The passage I read was 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
You can find that passage here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=NKJV
My summary of the passage is this:
This is the start of a letter to the Thessalonian Christians. At this point in the letter Paul is praising them for a job well done. He tells them that they have done so good at sticking to the Word of God that others are talking good things about them all over the place and that ward has even gotten back to Paul. He pats them on the back metaphorically speaking telling them that they took the good with the bad and the bad with the good and they stayed joyous through it all. He tells them how they have become an example of Christianity to even surrounding cities and that others even speak of how they have turned away from evil at once and served God. Paul let’s them know that what they’ve done hasn’t gone unnoticed but that everyone that sees them can tell they are living in such a way as to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ their risen Lord.
Just a reminder, this is just my attempt to summarize and simplify the passage for the general idea. For a passage study, I encourage everyone to please read the actual passage for yourself and in this case, may I suggest that you also read the message version in addition to the link above to the new king james version as the two versions have given me a greater understanding often when used together.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=MSG
As I reflect:
What a compliment of being a good example that one such as Paul would write you a letter letting you know what a good job you’ve done. As I read this, I couldn’t help but think of Luke 19 and Matthew 25 when the master (representing Jesus) in a parable tells his servant (representing us) “well done, good and faithful servant”. That story was told as a lesson in using what the Lord has given you to benefit the kingdom and serve the Lord and that we are not to bury or squander the gifts the Lord has given us. We are to be good stewards of all that He provides us to care for. Here we see some servants of just that kind. Good stewards that were given the Word and immediately took hold of it following after Jesus. They turned away from their evil ways (repented if you will) and lived awaiting the return of the Lord. Not only that, but they told others also. They shared the Gospel with others. I don’t see this as often in real life, though it’s all over facebook. Lol. I guess what I’m saying is that we…I, rather, need to be a good steward of my home, my family, my gifts, the Gospel as I share with those that are in need. I am afflicted and as the Thessalonian Christians set this wonderful example for us, so shall I (affliction or not) have the joy of the Holy Spirit and when others see me they should see the example that I then set for them to also have joy despite affliction. No one should need to spread news of my walk and what has progressed. Everyone should be able to see by my actions where my faith is at. I must live in such a way that shows that I did not only receive the Gospel in word on paper, but that I also received the Gospel in power and in the Holy Spirit and I am assured of it’s truth because I have studied it’s history and I believe and I know that it is the true and undefiled Word of God spoken to me and in me and that I am to speak to others this very Word so that they too may continue spreading this great Word that salvation is available to everyone; to the Jew and the gentile; that if you will repent and confess Jesus as your Lord, then you will be saved. May all who share this message through what ever means you have been gifted to do so be so blessed to one day here from our Lord, “well done, good and faithful servant.”
My response to the Lord:
Lord, I am excited and energized right now. This message is one that is very encouraging to my running the race and persevering as I go. I love to see the examples that you have laid out through history of how you can change a people and turn them around 180 degrees and use them to do your will. You always seem to chose the lowly also. And that’s encouraging because the only qualification I have to serve you, is that I am unqualified to serve you. I can smile knowing that it’s all about your work in and through me and not about what I myself am or am not able to do. I know that you can and will and do use me and I want to do all that I can to help you do just that. Have your way with me Father. Take me where you would have me go and teach me to reach who you would reach through me. Oh, how I long to one day hear those precious word from you my Lord. To be told by you that I did a good job. I dream of this day Father. Thank you. For your mercy, grace, faithfulness, thank you. In Jesus Name.
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