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. 

1 Peter 5:5-14

Summary: Peter finishes up, adding one last submission (young church workers, to their elders) and one more hope of suffering (after a little while, God will Himself take care of you). And he sends greetings from one church to another, and he's out. 

Response: Submission, suffering, grace. It's what I hear over and over again in this letter. Lord, help me to submit to the authorities You have chosen to be in my life. Help me to accept suffering with joy. And help me to see and accept Your blessings for me. Help me to be part of Your Church. 

1 Peter 5:1-4

Summary: Summarizing himself (that: we have been chosen for God's work, that that work often looks like submitting to those around us, and that any suffering that may come will ultimately bring God glory), Peter then applies his thoughts to church leaders. He tells them to act towards those who follow them like a shepherd would with his flock: not as just a paid duty or as a lavish position of influence, but instead as a kind and helping exemplar of the faith. Peter says that this will lead to true glory, just not in this world. 

Response: I am certainly guilty of wanting those two in any amount. Lord, help me to care for those You would have me disciple. Let me see how to help, but first slow me down enough to see. 

1 Peter 4:16-19

Summary: Peter gives another reason for Christians to be okay with suffering: judgement is coming, and if it's this bad for us, think of how it will be for those who don't know Jesus!

Response: I'm trying very hard for it to be anything other than "yeah, make 'em suffer!" Mostly because that's terrible. I could treat it as knowing that is an option for others and working diligently for them to avoid that fate, but showing others cruelty to placate "fairness" doesn't sit well with me. 

Lord, help me to understand this passage. Help me to see those I need to bring You to, and help my heart break for the consequences of their choices.