January 6, 2011

1-6-11 Thursday, 6:25 am Springfield, 27 degrees, clear.

Yesterday was my first day back in the office, and it was very good to return to the labor of pastoring. Our executive staff had a great bi-monthly meeting followed by a meeting with our pastors in the afternoon. The WOW evening meal was tasty with good conversations around the tables, and the 7:00 training of referees for Upward basketball was a good way for me to connect with that ministry. I will lead the upward devotion on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

I Thessalonians 3
Paul laments not being able to visit the believers in Thessalonica, whom he had formed as disciples. Stuck in Athens, he sent Timothy to them, and now has received Timothy back and is thankful for the good report, of their faith and love.
Verse 8: “for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.” It seems that this is a good measurement of spiritual fruit – that disciples “stand firm in the Lord”. What would this look like in the church today, and how can we who lead ministries envision this outcome in the context of 2011, or 2015, etc. Paul is standing firm, even with great persecution. He was worried that his difficulty might somehow weaken the faith or resolve of the recipients of this letter. He is comforted that they are standing firm.

Verse 13: “so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” This is one way that Paul envisions the outcome of his ministry with this church. Hearts established unblamable in holiness seems like a good, universal vision for individuals and churches.

Guide me today most Holy Lord, establishing my heart unblamable in holiness on this day, and everyday as I labor in your vineyard, among your sheep, and in the world where the darkness cannot overcome the light of your love and presence.