"For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?" (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10)

Paul was concerned about the welfare of these new Christians. Thus, he sent Timothy to report on their condition. (I Thessalonians 3:1-8)  He was comforted to know they were enduring the trials and standing fast.

However, midst Paul’s thanksgiving, there is also a request.  He prays that he will be able to continue the work he has begun.  He wishes to help them complete what is lacking in their faith.  From this passage, we learn several lessons.

First, we learn that their faith was defective.  It has been a while since Paul first taught the gospel in Thessalonica.  There was much to commend in these brethren.  You became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 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. (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8)  Yet, they were in need of a fuller faith and knowledge.

Second, it was the apostle’s work to help them increase in their faith.  We are not exactly sure what this deficiency was.  Perhaps they were challenged in moral purity (I Thessalonians 4:1-7), or in ignorance concerning Christ’s second coming.  (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)  No matter what the inadequacy, it was Paul’s desire to help them improve.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

Let us keep in mind our own deficiencies, and be always anxious to increase.  At the first faith is weak, and must be developed gradually.  But it can grow if we give it diligent effort.  (II Peter 1:5,6) 

By George Slover
 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

It is not easy to weigh the future against the present.  Today seems so real and tomorrow seems so distant.   With instant gratification being the motive of our current world, planning for the future is especially challenging.

Modern society approaches life as if happiness were an entitlement.  They seek for it in money, entertainment, pleasure, or a pill.  Yet, modern Americans are among the most miserable to have ever existed.  Paul doesn’t approach life from the possibility of pain, but from the reality of pain.  Whether we like it or not, in this world we will suffer.

In this passage Paul gives us a glimpse of the future.  Eternal life is more than just an eternal existence.  It is eternal glory!  This glory will consist of a close fellowship with God, the redemption of our vile body, and the removal of every trace of sin and pain!  It is the prospect of this endless treasure that helps the Christian defer the pleasure of the moment and to accept the realities of this world.

This eternal state of bliss is offered conditionally.  It must be sought for by patient continuance in doing good. (Romans 2:7) Paul says “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)  The expectation of this future state must govern our present attitude and actions.  If Paul is correct, then I “reckon”, it will be well worth it.

If one will accurately weigh the options, he must admit God offers a bargain.  The affliction is for a moment, but the reward is eternal.  One will finally see Jesus, and in his presence there is no darkness.  “Sing on ye joyful pilgrims”.  The probation period is nearly over.

By George Slover
  

"And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. (1 Kings 8:59-60)

This is one of Solomon’s finest moments.  God has fulfilled the wishes of his father David.  Israel has gathered to dedicate the temple and to offer thanksgivings to God.  At the close of the prayer fire from heaven consumed the offerings and sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the house.  The ceremony was followed by sacrifice on a scale of unusual grandeur.  It was a great day!

Perhaps you’ve had a day in your lifetime when you realized the completion of a lofty goal.  If not, you surely have dreams of the future.  Such aspirations are valuable because they energize us to reach for greater heights.  Solomon was living the dream of his father David.

Our goals may be found in various arenas of life- our job, our family, our neighborhood, our church.  Some dreams are very personal, others involve family or community.  The noblest ambitions are those that will benefit our fellows.

These goals must be guided by the word of God.  Solomon entreats Israel:  "Let your heart therefore be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day." (1 Kings 8:61)   God has given us a road map to follow.  We can only be successful when our desires follow the path given by our Creator.

All of our ambitions must be tempered by God’s purposes.  We have been placed in this world by a master craftsman and wonderfully made in his image.  Our Creator designed us for a heavenly purpose.  Solomon targets that purpose with these words: that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. (1 Kings 8:59-60)  

We were born to manifest the glory of God.  If our aspirations are in harmony with God’s, our light will shine and others will glorify Him as well.  

By George Slover