We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers, because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NET
Faith without works is dead. Real faith produces real works of faith.
Love that is only talk is not real love. Real love labors at works of compassion.
Hope does not faint. If hope is dependent on circumstances, it is not real hope. Real hope endures all things. Our hope does not disappoint because our hope is in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Never lose hope. God will save you. No matter what. His love is stronger than the grave.
As we see the first fruits of worldwide conflict appearing once again, remember that this world is not our home. We are only temporary residents. Our hope is in Heaven. Our fate is secure. Place your trust in Jesus and serve only Him, not the false gods and idols of this fallen world.
We have a spirit, a soul and a body. Your spirit, if you are born again of God’s Spirit, is the down payment on your inheritance. It’s a guarantee that nothing can pluck you out of God’s hand. If God has given you His Spirit, He won’t change His mind. He chose you to belong to Him forever and ever for all eternity. Rest in that hope. God will never leave you nor forsake you.
Say it with me, “I am saved by faith in Christ. Nothing can separate me from His love.”
Say it as often as you need to. Guard your heart. Protect your mind. Don’t let doubt, fear or worry creep in and spoil your day.
There’s no shortage of bad news in the world today. There’s nothing new under the sun. Evil people do evil things. That’s not a surprise. Don’t meditate on their evil works and acts of atrocity. You’ll only traumatize yourself. No sense in that.
Meditate on God’s Word. That is true medicine for the soul. We have all sorts of medicine for our bodies, but what heals the soul? Only God.
God is the source of everything good. He is the originator of all life. He has the power to resurrect dead things. He can do anything. Nothing is impossible for God. So place your trust, focus your mind and dedicate your heart fully to God and His purposes. Practice the presence of God, wherever you are. Be a carrier of the Kingdom.
It’s best to start your day immersing yourself in the truth of Scripture. You feed your body everyday, why not feed your soul?
It’s best to start your day with prayer and meditation. You talk to and think about other humans all day, why not talk to God and think about Him first and above all others?
Why do I usually blog first thing in the morning, before I even get out of bed? I want to capture those thoughts that the Lord places in my heart before the distractions of the day sweep them away.
Once I have captured those thoughts and inscribed them digitally on my blog, my mind is clear, my heart is full, I have encouraged myself to face another day of uncertainty with my hope firmly planted in my faith in Jesus. Hopefully, it encourages someone else as well. That is my desire.
May the God of all hope encourage your soul today to stay in the fight, the fight to keep the faith. And may nothing discourage you from living your life fully for your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 NET