Through the Bible - Isaiah 49-50, 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Good morning,
Over the weekend, the New Testament reading (above) moved into the book of 1 Thessalonians. For today's verse we'll go to the opening greeting from Paul to the church.
Jeremiah had grieved at how the nation had changed its "gods" to serve idols, which is vanity. Paul encourages the people here to serve the Lord for something that will last. Their legacy lives on through Paul's words.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (Amplified Bible) We are ever giving thanks to God for all of you, continually mentioning [you when engaged] in our prayers,
3Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith and service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [I Thess. 1:10.]
I don't know how often you think about what kind of legacy you'll leave, but whether you think about it or not, you will be leaving one. Your legacy is being created, formed, developed in the hear and now. It is not a done deal, if you are still alive there is time to change it. These verses serve as a reminder the kind of things that should characterize our lives if we want to leave a legacy for Jesus Christ.
Do these words describe your life and service to God? Think how your life might better be shown to be "energized by faith", "motivated by love", while your hope remains unwavering for His coming. Read some of the words to Nicole Nordeman's song "I Want to Leave a Legacy" before you head out to start the week.
I Want to Leave a Legacy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Their Good Example
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
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