Daily Bible Devotionals

“So then, we must not sleep, like the rest, but we must stay awake and be serious.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.   But since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put on the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation.  For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.  Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 (HCSB)

For the past few days, I’ve been working in my yard.  Some people like working in their yards.  When you visit their homes, it’s like entering a luxury resort.  My wife grew up in a “yard family.”  She can look at a vacant lot and envision a beautiful garden.  

When I see a vacant lot, I think, “Lucky guys, no yard work.”  I grew up in a family that prayed for August so the grass would die and we wouldn’t have to mow it!  Yes, our neighbors hated us!

I don’t like yard work because I simply don’t have a vision for what my labor could produce.  All that digging and clipping, with no immediate gratification…shrubs just don’t grow fast enough!   To paraphrase the girl group TLC, “I don’t want no shrubs.”

Sometimes, being a follower of Jesus can seem like self-sacrificing work with no foreseeable payoff.  It’s easy to get impatient, especially if we can’t visualize what we’re working towards.

The congregation at Thessalonica had problems understanding what it meant to wait on the Lord.  They had to learn to patiently endure the work of faith and the labor of love with hope.  The primary purpose of Paul’s letter was to provide the Thessalonians with an accurate vision of what their faithfulness (and faithlessness) would yield.

Paul describes the abstract concepts of “faith, hope & love” with action-oriented terms to motivate the Thessalonians.  Impatient people need a sense of momentum.  In chapter 1, Paul referenced the “Work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope.”  Later, he boils them down to “turning, serving, and waiting.”  In today’s chapter, he uses military terms.

Perhaps you are feeling impatient or even bored with (seemingly) rote Christian activities like Bible reading, prayer, or church service.  It is important to remember we are amidst a raging spiritual war.  While we may not be experiencing a direct attack, someone around you probably is!  Eventually, we are all attacked.  If we can visualize the war in the light of our overwhelming spiritual “ammunition,” we can endure our battles with hope for the victory.

By the way, my yard is starting to take shape…by my wife’s direction and my shoveling.

“Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you must walk and please God – as you are doing – do so even more.”  1 Thessalonians 4:1 (HCSB)

There are basically two types of slaves:  those forced into it and those who willingly apply for it.

Many people have an inappropriate view of Jewish Biblical slave life.  They have the Alex Haley “Roots” and Cecil B. DeMille  “10 Commandments” views, where the slaves are constantly beaten.  Of course, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and, under foreign oppression, were beaten.  However, within the nation of Israel, there was voluntary slavery, which was not usually physically brutal.  

I’m not making a case for slavery.  I believe it’s cruel and inhumane.  I’m just saying that Paul’s use of slave imagery was received more positively in his day than in ours.  Jewish slaves within the national Hebrew life were more respected and treated better than those of, say, the American Civil War era.

Accounts given by former slaves after the U.S. Civil War told how they got through the day.  The overall goal was to do as little as possible but just enough to avoid the whip.  That is, they didn’t want to honor their oppressors, yet they didn’t want to provoke them either.  

Some Believers in Jesus have adopted the “forced slave” mentality.  They want to know exactly how much “Jesus” it takes to avoid Hell without having to serve their Master by living a Christ-centered life.

Who has forced us to believe in Messiah that we would take that attitude?  Have we not chosen, of our own free will, to be His slaves and servants on this earth?  Why, then, would we settle to do as little as possible with our Christian lives and simply skate through life?  Why would we not give ourselves in faithful thanksgiving that God has invited us to serve Him?

Paul addresses the believers in Thessalonica by encouraging the progress they had made.  But Paul goes further.  He says, “As you are doing – do so even more.”  While there are legitimate times of rest and refreshment, the momentum of our lives should always be moving forward and upward.  We have come a long way since we became believers in Messiah Jesus; God be praised!  Here’s our challenge: Let’s go further!

“In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.  For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the Tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.”  1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 (HCSB)

Reggie had no reason to be running college cross-country.  I argued with him all the way to the signup table.  Still, he signed his name on the “walk-on” list and turned away.

In high school, Reggie and I had been track and field competitors.  I had obtained a scholarship while all the colleges passed him up.  Even though he hadn’t worked out in over a year, he had observed my previous track season with envy.  Bottom line is that he thought he could beat me and earn a place on the team.

I actually wanted Reggie to succeed.  I thought he had more raw talent than me, but he lacked the drive to win.  Like I said, I tried to talk him out of it.  I told him that running at the college level was harder than it looked.

The day arrived for our first practice.  The coach blew a whistle, and off we went.  The first week’s practices are always the most difficult.  They’re designed to weed out the weaker runners.  Five miles later, I returned to the starting point with the front pack.  Then I stood by Coach until everyone crossed the line…no Reggie.  The guys said he had fallen back and was “examining his lunch,” yawning in technicolor somewhere on the trail.  He never came back.

I have met many young people who could have been successful in ministry, but nobody told them it would be so hard.  Others were told but wouldn’t listen.  Maybe you’re tired of hearing me say it, but living for the Lord can be challenging.  If you expect to succeed on raw talent, you’re fooling yourself.  God has designed us to run on a combination of His Spirit, Talent, and Discipline.

