Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Don't Be a Sloth (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10

Most Christians would agree that we’re not to be burdens on anyone else; rather, we are to pay our own way. We know we’re to work to earn a paycheck and pay our bills, buy our food, and care for our families.

And yes, we would agree that if someone is lazy and just wants to sit around twiddling his thumbs, waiting for someone else to care for him, he shouldn’t get any handouts.

However, what about those who are truly struggling? Those who have been out of work for months—maybe even a year or two—and have been diligently looking for work? They’ve taken odd jobs here and there, but they just haven’t been able to find anything.

Shouldn’t they be able to seek assistance?

Now, I’m not talking about the “professional panhandler,” those people who have learned they can make good money standing on street corners with a sign “Will work for food.” I’m talking about those who really, truly want to work, but can’t seem to find a job.

Or those with true disabilities who can’t work. They need assistance too.

I think Paul is talking to those of us who can work and don’t. If we can work, and we have access to work, then we should work. Otherwise, we’re being slothful … and that’s a sin.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Keep Away (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6

We Christ-followers know we should avoid intimate interactions with non-believers. We shouldn’t be “unequally yoked” (2 Cor. 6:14), and though that often refers to marriage, we need to be very cautious about even close friendships with those who don’t share our faith. Oftentimes, instead of our leading them to Christ, they lead us away.

But this verse is talking about our “brothers,” and this seems to be referring to fellow believers. We are to “keep away” from Christians who aren’t living according to the Bible’s teachings.

Our world abounds with preachers who are skewing the truth, taking verses out of context or picking and choosing which parts of the Bible they want to believe—and rejecting those that don’t fit with their objectives.

And many people who sincerely love Jesus and want to serve God are being deceived. Because of what they’ve been taught—or not taught, as the case may be—they’re living contrary to biblical commandments.

We need to be cautious with those friendships as well. It’s easy to begin to compromise our own faith when we see others who call themselves by the name of Christ compromise theirs. Our plumb line must always be what God’s word tells us to be true.

So, watch your friendships closely. And nurture those relationships that build your faith, rather than tear it down.

Friday, May 27, 2016

If Only ... (2 Thessalonians 3:4-5)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

We who follow Christ are commanded to do two things, and those two things should guide everything we do, think, and say.

Jesus Himself told us what are those commandments: Love our God—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). “There is no other commandment greater than these,” He said.

If we love God with everything we are, we’ll want to serve Him. We’ll spend time in His word, learning more about Him and His heart. We’ll talk with Him and listen to His voice. We’ll strive to seek and follow His will. We’ll want nothing more than to please Him in all we do.

Our desires will be His desires. Our heart will be His heart.

And if we love others as we love ourselves, we’ll want the best for those around us. We’ll treat them with respect. We’ll be kind, patient, and gentle. We’ll serve them with humility. We won’t lash out in anger or do anything hurtful.

If only Christ-followers would truly follow these greatest commandments. If only we surrendered ourselves daily to God’s will. If only we put others ahead of ourselves.

If only … 

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Let's Pray! (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

We who follow Christ should daily pray along with Paul.

We should “pray … that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified.” We really need to be praying for a revival in the hearts of all who call themselves Christians. We should pray that each and every one of us become true followers of Christ, surrendering our entire lives to Him. We should pray that God’s word will spread throughout the world.

We should pray “that we will [all] be rescued from perverse and evil men.” Our world is so evil. So tragically evil. I avoid the news these days because I get so heart-sick when I read or hear of the rampant immorality and blatant disregard for the well-being of others. And the world is so seductive that I believe we need to pray for protection from the wiles of the evil one—even the most faithful of us is vulnerable if we don’t remain vigilant.

And we need to thank God for His faithfulness as we pray that “He will strengthen and protect [us] from the evil one.” And He will because, as we know, “Greater is He who is in [us] than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Let’s pray for a strengthening of our own faith. And let’s commit to pray for each other.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Words of Comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

So many times I need comfort. Either I’m in pain or I’m lonely or I’m uncertain. And I just need someone to give me a hug.

And sometimes—oftentimes—I feel very weak. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. And I just need a bit more strength.

Guess what? I have the great Comforter as my Abba. I have the Giver of strength as my Savior.

