Dealing With Others #312

I Thessalonians 5: 12-22                                                                     12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

The Bible often gives us words of encouragement, admonishment, counsel, and requests. In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he gives a long series of words of advice and counsel. He is writing directly to believers in Jesus Christ. He first of all tells them to appreciate their spiritual leaders. His encouragement to them is to esteem them very highly in love because of the labor towards them.

He then gives advice as to how to deal with different types of fellow believers. He urges them to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient with everyone. There are some within the flock that need reprimanded, some that are discouraged and need uplifted and some who are so weak they cannot do anything for themselves. The writer says you need to deal with each on as needed. He adds a way to show love to everyone by simply being patient with everyone.

He quickly reminds them to not get even, but to seek what is good for everyone. And then in five short but to the point verses he says: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophetic utterances, examine everything carefully, hold on to the good, and abstain from evil.

Good advice for you as you find purpose for your life today.                                            

_______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

God is so good. Daily I see people around me that have God's hand moving through their personal lives in such a way it is hard not to believe that God is good. Several years ago Sandy and I were introduced to the term and action called, "A God Search." It was whereby instead of just seeing things happen or life go by we began to look for God in literally everything. Today after years of practice we often say to one another, "God was in that." It is thrilling to observe things that would  just be daily experiences as God at work. Try it. God is not only good, but He is alive and working all around you and in you.

School is back in session. How do I know? Well a good give away is band concerts, volunteer work at the school, soccer games, musicals and homework. This week I will help chaperone the band at Collin's school on a field trip. We had the privilege of hearing both Burke and Bennett in a band concert and a Sock Hop music presentation this past week. We also attended Collins first soccer game. 

Justin and Johnny are doing well. They spend most Fridays at our house. Johnny says it is Grammies' house. I ask him where my house is and he says that I don't have one. Sad being homeless at 68. LOL Justin had a fever this week. With the new virus going around we were really concerned. 

I spoke on Thursday to our Senior Group at First Baptist. We had a wonderful time of food, fun and the Word. I saw the Doctor right after that and now am scheduled for a paracentesis at 8 Monday morning. (22nd) It is a short procedure to remove the ascites from my abdomen. Sure will be glad to be done with that, not because of the procedure but to rid my body of this access fluid. 

Sandy's new Young Mom's Bible Study is going well. Last week her lesson was on Lot's wife. Got a lot of comments and questions. The young moms seem to enjoy the study and the discussion.

I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Tempe on October 5th. It will be in the auditorium upstairs that we call the LOFT. Come join me a 9:30AM. My topic will be "The Crown of Life" from James 1:12.

I pray you will be watching for the God Moments in your life when you are aware that God is at work. 

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I also pray that God will show you His great love, mercy and grace this week. 

Blessings to all.  ~ DGW