Daily Devotional

As a believer, do you ever feel discouraged?  Do you sometimes think you do not have what it takes to serve the Lord effectively?

Today let me encourage you, using the verses above from I Thessalonians 1.  Let me give you two words to think about.

One, you are considered one of the brethren, beloved by God.  You have become that because of His choice of you!  This was not something initiated by you.  Being beloved by God is your on-going status.  That place before God and among His people will never change!  God does not change His mind!  So be sure to always go to Him in any need!

Two, the gospel you were saved by was not just some nice ideology given to you to make you feel better.  It was not something put together by man’s intelligence or study .   How did it come to you?  It came in three ways -- in power, in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

Therefore, you can always minister effectively, and live victoriously.  You have God’s power.  You have the Holy Spirit in you.  You have full conviction about Christ and the gospel.  God’s word declares it! So do not let life, or others or even the enemy or our souls take away your confidence in all this!

Have a great, fruitful and victorious day in Christ, today!  You are able!

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation