Don’t Give Up (1 Thes 2:13) by Pastor Don Bird

26 Aug Don’t Give Up (1 Thes 2:13) by Pastor Don Bird

“And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.” ~ 1 Thes 2:13 (full readings)
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Pastor Don’s Reflections:  My son is competing to make the varsity tennis team at his high school.  The other day he had a bad tryout that make his chances very slim to make the varsity team this season.  He came home frustrated with his performance, obsessing over the mistakes he had made and beating himself up over missing an opportunity that he had worked the entire summer to fulfill.  We offered encouragement and reminded him of why he plays in the first place.  He was able to return the following day at peace, trusting his best was good enough.  We all need encouragement.  We need reminders that, even when we fail or miss out on opportunities, we do not have to give up.  Paul offers encouragement to those in Thessalonica to continue to allow God to work through them.  Paul reminded them that he had taught them the word of God, all they needed to know.  He reminded them of their purpose as followers of Jesus, and he reminds us as well.  When the word of God is the center of our lives, it generates within us the desire and willingness to engage in life-giving activity.  When the word is at work within us, it is manifested by works that are expressions of our faith.  I encourage you to not give up.  Continue in the labor of love as you do your part in building a culture of LIFE.  When the Word lives in you, the life and light of Christ shines through you.  Trust that is enough.
* Pastor Don Bird is the Lead Pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, CO.  He lives in Aurora, CO with his wife of 18 years, Mandy, and his two children, Ethan and Haleigh..

Faith Challenge:   In the midst of your busy life, take some time to find God’s encouragement through His Word and pray that His Word may lead and guide your steps to bring life and light everywhere you go.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars
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Faith Quote:  “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” ~ Saint Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,
Pastor Don Bird
1 Jn 3:18