This morning's reading took me to 2 Thessalonians 3. I have read this many times before and verse 13 especially encourages & inspires me in my daily living. Simply put it says, "do not get tired of doing good". This can be most challenging for me when people purposefully walk all over my feelings & generosity. I am a wear your heart on your sleeve kind of gal. This is one of the areas where 'He' makes me strong in my weakness. Even when dealing with my two toddlers (2.5yrs & 19 months) in their 'growth' season, I find myself asking for patience & I remember to continue on with the good work of child rearing.
Now, Paul was speaking to the hard-working Thessalonians in reference to the lazy/misguided Thessalonians when he wrote this but it still very applicable for Christian living in today's world.
Here's how:
1. It calls us to remember the sacrifice of our Lord. While I'm sure He would rather not have died a horrific death on the cross, He loved us so much that He pressed forward in this midst of our sinfulness.
2. It call us to keep our pride meter in check. When we continue to do good for & to others, regardless of what we receive in return; we can be sure that a special drop from Heaven will come our way.
3. It calls us to be obedient outside of human fickle emotions. Sometimes you have do things out of obedience no matter how you feel. The heart will eventually catch up!
4. It makes our testimony stronger. When we die to self and hold up a standard, we make a very visual representation of our core beliefs.
5. We spit in the devils face!!! This is always a good thing!!! Satan uses anything or anybody to get you off course. Like they told us in the Army..."Stay alert...Stay Alive"
Until next time,
Nakisha Guzman
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