Today's Passage - 2 Thess 3:6-12

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12   We were not idle when we were with you, 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.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."  We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.    Back then, there was a phenomenon at church where some people thought the Lord was returning soon, so there was no point doing any work.  They believed that they should just simply lay down all things secular and wait upon the Lord.  As a result, these people did nothing in the church to help and cause an major issue.  That's why in this passage Paul encouraged everyone to "settle down and earn the food they eat" and not to be "busybodies."  This is an important lesson on waiting upon the Lord's return; no one knows when will the Lord return, so the best way to wait upon the Lord's return is to fulfill our duty, because that's what Jesus Christ did.  When Jesus was on earth, He went to John the Baptist to be baptized.  John the Baptist said: "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"  Jesus replied: "it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."    Paul also did the same.  He was a major apostle who had the authority to ask the church to provide for all his needs.  Paul, however, never asked the church to do so with his authority; instead, he became an example for the church by weaving tents.  On the one hand he was making a living, and on the other hand he was serving the church.  Many people like to wait upon God, but neglect their responsibilities in the world.  Some like to hide in the mountains and stay far away from people; some like to hide in the ivory tower of church to escape from issues.  The Lord's commandment, whoever, was for us to confront our issues.  May God help us, let us not escape when we are encountering difficulties, but rather learn to confront them, because the Lord is with us and His presence can bring us wisdom and strength.  Let us understand how to resolve our issues in life, to overcome circumstances and the enemy with the power of God.  May God guide us and focus on looking upon Him; follow Him, obey Him and fulfill our duties.  When we fulfill our duties, God will also fulfill His.    Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we thank you because you are a faithful God.  You always provide us with abundance in all that we need in our daily life.  When we pray to you by faith, we ask that you turn our circumstances around and bring forth renewal and breakthrough, and let us experience your abundance and faithfulness.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!    Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!