1 Thessalonians 3 - 3.31.26

SCRIPTURE:  1 Thessalonians 3:7-9

“Therefore brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”

OBSERVATION:  What an amazing man of God Paul was!  He had such deep, genuine love for the believers at Thessalonica.  He had previously warned them about the persecution they would face because of their faith.

Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on them, and when he returned to Paul, he had THE BEST NEWS to share with him; The Christians in Thessalonica had remained firm in their faith, even when they were persecuted!  

Paul was elated to find out that his labor was not in vain, and that satan had not been able to tempt them to disobey God! Even after Paul had received the good news from Timothy, he longed to see them again himself because he understood how much his personal interaction would add to their faith.

APPLICATION:  When we make disciples, what joy it brings to our heart’s when we see them growing in their faith!   More than worldly success, prosperity, position or power, THE greatest test of their faith is when they remain firm in their faith! For my grown children and grand-children; there is no greater joy to me than knowing that they are standing firm in their faith, and to see them making decisions that honor God.

PRAYER:  Thank You God for the ones who shared the Gospel with me.  And thank You for the love that You have put in my heart to share the Good News with others. You have called me out of darkness into Your light, and have given me everything I need to be a powerful witness for You.  Thank You for helping me to stand firm in my faith to honor You, and please help me to be a godly example to the ones who are following after me.  Amen

- Robin Orefice

1 Thessalonians 2 - 3.30.26

Scripture

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

Observation

In this passage, Paul is writing the church in Thessalonica. He is defending the ministry of Timothy, Silas, and himself to the Thessalonians. He is expressing that all the works they do are with pure motives. God knows their hearts. God knows their sacrifice. Everything they do is to bring glory to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to share the Good News. There is no selfish ambition here. Their main purpose is not to get the people’s approval, but God’s approval.

Application

Am I concerned more about pleasing people, or pleasing God?🤔

It’s a question we should all ask ourselves. You see, anyone who calls themselves a Christian has been entrusted to do what Paul, Silas, and Timothy are doing here…and that is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We may not all be called to go overseas to do it, but we are called to do it wherever we go-(Matthew 28: 18-20). Just know that when we do that, when we try to share the light of Jesus with others, we WILL face opposition. We will face ridicule. We will face rejection. But we are to fight the good fight. We are to be good stewards with this mission that God has entrusted us with, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. 

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” -2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭‭

But do not worry because Jesus said:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭

Now I don’t know about you all, but I’m trusting Jesus. I don’t want to let Him down. My focus above all needs to be more on pleasing Him, than pleasing others. 

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭28‬ ‭

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for caring too much of what others think of me, rather than caring more of what You think of me. You should be my primary focus. Please give me the strength, courage, and boldness to fulfill Your will and Your purpose in my life. Help me to take that next step of faith, get out of my comfort zone, and share with someone today, the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name I pray these things, Amen. 🙏🏽 

-Moses Gaddi

John 20 - 3.27.26

Scripture: John 20:27-29

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Observation

Jesus was crucified on the cross and died, they wrapped His body in linen and herbs and placed Him in a tomb. He rose from the dead three days later; the stone was rolled away but the disciples couldn’t believe it. Mary Magdalene actually talked to Jesus at the tomb and went back to tell the guys. The disciples were hiding behind locked doors afraid of the Jews. Jesus came and stood in their midst and spoke “Peace be with you.” He showed them his hands and side and they believed.

Application

The disciples walked with Jesus, ate with Jesus and saw him healing, restoring and performing miracles and they still struggled with unbelief. He told them ahead of time what was going to happen, but they still didn’t believe until he showed up in their room that was locked and had them touch His side and look at His hands.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a Woman of Faith. I want to Walk by Faith and not by sight. I want to Trust God at His Word. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe. We are called “Believers” so why are we doubting?

Hebrews 11:1 - “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Faith is an action word. When there is faith, there will be actions and your faith will be seen by what you do.

I have a couple of examples from the Bible of people that had Great Faith:

·       Noah built an ark by faith when it had never rained before.

·       Abraham left his family to obey God, even though he had no idea where he was going.

Matthew 21:21 - “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.”

I want to live a life dedicated to Christ. I want to live a life with the 4 P’s: Peace, Purpose, Power and Pardon. I want to live a life that reflects Jesus Christ. I want to be a “Believer” that truly believes in Jesus with all my heart and soul.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to truly walk out my faith in you. To walk by faith and not by sight, to trust you in all things and KNOW that you have good plans for my life. Thank You for always forgiving me when I allow fear and doubt to creep in. Help me to be a Woman of Faith. I love you Lord! Amen

- Michelle Craig