Photo Compiled by Investigation Bureau of Germany. I'd think this is the compilation of the numerous icons of St. Paul. Usually Paul looked more cheerful in the early Christian art.2 Thessalonians 3
3 Finally, brothers,[brothers and sisters] pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,[glorified] as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? I've heard several people come up with a prayer inspired answer. A PhD who has used his life interpreting versions of the Bible. A woman with a vast healing ministries say, separately, they believe Paul suffered from pain in his legs and knees, like arthritis. This a man who went many places for the LORD.
Today I had a great to do list and about three of the things were accomplished. Making me feel rather inadequate to write this blog. However, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. Do not grow weary in doing good.
It's important when Scripture calls to you, to listen. Not to turn away in frustration. How easy to forget in verse 3, the evil one would like nothing better than to condemn us for not being perfect. Instead we remember with power and strength, grasping how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ. Why would we remember that with all the saints? There is not one saint in this Book explaining the attributes, the qualities, the mercy, the forgiveness of God, who has not been a sinner. The miracle explained in this paraphrase of Ephesians 3 - families named by God on earth and in Heaven - God says come as we actually are to HIM. The miracle is He takes us as HIS own.
God explains in this passage, about eating and idleness. He could also being speaking of the work we do in tearing flesh, of sarcasm. Busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
An example to imitate, we look to the good Jesus Christ gave us. This is one more example the Word of God is from the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Do not grow weary in doing good. Idleness? Always pray taking our needs to the Highest Authority is never an idle thing to do.
John 5:17
Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."
The Lord be with us all. Remember Jesus Christ appeared to Paul,a sinner to bring Paul to live the adventure Paul love, serving and loving HIM. Jesus appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
Jesus, risen from the dead, appeared to Paul.
Acts 9:5-6
And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
1 Timothy 3:16
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. Father God, open our hearts to You. Let us be willing to be gathered to You as Your Child. Let us rest in Your Grace. In the name of Jesus Christ. We pray for Your world-wide Church for Your Love to fill and direct the people You send. Let us be Your Temple and not Herod's Royal Stoa. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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