Latest / The Daily Word / May 14 – A Heart for the Church
Transcript
- Robert Rosales: Hey, good morning, Lakeshore family. Welcome to the Daily Word podcast. I'm Robert Rosales and alongside my wife Yolanda, we have the honor of serving as campus pastors at our Gastonia location. This podcast is a simple space we share each day to slow down, open God's Word, and pay attention to what he's saying. As a church family, we're committed to meeting with God daily, not out of religious routine. but out of a relationship through scripture, through prayer, and by capturing what the Holy Spirit is stirring in our hearts and how it connects to our everyday lives. We're walking together through the Life Journal reading plan, and today we'll be focusing on the New Testament portion from that plan. When I invest time with the Lord, I try to keep things uncluttered. Just my Bible, my journal, something to write with, and a highlighter. to mark what stands out. At times, I'll also lean on a couple of trusted study tools to help me go a little deeper and stay grounded in the text, not to replace God's word, but to help me listen more closely and understand more deeply. We also follow the SOAP method, scripture, observation, application, and prayer. Those of you who use that know that it's a simple and practical way not just to read the word, but to respond to God through the word. Now, before we jump into today's passage, just agree with me in your hearts and let's pray in order to receive. Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus and we ask that you would open your word to us. We ask that you would by your spirit make your truth come alive in us. Give us ears to hear and hearts to receive and courage to respond in faith. Speak to us, Lord. We are listening in Jesus' name. Amen. Friends, today's passage for May 14th comes from 1st Thessalonians chapter 3, and I journaled from verses 1 and 2. In the NIV, it reads this way. So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and coworker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. The Amplified puts the front half of verse one this way, therefore when we could no longer endure our separation from you. The title of my journal entry is simply this, Paul's Heart for the Church. Come on, say that with me. Paul's Heart for the Church. Here's some things that I observed. First, the words, I could no longer stand it, or I could no longer endure. It comes from the Greek word stego, S-T-E-G-O, and it means to bear up under, to endure. to restrain or hold back. It literally means to cover or contain something, like holding something in. The idea is like a container reaching its limit or emotions or concern overflowing. In other words, Paul can't keep his anxiety contained anymore, so he takes action. So when we take all of this together, this word stego means that Paul felt such strong pastoral concern that he could no longer hold it in. So he sent Timothy to check on them immediately. Paul, having established this church, you can see that in Acts chapter 17, and having been separated from this church too soon, is deeply concerned for her welfare. Because he can no longer stand it, he sends his spiritual son Timothy to check on the church and to bring back word. Paul's heart. and concern were to strengthen and encourage their faith and to keep them from being shaken by persecution. He reminds them that he warned them earlier and that they should understand that affliction is a normal part of serving Christ and should be expected. And Paul is pleased with the report that Timothy brings back. Timothy says that their faith is strong, their love is active, and they still long to see Paul. Paul's response? Deep relief. In verse eight, he says, now we live since you're standing firm in the Lord. According to the Whitecliff Bible commentary, after recreating his personal anguish over the church's lot or circumstance, Paul expresses his complete release from this burden at Timothy's return. Timothy's news was threefold. Faith was firm, love was constant, and the remembrance of the apostle was always good. Wow! Can you see it? Paul's heart and concern for the church. Only God could have put this in him. Only the Holy Spirit could cause a man, a human being, to be moved so deeply. and so passionately and have so much concern for God's people. Amen. How does this apply to my life? This is what I wrote. Through this beautiful picture of the Apostles heart and concern for the church, I'm encouraged and challenged. I'm encouraged to know that if the Holy Spirit could stir Paul like this, to have a heart and concern for the church. in Thessalonica, then he can stir me today to have a heart and a concern for Lakeshore Christian Fellowship and LCF Gastonia. I'm also challenged to lean in deeper, deeper in love, deeper in prayer, deeper in concern for God's people, to demonstrate a heart and concern for the people of God, to strengthen their faith and encourage them to keep pressing in despite trials or persecution from the enemy, to encourage their faith and love for one another and beyond. Will you pray with me as we close? Father God, thank you for speaking to us today through your word. Holy Spirit, help me to live this out. Increase my love and my heart for the people of God, for the church. Stir me up in a fresh new way to demonstrate my love, care. and concern for your people. Help me develop a ministry culture that will allow faith, love, and a deep desire to serve you to flourish throughout our congregation. I ask these things in Jesus' name, amen. Lakeshore family, as you go into your day, my prayer is that you'll develop a hunger for God and his word like you've never had before. As you do, God will open your eyes to the riches of His Word, giving you revelation and life-changing insight that will help you become everything God has called you to be, fulfilling your mission, purpose, and plan for our great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks for joining me today on the Daily Word Podcast. I hope this encourages you to stay faithful in the Word and sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. God bless you and we'll catch you again. tomorrow.