Author Archive for: meiling

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.  Let’s go:

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NIV)
1  You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.
2  We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
3  For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4  On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
5  You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness.

On verses 1-12:  In this passage we get an inside look at what made Paul and his companions such excellent ministers of the gospel and such excellent leaders.

You too are called to be a leader, whether it’s in your home, your workplace, your school, your church, or a team you lead.  Here are 10 traits of excellent leaders we learn from today’s passage:

1. Excellent leaders don’t let fear or suffering keep them from chasing the dream God has placed in their heart.  Paul and his companions “had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi” (v2).  They faced “strong opposition”.  Still “with the help of our God” they “dared to proclaim the gospel” to the city of Thessalonica (v2).  Excellent leaders push through pain to get to their dream.

Hi GAMErs!

Today we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians, a letter written by Paul in approximately 50 AD to the church in the ancient city of Thessalonica.  Ancient Thessalonica was an important port city, located in what is now modern day Greece.  Paul established the church there during his second mission trip (Acts 17:1-10).  1 Thessalonians is one of the earliest letters of Paul in the New Testament.
 
Today’s passage is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.  Let’s go!
 
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2 (NIV)
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 
 
On verses 1-2:  Typical Paul — he begins his letter with thanks.  In whatever you do, it’s a great idea to begin with saying thanks.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Colossians 4:7-18.   Let’s go!

Colossians 4:7-14 (NIV)
7  Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

On verses 7-14: Paul had just finished telling the Colossians in verse 6 that their conversation should be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt”. Now in verses 7-14 we see Paul practicing what he preaches as he speaks graciously about his co-workers.

As Paul describes each of his co-workers, notice how he speaks only good things about them to the Colossian church. He calls Tychicus “a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” (v7-8). He calls Onesimus “our faithful and dear brother” (v9). He says Aristarchus, Mark and Justus are “a comfort” to him (v10-11). When talking about Epaphras, he calls him “a servant of Christ Jesus” who “is always wrestling in prayer for you” (v12) and who is “working hard for you” (v13). He calls Dr. Luke, the one who wrote the gospel of Luke, “our dear friend” (v14).

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is Colossians 4:1-6.   Let’s go!

Colossians 4:1 (NIV)
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

On verse 1: If you’re a boss who employs others, verse 1 applies to you. Provide your employees with what is right and fair. Don’t take advantage of your employees by low-balling them. Pay them a good, right and fair wage. And why? It’s not just for their good. Even more, it’s because we all have a Master, a boss in heaven who is committed to taking good care of us and who expects us to do the same with those we employ.