I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy

Today is the day after Christmas.  It is also Sunday!  So looking forward to today.  I did not get my blog in yesterday, but it was a laid back day enjoying being home with family for Christmas.  We had our big get together on Friday, so that Saturday was an easy day spending time with our son Alex, my wife Vicky, and our daughter Adrian and her children.  It was nice.  Here are a few thoughts for today: 1) INFLUENCE-I Thess. 2:11 says:  "As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children."  We can see the influence that Paul had on the Christians at Thessalonica.  Someone has said:  "You impress people from a distance; but you impact them up close."  Paul was an "up close" kind of guy.  He worked in the lives of others and made a huge impact into their lives.  Oh that God would allow us to do the same with those around us! 2) REMEMBER THE PASTORAL STAFF- I Thess. 5:12,13 says: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the LORD, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.  And be at peace among yourselves."  Here we see so much Paul is teaching the church.  "Know them" is not talking about know who they are, but know how to help them.  Knowing how to be a blessing to them.  Knowing them well.  These "labour among you" and "are over you" and "admonish you".  Here we see that three things are listed that they do.  Labor, over you, and admonish you.  This is the work of the ministry. The "esteem them" means to value them very highly.  It means to put them in a position of respect and honor in your life.  We esteem them for their "work's sake".  Then, it tells us how to help them:  "be at peace among yourselves".  This makes their task easier and pleasant.  Remember your spiritual leaders and esteem them highly in love for their work's sake. 3) STAND FAST- II Thess. 2:15 says:  "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." Here we are encouraged to stick with what we have been taught.  That is why I am an old fashion Bible believing pastor.  I am obeying this verse in Scripture to hold fast the traditions which I have been taught.  I hope you will do the same.  Well, my time has come and gone.  May God bless you today!  Pastor Mike Mutchler