Verse of the Day 9/4

Through the Bible - Proverbs 7-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Good morning,
Moody Bible Institute's devotional, "Today in the Word" is going through the book of 1 Thessalonians this month (www.todayintheword.com). Today, we'll go to the first chapter of that book for the verse of the day.
1 Thess 1:5 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. NKJV

We've recently looked at Romans 12:1-2 about being transformed by the renewing of your mind. This verse and passage describe how this takes place. It comes from power from the Word and the working of the Holy Spirit.

Our Gospel the Gospel of Christ is the good news that comes not in word only but in power. What does this infer? 1 that it comes from the Word being REVEALED and received by us. 2) There is EVIDENCE, it is accompanied by a changed life. 3) When it is APPLIED it energizes us with power, power that affects our lives and those around us. 4) When is is DISPLAYED in our lives it will bring glory to God and He will accomplish His purposes in and through us.

Oh that we would take the gospel to heart, live it, display it in our lives. What impact would it have in our lives, our homes, our churches, our communities and beyond.

Today's read through the Bible plan bring us to 1 Corinthians 15 which shows the Apostle Paul displaying this kind of life. It is based on the Gospel and resurrection power.
1 Cor 15:30-35
And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn't be the end of me? Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."
Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have? - The Message
As the Michael W. Smith song states, I need-
More grace
More power
More of You in my life.
In Christ,
Mike

1 Thess 1:2-2:1
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, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
NKJV