“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,”  (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Paul’s first letter was to the church of the Thessalonians. He expresses thanks to God for the fruit of the gospel in Thessalonica. He singles out three fundamental traits - faith, hope, and love. He was encouraged by their energetic operation among the saints there.  Faith is a firm persuasion, conviction, or trust in the unseen. Though one has never seen God, having examined the evidence they believe and trust in him. When one fully trusts God they respect his authority and willingly yield to his will. Thus, it is a work of faith. Love involves a high regard, goodwill, or benevolence toward others. It manifest itself in deeds of kindness toward others. In this context love is coupled with “labor” – a word which is best rendered as toil and pain. However, when coupled with love, such effort is no longer a burden, but a work of the highest motives. Hope is a confident expectation of the future. Jesus Christ and his appearing is the object of our hope. God‘s people eagerly await the Lord’s appearing with the eternal blessings he will offer. Because of this promise, God’s people are able to patiently endure the trials of life and fix their eyes on these rewards. These three – faith, hope, and love are inseparable graces. Faith must always work by love. (Galatians 5:6) Hope is connected to love “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“ (Romans 5:5) Faith is “the substance of things hoped for.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the root from which hope and love spring forth and bear fruit. Later in the letter, Paul exhorts them to put “on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation”. (1 Thessalonians 5:13) Love must be guided by faith and hope. Hope is only a dream without faith and love. And love and faith can be motivated by hope. Paul is thankful that these three graces are actively operating among the saints of Macedonia.  What about you? By George Slover

Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:4-6) 

The scene recorded above is a vivid picture of how pitiful humans can be when they are no longer satisfied with the rich provisions given to them by God. It was the second such incident recorded in this chapter.  

Even though they had been warned at Taberah, once again the Israelites yield to complaining. Their murmurings sprang from an intense craving or unrestrained desire. Their exaggerated expressions remind us of a child's temper tantrum. It was a voice of ingratitude for God’s daily, loving, care.

The Israelites, oddly enough, were desiring the dainties of Egypt. Had they forgotten the deplorable conditions of bondage? There is certainly nothing sinful about eating meat, or melon, or cucumbers. Perhaps these may represent the riches and luxuries of this world which can distract us from the richness and fullness of simple fellowship with God.

The attitude of Israel was truly an insult to God. Had they forgotten his mercy, and how he set them free from slavery in Egypt? Could they not see that God had provided all they needed to survive the journey toward Canaan?

Jesus has provided so much for his people. “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world’.”  (John 6:32,33) Thus, the covetousness of Christians is a reproach against God, who has loved them and given them everything they need. Those who pursue earthly gains often show contempt for the gifts of heaven.

In the end, God provided so much meat that it was loathsome to the Israelites. God punished their greed by allowing them to have more than they wanted. Such are the ways of the covetous. They will discover that what they wanted so much, does not satisfy. Only God can truly fulfill the longings of the human heart.

By George Slover
 

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.  (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

The apostle has spoken clearly of the coming of the Lord. Christ will return at an unannounced time. Some will say “peace and safety“ and be unprepared. Thus, we are exhorted to be vigilant.

Such watchfulness is of no avail without the proper armor. The people of God are engaged in a war. The believer, like any good soldier, must engage in the hardships of the battle with the necessary character and armor to win.

Both the breastplate and the helmet are defensive weapons. One of them protects the heart and the other protects the head. Paul connects these two pieces of armor with the fundamental characteristics of faith, love, and hope. 

Faith is the principal part of our spiritual armor. Trusting the Lord will give us the courage to fight. It is by faith that we resist the devil, overcome difficulties, and overcome the world. (1 John 5:4,5) The soul that trusts Christ is fixed and steadfast. His spiritual heart is protected.

Paul also uses the breastplate to characterize love. The Bible says we are to love God with all of our heart. It is a longing for fellowship with him, and the desire to please him because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Such love preserves us from the selfishness through which evil can enter our hearts. It is the bond of perfection that knits us together and enables us to survive an evil world.

The hope of salvation sustains us with the courage to endure the trials. It is that motivator that keeps us moving closer to God.  This hope of salvation will guard our minds from the idle dreams and worldly ambitions that can distract us from what is truly important.

These three vital traits prepare the soldier of Christ to engage in the battle. One day Christ will return.  Through faith, love, and hope, the soldier of Christ will be ready.  

By George Slover 

And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.” (Philippians 4:3)
 
The body of Christ is made of a team of disciples with various talents. Paul is requesting the help of another unnamed disciple. 

We are not told who this disciple is, but the words in the text imply someone who is closely tied to Paul. The Greek word for "urge" is a verb that implies someone that Paul considers his equal. He is the apostles’ “true companion” or “yokefellow”. (ASV) This individual was closely joined to Paul in an important duty assigned to him.

Discord among brethren can quickly destroy all that is one is trying to accomplish. The spread of the gospel is hindered in a scene of turmoil. The gospel will best reach honest hearts in an environment of mutual love and respect. Thus, Paul is anxious to reconcile two devoted women: Euodia and Syntyche. (vs. 2) They must be of the same mind!

Many believe that this unnamed disciple was called by the apostle to assist in the reconciliation of these two women.  Had Paul been present he would have undertaken the task himself. Promoting unity among brethren is an important, but delicate work. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Additionally, Paul also mentions Clement and other fellow laborers that were a part of this spiritual team. Each had a common share, because of a common calling, and a common cause– the cause of Christ. It is truly a beautiful picture when God's people work together for the Lord.

Some of these laborers are not specifically identified, but it does not matter for God knows them by name. They are written in God’s Book of life. They are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem and recognized by God.

What duty, large or small has God given to you? Whatever the task do it with all of your might, and give the glory to God.

By George Slover

 

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”(Revelation 21:6)

God is the beginning and the end. He is the self-existing creator. He is the cause and succession of all things that exist. He is the sole Creator, and beside him there is no God. (Isaiah 41:4) He created and determined the purpose of all things. God is the only source of eternal promises, and his unchangeableness is the assurance of their steadfastness.

The promise recorded here is of life-sustaining spiritual water. Jesus promises the same to a Samaritan woman. "Jesus answered and said to her, “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)  No sensation is more burning than physical thirst. However, the thirst of the soul is even more threatening. The human heart is looking for purpose, acceptance, and security. Only the self-existing God can provide. 

This life-sustaining water is offered freely, or without merit. The recipients, don't deserve the gift. They deserve death, but they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. They have been released from the debt of sin! They are heirs of an eternal promise!

Just because it is a free gift does not mean it is given without terms or conditions. The next verse states: ”He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. (verse 7) God calls his people to endure hardship for his cause. Being a follower of Christ is not a life of ease, yet it is far better than the yoke of sin. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It is hard to believe that God offers such an incredible gift. But, surely the same God who is the giver of life itself, who provides sustenance for our existence, would also provide for man's spiritual needs and offer everlasting satisfaction.

So the question is – are you thirsty? If so, do you believe it? "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17. 

By George Slover