The book of Amos was not an easy book to read this morning. At one point, I wondered if there would be anything significant to pull out of it – I questioned whether or not God would have a message in it for me or for anyone else who might be sharing this morning coffee with me today. But God is faithful and His Scriptures are never insignificant.

The prophet Amos…well, that’s actually a good place to stop because Amos would not have considered himself a prophet. Amos was simply a shepherd with a heart open to doing anything God asked him to do, even if he felt unqualified for it. Here is what Amos had to say about his call from God:

“I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’ – Amos 7:14-15

I love his heart! I love how Amos was just minding his own business, doing his thing, when God called him away to do his work, and Amos responding with a willing heart. This is in direct contrast to what was happening among God’s people at that time. Amos’ call was to speak of God’s judgment on His people. Here was God’s accusation against His people.

The behavior of God’s people, the nation of Israel & Judah as well as 6 other nations, could be narrowed down to three words – arrogance, selfishness, and pretense. The put their own selfish desires for luxury before the needs of others around them. They were abusive and oppressive to those who had less than they did – the weak, the needy, and the poor. They ignored the needs of others and filled their hunger for earthly possessions. Because of this, God’s judgment was going to fall HARD on these people.

This should be of significance for those of us who have been blessed with so much. God was clear in Amos’ prophecies that He was done with the arrogance of a nation who felt they were better than others. He was going to punish this selfish generation who put their own needs ahead of the needs of others. He was bringing judgment on those who continued to go through the motions of worship and the rituals of sacrifice but who were not living a lifestyle of sacrifice and worship.

God did not choose judgment before first drawing His people to Himself, but they would not listen.

“I brought hunger…but still you would not return to me…
I kept rain from falling when your crops needed it the most…but still you would not return to me…
I struck your farms and vineyards…but still you would not return to me…
I sent plagues…but still you would not return to me…
I destroyed some of your cities…but still you would not return to me…
THEREFORE I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!” – Amos 4:6-12

God is not part of this world and cannot be manipulated by it. He determines how people can come to him. Attending church regularly, paying tithe and going through the rituals of being a believer are not substitutes for a GENUINE heart.

“I hate all of your show and pretense – the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” – Amos 5:21-24

“You sing trivial songs to the sound of a harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David. You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions. You care nothing about the ruin of your nation. Therefore, you will be the first to be led away as captives. Suddenly, all your parties will end.” – Amos 6:5-7

God’s people had a false notion of privilege. They continued to live a life of self-indulgence and spoke of how they were looking forward to the day of the Lord but they did not realize that the Lord was coming not to absolve their sinfulness but to punish them. They believed that the covenant God had made with His people allowed them to live as they pleased – arrogance, selfishness and pretense – but God required righteous living. They lived as if God owed them salvation and eternal life because of a decision made a long time ago. But God does not ignore sin (7:8). He calls His people to “Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!…Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice” (5:14-15).

Lord, forgive us for our moments of arrogance when we think too much of ourselves and too little of others. Forgive us for living comfortably with all you have blessed us with while others around us are in need. Forgive us for our attitudes of privilege and expectations of rewards because of a decision we made a long time ago when we have not continued to live the righteous life you have called us to. Open our eyes and call us out of our own agendas for today. We desire to respond to your call on our lives and do whatever you are asking us to do. Thank you for being a God who loves us enough to draw us to Yourself. Thank you for your love and for your justice. Amen.

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation. – Joel 1:3

This hard time that you are going through, this time of loss and mourning over what you used to have, pay attention for this is a time you need to tell your children about and they need to tell their children. For generations they will have this story of how the Lord is going to provide for you and bring you out of this valley of trouble, for it is a gateway to hope (Hosea 2:15).

The grapevines have dried up, and the fig trees have withered. The pomegranate trees, palm trees, and apple trees – all the fruit trees – have dried up. And the people’s joy has dried up with them. – Joel 1:12

Everything that has sustained you and all that has given you pleasure is being taken away from you, it is drying up, and with it, your joy. You begin to wonder, “Is God really a merciful and loving God? Am I being punished for something?” God responds to your need for answers and confirms His identity to you. He instructs you on how to respond to this difficult time – this time of uncertainty.

Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the Lord your God, and cry out to him there. – Joel 1:14

This is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is EAGER to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of a curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before. – Joel 2:12-14

God confirms who He is. Look back at all He has done for you over the years. Remember His faithfulness to you and know with confidence that He has more blessings to pour into your life.

Surely the Lord has done great things! Don’t be afraid, my people. Be glad now and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things. Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field, for the wilderness pastures will soon be green. The trees will again be filled with fruit; fig trees and grapevines will be loaded down once more. Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. The threshing floor will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.

