Word

We are making our way through Paul’s first letter to the Jesus followers in Thessalonica. Today, Paul shares a very important thought about an important word.


1 Thessalonians 2
13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God - which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.


Word. Verse 13 is really a summary statement for me for this blog (these “daily devotions”). I am so glad that you have accepted (or are accepting) the “word of God” ... the story of God ... and that you are allowing it to “work in you”. That is my prayer ... that as we journey through God’s word (God’s story) ... that day by day, word by word, it would begin to weave its way into your story and begin to transform you ... your thoughts, your attitudes, your relationships, your words, your goals, your opinions, your passions, everything. I know it is possible because I know the transformation that has taken place in my life. Thank you for allowing God’s word to work in you. Please don’t give in when distractions seem more important and please don’t give up when nothing seems to ever change. If you keep seeking God’s word, I promise you that it will bring you “hope and joy” in this life and the life to come.