TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
…we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God… 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Paul, Timothy and Silas spent time ministering to the people of Thessalonica. Paul says, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Many Thessalonians became Christians through these people who poured their lives into them. Others mentioned as joining in the work of Paul’s journey to Thessalonica include Lydia in Philippi, Jason in Thessalonica, Dionysius and Damaris in Athens and Aquilla, Priscilla, Titius, Justus and Crispus in Corinth (Acts 16–17). These are people from all walks of life God brought into the faith and used in the lives of others. They are part of a long chain that eventually leads to us.
As the Jesus-movement grew, the Bible shows God rarely used just one person to make all the difference. He works the same way today. God uses the words and testimony of schoolteachers, coaches, friends, neighbors, small group leaders, youth pastors, mentors, co-workers, relatives and so many others. There are no limits to his creativity in calling us to a relationship with him and using many people to encourage, comfort and urge us to live healthy, growing and godly lives.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Take some time to journal a list of the people God has used to make a difference in your spiritual life. Try to list 5-10. Say a prayer of gratitude, then choose one person to reach out to with a “thank you.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Peter 3.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