The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. Once again you will have all the food you want and you will praise the Lord your God, who does these miracles for you. – Joel 2:20b-26a

God is in the middle of all of this. None of this has caught Him by surprise. Remember His faithfulness and trust that He has great plans for your future, that your joy will not be dry forever but that you will rejoice again in how your God has provided during a difficult time. You will have a story of God’s provision and His redemption to tell your children and your children’s children.

God gave Adam & Eve an incredible opportunity to live in intimate relationship with their Creator. He blessed them generously, yet they chose to disobey. Even though He had greatly blessed them, they disregarded God’s plan, ignored God’s purpose in their creation and satisfied their own desires instead of faithfully following God.

God gave the nation of Israel this same opportunity. He rescued them from slavery and gave them Canaan – a land flowing with milk and honey. He showered them with spiritual and material blessings, asking them to stay on His path of righteousness and worship Him only. But they disregarded God’s plan, ignored God’s purpose and satisfied their own desires instead of faithfully following God.

Hosea the prophet’s life became an example of the unfaithfulness of Israel to their God. Hosea married a prostitute who continued to be unfaithful to him despite his generous love to her. Hosea’s anguish over his wife’s sins represents the heart of our God who grieves when we choose to love ourselves or something else more than we love Him. There were consequences to Gomer’s unfaithfulness coming from a heart full of mercy, just as God’s punishment and the natural consequences of our sins come out of mercy for the purpose of redemption.

She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has – the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all my gifts to Baal.

“But then I will win her back once again.
I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.
I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.
She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.
When that day comes,” says the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master.’…
I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion.
I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. – Hosea 2:8-20

God offers each one of us the incredible opportunity to live in an intimate relationship with our Creator – the one who knows everything about us and loves us more than we can imagine. He enters into a covenant relationship with us, requiring us to walk down a path of righteousness – following God’s plan, clinging to God’s purposes and living fully for Him. When we break that covenant by putting something else or someone else ahead of Him (idols), out of His great love and mercy for us He allows us to go through a time of judgment or punishment or consequences for our actions. This serve as His way of drawing us back to Him in order that He might restore us and reestablish His covenant with us. God’s hope always follows His judgment! He turns our valley of trouble into a gateway to hope.

God’s desire for an intimate relationship:

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me, more than I want burnt offerings – Hosea 6:6

God’s generous blessings on our lives and our tendency to turn away from all He has for us:

But the richer the people get, the more pagan altars they build.
The more bountiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars.
The hearts of the people are fickle; they are guilty and must be punished (10:1-2).

“I have been the Lord your God ever since I brought you out of Egypt.
You must acknowledge no God but me, for there is no other savior.
I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land.
But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me.” – (13:4-6)

His call on our lives to live righteously:

I said, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love.
Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” – 10:12

Out of His great mercy, God’s punishes us with the judgment or consequences to our unfaithfulness, for the purpose of restoring us to a right relationship with Him:

“Oh Judah, a harvest of punishment is also waiting for you, though I wanted to restore the fortunes of my people.

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” – Hosea 6:1-3

God’s judgment is always followed by the hope of restoration:

The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever…
My people will again live under my shade…
O Israel, stay away from idols!
I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.
I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.”

The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them (14:9b).

Where are we on this path or journey? Are we enjoying an intimate relationship with God, resting in His plan and His purpose? Are we turning away from all of His blessings in our lives and continuing to search for something the world has to offer? Is God even now transforming our Valley of Trouble into a Gateway of Hope? Are we living once again under His shade, where the tree is always green and He is bearing fruit in our lives?

I have really enjoyed studying Paul’s letters over the last couple of months. This morning, I looked at one more. Paul’s letter to Philemon is the shortest of his letters. He was writing to Philemon and his church to let them know that his runaway slave, Onesimus, is returning home. Paul was in prison while writing this letter and perhaps that is where he met Onesimus. There are two strong messages in Paul’s letter to Philemon, Onesimus’ master – forgiveness and genuine love.

Paul is writing a letter of recommendation, sort of. He is sending Onesimus back to his master to ask for forgiveness and devote himself to him. Paul wants Philemon to see his slave as his brother in Christ and extend forgiveness to him. Paul speaks of Philemon’s faith in the Lord Jesus and his love for all of God’s people. He is trying to help Philemon identify his slave as one of God’s people to be loved in this same way, despite the way in which he has wronged his master.

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you…I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus…Onesimus hasn’t been much help to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my heart (Philemon 6-12).

With today being Good Friday, our day to remember how Christ died on the cross for us, my mind goes to His example of forgiveness He displayed while on the cross. Jesus was between two criminals – one shouting out condemnation and insults to him, one begging for forgiveness and grace. Jesus set the bar high for us. Even while dying for this criminal’s sins, as well as for my sins and your sins, Jesus was willing to forgive this man and offer to him eternal life.

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified – one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:32-34a).

