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 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 - Rewards and Crowns

        When Jesus returns from heaven (1:10), as He will, and as we stand before Him, what will be our proud reward and crown (2:19)?  Rather, who will it be?

        Lord Jesus, please bless our friends and families today.  Help all of Your church to know You more and to please the Father by the way we live.  Mend our hearts together in Christian unity.  Amen.

        There is resounding power in a life well lived.  A multiplying life lived to encourage and disciple others with the Good News of reconciliation with God.  God's advancing Kingdom.  We see that in the Thessalonians.  They had hope and assurance of pleasing God as they accepted the word of God as it changed their lives and as God worked in them.  No doom and gloom futurism here - rather, Puritan-like long-term building for the Kingdom of God.

        God is working in you today.  He will help you choose to think godly thoughts (watch and read good things and listen well) and to ensure that your motive is to please God, not people.  No flattery.  No BS.  God working in us will be our approval, our authority, our comfort, and our strength.  God will show us the false teachers and those pretending to love people to get their money.

        The desire for human praise is a dangerous trap.  Let’s steer clear of it.

        We see in the next chapter that there are enemies of God who work against all humanity.  We are in a spiritual battleground, no sense denying it.  Be a man for Jesus.  Those enemies of God work tirelessly to prevent the preaching of the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles (2:16).  Like the greedy preachers they are motivated by evil.  Their sins are piling up before God.

        I pray that all who read this section of Scripture today seek to please God.  May we seek a reputation of turning away from idols to serve the living and true God (1:9).  We should have a reputation of looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven - Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.  God help us if we are arrogant, proud, rude, abrasive, boastful, self-centered men.

        Jesus, we know you are coming back from heaven.  Help us to build for Your Kingdom - to make disciples.  You are our Rescuer.  All of our faith is in you.  There is nothing that the world offers that is appealing compared to the new life and real life in the living and true God.  Help us to be welcoming and kind today.  And to be brave in the face of opposition and evil.  Amen.



Spending time with our kids and grandkids.


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