Nuggets…

This year I played ‘fantasy nba basketball’ and I lost sorely.:) Early in the season I had a Denver Nuggets player, Paul Millsap, who got injured, and I missed him terribly for a while….

Today I picked up on some other ‘nuggets.’ A few of which I would like to share….There are many loaded chapters in scripture and this one is no exception….

1 Thessalonians 5. Read it! 28 verses. So many nuggets.:)

A lot of times we think of the Bible as a ‘hairy fairy’ irrelevant book with unrealistic expectations. But to me even with all my struggles, this chapter wraps up in one passage, instruction, hope, direction, encouragement and practical advice for living. If you’ve read it before take a fresh look. If you’ve never read it before…no worries…it’s right below, slightly paraphrased and with a few comments here and there:

1 But of the times and the seasons, Paul the writer says, ‘I really don’t need to tell you anything.’ I guess he could have ended the chapter there, right? Lol
2 …know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. In Trini dialect I would say, ‘a teef in de night…’ 🙂 This will come through death, yes? Sudden or expected. And for an elect few a literal experience.
3 For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. What is he talking about? I’m not going to try to get into this verse other than to say the outcome sounds painful.
4 We are not in darkness, that that day should overtake us as a thief.
5 We are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. Watch and be sober….We go through our lives so caught up in things, getting things done, doing this, doing that, but do we stop to watch? Smell the roses? Just hug our loved ones, a friend, encourage a brother a sister…Just watch out for someone else…
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. Be aware of the times!
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. Faith and Love!
9 For God does not desire that anyone should miss out, but that all should be rescued from this world through that which Jesus Christ did on this earth,
10 He died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Salvation only through Jesus Christ. This alone could lead into another debate particularly for those who believe differently but take the rest of the chapter for what it’s worth.
11 …comfort yourselves together, …edify one another…
12 …those who admonish us;
13 …esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 …warn them that are disruptive, worry not about foolishness, support the weak, be patient toward all men. Yes, I struggle with patience.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. True nugget! …but ever!
16 R-E-J-O-I-C-E evermore. Be encouraged!
17 Pray without ceasing. In spirit, demeanor, and frequently.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us.
19 Quench not the Spirit. Don’t be stubborn Vaughn!
20 Despisenotprophecy. Believe it or not if we don’t live to see the end of the world we will live to see the end of ours. I feel like I said something deep. Lol.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil….Easier said than done.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Thank God ‘He is faithful!’
25 Pray for me as I pray for you.
26 Greet each other warmly.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this message be read unto all the believers.
28 The grace of God, Jesus Christ be with us! Amen.

———-

(Excerpts were taken from the KJV)

My favorite parts:
v.8 breastplate of faith and love.
v.12&13 Esteem those who ‘admonish.’ Be at peace
v.14 Be patient
v. 15 but ever
v. 22 so difficult…really!
v. 24 an amazing verse. He is faithful! Thank God!
v. 25 pray for me as I pray for you…
v. God be with us all.