1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Summary: Paul is still attaboy-ing the church in Thessalonica, that even when Paul had to leave, he wanted to come back again. 

Response: If I'm honest at the moment, my home church feels like the opposite. Lord, I feel like people are more and more drawn away from my church. I understand ebbs and flows, but help me gain peace for this, and help me to be ready when the tide comes back in. 

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Summary: Paul recounts for the church in Thessalonica their story together: him, traveling in from persecution and working while preaching; them, open to the ideas presented even at the terrible cost of their own persecution. 

Response: Less bragging and more about recounting for each other (and other churches, who would definitely get this letter to read aloud)? Hard to tell without a ministerial degree. But in all seriousness, it's a great testimony. Why is my knee jerk reaction to a testimony to put down the human aspects and not glorify God for His involvement? Lord, help me to see You and believe You. 

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Summary: Paul continues his praise of the church in Thessalonica, how they turned from idols and followed the way of Jesus instead, becoming a great example for churches in their area. 

Response: It's not directly in here, but I struggle with witnessing in a position of power. I'm a teacher. Students depend on me for all sorts of things. I feel like I can't, in good conscience, tell them my beliefs in the same manner that I tell them facts about my subject. I put up big warning signs anytime we broach the topic. But I do my best to show my beliefs. Lord, help me to show, even if I don't tell, of Your love. 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Summary: Paul is back. He has very fond experiences with the people in the church in Thessalonica, that they had such effort towards the work of the church and accepted the gospel so readily. 

Response: I'm not nearly to the point that I remember offhand which Pauline letter goes to which kind of church or what topics will get covered. And if this book is speaking to one that didn't question much and got to work fairly early, this might be good for me to hear. Lord, help me listen for You in this letter. Help it to change me for the better.