1 Thessalonians: Grace & Peace

Study of 1 Thessalonians

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Grace: favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefitPeace: wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). "The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm

Note where the grace and peace are generated — "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". For only true grace and pure peace can come from God. 

How does this specific greeting impact the recipient? A greeting reminding one of the grace and peace that God offers and supplies freely, will calm the turmoil of the physical life and the soul. 

Grace and Peace. 
FROM God OUR Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

May you receive God's gift of grace and peace today. 

Hurricane Irma • September 2017

September 10, 2017 Irma headed to Florida. She decided to travel inland rather than stay along the coast. However, due to her size, the entire State was impacted. I live in Winter Haven. 

As Irma approached the winds and rain began with a vengeance. This was not an ordinary rain shower. 

The beginning of Irma.

Slowly, power in the area began to go out. I had power until 9:55pm Sunday night. The wind howling, the rain hitting the windows, and not being able to see anything—total darkness....... I thought I'd be scared, yet I had total peace. 
I knew for a fact that all the inhabitants of the Castle belonged to God. And I knew for a fact that the Castle is God's. So, I figured that God who controls the wind, could protects us. And if He didn't, then He'd take care of anything that happened. I have learned over the years, that God is trustworthy and faithful. He may not always work in ways that I understand, but He never changes who He is. All that He does and allows is to accomplish His will. 
After losing power, I figured there wasn't really anything to do, so I headed to bed. Listening to the storm outside, I fell asleep. Throughout the night, as the howling increased and the trees came crashing down, I awoke. However, I was able to go back to sleep. 

Monday morning, it was still raining and very windy! Yet, as the day lightened, I could begin to see the damage that Irma did. Out the front window, I could see part of the pool fence was down, and there were some small branches scattered on the front lawn. But the huge tree in the front was still standing tall! 
When I looked out the Lanai..... WOW! Behind my back fence is a "forest" of trees. There was a path of trees that was totally shorn off at the top, with huge branches just thrown about. However, not a single large branch landed in the Castle's yard! Only a few small branches and leaves. Even the bean tressels which were just a few feet from the trees, remained standing tall! 
It was as though God put a huge bubble around the Castle. Debris was scattered around, but no flooding, or damage to the Castle. I learned on Monday, that the street drain had become plugged with debris and there was at one point, knee-deep water in the street. It flooded a couple of the homes garages. A neighbor cleaned out the drain and allowed the water to quickly drain away, before it was deep enough to flood the Castle's garage. 

As the storm continued to pass through the area, I then realized just how calm and at peace I really was. I wasn't afraid. I felt totally safe in the Castle. The peace wasn't because of anything I did to make the Castle safe. The peace was due to the fact that I fully trusted God and knew His power and ability. I knew that no matter what happened to the Castle, that God would supply my needs. He always has, and always will. 

True peace in the midst of a Category 2 Hurricane — only because I know Almighty God! 

Full effect being complete and inferior to none. (James)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4

Let:  comprise, involve, possessed with

Patience: steadfastness, constancy, endurance (the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings)

Perfect: brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness

Work: an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opposed to that which is less than work

Entire: complete in all its parts, in no part lacking or unsound

Wanting: to lag, be inferior

Nothing: none, not

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/james/1-4.htm

Be possessed with steadfastness, constancy, and endurance so that I'll know the full effect being complete and inferior to none. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

There is a progression in these verses, with a purpose! But it's not a "once and I'm done", idea. It's a constant and ongoing process. It ALL begins with choosing the MAXIMUM Calm Delight!

MAXIMUM Calm Delight! (James)

Continuing my study in James. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2

Brethren: a fellow-Christian

Count: (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think

All: the highest degree, the maximum

Joy: the cause or occasion of joy, calm delight, gladness

Fall into: so to fall into as to be encompassed by

Divers: variegated, various in character, diverse

Temptations: adversity, affliction, trouble (cf. our trial), sent by God and serving to test or prove one's faith, holiness, character, a putting to proof

Make the determination (rule over/have the power) to choose maximum calm delight when I am encompasses by a wide variety of trouble as God works to prove me faithful! (Rhonda's paraphrase)

Choose MAXIMUM Calm Delight! 

God's Gift of Wholeness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Peace: (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). (HelpsBible.com) Peace between individuals, i. e. harmony

Love: what God prefers

Joy: grace recognized 

Peace: God's gift of wholeness

Peace. It's easy to have harmony and quietness when everyone agrees with ME! However, when others have a different viewpoint, how does one have peace? 

