Perseverance---Oh MY!

2 Thessalonians 3

Request for Prayer

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Well, if that isn't confirmation that God is working in me, then I am just plain ole blind.  So, this morning I found myself already struggling... struggling with exercise, struggling with moving forward on this mission to move the family forward. 

ROADBLOCK!!!! 

Oh yes,  saw and felt I was giving and giving this morning, even taking the time to say to both my boys... this is my act of kindness, I will help you (indicating that it was a conscencious choice), and hoping that maybe, I might see someone take initiative and  do something without me having to ask as an act towards me. 

OH THIS IS GOING TO BE SO HARD!!!!! 

But I told Bruce yesterday with a loving heart and whole commitment, that maybe, just maybe the reason we both struggle with wanting more in our lives, our bodies, our appearance, our home, our desires, is because we haven't invested and given our whole being to those things.  

 If we invest, give and learn, we find VALUE.  if we try, then maybe the DESIRE and LONGING to do these things and have these feelings won't be do hard./span> 

 Maybe our time here on Earth is that time we must have to learn this so that in heaven we will know how to use and appreaciate all that we have.  I see that we MUST not be idle in our actions... we must stay strong.  Guess I better go get my medicine and meditate on this all day. 

 LORD HEAR MY CRY AND HELP ME TO BE STRONG.