After
All, What Gives Us Hope And Joy,
…
It Is You!
Yes,
You Are Our Pride And Joy.
Scripture
1
Thessalonians 2
19
After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud
reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns?
It is you!
Observation
The
Apostle Paul definitely had a pastor's heart and it is certainly
revealed here in 1 Thessalonians 2! Maybe only a pastor can truly
understand and appreciate what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20,
but hopefully there are some people in your life who you have
invested in that helps you identify with what he shares in this
passage!
One
of the special joys that Kathy and I have because of serving as
missionaries and working in several different countries is hearing
from Christian friends in those countries and seeing how God is
continuing to use them for His Kingdom even though we are no longer
there.
We
have long time friends in Texas and North Carolina and it is amazing
to watch how God is continuing to use them to further His Kingdom.
You
are not going to find “joy” in a new house, a new car, or a “new
anything else”, at least not the kind of joy that Paul is talking
about in this chapter.
The
“pride and joy” that Paul is talking about comes from investing
in the lives of people and watching them grow.
There
is no greater joy under the sun than that!
Application
I
will write a note to some of the people who have brought great joy to
my life through their obedience in following and living for Jesus!
How
about you? What life or lives have you made an investment in? Why not
let them know that they are your pride and joy! Write them a note and
let them know!
Prayer
Heavenly
Father, thank You for bringing so many special people into my life
and into Kathy's life. We are rich with friends. Help me to continue
to invest in the lives of people that want to grow spiritually.
Continue to bring people into my life who have a heart for You and
that want to be used by You. Don't let me be stumbling block to
someone's spiritual growth. Keep me away from stupid sins that will
mess up my relationship with You and with them.
I
pray for my family today. Help them live and walk in a close
relationship with You.
Daily
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalms 30; 1
Thessalonians 2
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