I’m never alone. Never.

When I hurt, I can crawl into my Abba’s lap, and He’ll comfort me. When I’m lonely, I can cry out to Him, and He’ll wrap His arms around me. And when I’m uncertain, I can pray for His guidance, and He’ll lead me.

And when I just can’t get out of bed because my body is so very weak, I can lift my hand and ask, “Lord Jesus, please hold my hand just a little more tightly today.”

And He does.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Such a Gift! (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15

We who follow the one true God have been so very blessed to have His words in written form. We have the history of the people of Israel, the foundation of our faith. We have the psalms, with songs of praise and cries for help. We have words of prophecy, some of which have already been fulfilled.

We have eye-witness accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we have His very words of encouragement and exhortation.

And we have letters that guide us and help us to live as Christ would live.

What a beautiful, beautiful gift.

But you know something? You have to open the gift to enjoy it. Think about it: It’s your birthday, and you’re surrounded by gifts from your friends and family. They’re creatively wrapped, quite lovely. It’s not the lovely wrapping that has value, though. You need to open the gift.

It’s the same with God’s word. You need to open the Bible to get at its value. And because He encourages, affirms, convicts, and exhorts us through its words, we should open it regularly—daily, in fact.

The Bible truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

Monday, May 23, 2016

Chosen! (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

God is omniscient. He knows all. He is omnipresent, everywhere at once. He always has been and will always be. And since He is without time as we know it, He knows every decision we’ll ever make—including our decision to follow Him.

And so verses like today’s where we’re told He “has chosen you from the beginning” make complete sense to me. Some people say this contradicts the idea of free will, but it doesn’t really. God knows who His followers will be, so He has chosen us for salvation from our sins and ongoing sanctification.

It’s such a joy knowing that I’ve been in God’s heart and mind always. He knows me intimately, and He loves me deeply. I am His chosen daughter, and I am blessed.

So very blessed.

Friday, May 20, 2016

The One Thing (2 Thessalonians 2:5-12)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12

The Bible holds so much mystery, so much we just can’t understand in our humanity. I really don’t understand fully what will happen in the end times. I don’t fully understand why God will allow the Antichrist to take control of the world or why so many will be deluded by him.

All I do know is that Christ will rapture His church. The Antichrist—controlled by Satan—will rule the world and deceive millions. Then Christ will return to set up His kingdom and His enemies will be thrown into the lake of fire—forever.

And I know the only way to be assured of eternity with God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is to accept the gift of salvation through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then to follow, serve, and love the Lord your God—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

That’s the only thing I understand. And it’s really only the thing I need to understand.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Are You Ready? (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Paul now talks about something he calls “the apostasy,” during which the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed. From my studies of end times, I understand this man will be the Antichrist, a human being who will be controlled by Satan himself.

What is this apostasy? According to one of my study Bibles:

Paul is referring to the very act of ultimate apostasy which reveals the final Antichrist and sets the course for the events that usher in the Day of the Lord. Apparently, he will be seen as supportive of religion so that God and Christ will not appear as his enemies until the apostasy. He exalts himself and opposes God by moving into the temple, the place for worship of God, declaring himself to be God and demanding the worship of the world. In this act of Satanic self-deification, he commits the great apostasy in defiance of God. (The MacArthur Study Bible, © 1997, Word Publishing)
I’m a pre-trib believer, and I believe this person will appear prior to the Rapture, but he won’t come to power until Christ removes His followers before the Great Tribulation.

But whether you’re pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib, the important thing to remember is that Christ will return. He will take His followers away from earth. The Great Tribulation will occur. And one day, Christ will return in full and complete triumph to set up the new heaven and the new earth.

Are you ready?

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Christ WILL Return! (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Since the day Jesus ascended to the heavens, people of have been predicting His return. They give specific dates, and then when those dates pass without Jesus’ coming, many just change the date again.

Jesus was very clear:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:32-33).

Only the Father knows. And He’s always known. Yes, the Bible does give some hints, and we’ll look at a few of those in the next few days. But Christ could return today—or one hundred years from now.

So what should we do? We should do as my grandpa used to say: Plan as though Christ won’t return in your lifetime; live as though He will return in the next moment.