Peace is not about getting my way, or having all in agreement with me. Rather, peace is the quietness and comfort from God — first and foremost, being in harmony, in agreement with Him. That wholeness with God is only when I recognize who God is, and who I am. When I come humbly to the Holy God Almighty, I then can accept His gift of forgiveness and peace. 

Peace is a gift of God's wholeness. And when I am in harmony with God, then I can experience peace even in the midst of chaos. For when I humbly accept the gift of God's grace, I then can express that grace and forgiveness to others. And as I share grace, peace abounds. 

Does that mean I have to agree with everyone else in order to have and share peace? No. However, it does mean that I have to be wise in words, actions, and attitude and allow God's grace to rule my life. 

Peace a gift from God that brings harmony and calmness to my soul. And once my soul is at peace, I then can experience that peace and harmony with those around me— all because of God's grace. 

Refresher of Hearts

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]—and that is to say nothing [of the fact] that you owe me your very self! Yes, brother, let me have some profit from you in the Lord. Cheer and refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 1:19-20 (AMP)

“Refresh” - ἀνάπαυσόν anapauson- means “to give rest to, to give repose, to free from sorrow or care;” and the sense is, that by receiving Onesimus, Philemon would cause the deep and anxious feelings of Paul to cease, and he would be calm and happy. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Cheer and refresh my heart. Do my actions cheer and refresh the hearts of others? That would be an awesome daily goal—be a refresher of hearts! 

How does one be a "refresher of hearts"? 

Well, first and foremost, it all begins with a relationship with Christ. Then that relationship with Christ must impact one's daily life and relationships with others  (Colossians 3; Put On). And as that relationship with Christ impacts relationships with others, then one can be a "refresher of hearts". 

Refresher of hearts. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed andrestored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16

To be a "refresher of hearts", my own heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Acts as Umpire Continually

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.  

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

“Rule” is commonly used in reference to the Olympic and other games. It means, to be a director, or arbiter of the public games; to preside over them and preserve order, and to distribute the prizes to the victors. The meaning here is, that the peace which God gives to the soul is to be to us what the brabeutes, or governor at the games was to those who contended there. It is to preside over and govern the mind; to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

The meaning of this verse creates a great picture: The peace of Christ acts as umpire continually to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

Instead of Tumult: 

• calmness
• harmony
• order
• peace
• quiet
• silence
• stillness

Instead of Disorder: 

• arrangement
• conformity
• orderliness
• organization
• rule
• tidiness

Instead of Irregularity:

• normality
• regularity
• sameness
• standard
• usualness

And the great thing about the source of this Peace that is to act as umpire continually, is that I don't make it or have to find it—no, it's an ever present and unending supply from God! 

As my heart becomes permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), then the peace of Christ will act as umpire continually to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

Keep Calm!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 67:1, 4 

There is are images that is spreading rapidly on the internet that all begin with “Keep Calm and.....” 

As I read Psalm 67 this morning, the phrase found in verses 1 and 4 reminded me of that “Keep calm” image. 

We are reminded twice in this Psalm to pause...stop what you are doing.... and calmly think about a specific truth of God. We are to literally STOP fretting, STOP worrying, STOP everything, and spend time in the peace and calmness of God’s security  and simply think, meditate on who God is and what He is doing. 

Keep calm and ...... ? How would I fill in that blank? Keep calm, I have it under control? As much as I think I do.... I don’t! So, that phrase won’t work. Keep calm, I can handle it? Well, again as much as I think I can handle any situation that arises, I often fall short. 

Keep calm and let God take care of it! Now that is a phrase that is packed with truth! 

To create a positive day, I need to stop, keep calm, knowing full well that God has it all under control! 

The Great Calm

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 146. Here is what I learned.

He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it. He ·remains [keeps; observes; guards] ·loyal [faithfulness; truth] forever. Psalm 146:6 (EXB)

Who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that lives within them; Who stays true and remains faithful forever; Psalm 146:6 (VOICE)

"Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is." Wisely may we trust our Creator, justly may we expect to be happy in so doing. He who made heaven can make a heaven for us, and make us fit for heaven. He who made the earth can preserve us while we are on earth, and help us to make good use of it while we sojourn upon it. He who made the sea and all its mysteries can steer us across the pathless deeps of a troubled life, and make it a way for his redeemed to pass over. This God who still makes the world by keeping it in existence is assuredly able to keep us to his eternal kingdom and glory. The making of the worlds is the standing proof of the power and wisdom of that great God in whom we trust. It is our joy that he not only made heaven but the sea; not only things which are bright and blessed, but things which are deep and dark. Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above. "Which keepeth truth for ever." This is a second and most forcible justification of our trust the Lord will never permit his promise to fail. He is true to his own nature, true to the relationships which he has assumed, true to his covenant, true to his Word, true to his Son. He keeps true, and is the keeper of all that is true. Immutable fidelity is the character of Jehovah's procedure. None can charge him with falsehood or vacillation. The Treasury of David 

“Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above.” The Treasury of David 

God did not create and abandon. No matter how rough and severe the storms are, God is the great calm. Dealing with unknowns can cause storms to arise and the storms can become severe if I allow the fear of the unknown and the darkness of storm to overwhelm me. Or I can look to God, the great calm, and see the beauty of the storm. The power of the lightening strikes, the dark swirling clouds, the trees blowing in the strong winds.... they don’t have to create fear or dread, rather they can be displays of God’s power and assurance that the Great Calm, is watching over me. 

The Great Calm is known best in the midst of the storm, for that is when I see God’s power and that I realize I need Him most. To create a positive day, no matter if it’s a stormy day or peaceful day, I only need to take comfort and find rest in the Great Calm. 

Shut Up!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 62. Here is what I learned.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. Psalm 62:5 (AMP)

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? Psalm 62:5 (MSG)

I ·find rest [wait quietly] in God; ·only he gives me hope [for my hope is in him]. Psalm 62:5 (EXB)

Wait: be still (opposed to both speech and motion); be silent, hold peace, quiet self, rest, keep (put to) silence.

Wait, to put it in one term, “Shut Up!” 

Be still silent, O my soul! submit thyself completely, trust immovably, wait patiently. Let none of thy enemies' imaginings, consultings, flatteries, or maledictions cause thee to break the King's peace. Unmingled faith is undismayed. The Treasury of David

One definition of “wait” is to be available or in readiness. If I’m in a constant state of motion and noise (talking), than I am not available or in readiness. For, if I’m talking, I can’t hear the instructions from God! 

I’ve never really enjoyed silence. I like to have the radio on, or CDs playing, or the TV on... just for noise. Yet, in the silence I hear subtle sounds which I miss amidst the noise. If I really want to know what God wants me to do.... I need to “shut up” and listen! 

I’ve noticed that often when I’m nervous, I tend to talk, often faster and louder. Yet, God wants to give me peace, and that comes as I WAIT... yes, “shut up” just be still. 

Only when I “Shut Up”, will I be able to find peace and know what God wants me to do next. Trust in God, and what He is doing and stop making noises that are just jibber-jabber. 

To create a positive day, I need to “shut up” and listen to God, for then and only then will I enjoy the peace that calms my soul. 

Fear, Panic, and Chaos

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 11. Here is what I learned.

1. In the Lord I take refuge [and put my trust]; how can you say to me, Flee like a bird to your mountain?

2. For see, the wicked are bending the bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they [furtively] in darkness may shoot at the upright in heart.

3. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the [unyieldingly] righteous do, or what has He [the Righteous One] wrought or accomplished?

4. The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.

5. The Lord tests and proves the [unyieldingly] righteous, but His soul abhors the wicked and him who loves violence.

6. Upon the wicked He will rain quick burning coals or snares; fire, brimstone, and a [dreadful] scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7. For the Lord is [rigidly] righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face, or He beholds the upright.

Psalm 11 (AMP)

In this psalm we have David's struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger.

In singing this psalm we must encourage and engage ourselves to trust in God at all times, must depend upon him to protect our innocence and make us happy, must dread his frowns as worse than death and desire his favour as better than life. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Yesterday, at the end of the Boston Marathon, several bombs exploded. Fear. Panic. Chaos. Some ask, where was God then? Why didn’t He stop it? If He is so powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen. 

The first thing that I have to remember, is that God doesn’t owe us any explanation, nor does He owe us any “good thing”. We are sinners. He is a holy God. 

The second thing to remember is that actions of sinners have consequences. Yes, I’m a sinner, saved by God’s grace, and each action I do, has consequences. Some consequences impact more than just a single individual. 

Thirdly, God gave each of us a free will. We choose if we will obey and follow God, or ignore Him and go our own way. God did not create “robots” who will simply do as “programed”. Rather, God wants us to follow and obey Him because of who He is and because we love Him. 

Lastly, bad things do happen to good people, simply because we live in a world of sin. That does not mean that God doesn’t love us. His love is far greater than we can ever imagine. So, even in the midst of chaos, fear, and pain, God continues to love us. Assurance in Him calms our fears and we know that no matter what happens on this earth, because of God’s gift of salvation, we will spend eternity with Him.

