Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 3, 2022
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1 From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. To the Thessalonians’ church that is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to all of you. 2 We always thank God for all of you when we mention you constantly in our prayers. 3 This is because we remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. 4 Brothers and sisters, you are loved by God, and we know that he has chosen you. 5 We know this because our good news didn’t come to you just in speech but also with power and the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know as well as we do what kind of people we were when we were with you, which was for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord when you accepted the message that came from the Holy Spirit with joy in spite of great suffering. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The message about the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia but in every place. The news about your faithfulness to God has spread so that we don’t even need to mention it. 9 People tell us about what sort of welcome we had from you and how you turned to God from idols. As a result, you are serving the living and true God, 10 and you are waiting for his Son from heaven. His Son is Jesus, who is the one he raised from the dead and who is the one who will rescue us from the coming wrath.
Good Morning, They will know that we are Christians by our love.
Great is the faithfulness of the Thessalonians! Through their love, the Good News of God has spread throughout the region. According to this letter from Paul, they are doing it right and he wants to thank them for their efforts. As they shout God’s love from the mountaintops, they continue to show their gratitude to Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus for bringing them to the light.
Heartfelt thankfulness and gratitude are sometimes missing in our modern world. It is easy to think that others know that you are grateful so we don’t put it into words. Sometimes we don’t take the time to notice all those who had to do their part so that our efforts are successful. Imagine a world where the contribution of each person was recognized and celebrated.
Wherever you travel during a 24-hour period, with whom did you come in contact either directly or indirectly? If you go to a restaurant, it is not just the greeter, the server, and the cook. It is all who make the restaurant work: the maintenance person, the manager, the prep team, and even the dishwasher. Without the work of even one of these people, it would not be possible for you to enjoy a meal in that restaurant.
Each time we thank someone, we share a bit of love. Each recognition of services renders a sharing of love. How should we respond to love? Love! What the world needs now, is more love!
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Help us remember to recognize those who help us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: My gratitude can bless others and myself.
Love Each Another! Pastor Liz
Comments