Meditate on God’s word. Pray without ceasing. Serve Him and others. Focus on the fruit of the Spirit. Seek His will for as long as you’re on earth.

And be ready—for He will return.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Amazing ... (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

I love to talk about God’s faithfulness and grace. I love to remind believers that they are sons and daughters of the Most High King of kings.

And because of His grace and mercy, even though we are not worthy, God sees worth in us.

When we do what He’s called us to do, when we work to do His will, He looks upon each of us with fatherly pride. And I believe He longs to say, “Well done, My child,” even more than we long to hear it.

Doesn’t that just amaze you? That He sees you as His beloved child? That He, who deserves all glory, is glorified in you?

I think we forget just how truly amazing it is. The God of the universe, the One who put the stars in place, the One who created all things … This same God knows you by name. He has a plan for you that is unique (Jer. 29:11). He has given you gifts and talents that (usually) you enjoy using, but more importantly, that He uses to grow His kingdom and serve others.

I often say, God doesn’t need us. Not at all. In fact, I think He’d probably do a lot better without us. But that’s not how He works. He’s not a far-off, impersonal god. He’s personal, and He wants to work with us to complete His plan.

And, in His eyes, we are worthy enough to accomplish exactly what He’s designed.

Amen!

Monday, May 16, 2016

Our Special "Someones" (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10

Each of us who follow Jesus Christ has someone very special in her life who doesn’t yet know the Lord. In my case, the most important is my husband. And when I read verses like this, my heart breaks for him.

For you, it may also be a spouse. Or a child. Or a parent. Or a sibling. Or a best friend. If our special people continue to refuse to give their lives to the Lord, they “will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.”

Heartbreaking.

I’m sure you, as I do, sometimes get discouraged. When will they find the truth? we ask ourselves. We pray every for them every day. We keep the lines of communication open.

And we cling to verses like 2 Peter 3:9, reminding ourselves that God is “
not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  Or like Matthew 18:14, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Or even Ezekiel 33:11: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’”

And above all, we can be assured that God loves our loved ones more than we ever could.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Glorious Day! (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8

One of my favorite groups is Casting Crowns, and I love their rendition of Glorious Day. I remember singing the original hymn growing up, and the words haven’t lost their impact.

In the original version, five stanzas take us from Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby to His ascent up Calvary to His burial to His resurrection to His second coming. The chorus sums it up:

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
  Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
    One day He's coming—O glorious day!

My favorite stanza is the final one:

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
  One day the skies with His glory will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
  Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
Source:
http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/987#ixzz1bjVRJE29

I really can’t wait!

There’s a difference between the Casting Crown version and the original in this final stanza. Casting Crown’s version says, “Wonderful day, my Beloved One bringing …” I kind of like the original. One day, Jesus is going to bring all those who followed Him together. My beloved ones will be there. My friends and family who chose to follow Him. Yes, what a glorious day it will be!

But with all the anticipation of that glorious day, that day when we will receive relief from our afflictions, we need to remember how critical it is to share God’s truth with our friends and family who haven’t chosen Him yet. Because on that same day, Jesus will “
dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

Those of us who know Him need to do all we can do to make that a glorious day for everyone!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

I Am Worthy ... and So Are You (2 Thessalonians 1:5)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:5

Sometimes I feel so very unworthy of God’s grace. Although I know God truly has used even my most grievous mistakes for good, I still sometimes wish I’d made different choices.

And it would be enough that God saved me, that He welcomed me back in spite of the years of heartache I caused Him. But somehow He sees worth in me. He chooses to use me to help grow His kingdom. He allows me to impact lives.

So how can I complain about suffering? Suffering is part of this fallen world. And though I don’t look at my daily pain as punishment for choices I made, I shouldn’t be surprised by it. Pain and suffering are everywhere. I am not immune.

But if I can look at my pain as part of God’s plan for me, knowing that it keeps me more focused on Him and that others are encouraged when they see my faith through pain, then I can accept it and trust God through it.

I believe God has a purpose for all things. I believe He will work all things for good. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

What Would Paul Say? (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

Today, we begin a journey through Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica. As was his habit, he begins by greeting the church and praying for God’s grace and peace to cover them. Then he gives specific thanks for their “enlarged” faith and love for one another.

