Where God Guides, God Provides

Usually waiting for something is worth it. But have you ever waited and waited, to find out that you really didnt need the thing you were waiting for? The thing you wanted most, somehow became average. Sometimes it's like ordering your favorite meal. Then one day, it just doesn't seem so appealing anymore. Maybe you over exaggerated how great it was. Perhaps it really was that great, but then your taste or perspective changed. I know this happens to me with video games. For 6 months i'll salivate over a new video game coming out. I'll read all the reviews, watch trailers and get extremely excited about it. Then when it comes out, i play it for 2 hours and say "meh, it's alright."

My point is that sometimes we chase after things. We sometimes chase after things that aren't really the best for us. We chase and chase, when in actuality it may not be right for us to have. Even though a boat has long sailed away, i kept my eyes on it. I kept dreaming of riding the ocean seas on this boat. I figured if i was stubborn enough, had enough patience, and just tried really hard to catch up to the boat, then maybe i'd get a chance to get on board. God wisely placed strong waves to keep hitting me back. This boat is obviously not something for my best, nor for God's utmost glory. Therefore, i realized i need to submit to God's waves.

Sometimes ill be paddling so hard to get out further out in the ocean, then suddenly a huge wave just swipes me away in the opposite direction. In fact, sometimes waves are so powerful that they take you whether or not you wanted to catch it or not. In this illustration, if the waves represent God's sovereign will; we are to catch these waves and surf in God's Spirit. Never fight or go against God's leading Spirit. Humble yourself and conform your will to His.

Sometimes God doesn't even give you a clear destination, because he wants you to embrace and enjoy the present riding experience. Maybe the point is to find satisfaction in the process. Perhaps this is where the transformation takes place. Trust in His sovereignty, provision, and find communion with Him. Sometimes you'll fall off that wave. And it'll be tempting to start going in your own direction again. However, if God brings another big wave, start paddling to catch it. Where is God guiding today?

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

Death

I just watched a movie called 50/50. It’s about a guy named Adam, who is dealing with cancer. This movie did a great job displaying the relational and emotional dynamics of someone who is possibly facing terminal cancer. Besides his own response to the cancer, it was interesting to see how those around him tried to cope with his situation. His girlfriend was more concerned about how hard it was for her and only pretended to care. She was the most unresponsive character because she didn’t want to deal with any of it and wasn't really there for him in his need. His mother seemed overly concerned and dramatic, which kind of pushed Adam away from even talking to her. His best friend tried to down play the circumstance by having fun and not taking it too seriously. The therapist in the movie seemed to approach Adam’s cancer the best by trying to draw out his thoughts and feelings. She was patient, understanding and reaffirming. Adam seemed indifferent, aloof and apathetic.. He couldn’t believe this was his reality. Adam seemed to withhold his emotions internally because he wasn't quite sure how to express his frustration.

This movie really hit a sensitive spot. Most people don’t like to bring up the topic of death. It can be a sad topic, but that doesn’t mean we should completely ignore the reality of it. This movie did a great job not only showing how much pain and hurt cancer brought to Adam, but also to his family and friends.

I asked my Dad yesterday, “What do you say to someone who has just lost a loved one?” He said, “There really isn’t anything you can say to make things better.” Most people usually give their condolences by saying that their “sorry for their lost.”

Last semester I took a pastoral care and counseling class. Our professor taught us that when someone has just gone through a traumatic experience, sometimes the best thing to do is to just be with them. Support them by mourning and grieving with them. If you didn’t know the person who pasted away, you could ask, “Tell me more about them. What were they like?” This allows one to reflect back on the good memories and qualities instead of the present and future heartache. Death can be a time to cherish and celebrate the life of an individual.

Our professor also taught us how important it is to listen and to reflect the same intensity. In 50/50, no one could reflect the same intensity that he was experiencing. Being able to describe one’s feelings accurate really helps one to feel that their understood. What seemed most helpful about the class was that a counselor’s goal isn’t to just give someone the quick answer fix that you would do in a given situation, but do guide them towards God and allow God to lead them to the right response. Genuine patience, compassion, and concern help one to feel that their situation and feelings are valid.

For the Christian death is seen in a different light.  Yes, death is painful no matter how you see it. Death is the result of our world’s sin. However, the good and great news is that there is not only life through Christ, but there is eternal life with Christ. Death is not the end for the believer. Christ has conquered sin and death on the cross. There is victory, salvation and life in His name. In the completion of God’s kingdom of Heaven, there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more sorrow and no more sin. For the Christian there is peace because whether we live or die we have the assurance that we will be with Him.

Emotional Break Down!

These past few weeks have seemed so busy that i've been having a hard time slowing down. I've been sleeping at 5-6am. I feel like it's so easy to freak out and worry about stuff. It's been hard to keep centered on Christ. I have this tendency to begin relying on myself and my own strength. That's normally when things go wrong. Lately i've also been getting angry at myself because i suck at making decisions. My recent days have been filled with bad decisions or no decisions. I get mad at myself when i waste time doing nothing productive. I'm an expert at wasting time. I feel like we only have so much time in this life, that we can only really invest ourselves in a few things. I ask myself what are those things? We'll it's easy to answer, "Oh God is most important! durr!" However, has my time and recent lifestyle reflected that?

It's easy to sing songs, "All I want is you Jesus, You're all I need, You're my everything, You're my all in all" and yet throughout the week I can't even remember the last time i sat down just to spend time with my God. Sometimes we hafta stop and ask, "Hey is Jesus really my greatest desire? And if not, what's competing against it?" We're always busy moving around trying to get stuff accomplished, sleeping, or we're plopped down in front of our laptops. Where exactly does Jesus fit into our busy schedules? I'm not saying we need to spend hours and hours a day doing spiritual disciplines, but at the same time do we have any spiritual disciplines going on? My spiritual life has been starving lately and it desperately needs to be nourished.

This week i went to a biola chapel, and worshiping with other believers was quite refreshing. Simple yet deep. As Christians we shouldn't just draw power from God, but we should also draw power, energy, and strength from fellowship with one another.

It can be so easy to put God off sometimes. Most of the time we don't even realize it. Other times it seems like a challenge to open God's Word and to pray. Why!? Shouldn't it be our joy? Shouldn't we be constantly craving this deep intimacy with our God? Isn't His love the most intense burning we've experienced? And yet i still find myself turning to other idols, why! Gosh i hate my sin so much. You know that feeling inside where u feel like your missing something, or maybe your day just feels off? I believe everyday we are in dire need of a spiritual renewal and internal transformation.

When we're tired we choose a cup of coffee over His strengthening Spirit. When we're hungry we choose food over a feast of His Word. When we're depressed we isolate ourselves rather than finding comfort in God. When we're bored we turn the tv on instead of communicating with God. I'm not saying that it's wrong to do those things, however does it ever cross our mind to turn to God for strength instead of some other activity? Shouldn't He be our greatest source of satisfaction? Make the most of every opportunity to serve, love, and worship.

At church i kind of had an emotional break down, cuz sometimes i feel like i really suck at being a leader. It's so much easier being a follower! I usually know when i completely blow a sermon and crash it into the ground. Sometimes i hear myself talking and ask myself "What the heck are you saying Chris! You sound like an idiot!" Then i just keep fumbling my words and just want to curl up into a ball and cry. I learned that instead of gaining self-confidence, i need God-confidence. Instead of relying on my own efforts to prepare and perform things, I need to depend on His Spirit and on others. I am thankful that i am surrounded with people who care enough to encourage me and pray for me when i'm down. So thanks chingus if ur reading this!

One thing that's recently been stressing me out is that both my roommates have a bad case of scabies. So i'm doin my best to stayed locked in my room. I think it's super gross cuz their always itchy and scratching. Then just thinking about it i begin to think i have it and get itchy. God i really don't want to get scabies! ahh! I jus want to go home to hawaii, chill at the beach and then freeze time.

"Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." -Eph 5:15-17

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." 1 Thess. 3:12-13

Biblical Pastoral Theology in 1 & 2 Thessalonians

--> -->      The letters of 1 & 2 Thessalonians shed light on Paul, Silas and Timothy’s pastoral heart for the church. Investigating these letters to the Thessalonica church reveal many pastoral attributes. Pastors in ministry today should shape and conform themselves to these biblical principles. Paul, Silas and Timothy mention themselves as being models for them to imitate (1 Thess. 1:6, 2:14, 2 Thess. 3:9). What key themes were obvious in these pastoral leaders? How did they conduct themselves with the Thessalonica church? In the same way, how should our pastoral leaders of today mimic these themes?
            I have been honored to pastor a youth ministry. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to shepherd and lead a congregation. Even though I don’t always know exactly how to do things, I know that God can sovereignly use me as His instrument. I pray that the key pastoral themes in 1 & 2 Thessalonians would become actualized in my own life. This investigation in Thessalonians will help me understand what it truly means to be a pastor to a church. Through the Holy Spirit I pray that I can grow in these skills.

