Friday 5-13-2016 (Gaiman, Patagonian Bible
Institute, Argentina)
Scripture Reading: 2 Sam 24 1
Chron 21 Psalm 30 1 Thess 2
S=Scripture O=Observation
A=Application P=Prayer SOAP for the soul.
S. 1 Thess 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother
cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were
well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own
lives, because you had become dear to us.
Vs 11-12 ...you know
how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does
his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own
kingdom and glory.
Vs 2:19-20 For what is
our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of
our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. NKJV
O. The Apostle Paul
describes his team’s ministry to the Thessalonians. It was like a
nursing mother, tender and affectionate. It was like a caring
father charging his children and guiding them to walk worthy of God.
For these, their spiritual children were their hope, joy and crown.
A. When our natural children
and grandchildren are healthy, brilliant and well behaved we brag about them
and show their pictures to people who could care less. They are our hope, joy
and crown. That same elated feeling fills our soul when our spiritual children
do well. We need no crown of gold and diamonds. Seeing our children succeed is
reward enough.
P. Lord, I confess that
I made many mistakes when raising my natural children... yes, and my spiritual
children, too. Still You so often have stepped in to work on their hearts.
Sometimes I find myself bragging about my kids and grandkids, both natural and
spiritual. Here I am in Gaiman surrounded by youth studying in the Patagonian
Bible Institute. May our rising leaders become like Paul and his team, tender
and loving like a nursing mother and offering healthy guidance like a caring
father. Amen.
Ralph
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