Together Forever

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul gives instructions in how to live by God’s will. To treat everyone fairly and to live holy lives. To love one another as brothers and sisters with respect for all. To live with hope; knowing that those that have passed on will someday join those still alive and meet the Lord together so they live forever together.

In this chapter there are given ideas about how we can encourage each other with a loving attitude. We can encourage each other by having faith in God’s instructions. Live clean lives by winning the unseen battle inside with self-discipline and hard work.

We can encourage through God’s Word in explaining that Jesus died and rose again; that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him (v. 14). There is eternal hope because Jesus is our bridge to eternity so we can encourage each other in brotherly love.

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This day with You Lord, we pray that more will be told about this hope for tomorrow. May we take every opportunity to freely offer encouragement and brotherly love! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will finish our study of 1 Thessalonians and share some thoughts from the study of 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5.

Below are some questions for reflection

1 Thessalonians 4
What specific instructions does Paul give about God’s will? What ideas do you see in this chapter about how you can encourage other Christians? Who are two Christians you can begin to pray for in this way?

1 Thessalonians 5
How is Christ’s return unexpected? Imminent? How should we live in the meantime? What are Paul’s specific directions about responsibility to others and to God?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

It all starts with receiving a plan from God through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video/poem to inspire you this day and throughout the week: This Day with God. 


Index of Devotionals

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Relay for Life

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

A poem that highlights some of the benefits of Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society.

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I lost my mom to cancer in 2006 and have been involve in the American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” for the past ten years. This year, I’m organizing a team to raise funds as we walk in this event. This poem highlights some of the benefits of Relay for Life as the American Cancer Society leads the fight against this horrible disease.

Relay for Life 2013
Relay for Life brings light into the dark
To take away the question mark.
Giving plans to overcome the fear,
Make burdens lighter, and provide good cheer.

Relay for Life provides optimism
For difficult times through activism.
Changing the unbearable
Into what is more endurable.

Giving participants a chance to work as one;
Helping one another until the disease is done.
Working together within a community
To find a cure and ease anxiety.

New medications give hope; a spouse adds love,
A family gives support, and there…

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Doing Our Part to Get the Word into More Hearts

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Mark Shields

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. – Jeremiah 20:9 

Shared in the post “Enthusiastically Spread the Good News” were the reasons Timothy was sent by Paul to the Thessalonians. In the same way, we are sent into the world to inspire and enthusiastically spread the Good News.

Let us live this day to the fullest by doing our part to get the Word into more hearts. As the message in this video, God is on the Move by 7eventh Time Down, there may be difficulties but we can use these difficulties to build up strength and endurance to run the race for a victorious life.


Index of devotionals

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Enthusiastically Spread the Good News

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Mark Shields

There was tremendous Jewish opposition to the Gospel message and Paul had been able to stay in Thessalonica for only a few weeks. Reading Paul’s letter in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:12, Paul explains how he thought about them all the time and wanted to be with them but he could only direct the ministry from Athens. Paul explains that Satan will do all he can to make sure there is disharmony between Christians.

Paul was concerned for the believers in Thessalonica so Timothy was sent to see how things were going and to strengthen and encourage in their faith (v. 3:2).

This letter by Paul is a model we can use to encourage other Christians far away. With the use of technology today, we can write encouraging reports and think of ways to draw from each other; being inspired to enthusiastically spread the Gospel.

Paul prayed for the Thessalonians because prayer is an encouraging act. Prayer is our greatest power because it brings us into what God is doing. We are to pray mighty prayers with patience and persistence because prayer changes not only those prayed for but it changes us.

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This day with You Lord, we learned from the passage about Paul praying for the Thessalonians so that their faith may mature. That they would increase their love for each other and that they would have more love for You and for others. These same requests are our request today as we pray. Help us to encourage each other and strengthen each other as we gain inspiration to enthusiastically spread the Gospel message. Amen.

 

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