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1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1Thessalonians 5:1-11 NIV Bible)
A blessed and tremendous Tuesday. Friend! May we pray for one another; praying for those who asked prayers from us. Pray for peace in the world, and pray for your specioal needs. Grow the kingdom with your faithful service.
I heard a neat story about a family that had a little girl dressed as a princess. Two college-aged girls entered the restaurant first and requested a booth. In comes the family with the child and the older young ladies upon seeing the princess, began to loudly exclaim their surprise and delight in meeting a real-life princess and asked the girl for her autograph. Their name was called for the booth and the two graciously gave it to the family. The girls went to sit at the counter where the gentleman relating the story sat. He told them he was blessed by their actions and attitudes towards the little one, and wondered why they had done such a thing. The girls responded with what the gentleman thought was an Italian accent. The girls said their grandpa had fought in the resistance movement against the Nazi invasion of Italy and they always heard from him how they should make a difference in the lives of others. Why? asked the man, and the girls said their grandpa had been influenced by the selfless actions of an American GI stationed in their village. This man blessed everyone by his smile, his generous acts of kindness, and genuine love for all people. Towards the end of the war, some neighboring villagers came to harass the GI but as people heard this, they formed a circle around the GI and would not budge nor would they allow harm to come to him. The why was obvious; in the way this man helped others, he was helped.
Paul in writing to the church in Thessalonia, speaks truth in saying they were blessed in having heard the gospel and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were already alert and aware of what Jesus would do upon His second coming, and so Paul urges them to live lives that bless others with love and kindness. His urging their dressing with the armor pieces of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet, speaks to what the world needed to see and hear from them. Paul is sure that God did not appoint those believers to suffer wrath, but to receive and rejoice in the gift of salvation; the end result being our living with Christ whether we live or die, in and with Him. His concluding thought and remarks are for encouragement and building of each other up, just in the way he had heard they were doing.
May that be our gift to the unbelievers; to love them in ways that demonstrate our hope and joy. May our love be based not on merit, but on mercy that we ourselves have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. It does not cost us a lot to share love and hope with others. Our smiles may be just what someone is needing to see. A kind word of encouragement may be just what someone is needing to hear. And we should use any opportunity that is given us to share the gospel truths of God's love, mercy, compassion, and understanding.
PRAYER: Awesome God, bless our lives with Your grace. Help us be those who are kind to others, who love others, and share hope with all. Guide our steps, grant us wisdom and words with which we can bless others in positive ways. Bless and protect us is our prayer, too. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Bless someone today with hope!
Receive my blessings of joy and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
