A Daily Devotion for Thursday, October 1
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
I was listening to a podcast earlier this week and the conversation made me think of the question- would I prefer 1) doing a job I love with people I do not get along with, or 2) doing a job I don’t like, with people I enjoy? Above all else, God lays out two commands: Love God, and love your neighbor. The rest will fall into place. When we love one another, we experience God’s love. We are living out God’s love for us. The Holy Spirit itself is shining through us to bless others. This is no small responsibility.
Holy Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ and your ever-present Holy Spirit. Help me to be a good friend, good neighbor, good work-mate, and the best person I can be. Please be with Bev today and help her to enjoy a very special birthday with friends. Amen
Becky, transforming
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
When my granddaughter started running cross country in Middle School, I wondered how do you “watch” a cross country race. We figured it out and realized that as you change viewing positions you get to offer encouragement to a new set of runners as the field separates. We enjoyed being there through High School and College, Everyone ends up at the finish linè and stays there until the very last runner finishes to many cheers from the crowd of parents and fellow runners. I always enjoyed that show of support for and from everyone.
Prayer: Gracious God, I hope I am always at the finish line to encourage those who struggle to finish.
AMEN
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
Each time I read scripture related to encouraging others, the same memory comes to my mind (each and every time). During the last weeks of Navy boot camp, my company was tasked with running 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, meet the requirement or get set back. After setback, if the goal is not reached a second time, you were discharged. There were three of us, Vicki, Carol and I who started the run together at a reasonable pace that would get us to our goal. After about the midpoint, Carol started to lag. We stayed with her, but she was continuing to fade. We encouraged her along the way, stayed with her, told her she could d…