  Love
             The greatest attribute and most obvious one is their heart for the Thessalonians. It would only make sense that they model after the love that Christ demonstrated. Paul, Silas and Timothy not only spoke in a loving manner, but expressed this love through action. Paul and the others express how delighted they were to share not only the gospel, but their lives with them (1 Thess. 2:8). They describe themselves as being nurturing and gentle as a mother and how a compassionate father deals with his own children (1 Thess. 2:7, 2:11). When Paul was away from the Thessalonians, he expressed the intense longing he had to see them. They were so dear to him that he made every effort to come see them (1 Thess. 2:17). Paul and the others loved the Thessalonians so much that they describe them as their glory and joy (1 Thess. 2:20). Paul asks the Lord to make their love increase and overflow, just as Paul, Silas and Timothy’s love were growing more for them (1 Thess. 3:12). “Love, love, love. More, more and more.” This is what the pastors communicated again and again.
           Love should describe the Christian’s life. Pastors and teachers are to manifest God’s love and let this love overflow towards others. Love is the greatest apologetic. Compassion for the lost will attract them to this new life in Christ. In my own ministry it is my goal to love each student and to demonstrate the love of Christ. Christians in general may love, but often have a hard time displaying it in action and deed. I pray that I would love in the likeness of Christ and grow deeper in my love others. Father help me to love as you love us.
Encouraging/ Exhortation
          Over and over again it becomes clear how much Paul and the others encouraged the Thessalonian church. They encouraged them to live a life worthy of God (1 Thess. 2:12), to be strengthened in their faith (1 Thess. 3:2). Paul encourages them to increase in their love for each other and for everyone else; to become blameless and holy in the presence of God (1 Thess. 3:12-13, 4:10). The Thessalonians are encouraged to live as sons of the light and sons of the day (1 Thess. 5:5). Paul and the others encourage and urge them to live in peace, to warn those who are idle, to encourage the timid, to help the weak and to be patient with everyone (1 Thess. 5:14). The Thessalonians are encouraged to be strengthened in word and deed, perseverance, and in faith hope, and love ( 2 Thess. 2:15, 2:17, 3:5). In short, Paul, Silas and Timothy encourage the Thessalonians to be sanctified and blameless (1 Thess. 5:23-24). 
             In the same way Paul encourages the Thessalonians, I too need to encourage the members of our church body. It is easy for believers today to get spiritual burnt out and discouraged. As a pastor I am called to encourage the church at all times. We all need someone to encourage us, so we should be an encouragement to others by exhorting them in faith, hope and love. Even when Christians are doing well, we always need to be strengthened more and more. Sanctification in the Spirit is a life-long process; So we should make every effort to speak words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Teacher
          The authors of 1 & 2 Thessalonians weren’t just loving shepherds; They were also great teachers. They instruct and stress repeatedly how important it is to live a holy life to please God (1 Thess. 4:1). They also taught the Thessalonians to avoid sexual immorality, impurities and sin because it was contrary to a holy life and the Spirit (1 Thess. 4:3-7). The Thessalonians were taught to live a quiet life and to win the respect of outsiders by the way that they lived (1 Thess. 4:11-12). Paul and the others reminded them of the resurrection and the life that is through the death of Christ; That in the coming of the Lord, we will be with Him (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Paul reminds them to stand firm in these teachings (2 Thess. 2:5, 2:15), to obey their instructions and to keep away from those who are idle (2 Thess. 3:6, 3:14).
          Teaching about God through the scriptures is not an easy task. I know I need to put more time into preparing my teaching. I want to make sure that I am teaching the author’s intent and God’s truth. I pray that my teaching would also be relevant and applicable to my students. In the same way that Paul taught about holiness, godliness, and righteousness, I want my congregation to be blameless before the coming of the Lord. Many Christians today stop at justification and are not discipled to grow in sanctification. Knowledge and wisdom from scripture is absolutely necessary for one to live in righteousness and moral integrity. The church today should not just be a loving community, but a place where the teaching of God’s Word pierces our hearts and transforms our lives.

Thankfulness
            A major key theme that I wasn’t really expecting to see was thankfulness. Paul is constantly expressing is thanksgiving to the Thessalonians. Paul can’t seem to contain the joy that comes from the Thessalonian church and celebrates that they were being obedient and faithful to God. Paul thanks them for their work, labor and endurance. He thanks them for being a model to all believers and for persevering even through persecution and suffering (1 Thess. 1:2-10 2 Thess. 1:3). Paul thanks them for receiving and accepting the Word of God (1 Thess. 2:13). Paul also thanks them for sharing in the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:13-14). In expressing gratitude, the Thessalonians probably felt appreciated and even more willing to serve, obey and give.
           I can understand this joy that Paul and the other leaders experienced from the Thessalonians. I am filled with gratitude when I see that my students are applying the teachings of God’s Word and when the Spirit is at work within our fellowship. I am thankful that God has blessed us with the gift of unity in the church, so that we can worship Him together. I am also thankful that many of the leaders in our church are so eager to serve and give unconditionally. It’s extremely important that we remember to thank those who serve because it demonstrates that their work is significant and useful for His kingdom.

