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9 You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. 10 You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! 11 You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, 12 holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life. 13 And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 The Message Bible)
A blessed and happy Tuesday to you, my dear Friend. May this find you well and enjoying God's love and blessings for your life. I pray that God blesses you with an adventure of faith today! Let us pray for one another, especially for those who need our prayers and have asked such from us. Let us pray for peace in the world, peace in our hearts, and peace in the hearts of those who still seek it.
My mentor in ministry, The Rev. Jose Alvirez Galindo, said once that when he went to minister in a new colonia, the people said they wanted someone who lived and care for them and not just preach and live. And that's a key to God's work! And Paul and Silas knew that. And that's what why Paul writes in the opening verses of hard work, long hours, listening and be confidential and discreet among them, and loving them enough to be courteous; always sensitive to their needs and always sharing Jesus with them. They saw their role as one of being like loving parents with children; holding their hands, sharing encouragement and showing and living in ways that is step-by-step manner, showing them how to live well before God (Other versions say, "Living a life worthy of God."). Paul reminds them we were called into this life, His Kingdom, into a "delightful life." Serving as an intern minister under the loving guidance and care of Rev. Galindo strengthened these words of Paul. He lived an authentic, loving way with his wife, his sons, and those entrusted to his care as their pastor; he shared the powerful message of God's grace not only in words, but by his example and attention to them. In the same way, you and I are called to not only share the gospel, but our lives, too.
When we share our lives, we make the message of God's grace real and tangible. It's in our showing kindness, showing patience, our humility, and our love that people see the reality of our faith. We become living testimonies of God's transformative work. Just as Paul and his companions were willing to be vulnerable and transparent, we too should be open and authentic in our relationships, allowing others to see the grace of Christ working in us.
Paul goes on to emphasize the power of God's Word at work in believers. The Word is not just information; it's a dynamic force that transforms hearts and minds. As we read and meditate on Scripture, we invite the Holy Spirit to shape our character, renew our minds, and empower us to live out the gospel in our daily lives.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Paul, Silas, and Timothy in their dedication to sharing the gospel and their lives with others. Help us to live out our faith with the same authenticity and love. May your Word continually work in us, transforming us and enabling us to be a light in the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: LIve a life worthy of God!
Receive my love and appreciation for your devoted reading, viewing and support of this ministry!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
