1 Thessalonians: Echoes

1 Thessalonians 1:8

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

Sounded forth: to "echo" forth; broadcast

From you sounded out - As Thessalonica was very conveniently situated for traffic, many merchants from thence traded through Macedonia, Achaia, and different parts of Greece. By these, the fame of the Thessalonians having received the doctrine of the Gospel was doubtless carried far and wide. And it appears that they had walked so conscientiously before God and man, that their friends could speak of them without a blush, and their adversaries could say nothing to their disgrace. Adam Clarke Commentary

What sound does your life create? We all broadcast something. What is it that you believe in, that impacts your life in such a way that it literally echoes from your words, lifestyle, actions, attitude? 

Choose a few people, either people you know or see on TV. Then consider what they broadcast. It may be the truth, or it may be false, but since they believe it, they will echo it loud and clear. The dangers are when we look to people and take what they are broadcasting as truth, without checking the facts. 

What are you broadcasting? The people in Thessalonica broadcasted the truth of God. And their echo was heard far away. If you are not broadcasting God's truth, then changes need to be made. Echoes travel far - make sure your's is based on truth. 

What does God prefer?

As I was studying Galatians 5:22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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)

Back to "Love". Love, what God prefers. 

As I started thinking about WHAT GOD PREFERS, I had to stop and really think about what I know about God, and what I know God's Word says. 

This love is not a feeling that changes with the seasons. God does not change. He is holy. He is just. He is righteous. What God prefers is not something that I can change because I want to justify my actions, attitude, or what I want in life. What God prefers, is based on God Himself. 

First and foremost, I need to make sure that I am setting the standard for my life based on "what God prefers".  That means, that I have to filter what the World tells me is ok, through God's Word. Looking at our Nation and what is "acceptable" in lifestyles, dress, conduct, music, actions, attitude, mind-sets — one can clearly see that we have left God out of our decision making. 

What God prefers is not a suggestion of conduct. No, what God prefers is the solid foundation on which our lives should be built. What God prefers is steadfast, unchangeable, and truth. 

What God prefers. What does God prefer? Here are two verses the immediately come to mind. 

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

What God prefers. That should impact every aspect of my heart, mind and soul. Am I choosing "what God prefers"? 

Proverbs 1:10: No means NO!

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV)

Sinners: reckoned as offenders (against God)

Entice: persuade, seduce

Not: expressing a deprecation or prohibition: deny

Consent: desire, be willing 

As I read this verse, I had to think of how easy it is to be enticed. Lately a catching tune caught my ear, and as with many of the popular songs, I had NO idea what the words actually were. So, I googled the song lyrics. I was shocked. The tune enticed me to listen and although I did not understand the words, the correct and very ungodly words were filling my mind. 

I had to stop and evaluate—why I would be willing to listen to such a song? I read this quote the other day: 

"Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone - deep, non-hypocritical integrity." Chuck Swindoll

What opinion of me did people have, when they heard me listening to that song—especially if they knew the lyrics! Not only, that the song does not fit the criteria for what should be entering my thoughts. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Satan makes sin very pleasing and seem very good. However, the consequence of sin can be deadly. 

Do not consent—there is a strong will and desire that one does NOT consent. A pleading to withstand the enticement. Notice that sinners will entice. But in wisdom, we are warned... DO NOT DO IT! 

Don't do it. Period. No, try it to see what happens. No justification. No rationalization. Simply—Deny it. NO, means NO! 

How do I continue to withstand the enticement of sin? It begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when my heart is in tune with God Almighty, I will be more aware of the enticement and be able to say "no".

Two Actions

  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. 

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. Colossians 3:13 (AMP)

This verse is the result of verse 12 "put on a holy way of life". 

What am I to do? This verse states two actions: Forebear and forgive. Because I have put on a holy way of life, there are some things I must do. 

Forbear: holding yourselves back from one another. Avoid all occasions of irritating or provoking each other.

Forgive means literally "to grant grace." But I'm not to "forgive" in just words, "Oh, I forgive you." (But I am going to remember what you did forever, and hold it against you!)

No, I am to forgive as Christ forgive me—wholly and completely. I am not to forgive "out of the goodness of my heart". Rather, Christ's forgiveness of me is the reason for my forgiveness of others. 

These actions are not the norm for sinners. The only way for these two actions to become a lifestyle is by putting on a holy way of life. And that begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).