In 2 Thes 1, Paul gives us a picture of a praiseworthy church that continues to grow in faith and love. He says the brethren in this church of Thessalonica will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Those who oppose and trouble the brethren, will be punished, as those who do not know God and disobey the gospel. They will be shut out from the presence of the Lord. But He will be marveled at among those who have believed and God will be "glorified in His holy people". Paul concludes with his prayer for the brethren, "asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the g o o d things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the g r a c e of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." Amen.

In 1 Thes 5, Paul gives some more guidance for Christian living. He says that since we know that the day of the Lord will come when nobody is expecting, we must be alert and self-controlled "putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet". We are advised to "warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances". Finally, Paul says not to put out the "Spirit's fire", test everything, hold on to the good, and avoid every kind of evil. He prays, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through", for "the One who calls you is faithful and He will do it".

In 1 Thes 4, Paul encourages the brethren to continue to live in a way that pleases God and urges them to do so even more, in order that they would be sanctified and live pure lives in accordance with their calling. Paul instructs them to lead a quiet life, working hard, so that through their daily lives they may win the respect of non-Christians. He concludes with some teaching about not grieving the deaths of believers, since "the dead in Christ will rise", and all Christians "will be caught up together with them in the clouds" to meet with the Lord upon His return. Then we will be together "with the Lord forever", and Paul instructs them to encourage each other with this thought.
Amen!

In 1 Thes 3, Paul talks about the update he receives from Timothy about the Thessalonians' progress in their faith. The report from Timothy encouraged Paul, bringing good news of their faith and love. Paul says he has great joy in God's presence because of them. He prays, "may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people (continue to) grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May He as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people." I pray this same prayer for our body of Christ today, that we would overflow in God's love and would actively and persistently look for opportunities to express and share His love, that our lives would be pleasing to Him when He returns.

In 1 Thes 2 , Paul gives us many descriptive attributes of a godly ministry, using his experiences with the Thessalonians. Not being discouraged by insults or suffering, Paul continued in spite of strong opposition. He acknowledges the help of God as he dared to continue preaching the gospel. He says that his motives were pure, and he spoke with the approval of God, entrusted with the gospel message. Paul says he does not try to please men, but only God, since He alone tests the hearts of man. Not using flattery, or looking for the praise of men, Paul says he gently cared and shared the love of God. Paul says the Thessalonians , whom he had introduced to the gospel and cared for as a mother caring for her children, comforting , encouraging, and urging them in a lifestyle worthy of God --- they are his joy, hope, and crown in which he will one day glory in the presence of Jesus.
This is the ministry that we should all long for , to be used by God in such ways, to have the confidence, courage, and boldness in God's provision of grace, all through our weakness to fully demonstrate and exalt His power and glory. Amen!

In 1 Thes, Paul expresses thanksgiving for the faith of the Thessalonians. Our desire should be that we ourselves would be described in such a way, "your work produced by faith , your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ". Paul speaks of his confidence that God has chosen them because of the profound demonstration of the Spirit's power in them and their deep conviction after receiving the gospel message. They were "imitators of the Lord" as models to all believers, the Lord's message rang out from them, and their faith in God was well known. They had turned to God and served Him, awaiting the return of the Son who would provide their salvation rescue. Lord, help us to live in such a manner as Paul described the Thessalonians, to bring glory to Your name, and to witness Your grace to those who do not yet abide and trust in You. Amen.

In Colossians 4, Paul teaches that we should devote ourselves to prayer continually, being watchful in expectation of God's providence, and always giving thanks to Him for answered prayers. Paul then calls us to be wise in our actions when among unbelievers, so that we can make the best use of every opportunity to witness the gospel of Christ. We need to be sure our interactions and conversations with unbelievers are always full of grace ("seasoned with salt"), so that we may know how to respond with a fitting answer to everyone.