Today’s Reading: You’ll notice the Scripture reading for today is longer than the others. These chapters from the book of Acts provide context for our study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
My grandmother had five siblings, and by the time I came along, the six had married to become twelve. I grew up around their vegetable and flower gardens, in their kitchens that smelled of soup beans and cornbread. I listened to them tell stories late into the night, sat by as they played cards amid uproarious laughter, even stood outside in my pajamas after dark as they howled old songs by the light of the moon.
I rarely think of one of them without thinking of all of them. In my mind they were a set—always connected. That’s not to say they were always together over the years. They saw wars and endured moves and raised children in different states across the country. But when life separated them, they built bridges with letters. They wrote letters home from overseas, sent postcards when they traveled, mailed handwritten pages of updates from one address to the other. Even now that only two of the twelve remain, they write letters to us, their family. They keep us connected still.
Letters encourage in a way email never will. They speak to a part of the soul that social media comments can’t quite reach. When I read the letters from the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica, I hear the earnestness of words written by hand and carried on foot. I hear a weary pastor, a brother in the faith, longing to see his congregation—his family.
Today’s Scripture reading gives us context for our study of the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Acts 16 and 17 tell how Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey—a journey that included many other cities and countless trials along the way. The apostle faithfully preached the gospel to anyone in earshot, and they ran him out of nearly every town he dared enter. But Paul’s work was not in vain, because the Holy Spirit was at work. Families of faith formed along his route, one of them in Thessalonica.
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian believers are like so many of his other letters, filled with instruction on how to live the Christian life. But these letters do more than clarify theology; they are filled to the brim with affection and encouragement for the men and women whose belief in and hunger for the gospel encouraged him, their teacher. Paul wrote to build up his Thessalonian faith family, not with empty platitudes, but with a hope rooted in one truth: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah” (Acts 17:3).
I’m making a commitment to live in the Bible and start by following this reading plan. This raised so many questions for me but I’m determined to sit in prayer and meditation for better understanding. I’m looking forward to this.
So beautifully said!
DOROTHY, good to see you back. We held you in our prayers on Saturday, (thanks to Heidi’s good memory).. hope you are okay…
Praying Gods loving arms around you and yours as you remember your niece.
Hugs wrapped in love coming your way..❤
JEN BREWER, Praying for reconciliation and wisdom as you face this difficult time.. God is good and faithful..sending hugs wrapped in hope filled love..❤
TRACI, thankful for you and Tanners life.. God is good and absolutely worth the praise.
Happy Birthdsy Tanner!
Sending you love and hugs wrapped in praise❤
The scribes and Pharisees persecuted Jesus out of envy, and in today’s reading, envy/jealousy again arises from the unbelieving Jews against Paul and his fellows (Acts 17:5). Unbelief leads to envy, massive envy, even to the point of wanting to murder. But faith leads to the longing for oneness, like the genuine hospitality of Lydia who welcomed them ( yet strangers) into her home regardless of any inconvenience (Acts 16:15). By the outward fruit, the hidden heart’s condition is revealed.
Thank you everyone that has recommended “The Chosen” show. It was so powerful, and truly not like any typical Jesus’ show I have watched. Such Hollywood quality of directing, character building though it is quite a complex job, layers of emotions and pains were so well conveyed through this show. And the testimony the Director he shared that the day they decided to let the shows be FREE, that VERY day, their income got quadrupled, from the donations and “pay it forward” option in the Chosen App. That is just a miracle, especially during Covid and all, economic recession and all, God provided a way for them to continue this project. And the effect of the Miracle of the Fish, how they could not make it work, and then the Lord provided a solution to make the scene completed and flawless. I was just in awe hearing these testimonies (in behind the scenes conversations). If you haven’t watched this show, please go and watch. My Easter’s weekend was extra special because of “The Chosen”. Praise the Lord for this powerful production. Be blessed sisters!
This is my first SRT plan, and I’m encouraged by seeing others on this journey to.
So excited to start this new she reads truth study! Excited to hear what Paul has to say to the early Christians.
In our reading today Timothy is referred to as a “disciple.” His mother is referred to as “a Jewish woman who was a believer.” Lydia is referred to as “a worshiper of God.” Paul and Silas are referred to as “bond servants of the Most High God” and as “men who have upset the world.” What words would others use to refer to me? Not a closet Christian. Hopefully, a fully committed Christian. Certainly, a work in progress.
Always on their way to the place of prayer. Prayer is not just the closing of their day, or the blessing of the food. Prayer was the days agenda.