For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything …. For this reason, we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea …. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 2:13-14A, 19-20
Today's thoughts from today's verses:
As we participate in “the Kingdom Plan of God,” we have the opportunity to touch our world in ways that are both similar to and distinct from other points in history. The gospel never changes and thus the similarity of our opportunity. But the conditions and needs of our world today are unique and thus the distinctiveness of the opportunity before us. Breaking down unnecessary limitations, “seeing” others through the eyes of our Heavenly Father, embracing people and their needs in the midst of the conditions of our times, bestowing genuine love and compassion, and communicating the true message of the Gospel, will allow us to leave behind a legacy where the impact of the gospel through us “lives on” as we advance hope and joy and the glory of God.
Today's prayer response from today's thoughts:
Lord, thank you for your Word and the work it is performing in me. My life is being transformed so that more and more I am living for you and not myself. I am getting more of a handle on what it means for me to be an agent of the Gospel so that I am sharing my faith with others. Please continue to help me connect with other people no matter who they are and no matter what conditions encompass their lives. Living for you is all about hope, joy, your glory. I know that as you use me to advance hope, joy, and your glory in the lives of others, I will someday leave behind a genuine spiritual legacy that truly contributed to your amazing kingdom plan. Amen!
