Thessalonian Testimony

“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-word is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…”

1 Thessalonians 1:6-9

           

            This morning I started my devotions in 1 Thessalonians.  I read through chapter one, taking notes as I read.  And, as I read and took notes, I mused upon what the Lord was saying.

            I was struck by what the Lord said through Paul in that first chapter.  Their testimony to others awed me.   Their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and their wholeheartedness in receiving and living out the Gospel message so moved me that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it all day.

            As a Christian woman, I pray that my testimony in the Lord would be beneficial as the testimony of the Thessalonians was.  I pray that when people see me, or hear me speak, they would think of Christ.

            I pray that my husband would be blessed of the Lord through me with a faith that encourages him in his walk with Christ.  I pray that if we ever have children, that the faith through Jesus Christ in my life would motivate them to be all they can be for Him.  I pray that His work in my life would be a blessing to all around me.

            Today, I am seeking to embrace all that Christ would have me embrace, and shun all that He desires me to shun.  I do not want to allow sin to drag me down or away from a close walk with my Lord.  I pray it would be a catalyst unto holiness, not a catalyst unto worldliness.

            Every avenue of my life can be spruced up to be what the Lord would have it be.  From my attitude, my actions, my thoughts, my speech—they all can reflect that great salvation given me through Christ.  They can reflect His grace in my life.  They can reflect Him.

I am looking forward to seeing what else the Lord says in the rest of 1 Thessalonians.  I have read this book many times, but I am purposing to slow down and take it all in.  I have been doing more of slowing down in my reading, and have found it very beneficial.  I am able to muse more upon His words, and find true applications and understanding. 

So, as I continue on in my studies, I will be seeking those ways in which I can be more molded and fashioned to be like His precious Son, my darling Saviour.  I will seek God’s grace more, be more disciplined, and yield much more to Christ; all so that His light would shine through me clearer, and folks will see Him rather than me.