Good morning to all on this Sunday before Christmas. All is well in the East Coast Kong household. I am getting over both bronchitis and conjunctivitis that has had me at 70% capacity for over 2 weeks. I finally had a night's sleep without coughing. Freddie and his family are sailing to Mexico on their Christmas trip and Waine. Aleron and I are planning on going to Orlando to see the babies during Christmas. God is good and in His Heaven and all is right with the world.
I am continuing my journey in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians 3: verses 1-18. His last letter reads, " As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 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.
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, laboring 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.” 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. 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.
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." Amen and may the Lord add a blessing to the reading and hearing of His Word.
Wow! This chapter is an answer to prayer. I have had a heavy burden for some of my employees who bristle at working. Some of them are believers AND they believe they should not have to work AND be cared for by me. They bristle against admonition to work honestly for the wage they are paid. They profess with their mouth to know Christ yet their idleness is not a reflection of God's principles as outlined by Paul in this chapter. As Paul says here they are disruptive and negative in their thinking during the week but pew jumping, tongue clucking Christians on Sunday. I have had a heavy heart for them. My impression of all Christians is that we should be hardworking and generous and not idle or lazy. I am genuinely confused when you confront idle and disruptive Christians that they can literally look you in the face and say "I am doing the best I can". What ever happened to I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me?
I am rebuking Satan on their behalf. The devil is a liar. I profoundly believe that Christians are to be victorious not because of our works BUT because of God's love and the Perseverance of Christ. It took unearthly courageous and conviction for Christ to become sin so that I might live with God. What profound Love! Hallelujah! In being my brother's keeper I do not condone the behavior of idle Christians however I can rebuke Satan on their behalf. God does not desire that any Christian live in despair--we are to live in abundance 1st from and in our hearts and then in this physical world. We are to live like the child of the King--victorious in all aspects of our lives.
If this day does not find you in abundance of heart, soul, mind and body then turn your face to God through Christ such that the devil can be rebuked and the Holy Spirit can guide you BACK to your true life. Don't buy the hype of despair and disruption. Christ was born, lived and died so that we might live life and more abundantly. Stay in the love of God and Christ's Perseverance.
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Stephanie
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