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself – and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43

Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me. Thank you for your willingness to die for all of our sins in order that we might experience eternal life. Lord, may your Spirit reveal in me any unforgiveness or unresolved hurt or anger toward anyone. Thank you for forgiving me. Give me the strength to always extend that same forgiveness to others, even if they are not apologetic. Help me to forgive with a Good Friday kind of forgiveness. May my focus always be on You and not on me or on others. I love you, Jesus! Amen.

We have two more letters from Paul to look at – Titus and Philemon. There must have been similar issues going on in the church in Crete, because Paul wrote on many of the same issues. And consistent with all of Paul’s letters, he again touched on the fact that we are saved by grace not by works but saved to do good works and live a holy life.

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds (Titus 2:11-14).

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teaching are good and beneficial for everyone (3:8).

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” – Titus 3:4-7

Last night we attended the Passion Play at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. During the crucifixion scene, I had to focus on Christ and pull myself away from the actors. To consider what Jesus did for me on the cross, how He gave His life for me… How do we adequately express our thanks for that kind of love?

“not because of the righteous things we had done” and in spite of the large quantity of sins He had to wash away. Christ GENEROUSLY died on a cross so that I can walk away from my old self and allow Him to create within me someone new – a new life through the Holy Spirit. As a way of showing my gratitude and our surrender to His Lordship, I lay my life in His hands with a willingness to do whatever He calls me to do today.

Saved by grace…

Saved to a total commitment to do good deeds!

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:5

In Paul’s last letter, he speaks again of the holiness to which God has called each of us. He has given us the Holy Spirit, through whom we have the power to stop giving in to our sinful nature and start following the urgings of the Spirit. He warns believers not to live as if they have to sin, as if they cannot overcome sin. As we talked about yesterday, he calls us to recognize that the power of the cross is available to us today through the fire of the Holy Spirit.

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts (2 Timothy 2:20-22).

God has a purpose for each one of our lives and the pursuit of righteousness is what keeps us ready to be used by Him, for His purpose, in His time, in His way.

But you must remain faithful to those things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teach us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work (3:14-17).

I love this scripture because it reminds me of the change that takes place in me each morning as I sit down with my Bible and my cup of coffee and spend precious time with my God. His words I read on the page and His words I hear Him gently whisper change me each day. I don’t have to trust in my own ability to live a holy life but I can trust in Jesus to make changes in my heart and in my mind. When I read a verse or passage that convicts me, I have a choice. I can say, “That’s me. I’m sinful and I mess this up every day.” Or I can say, “Lord, you know I need your help in this area. Teach me to do the right thing. Prepare me and equip me for every good thing you want to use me for today.” I use grace not as an excuse or explanation for my sin, but as the power to clean me up and make me a “utensil for honorable use.”

It is believed that this is the last letter Paul ever wrote. He puts in one sentence a summary of how he looks back at his life – a testimony that I pray I can give at the end of my life.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-9

May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you. – 2 Timothy 4:22

Be bold. Be strong. In Paul’s last letter, he seems to be passing on the mantle to Timothy and to the other young leaders in the Church. He knew he would die soon for the sake of the gospel and he wanted to encourage those who would still be around to continue the work – not in fear of persecution and death but with strength and power.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Paul used fire as an illustration of power. Have you ever watched a fire closely? We have all watched on the news as fire engulfed a car or a house or an entire community. Some fires are unquenchable and uncontainable. But if a fire runs out of what is fueling it, it will die out. The passion God places inside of us through His Holy Spirit is strong like a fire but also needs fueled or it will burn out. We have to purposefully keep the fire within us burning strongly.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News (2 Timothy 1:8-10).

Paul gave Timothy the illustration of fire and the example of Christ Jesus. He contrasts shame and strength, showing that God has called us to live boldly – not defeated by sin but overcoming it by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Christ died for us, which shows strength! Christ conquered death, which shows power! The strength Jesus displayed through His death and resurrection shines a light on the path before us that leads to life – eternal life through accepting the Good News of what Christ did for us on the cross.

That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you (1 Timothy 12-14).

The fire of the Spirit + the power of the cross = trust in God and a life shaped by our faith and love in Jesus. This kind of bold living is required in order to guard the truth that has been entrusted to us – meant not to hold on to secretly but to share for the sake of multiplication.

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

Paul doesn’t promise Timothy that this life will come without troubles but he directs Timothy to the authority of the One he is following and the reward that comes to those who are willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation to others and eternal glory in Christ Jesus.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor…

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen (2:3-6,8-10).

God, we ask for a refueling this morning of Your Spirit in our lives. Fan the flame and fill us with the confidence we receive in knowing that Christ died for us and conquered death so that we might live. May we be soldiers, enlisted by You for the cause of Christ. May we be athletes who throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and may we run this race with perseverance. As hardworking farmers, help us to sow seeds for you so that others will grow and come to know of the salvation they can find in You.

Paul has a few warnings for Timothy and for those in leadership in the church.

1. Don’t get sidetracked from the mission and calling.

Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed the whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussion (1 Timothy 1:4-6).

2. Know in your heart that you are right with God.

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked (1:19).

3. Live a life of integrity.

So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him…In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity…Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus (3:2-13).

4. Live a godly life.

Train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This I why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers (4:7b-10).

5. Beware of the love of money.

To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows (6:5b-10).

6. Run from evil and pursue righteousness.

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses (6:11-12).

What great advice for us today. There are so many things this world would love to use to trip us up, so many ways in which the enemy would love to get our focus off of God and onto ourselves. He feeds us with all kinds of lies and temptations but we have a faith that fights for the truth! We aren’t weakly trying to defend ourselves from the enemy. We are strongly pursuing God and His righteousness and the holy life to which He calls us!

As I read through Paul’s first letter to Timothy, I ask myself what God might have for me today. A lot of what Paul is writing about is related to church conduct but I’m wondering if He might have a word for me today hidden in 1 Timothy. Well, as a woman called by God into leadership, I find peace in knowing that God’s love for women is not matching by Paul’s opinions (2:11-15), which speak to the culture of those days as well as to the life that still exists for women today in the Middle East. In fact, being reminded of my call this morning and being humbled by the incredible opportunities God has given me – me, who deserves none of these blessings – I find myself relating to Paul’s testimony in chapter 1, verses 12-17.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

What a great opportunity to stop and consider what God has called us to do – what He has uniquely equipped each of us to do according to the spiritual gifts He has given us. Timothy was a young man called by God and Paul urges Him to follow His calling in spite of the meaningless opinions of others around him. As a servant listens to his Master, so we should listen closely to our God and live as He calls us to live – doing what He tells us to do and saying what He tells us to say.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity (4:12-13).

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you (4:14-16).

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed before many witnesses (6:11-12).

Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all (6:20-21).

Paul has more great leadership advice for Timothy in his next letter but there’s one more thing that catches my attention in his first letter. Now, I obviously disagree with how Paul did not put women in leadership in the church, but let’s not throw out the good advice that Paul does have for us. If Paul were here today I would remind him that both Adam and Eve messed up in the garden and the result was sin. I know we have all sinned, women and men, and none of us deserves the grace God so generously pours out on us.

I am reminded in chapter two that God calls us to prayer and worship. I agree with the instructions Paul gives us here:
– Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (v.1).
– Pray this way for kings [presidents] and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity (v.2).
– In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy (v. 8).
– And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do (v.9-10).

Why do we go to church? Our hearts should be pure and we should go to church to worship God. But how often do we spend more time preparing our appearance for Sunday morning than we do preparing our hearts? How often do we harbor anger or stir up controversy instead of praying for each other and interceding for each other, giving thanks for each other? How often do we pray for the leaders and elected officials in our country or in our church?

Lord, purify our hearts and be pleased with our worship. Help us to always have our focus on YOU and your splendor instead of on others, instead of on ourselves. May we accept Your call today and pursue righteousness, fighting the good fight with faith in YOU. Thank you for the spiritual gifts you have bestowed on us – may we never forget that these are gifts from YOU and not about what we are capable of doing for You. We love you and we lift up holy hands to worship You today! Amen.

Faith, hope and love – Paul opens up his letter to the church in Thessalonica praising God and commending the church on their faithful work, their loving deeds and their enduring hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). So far we have looked at the faithful work and loving deeds. Today, even though my morning coffee has become my afternoon coffee, I put a halt to my day and stop to consider the enduring hope we have in Christ.

In the midst of suffering and persecution, God’s Church stays strong in their faith and continues living a life characterized by loving deeds, all the while hanging on to the hope that keeps them looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven – Jesus, whom God raised from the dead (1 Thess. 1:10). Paul’s prayer for them is that God continues to make their love grow and overflow, making their hearts strong, blameless, and holy as they stand before God when Jesus comes again with all his holy people (3:12-13). Paul is referring to those believers who have already died.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words (4:13-18).

For years, we have been encouraging each other with these words, finding hope in the midst of our grief and goodbyes when we lose a loved one. We find hope we will see them again and hope we will be together with the Lord forever. Now that’s hope! Paul goes on to describe to them how this will happen.

…the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains. And there will be no escape.

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (5:1-11).

So what our hope goes back to is love – the love of a God who chose to save us instead of pouring out his anger on us and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us. It gets better, His plan is for us to live with Him FOREVER! So…

Remain strong in your faith even in the midst of persecution, criticism and suffering.

Continue to let God perform loving deeds through you.

Endure with a hope that knows what our tomorrow holds and who holds our tomorrow.