Category Archives: Ministry

Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Uncategorized

ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR OTHERS?


VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:2

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;”

I love how Paul tells ALL the Thessalonians these words. He was thanking God for all of them. Now, that’s hard for me to believe. Surely, there was at least one person in that church that Paul wasn’t entirely thankful for. I’ve been in a lot of churches, and I can’t think of a one where I was thankful for everyone. There always seems to be one who just causes me trouble.

Then Paul goes on to say he is praying for them. He, Silvanus and Timothy were praying for them. What do you think he was praying? I am sure he was reflecting on all they had done for him and the Lord. Who do you mention in your prayers?

APPLICATION

Teaching our children to pray is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a parent. Hearing them pray for Aunt Susie, Uncle Fred, the mailman and the dog down the street really warms your heart. Making mention of people!  That’s what they are doing.  They are doing the same thing Paul was doing.

Our job is teach them to talk to the Lord about others. They should pray for healing for the sick. They should pray for the salvation of the lost. And they should pray for wisdom for fellow believers to walk with the Lord. Whatever it is, they should pray for others and be thankful for them.

Who are you the most thankful for? Who are you praying for? Be like Paul today and give thanks for all, not just a few. Remember, God has placed each person in your life for a reason. Be thankful!

O God, I confess I am not thankful for everyone in my life. Give me Your love for them. Help me see them as You. Then I can be grateful for them and pray for them.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting

WELL WISHES

VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” 

We don’t write letters much anymore. We text, tweet, post to social media, but we don’t sit down and write a letter. Why is that? What are we missing?

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Thessaloniki. I’ve been to Thessaloniki. What a beautiful city. The ancient city wall is still partially standing. You can stand on the hill which overlooks the harbor and watch the ships come and go. I could almost imagine Paul standing in that spot almost 2,000 years ago.

How does Paul address these believers?  With grace and peace. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to address other believers today? Just think how refreshing that would be if we did that. 

APPLICATION

Do that today and see the responses you get. Say to the first person you meet today, “Grace and peace to you.” I bet you will get some raised eyebrows or maybe a puzzled look. They may ask you what you mean by that.

Now, that opens a door to share the Gospel. After all, isn’t sharing the Gospel essentially sharing about the grace and peace of God? Understanding grace brings peace. I want to encourage you to try it. Make someone’s day. It will make yours too.

God of grace and peace, help me today to be the bearer of grace. Help me speak peace.  Let me, like Paul, wish well to other believers who are traveling the same road I am.

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