November 3
1 Thessalonians 3
Paul is not able to visit Thessalonica so he sends Timothy instead.
INSIGHT
Affliction is part of life. Sometimes circumstances afflict us; sometimes other people afflict us; sometimes we afflict ourselves. In the midst of affliction, we need encouragement. Paul writes that he sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians "to establish and encourage" them because of their afflictions (vv. 2-3). Paul feared for their spiritual well-being. When we see others in the midst of affliction, we should be quick to encourage them. Rebuke, exhortation, counsel, and instruction all have their time and place, but encouragement is one of the most powerful ministries on earth.
PRAYER
Praise God for His encouraging Word!
I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
(Psalm 17:6-8)
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
He shall judge the world in righteousness,
And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
(Psalm 9:8)
Confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
Be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
joy in the midst of unpleasant circumstances,
a positive, encouraging mind-set,
your activities for the day.
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:7-8).
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