More than just warning you, I have determined to train alongside you.  Hopefully, you find these daily Bible emails more inspirational than “desperational” (my word).  I pray you will endure the discipline to obtain the prize!

“So we wanted to come to you – even I, Paul, time and again – but Satan hindered us.  For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?  Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy!”  1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (HCSB)

When I was a kid, the cool thing was to have a brand-new pair of WHITE tennis shoes.  Everyone got new shoes for school, but a few trips to the playground quickly faded their glory.  Dirt happens.

Occasionally, a footwear miracle would occur.  Some lucky kid would defy all odds, and his shoes would retain their out-of-the-box “whiteness” for months on end.  In the fall of 1980, I was that miracle kid.  I recall the day the miracle ended.

It was well past Thanksgiving, and I had just stepped off the school bus.  The air was crisp and relatively cool for a sunny day.   I was strutting my Fred Perry “pure whites” to homeroom when, out of nowhere, Ron Street ran up and raked his muddy penny-loafer across my shoelaces!!!!  He yells, “Skid Mark!” and runs off.  Apparently, he had been jealous for some time.  I was devastated.  Some guys are just plain mean.

Speaking of mean, the Devil is mean.  There is nothing Satan wants more than to keep you from God and steal the glory of your Kingdom work.  If you are a follower of Jesus, Satan wants to make you completely ineffective.  More than a discourager, he is a destroyer.  He would kill you if allowed the opportunity.  

Now, consider Paul.  How can the guy who said, “I can do all things through Messiah, Who strengthens me.” be hindered by Satan?  Was Paul a liar?  By no means!!

Paul accomplished all that the Lord had directed him to labor towards in Thessalonica.  The church flourished despite great opposition.   But the way that God used Paul to accomplish His plan for the Thessalonians’ salvation was through the example of Paul and his colleagues enduring spiritual opposition and overcoming it by faith.  

Friends, do not be discouraged when you experience spiritual opposition.  Be encouraged that while the battle may be fierce, the victory is the Lord’s.  Satan will get his due…much the same way Ron Street got detention for scuffing my shoes.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Thessalonians 1. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”  Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)

I love to fish, although I haven’t done it in years.  One summer, my brother and I went fishing every day despite the heat waves and thunderstorms.  I even got my picture in the paper when a news reporter noticed my devotion to the art of angling.

My favorite place to fish was my Uncle Alpha’s lake.  (They named him “Alpha” because he was the first child.)  One day, I was sitting on the edge of the dock, cooling my feet in the water, when my brother yelled, “Pick up your feet!”    I looked down, just in time to spy a huge loggerhead turtle swimming up to bite off my big toe!!  That’s when I realized you must stay alert when you’re fishing because some things may be fishing for you!

This concept of alertness transfers to evangelism.  After all, evangelism is fishing for men.  Paul says we should “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside.”  In addition to being knowledgeable of the gospel, we should be wise with it.  

We are called to be gracious to the unbeliever.  Paul directs us to intentionally season our conversations with salt.  What does he mean?  As another Bible translation put it: “…always be gracious and interesting so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.”  There is a reason why bartenders set out bowls of pretzels: salt makes people thirsty.  If you give away pretzels, you sell more beer!

We “salt” our conversation so people will want to hear more about Jesus.  How does that play out, practically?  

For starters: listen, listen, listen!  We live in an age of information overload, and people seldom get to tell their stories.  Next, turn down the preaching and turn up the caring.  Show genuine concern for people.   People don’t care what you know ‘till they know that you care.  Try communicating on a pedestrian level.  That means dropping the “Christian-ese.” (church language) Otherwise, we may appear to be so “Heavenly-minded” that we are no “Earthly good.”

Avoid taking a secular approach, which abandons the gospel for the sake of cultural “relevance.”  Share the whole gospel, even the aspects that seem uncomfortable.  In trying to erase the differences between the Church and the world, many have become so worldly-minded that they’re no Heavenly good.   There is no such thing as a “decision for Jesus” that excludes committing to a Bible-centered life.

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord!” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (HCSB)

“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, God’s wrath comes on the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them.”  Colossians 3:5-7 (HCSB)

When I was young, my parents used to frequent a Chinese restaurant.  Behind the cash register at this establishment were several ornate boxes containing what I thought were “action figures,” posed amidst a constant stream of incense smoke.  I recall asking the Chinese cashier about the dolls; she told me they were her family gods.

For years, that experience formed my opinion of idolatry.  In my mind, an idol was a carving or picture of people to whom you prayed and burned incense.  I figured the idol would bless the worshipper in return for the worship.  It all seemed silly to me.  I was thankful I didn’t grow up in a culture that worshipped idols.

Fast-forward several years.

I was in my mid 20’s and deep into the music business.  I remember standing at a department store merchandise counter.  I had an armful of clothes that I figured would look really cool on stage.  The cashier zipped my credit card and discretely informed me that my card had been declined.  When I called the card company, I was astonished at how much debt I had accumulated in such a short amount of time.  That’s when I realized I myself was an idolater!

