1 and 2 Thessalonians 3
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Anything starting with the word "but" generally means the Bible is saying, Child don't you worry bout none-o-that. I know you've got stuff dragging you down, but the Lord is faithful. He will establish you. He will keep you from evil.
Now I did not write this. Did not make this up, and I'm thinking we all need to hear this sometimes: "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11.
No he didn't! Y'all the Bible actually says "busybodies." Does anyone else find that amusing? It's not okay to be gossiping and in people's business, instead of being productive and hard working.
"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Paul calls us brethren here which is quite possibly the King James version of, "Hay brah!" You're my brothah from a different mothah. Those of us devoting ourselves to God cannot weary in well doing. We just can't, it's not an option people, we must persevere. We have to think of "weary" as a verb in order to roll with this scripture. It is a choice after all, to allow ourselves to get weary and down-trodden. We fight it by continually turning every day over to God and tapping into His endless strength.
1 and 2 Thessalonians 4
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 1 Thessalonians 4:7
There you go. Squeaky clean on the inside.
1 and 2 Thessalonians 5
"In every thing give thanks," 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Also translated "in all circumstances."
We tend to categorize our circumstances as "good" or "bad," depending on how pleasant or unpleasant they are at the moment. This passage turns that upside down and tells us that through grief, betrayal, desertion, neglect, hunger, uncertainty, exhaustion that we are to give thanks. What if we were to embrace all of those difficult circumstances as from Him. And when they hit we could say, "I don't like this and it's painful. But whatevz. Thank you for this."
"Quench not the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:19
I used to remember what this meant but guess what? My brain is tired. Apparently even triumphant chicks get grumpy. No, wait I think it means don't let the Holy Spirit run out. Keep thirsting for it and see your need for it. We don't get ever to think: "Okay I'm good on that Holy Spirit biz-ness. I've had my fill." Instead, it's a lifelong, ongoing thirst. Drink it up baby, drink it right on up.
Got the Spirit. Got the Thirst.
My heart be just about tah burst.
Ain't gonna quench nothing hoe-lay.
I'm finna listen to Thessa-loe-nay.
Sing hay, sing ho.
Thessalay.
Thessaloe.