Give Thanks to God for Your Faith and Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13. This is part of the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, which today is the second-largest city in Greece. In this chapter, Paul talks about the faith of the people. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had been driven out of Thessalonica and when they could no longer stand not knowing how the people were doing; they sent Timothy back to check on the people there.

Paul had ministered to these people and he had great concern for them that they would continue in the faith and not be tempted by the devil to give up on their beliefs. Paul didn’t want the people to be discouraged because of all the trials they had been through.

Trials in our life help us see what is going on in our hearts. When we are going through trying times, it is a time when we can grow even closer to God, if we allow it. We can learn to depend on God and trust Him to see us through the tough times in life. We can’t comfort others unless we have been through some tough times ourselves.

Paul felt comforted when Timothy came back with a good report from the Thessalonians. Timothy let him know they had kept the faith. Paul said he prayed for them day and night. Paul gives thanks to God for them and the joy he had in knowing they were strong in their faith.  They were staying true to the things of God that Paul had taught them.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Things to think about:

• What would it be like to be persecuted because of your faith?

• How can we make our faith known to others?

• In what ways can we show charity (love) to other people?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the comfort You give us, especially when we are going through tough times.  Help us to keep the faith and know You work all things out for our good and Your glory. Help us to increase in our love for one another, and toward all people. Establish our hearts to be blameless in holiness before You. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

This is an excerpt from Give Thanks by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

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Featured Book:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 Daily Bible Reading lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude and to be thankful and grateful for everything.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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