Impacting Others - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Thessalonians
1:7-9a,

"And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and
Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and
Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do
not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what
kind of reception you gave us."

Paul thanked God continually for these believers in Thessalonica. He
said, "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you
in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work
produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance
inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Verses 2-3. Faith, love
and hope.

God had chosen, decided, from eternity past (knowing all that would
transpire throughout all time) that anyone who would embrace him in
faith when confronted with the gospel would become a part of his
family, become one of his "chosen" ones. "For we know, brothers and
sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came
to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit
and deep conviction." Verses 4-5a. The power, the Holy Spirit, and the
deep conviction displayed in the lives of these Thessalonian believers
were the proof of their new standing in God's family.

As a result of the Thessalonian believer's reception of the gospel,
they became a model to "all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."
They formed a fellowship that could be viewed by others as an example
of what God can and will do for those who embrace him in faith.

Sometimes we may forget the impact our lives can have on others as we
model the same things these Thessalonian believers manifested in their
lives. Paul's words here should be a great encouragement to us all as
we recognize the impact we can have on others.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!

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