. Truly YOU was a great idea!