VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:4

“knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;”

Now, before you stop reading – I am not going to get into a discussion about predestination or “the elect.” No, I am just going take this verse as it is written. God wills that all men be save. Once we are His, we are His beloved. He chose that. He chose us. He desires us all. Isn’t that the best thing you have ever heard?

Paul knew that the Lord had chosen to extend His salvation to the Gentiles, which included these Thessalonians. He wanted to reassure them here at the beginning of this letter that they were His. Are you? Are you beloved by God? Are you one of His chosen? I pray you are. I pray you are.

APPLICATION

Here is the bad news. Your faith is NOT your child’s faith. Your choice to follow Jesus does NOT guarantee they will. However, you must do everything you can to lead them toward Him. He will do the drawing. He will speak to them. Teach them to listen. Talk to them about how you hear Him.

There is no greater joy for a parent than to hear these words from their child, “I asked Jesus into my heart.” That can happen at any age. Be ready for it. Don’t doubt their decision. Just do all you can to help them grow. Do all you can to help them know they are beloved by God and His choice.

Who can you encourage today with these words? You may have a friend who needs to hear these words today. Be the one to tell them. And then invite others to join you in His family. Don’t you want everyone you know to be called beloved?

O Lord, I know I am beloved. I know I am chosen by You. I am blessed to be a part of Your great family.