To create a positive day, I need to place my trust in God, for He alone can change the fear, panic, and chaos, into courage, peace, and calm. 

Just Remember

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 29. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord’s voice is powerful; the Lord’s voice is ·majestic [splendid; awesome]. Psalm 29:4 (EXB)

Voice: to call aloud, a voice or sound.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Powerful: ability, able, force, might, strength, substance, wealth.

Majestic: beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honor, majesty.

Often when I think of powerful, I think if loud and very strong and mighty... a display of superior strength. But as I watch the snowflakes fall outside, I see that those tiny flakes are powerful—they shut down airports, close schools, delay traffic, etc. The snowflakes don’t make any noise. They just gently fall to the ground, but they are powerful enough to disrupt our daily lives. 

God is the ultimate “powerhouse”. His voice can be “booming”. But there are times when He speaks in a whisper. The truth that I need to remember that weather God is speaking loudly and showing His mighty power, or if He’s whispering and showing a gently display of power, I am to be listening. 

Today, I had planned to go see my chiropractor. However, as I watched the snow fall,  I knew that cancelling the appointment would be the safer thing to do. As I stayed inside and watched the snow continue to fall, Psalm 46:10 came to mind.

God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be ·praised [exalted] in all the nations; I will be ·praised [exalted] throughout the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (EXB)

Be still. Absolute let alone, i.e. do nothing, be quiet, relax. If I can grasp even a bit of God’s power and might—I should be able to relax and do nothing, resting in Him. If I can just remember that the God of all power and majesty loves me—I should be able to trust Him to care for me. If I can just remember that God Creator, who hung the stars in place and keeps them there, watches over me—I should be able to relax and rest, knowing that He’s in control. 

To create a positive day, I need to just remember that God is powerful, and majestic. 

Gift of Peace

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 4. Here is what I learned.

I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely. Psalm 4:8 (GW)

I go to bed [lie down] and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe [make me secure]. Psalm 4:8 (EXB)

Both: at all once, both, likewise, only, altogether.

To lie down: lodge, ravish, take rest.

Sleep: go to sleep, and be asleep.

Peace: make safe, friendly terms, well-being.

For: forasmuch, inasmuch, whereas, assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

O: yourself, you.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Alone: solitary, to be separate, isolated.

Dwell: make to abide, continue, ease self, endure, establish, remain.

Safety (securely): assurance, a place of refuge, without care, confidence, hope.

Due observation of Providence will both beget and secure inward tranquility in your minds amidst the vicissitudes and revolutions of things in this unstable vain world. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for the Lord only maketh me dwell in safety." He resolves that sinful fears of events shall not rob him of his inward quiet, nor torture his thoughts with anxious presages: he will commit all his concerns into that faithful fatherly hand that had hitherto wrought all things for him; and he means not to lose the comfort of one night's rest, nor brings the evil of tomorrow upon the day; but knowing in whose hand he was, wisely enjoys the sweet felicity of a resigned will. Now this tranquility of our minds is as much begotten and preserved by a due consideration of providence as by anything whatsoever. - John Flayel, 1627-1691.

When I think if being at absolute peace, I can’t help but think of my parakeet, Max. He has the freedom to fly round the apartment, but he likes to sleep on me. He knows that when he’s near me, he’s safe and can relax and sleep soundly. 

Peace. No worries. No fretting. Calm. And the source of the peace is from God Himself, so that means there is a never-ending supply of peace. 

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! Romans 15:13 (MSG)

Worrying about “what ifs”, or what may happen robs us of peace. But trusting in the Almighty God provides a perfect peace. To create a positive day, I simply have to rest in Who God is and accept His gift of peace.

The Why's or The Who?

I'm reading the book The Upside of Down by J.M. Stowell. One statement that stood out is: "In the end God resolves the mental anguish by turning Job from the question why to the question who. Hope begins when we start with the right question: 'Who?'."

Often when something happens in our lives, we first go to the question "Why?". When we should be focusing on God and Who He is. God cares for us and when He allows something to happen in our life, it's for His glory. If we keep our focus on WHO, rather than why.... our spirits are calmed and we can move forward. 

That's the big difference between Christians and non-Christians... our focus should be on God, not us. God allows various things in our lives to bring glory to Him and accomplish His purpose. When we focus on "why me" rather than God (Who), Satan gets a hold and we start doubting, worrying, we become anxious, and fear takes over. If we keep our focus on Who... God... we trust God, we are secure, we are calm... we are at peace. 

As you go about your day, if you find your mind wandering to the 'why', stop and refocus on God. When we keep our focus on God, our day will overflow with positive aspects.