1 Thessalonians 1

Today we begin our journey through Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. The Church in Thessalonica is mostly likely the first letter Paul wrote. We read about how that church began in Acts 17. This letter is a follow up to the church after that visit. Paul loved the people there and was writing to encourage them in their faith. He speaks such words of encouragement and love to the people of that church in this first chapter.

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭NIV

Who in the church are you showing love and encouragement to these days? Have you called them, written a letter or made a visit to that person? May we never stop loving one another and helping each other move closer to Jesus.

Colossians 4

One of my favorite summer foods is watermelon. The best way to eat watermelon is with a little salt. The salt seems to pull out the flavor – making it so much better.

Paul urges the Church at Colossae to have conversations that’s are seasoned with salt. He says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)

Are our words grace giving? Are our words full of life and flavor? Do the things we say to one another bring the hope of Christ to those we are around? If not, ask the Lord to give you a fresh start. Ask him to help you change the words you say. May this summer be filled – not only with good watermelon – but also full of great conversation that brings the hope of the Gospel to many.

Colossians 2 & 3

Today as we begin a new week of readings, we find ourselves in the middle of Paul’s letter to the Church at Colossae. It’s amazing to me that the same things they went through can apply to our lives as well. The truth of God’s Word has no end. It’s the same yesterday, today and always.

In these two chapters, Paul is spending time encouraging the church to live as Christ.

“…just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

– Colossians 2:6-7

Paul charges the church to, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to (their) earthly nature…” (Col 3:5)

Instead of living in the flesh he calls them to live more like Jesus. Whether it’s what they think, say, or do – he encourages them to model their life after Christ. “…Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col. 3:1)

What I love about Paul’s charge to the people in these chapters is that he calls them to let the, “word of Christ dwell” in them (Col3:16). He reminds them that in order to truly follow Christ and model their lives after him – they have to read, know and follow his word. May we take that to heart as we read the Bible daily. May we dwell in the Word of God everyday. May it change the way we think and live.