Thank God!

Daily Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-2

Scripture Focus: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1.2-7)

Devotional Thought: What a great way to build up those who are new to the faith! 

• We.  The body of believers.  A community of support.  The group you are now part of. 

• Always.  Not just sometimes.  It’s of utmost importance and is constantly happening. 

• Thank God.  The provider of all blessings.  The perfecter of our faith.  We should be thanking God all the time for everything, especially the harvest of new Christians. 

• For All of You.  Every single believer.  We are thankful to God because he has brought more believers into the fold. 

And we could go on.  Verse 3 speaks of faith, labor, love, endurance and hope.  In verse 4, we are loved and chosen by this same God.  God does this with power and the Holy Spirit, giving us a deep conviction.  The new Christian can imitate the mature Christian.  The new Christian can imitate God.  The new Christian can do this with joy, even while suffering.  And if they do this, the new Christian will be an example to the rest of the world.

Is this not how the Gospel is supposed to be spread?  Paul paints a beautiful picture of how the Great Commission can be carried out.  This is a beautiful chapter in a great book.  Enjoy your reading for today.  Thank God Always.

John Wade

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the new Christians that you are saving every day!  Help me to be not only a part of the celebration, but also a part of the action.  To the glory of your name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 31.1-7

1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!

2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!

3 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;

4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

6 I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD.

7 I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul,