email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

November 26, 2018

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

New International Version (NIV)

   How long does it take to start a church well? At Tallowood we might say fifty-six years and counting. From time to time I think back to those pioneers who met in a school and dreamed a new dream in starting this church. I recently returned to New Hope, a church I formerly served as pastor. They started with six people, a covenant and no pastor. One hundred and fifty years later, they are still serving the Lord faithfully. I suppose other churches started in 1868 are not all still thriving.

                Paul started the church in Thessalonica in three weeks. After the third Sabbath they ran him out of town. He had high hopes for them, but also great concerns. So he wrote them a letter. The Holy Spirit inspired and preserved it. It is helpful for people and churches like ours that are still trying to make disciples. “Like a mother caring for her little children,” Paul says, “we were gentle among you” (2:7). Like a father, we encouraged, comforted and urged you to live lives worthy of the gospel” (2:12).

                Now Paul prays a final benediction over them. His prayer reveals his confidence in God’s purpose and power. It takes God himself to establish and sanctify a church. God wills to keep us blameless until Jesus returns. What about the power to help a church fulfill it’s purpose? “The one who calls you is faithful.” Won’t he do it? He will!

Pray with me: Father, we thank you today for the church. You began a good work in each of your churches and in us. We thank you that you are faithful to finish what you start. Thank you for relentlessly loving and changing us. We know you will not give up on your church. Help us never to give up on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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Houston, TX | 77024 US

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