9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,  10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Picture perfect … practice makes perfect. These well-known idioms are part of American culture.  People long for perfection. Perfectionism is a cruel task master, especially when one is … well, …imperfect.  Despite our flawed condition, we continue to seek perfection. We work, strive, and labor for perfect test scores, perfect teeth, perfect children, the perfect job, the perfect wedding, the perfect vacations,  the perfect house, the perfect outfit, etc.  We try everything except the one thing that will help achieve our goal–prayer. Prayer, however,  helps us not to be perfect, but to be perfected. Biblical perfection is very different from the human idea of perfection.

What does perfection have to do with a life of faith? The Bible does have a good deal to say about perfection,

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Whew! That sounds like a perfect impossibility until we read,

“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:23

and,

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:28

God’s plan in for man to be perfected, but Biblical perfection will not be achieved apart from Christ. To learn how to be perfected, please click on the link below.

A Life of Faith, Part 13: Pray and Perfect

As Americans, we live in a culture of more, where enough is never enough. We want more money, more house, more car, more technology, and more status. The “next big thing” is still not enough. Americans want more and more. All of this striving for more and more does lead to a net gain of more and more debt,  more and more stress, more and more aggravation, and more and more dissatisfaction. Seeking more and more of the American Dream leaves us empty, drained, and depressed.

There is one thing, however, we can have more and more of that will not leave us empty– God. The more and more we seek the Kingdom of God the more and more He will bless us and transform us into the image of His Son. God is waiting and longing to pour out more and more of His spirit upon His children so we can minister to the lost and hurting, make disciples of all nations, and bring God great glory.

More and more God … more and more grace, peace, love and righteousness.

To do part 14 of the A Life of Faith, please click on the link below.

1 Thessalonians, Part 14: More and More

For related articles please click on the following links:

The Stuff Monster

Making Room for God

“Maybe I should … maybe I shouldn’t. I think I will, but then again, maybe I won’t. Nope. Yep. Final decision. I most definitely probably won’t.”

Have you ever had a conversation like the above with a friend, co-worker, family member …  yourself? Have you ever had trouble making a firm decision; swinging back and forth from choice “A” to choice “B” like the pendulum of a clock? Tick-tock, tick-tock, yes-no, maybe so.

I must admit I have had trouble trying to stand firm concerning decisions. Most of my wobbliness could be traced back to one deadly sin: people pleasing. In the not so distant past, my “stand firm” decisions were quickly toppled by one opinion contrary to my own. I was as firm as Jello at a July picnic.

My lack of ability to stand firm has cost me plenty (stress, wasted time, consequences, REGRET). After much prayer, soul searching and the storing-up of God’s Word in my heart, I am learning to stand firm, but not on my own two feet. I now stand firm upon the Rock.

To learn what it means to stand firm, and continue our study in 1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith, please  click on the link below.

1 Thessalonians Part 12: Stand Firm

1 Thessalonians: A Life of Faith is an interactive Bible study series devoted to deepening your walk with God. Through repeated readings, in-depth analysis of key words and personal study questions you will draw closer to God and be transformed by the truth of His Word. Watch your life of faith will grow as you immerse your heart and mind in scripture. Start your journey today by clicking on 1 Thessalonians: A Life of Faith, Part 1 link below.

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Grace and Peace, Part 1

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Faith, Hope and Love, Part 2

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: The Gospel, Part 3

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: The Name, Part 4

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Sound Forth, Part 5

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: The Blessing of Suffering, Part 6

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Approved by God, Part 7

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: From Cherish to Charge, Part 8

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Walk Worthy, Part 9

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: The Word, Part 10

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1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: God’s Co-Worker, Part 11

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Stand Firm, Part 12

1 Thessalonians, A life of Faith: Pray and Perfect, Part 13

1 Thessalonians, A life of Faith: More and More, Part 14

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Operation Sanctification, Part 15

1 Thessalonians,  Life of Faith: The Quiet Life, Part 16

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Always with the Lord, Part 17

1 Thessalonians, A Life of Faith: Times and Seasons, Part 18