Devotional - June 3, 2026
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: 4-5 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. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
The text for today's Scripture goes on to tell of the severe difficulties Paul endured along with the church. He reminds them not to judge their relationship with God according to the situation they are in. If things are great, things must be going great with God and vise-versa. No, that is not the case. Paul encourages them by telling them they are loved and chosen by God. One needed characteristic of a person of God is endurance. Some complain, they do not see God in anything, so they don't believe in God. I understand their complaint. Yet, are they willing to seek God enough to believe in the first place? It's the same with us. Do we believe in God enough to pray for some evidence to further our faith in God? The Scriptures are clear, without faith one cannot see God (2 Cor 5:7, John 20:29). If you don't believe in something, how can you see it? It is because you believe, you can see. I sometimes wonder what do they think they will see when God does answer their prayer? Do they think God will open a portal they can look through and see a bunch of angels flying around and God enthroned on a billowing cloud? Phillip asks Jesus to do just that, let them see the Father (John 14:8). Jesus says, you have already seen Him when you look at Me (John 14:9). To see God is to see Jesus. And when you see Jesus, you see Him doing things, working (John 14:12). The church and the Gospel is not about getting to heaven when you die. It is about bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth in the name of Jesus. It is about living the Godly life for the purposes of bringing glory to God now. The church in Thessalonica is about this very business even though they are going through a lot of persecution. Don't be concerned about going through hardship for the sake of the Gospel. There may be persecution, but with that comes the love and chosen status of God. It is then you see the power of God and the movement of the Spirit of God.
Pray with me ..., Holy God continue Your work in me. Grant me the strength to continue the work You would have me do, both personally and with others. Hear our prayers for our loved ones. Bless them in accordance with their needs. And bless our church, so we can be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
