Today’s chapter shows a good example of an imitator, so that we’ll know how to spot the imitations…
READ 1 THESSALONIANS 1 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Apparently, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – though I’m not so interested in a whimsical thought like this. I’m more interested in the phrase “practice what you preach”.
In today’s chapter, Paul seemed incredibly pleased with the Believers who lived in the Roman Province of Thessalonica. They were the real deal and their reputation was spreading in the region – especially for their faith, and their expression of faith in action. [v3] These people were chosen[a], and the evidence of this was when the Good News message come to them.
Firstly, it didn’t just come as “more words”. It came with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. [v4,5] In spite of severe suffering, they welcomed the message with joy. [v6] They became a model [v7] by their work that was produced by faith; their labour prompted by love; their endurance inspired by hope. [v3] Then, the Lord’s message seemed to ring out from them. [v8]
So if I’m looking around today, and wondering who it is that I should look up to, and imitate [v6], all I need to do is have a good understanding of what the real thing looks like. Then I’ll be able to spot the imitations. Read more? … CLICK to follow “01 November – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly with the One that we’re Created to emulate? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in Heaven, how great is Your name! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
May I stand up Lord, and praise You my God. You are from everlasting to everlasting! [Nehemiah 9:5]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for God’s Will in South Africa[c]
Your Nation: Those struggling with debt
Yourself: Love for fellow believers
Your concerns for today
Thank-you Lord, that You are a God who hears and sees. You’ve heard my prayer and seen my tears. Now I can trust that You’ll heal me. [2 Kings 20:5]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Even if the arrogant mock me unmercifully, Father God, help me not to turn from Your laws. [Psalm 119:51]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…”
Help me Lord, to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess, for You have promised and You are faithful. [Hebrews 10:23]
“ For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[d] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual LIFE
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]
[a] John 15:16
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/sout/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31