Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

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Why I Can’t Pray “Come Lord Jesus” – Yet!

August 19, 2021 by Ellen 2 Comments

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

The world is in an uproar as I sit here writing. There is a global pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. The virus has gone viral. It’s reached every country in the world. 

Some news accounts say the virus was released by another country, possibly on purpose. Biological warfare.  In my country, protests are turning into riots, killing people and destroying the livelihoods of small business owners. Wars, plagues, pestilence and death.

I should be on my knees at all this evil running rampant. I should be praying “Come Lord Jesus!” But I can’t. Yet.

Perhaps you’re feeling this too? I’m wondering if your “why” is the same as mine?

I have been walking through scripture with the apostle Paul.  I’ve allowed his words in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 soak into my soul. The actions taken by Paul, Silas and Timothy caused me to examine my own life.

The missionaries were emboldened by God to speak the Gospel. They proclaimed the Gospel, while working hard night and day. God had entrusted them with His good news, and they shared it gladly. 

In addition, they exhorted (encouraged, comforted), encouraged and implored their listeners.

Why?

So that the saints in the church at Thessalonica would walk in a manner worthy of God.⁠1 

Have I done this enough? Have you?

Boldly spoken.

Proclaim the Gospel.

Encourage.

Exhort.

Implore.

 Have we done this enough so that other believers can walk worthy, live abundantly, stand firm and believe with all their heart that Jesus loves them enough to give His life for them? Have we done this enough so that those who don’t know Jesus will be saved because we have told them about what Jesus has done for us? Have we implored (begged, beseeched, prayed, asked, urged) others to trust in Jesus for the salvation of their souls?

Paul praised the church in their obedience to God, in living their lives to please God, and in their love for the brethren.  But he also tells them “Do this even more.⁠2” Through Holy Spirit power in us, we can live fruitful lives for Jesus, and love others even more than we are doing now. We can encourage others and proclaim truth even more. 

But you know what happened? Paul had to write a second letter to this church. There was some confusion about when Jesus would return. Because of mounting persecution, many believed the day of the Lord, Christ’s return, would be any moment. 

It kind of feels like that to me too, in this crazy world! 

In light of this misunderstanding, the believers in Thessalonica decided to be idle, disorderly and sit around waiting for Jesus’ return. In a nutshell, Paul told them “No way! Continue doing what you have been commanded! Continue the Lord’s work!”

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)

This is a lesson for us today. The world looks like it’s going crazy. It seems like Jesus could be appearing at any minute. As we gaze hopefully toward the east, waiting, may we continue to do more and more. May we continue to do the work God has called us to and be good stewards of the Gospel that has been entrusted to us. May we never, ever stop or grow weary of doing good for the honor and glory of Jesus.

And always, let this be the prayer on our lips: “Come Lord Jesus!”

Amen!

anImage_2.tiff

1 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NASB)

2 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 10 (CSB)

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Excitement, Delight and The Great Day

July 2, 2015 by Ellen 14 Comments

Tears threatened and her voice quavered as she told her story.

She met the children on a mission trip to Leon, Nicaragua, serving with Voice of Hope Ministries. She joked with the Nicaraguan women that her name was Diva. Even the children called her that!

The children…oh, the children! She loved them, and they showered her with hugs and love. Every picture she posted during the week showed a child in each arm and some on her lap. Children were hanging around her everywhere. The love of the children made it hard to leave after a week of serving. On the last day, she was visiting with the women at an outdoor cafe. Suddenly, she heard the call:

Diiivaaaa!! Diiivaaa!!

The kids came running to her for one last hug.

When will you return? Tomorrow? Next week? Don’t go, Diiivaaa!

Nica kids

Hopping from one foot to the other, they eagerly awaited her response. Several held their breath, trembling and shivering in anticipation. They were ready NOW for her to return!

There’s just something about the excitement of a child. It bubbles up and overflows like lava. They can’t hold it in! They wiggle and squirm and jump with suppressed energy.

You’ve felt it, haven’t you? A heightened sense of something special in store; the impatience of waiting for special guests to arrive.

Isn’t this how we should await Christ’s return? With eagerness and joy? Are you looking forward to His coming? Are you watching and waiting?

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 (NLT)

Equally as important is this: Are we ready? Are we preparing for His coming?

When family and friends come for a visit, I prepare for days in advance. In the flurry of activity, I wonder: Is the house clean? Is their room ready? Do I have enough food on hand? I’m very focused and intentional, knowing exactly what work needs to be done.

[tweetthis]Await Christ’s return with childlike delight; prepare for His return with deliberate purpose.[/tweetthis]

We need to be intentional while we are watching and waiting for Christ. Preparing for His return is actively waiting. There is much work to be done.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NLT)

Wait with expectancy, watch with excitement, work with enthusiasm until the Great Day. And may we be like the children in Nicaragua when we see Him: overflowing with excitement!

Until next week,

 

 

Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!

Suzie Eller,  Live Free Thursday

Susan at Dance with Jesus

Barbie at The Weekend Brew

Kelly at Purposeful Faith

Holly at Testimony Tuesday

Holley at Coffee for Your Heart

Jennifer at Tell His Story

Jana at Sweet to the Soul

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Welcome!

Torrential rains had been pelting us for weeks. With the rains came weeds growing tall in the flower beds. But I noticed other new growth, too. It wasn’t colorful flowers. It was teeny, tiny little oak trees! Squirrels had been working hard, burying food for later. The rains had soaked and softened … Read More...

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