Day 3 - 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

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.

Terrie's Comments:

I can relate to Paul when he is talking about being thankful that the Thessalonians accepted his message as if it was direct from God and not just mere human ideas.  I am thankful when I am given a word for someone from the Holy Spirit and it ministers to them.  Because it is from God that word is able to live on and continue to work in those who believe that it is from God.  I am humbled and so thankful that God chooses to use human vessels in this way.

Ok I am going to go personal here and a little sentimental!  I do have an intense longing to see Tori again!   Tori gives me hope and joy each time I see her.  It is an honor to work with Tori and to mentor her!  She my passionate sister in Jesus Christ and I can't wait to see her again soon :-) 

Tori's Comments:

How do the Thessalonians have such a prized spot in Paul's heart? Interesting.

Suffering in this world is temporary. Praising God is eternal.

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!