Self-Sacrifice
               Paul, Silas and Timothy all give their lives as a sacrifice to the ministry. Even though there was strong opposition and persecution they were willing to deliver the gospel to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:2, 3:4, 3:7). Paul and the others didn’t want to be a burden to the Thessalonians so they endured toil and hardship; working for their own necessities (1 Thess. 2:9, 2 Thess. 3:8). Being self-sacrificial not only benefits the church, but also gives an example of how Christians should serve and love each other.
             In mimicking Christ, Paul and the other pastor leaders, I am resolved to lay down my life for the sake of the gospel. Loving and giving are self-sacrificial. If I see someone in need, it is a pastor’s role to try and meet their need, even if it requires some sacrifice. In my ministry I pray that I would endure any obstacles for the sake of the gospel, proclaim Christ as Lord and that my life would be an offering for His will. As shepherds, we are to give our lives to the sheep so that they can grow in faith, love and good deeds.

Prayerful
           Paul begins both epistles to the Thessalonians by thanking them and keeping them in prayer. Paul says that he remembers to mention them in his prayers (1 Thess. 1:2). Paul prays night and day to supply anything that is lacking in their faith (1 Thess. 3:10). Paul is constantly praying that the Thessalonians would be counted as worthy of God’s calling and that Christ would be glorified in them (2 Thess. 1:11-12). Being prayful for the Thessalonians shows his heart and compassion for their spiritual maturity.
                My pastor at church highly emphasizes prayer for the congregation. Asking each individual for prayer and praying for them throughout the week not only encourages them, but helps me to be invested in their lives. Being prayful for others also helps indicate what their needs are, and how they need support. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the power of prayer. Just reflecting on how Paul constantly prayed for the Thessalonians, is a huge reminder of how much I need to be praying for the people God has placed in my life.

Godly Examples
           Paul, Silas and Timothy mention how they lived among the Thessalonians. They mention how holy, righteous and blameless they were to be godly examples and witnesses of God (1 Thess. 1:5, 2:10). In their holiness they also practiced humility and reverence (1 Thess. 2:6). They demonstrated holiness to make themselves models for how the Thessalonians should follow (2 Thess. 3:9). Paul and the others made sure they “practiced what they preached” to help the Thessalonians to see how exactly they should conduct themselves.
            In the same way, I need to make sure I am not only preaching how to live, but displaying that godly, holy, and righteous example for others to mimic. Christians are often called hypocritical because they do not always display that righteous behavior that they talk about. It is highly pivotal that I live with the utmost integrity so that I become a model for the students in my ministry. Students will look at my life and see if I truly practice love or just talk about it. Christians are called to not only proclaim the gospel, but to live and walk by the gospel.
 
Correction
           Paul and the others made sure that the Thessalonians were living according to God’s teachings by correcting them. In order for them to be sanctified, Paul notes that they should avoid sexual immorality, honorably control their own bodies, not fall into passionate lust like the heathens and not wrong or take advantage of a brother (2 Thess. 4:5-8). Paul also warns about the counterfeit miracles by the man of lawlessness and to not be deceived by anyone (2 Thess. 2:3, 2:9). They emphasizes being obedient to their instructions so much that they ask the Thessalonians to not even associate with those who are disobedient, but to take special note and warn him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:14). Paul commands them to hold to these teachings and instructions because they are God’s commands.
           For Christians today, I see correction being used wrongly. Perhaps this is why many people are not hesitant to say, “Christians are so judgmental.” However, 1 & 2 Thessalonians clearly calls Christians to discern ungodly behavior and to correct each other. In churches today, instead of seeing a loving correction, I often see a self-righteous or hypocritical correction. Rather we should correct ungodly behavior to encourage one’s sanctification. As Christians, sometimes most loving thing we can do is to help someone acknowledge disobedient behavior and gently correct them towards a holy living.

          Paul, Silas and Timothy practiced pastoral attributes of love, encouragement, thankfulness, self-sacrifice, a prayerful heart, and correction. As shepherds, pastors, and teachers they lived what they taught. They did their best to imitate Christ so that others would imitate them. These men simply wanted to be there for the building and edifying of the church body. Their teaching was wise, but their lifestyle was inspiring. In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, I can hear Paul’s longing heart for their sanctification. The pastors and leaders desperately wanted to see the Thessalonian’s faith grow and attract others. 1 Thess. 2:12-13 stands out to me the most because it summarizes how affectionate they were for the Thessalonian’s spiritual maturity. I pray that my heart would be the same for those in my ministry and that I would incorporate a deeper actualization of these pastoral qualities. I pray that our love would increase and that we would be strengthened in our walk; Being holy and blameless for the glory and praise of our God and Father.