Daily Devotional

I am always amazed when I read the apostle Paul’s commendation in 1Thessalonians, Chapter 1, written to a group of new Christ-followers who may have only been six months old in the Lord.

He could not stop thinking about:
* their faith that works in every area of their lives.
* their love that labors for all kinds of people.
* their hope that endures in the midst of trials.

He is especially impressed that they had welcomed the word into their lives and allowed the gospel to “trumpet forth” from them to the far-reaching areas of the world.

Finally, he applauds how these new Christians had turned from their all-encompassing idolatry to serve the living and true God and to wait for the Return of Christ.

Living by faith. Laboring in love. Waiting in hope. Welcoming the word. Spreading the gospel. Turning from sin. Serving God. Waiting for Jesus.

Not a bad start for new Christians. A pretty amazing pattern for us older saints to follow, as well. We agree with Paul’s pithy assessment:

“…you became an example to all the believers…” (1 Thessalonians 1:7)

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