Finally, he, just like a proud father, commends them for their withstanding “persecutions and affliction” with great faith and endurance.

Often when I read one of Paul’s letters, I ask myself, “If Paul were to write to me, would he say the same things about my faith?”

I certainly hope so.

My faith has grown over the years, and I do try to love my brothers and sisters more. And I do endure my daily afflictions. But I know I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the grace I receive from my Lord and Savior.

As you meditate on today’s verses, ask yourself the same question: What would Paul write to you?

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Grace to You (1 Thessalonians 5:25-28)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28

Grace. It’s the greatest gift we receive from our Lord God. Unmerited favor. Receiving something amazing even though we don’t deserve it—at all.

I feel so tremendously blessed that God’s grace covers all my sin—past, present, and future.

His grace covered me when I deliberately turned my back on Him, when I went my own way over and over again.

It covers me now when I falter. And I do falter because no matter how I strive to live as Jesus would want, I still sin.

As much as I’d like to think I won’t sin in the future, I know that probably ain’t gonna happen … (Forgive my poor grammar, but it just seems to fit!)

Yet, God’s grace covers it all. It’s a gift I don’t take lightly. I do my very, very best to honor His gift by surrendering my life to Him daily. By doing what He’s called me to do. By serving Him and others. By offering grace to others.

It’s the least I can do.

Monday, May 09, 2016

Our Faithful God (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:24

God is faithful. Ultimately faithful. Always faithful.

I know this because He’s been ultimately and always faithful in my life. Even through decades of my rebellion, He has always been faithful.

I look back over my fifty-plus years on this earth, and I see tangible, very real evidence of God’s faithfulness. When I was a young teen and young adult, I made many choices that put me in sometimes precarious situations. Too many times, I should have been harmed—or worse—and yet I was kept safe.

I believe with all I am that, because I gave my heart to the Lord as a six year old, He walked with me even when I rejected Him. And He faithfully protected me through all the valleys.

And since I’ve seen evidence of His faithfulness in the past, I know He’ll faithfully guide me in the future. I know that whatever He calls me to do, He’ll work with and through me to “bring to pass.”

I’ve been able to trust Him in the past. And I can trust Him in the future.

And so can you.

Friday, May 06, 2016

The God of Peace ... (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23

The God of peace … I wrote about peace in my book, The Best Laid Plans. Today’s verse ties in well with what I wrote eleven years ago:

Peace . . . what a wonderful word. Peace . . . what a wonderful feeling. As you’re reading these words, do you feel peace? Or are you reading this at the end of a stressful day? Perhaps you’re going through some crisis—you’re struggling with your health, with your finances, with your relationships. You feel nothing even close to peace.

Maybe you’ve bought into what the world defines as peace: having the stuff, having the home, having the hot-shot career. Maybe you’ve married that person you thought would bring you peace, but now you’d just like him to leave you in peace. You’ve done it all. You’ve tried it all. And yet, as you read these words, your heart is tight with tension.

So, now what? I know what you’re thinking: If this life I’m living is a plan of peace, somebody read the wrong dictionary. This is not peace …

What I’ve discovered is that I don’t have peace—never had, never will—when I’m trying to take control of my life. Now, it’s easy to say I’ve given up my will, my plans, to God, but there are many times when I just take a little piece back, or times when I try to do things according to my timeline, not God’s. And those are the times when I face crises, when I struggle with circumstances, when I don’t feel peace.

Be honest right now, right this minute. No one else is listening—well, no one but God. Think of your plans, your dreams, your goals. What are you holding onto? What are you certain you can do better, more efficiently, sooner, than God can? …

You feel the uncertainty in your heart, but you move forward anyway. Could it be, just maybe, that your uncertain heart is God’s voice telling you “no” or “wait”? Could it be that the lack of peace you feel is because you’re not following God’s plan? …

I promise you this: If you’re truly willing to give your life, your plans, your dreams to God, He will keep His promise. You will have peace. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but if you trust Him, you will have peace.

Don’t believe me? Will you believe God? There are quite a few references to peace in the Bible. Let me share one of my favorites. Read these words, hear them with your heart, and listen to what God has promised you: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4: 6,7 emphasis mine). Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I need not be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else.

Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises. (excerpted from The Best Laid Plans © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Practice, Practice, Practice (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

I’ve heard sin defined as “missing the mark” or “falling short.” I’ve also heard it defined as anything that takes our focus off of God.

This world is full of things to entice us. And when we neglect to “hold fast to that which is good”—those things of God—we can easily get sucked into sin. God desires our hearts to dwell on things that are pleasing to Him. Paul wrote, “… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9).

Practice these things.

A while ago, WWJD was a big thing. What would Jesus do? While it became almost a joke, in and outside of the Christian community, it’s still a valid question. Are we really focusing on what Jesus would do in every situation? Do we ask ourselves if God would be pleased with our thoughts or actions?

If we really sought God’s will in all things and “examine[d] everything carefully,” we might live very differently than we do.

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Many Christians have memorized these verses and recite them regularly. However, have they stopped and really thought about what Paul is exhorting us to do?

Rejoice always. Always. It’s easy to rejoice when things are going well. But what about during dark times? A broken marriage. A terminal illness. A wayward child. Can we really rejoice? I mean, sincerely rejoice?

It’s certainly not easy. And I don’t think Paul meant we’re supposed to rejoice in the circumstances; rather, we’re to rejoice in spite of them. The rejoicing comes from knowing God is working His plan even through the pain, trials, or suffering (see Jer. 29:11 and Rom. 8:28). I live with chronic pain. Not a moment goes by when I don’t feel some kind of pain, and sometimes the pain is severe. I’m in that kind of season right now. I don’t rejoice in the pain; in fact, if I had my way, the pain would go away completely. But I know God will carry me through this season just as He has in the past. And I know He has a purpose for my pain, and I can rejoice knowing He’ll use it for His glory.

Pray without ceasing. I don’t think Paul meant we’re supposed to be on our knees every moment of every day. It’s not practical when we’re also called to work as unto the Lord and care for others. I think pray without ceasing is a mind-set. It’s keeping our Lord God first and foremost at all times. So when something happens—good or bad—our very first thought is to go to the Lord. Talk with Him. Listen to Him.

In everything give thanks. This ties the other two together, I think. If we’re rejoicing in all things and if we’re focusing on God, we’ll be thankful for everything. We’ll be thankful for His blessings—and we’ll tell Him so. We’ll be thankful for the hard times, knowing He’s using them to refine us and for His glory—and we’ll tell Him so.

It comes down to this: If we believe God is sovereign and that He has a loving plan for our lives, we’ll trust Him at all times. We’ll keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him, and we’ll rejoice and be grateful for all He does in and through us.

Tuesday, May 03, 2016

If Only ... (1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15

If only … if only we all lived at peace with one another. If we encouraged each other. If we helped those weaker than we are.

If only …

If only we were patient with everyone. If we all sought after the good for everyone.

If only …

Think of what this world would be like.

But because of sin, our world is full of hate. War. Greed. Anger. Immorality. Selfishness. And it’s not going to get better until Christ’s return.

Then and only then will we experience peace—true peace. Until then, we who follow Christ need to strive to be peaceful and encouraging. We need to serve those less fortunate than we are. We need to be patient.

And maybe we’ll influence those around us … so our little corner of the world will be as heaven-on-earth as possible.

Monday, May 02, 2016

Preachers and Teachers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a

Being a pastor is often a thankless job. Most men and women who have been called to teach or preach God’s word on a regular basis work very hard—harder than we who sit in pews each week know.

They study God’s word diligently. They research. They write sermons. They practice and practice in order to seamlessly share the words God has given them.

They visit the housebound or those in hospitals. They counsel. They attend committee meetings. They supervise staff.

Oh, and they usually strive to maintain strong marriages and to raise their children to know and follow God.

Yet how often do we who are the recipients of their dedicated work thank them? I know I usually just take the efforts of my pastor for granted. I do the same for the teaching leader of my women’s Bible study. I do pray for those in Christian leadership regularly. But a personal “thanks for what you do”?

Now I believe that neither of these people is looking for accolades—not at all. They’re doing what God has called them to do. But a “thank you” or “God spoke to me through you” goes a long way.

I think I’m going to send a message of encouragement to these servants of God. Why don’t you do the same for those who “labor among you” and “give you instruction”?