Yes, I had gotten into debt because of my idolatry.  Here’s what I mean: I had bought into a lifestyle, or “image,” which I pursued beyond Godly accountability.  I wasn’t satisfied with God’s provision, so I sold myself into the bondage of credit card companies, all to acquire an “image.”  I had bestowed power and worship to the “image” to provide success and protect my lifestyle…power and worship that belonged to God!  

Whenever I felt God was inadequately showing up for me, I simply trusted the “image” to grant me what God had denied.  And that’s how I got into credit trouble as a young man!

Paul tells us that God’s wrath comes because of our idolatry.  Maybe you have never worshipped carved stone and wooden idols.  Nevertheless, the Bible says we ALL once walked in idolatrous ways.  In some ways, perhaps, we still occasionally flirt with those former idols.  But there is HOPE for all who choose to turn from their idolatry and walk with the Lord by placing their faith and trust in Jesus.  However, when we reject His ways, we open ourselves up to His certain “rod of correction” and wrath of punishment.

“If you died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?  Why do you submit to regulations: “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”?  All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men.  Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.”  Colossians 2:20-23 (HCSB)

Paul begins (what we know as) this second chapter by encouraging the Colossians to pass on his letter to the Church at Laodicea.  Interestingly, the congregation at Laodicea has become synonymous with “lukewarm-ness.”

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish that you were cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,  I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.”  Revelation 3:15-16 (HCSB)

From Paul’s previous letters, we know that there were groups of false apostles whom Paul called “Judaizers.”  At least one of these groups came from the heart of James’ Jerusalem congregation.  The Judaizers were traveling about, telling Gentiles they had to convert to Judaism before they could accept Jesus.  Some theologians speculate that the Judaizers were, themselves, Gentiles who had converted to Judaism.  This made their testimony all the more powerful among other Gentiles and undoubtedly prompted Paul to underscore that he was “born a Jew” in Philippians 3.

By nature, most people would rather seek a compromise than take a stand.  It is the underlying reason for the emergence of the “Tea Party” movement in American politics.  Taking a stand means declaring absolutes and possibly polarizing people.  Our “post-modern” culture rejects the notion of absolutes, so “not offending” has become the goal.  

The Apostle Paul, on the other hand, was willing to go to the extreme for his convictions.  His convictions went beyond some personal preference or natural bent towards extremism.  Paul believed in God, and his foundation for belief was the Bible, matched with a personal saving relationship with Jesus.  

The problem with the congregation at Laodicea was that they tried balancing Paul’s “extremism” with that of the Judaizers.   Their compromise garnered them Jesus-themed paganism, which wasn’t true religion at all.  It overlooked certain sins, which God would never allow, and emphasized disciplines God never commanded.

Any religion worth hanging your eternal “hat” on had better be true!  And if it’s true, then it should be able to be defended.  If it can be defended, it must come from a list of absolutes.  And if those absolutes come from anywhere other than God’s Word, they may have a reputation of wisdom.  Still, they deny the power of God’s Spirit, given to all true believers, to enable them to discern the Bible’s truth, resist temptation, and build His Kingdom.  That’s precisely why we read His Word every day.  So we can know it, live it, and share it!

“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of His mystery, which is Christ [Messiah] in you, the hope of glory.  We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ [Messiah].  I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.” Colossians 1:27-29 (HCSB)

I urge you to read this chapter.  If for no other reason, it lays out the deity of Jesus.

At the moment they become a follower of Jesus, every believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is God’s Spirit that teaches us and even intercedes to God on our behalf.   The Bible says there are times when the Spirit will express itself in great power.   These would be times when a work is accomplished, and there is no doubt that only God’s Spirit has achieved it.

Paul is speaking of such a time in today’s passage.  Paul notes that God is accomplishing His will through Paul, as he is strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Wouldn’t you like the Spirit to work through you as it did for Paul?  Here are some things we can learn from Paul’s testimony:  

First, God is looking for faithful believers to labor at His mission.  Are you willing to step out in faith?  Does your fear of the World keep you from possessing what is only offered to God’s faithful servants?

Second, Paul proclaimed the whole Gospel.  When you share your faith, do you withhold the essential elements of true conversion yet make people feel uncomfortable?  It is unhealthy when a person values a relationship more than they value the other person in the relationship.  Often, people withhold sharing the truth of God’s standard, mankind’s sin, and the consequence of Hell for all who refuse Jesus’ atonement.  They do this simply because they value the personal relationship with the non-believer more than they care about the non-believer’s salvation.  Such a relationship is selfish because it puts the believer’s personal social comfort ahead of the spiritual necessities of the non-believing friend.  

Paul presented the Gospel as it is.  The whole Gospel.  He told of the great love of Messiah, and he warned of the reality of Hell.  He knew very well that the message of Jesus was the cornerstone of salvation to some and a “rock of offense” to others.  Paul didn’t “market” Jesus; he “preached” Him.

Lastly, after faithfully heeding God’s call and proclaiming the complete Gospel, the Spirit worked in power and strength.  Thus, Paul saw his efforts bear fruit worthy of his suffering because he was confident God’s Spirit would bring success, according to His perfect wisdom, purpose, plan, and promise.