Notes to the Lord:Reality Based Relationships

1 Thessalonians 3

¹ So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. ² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.

Lord Jesus--Paul's heart kept beating to see your work tended and taken care of. He was willing to change agenda to meet the needs that he saw including spliting up his church planting team. Timothy was sent for only one purpose to strengthen and encourage at time when faith was being tested.

You know so much better than we do the reality that surrounds your people right now. We are not here alone, nor do we meet the challenge alone. That was what Timothy's charge was: to remind God's people what they really already knew but needed someone to remind them.

For you know quite well that we are destined for them. ⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.

Lord Jesus the reality of this world is much the same today as it was when Timothy was sent to this your church by Paul. LSCC does not have to deal with persecution, our current battle is to be relevant, real and relational in a world that has marginalized the church.

The only reason you left heaven's gates was to make a relationship possible with us.Help me in this day Lord Jesus to be real and open to relationship where ever I find myself. It is within the context of relationships that your people become relevant. Be with your people this day.