Nov. 25, 2018

THE WORD FOR TODAY
 
1 Thessalonians 1-3 (Click to Read Today’s Word at Biblegateway.com)
 
Truth for Today 
 
1 Thessalonians 1:3 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father
 
Every time I read 1 Thessalonians 1:3 I am filled a deep sense of gratitude.  Over these last 26 years I have observed countless saints who work hard for Jesus.  Their work makes every preacher’s job easier.  This “labor” for the Lord has ranged from cleaning the church, repair projects and all the way to simply making sure the fellowship hall is cleaned after a meal.
 
Paul’s gratitude for “labors of love” is recorded in our text today.  He said, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.”  The Greek allows “labor of love” to be translated, “labor prompted by love”. 
 
For a long time I wondered why so many people are willing to work so hard for Jesus…now I know.  They are prompted by their LOVE for Him and for each other. 
 
Can you think of a better display of love for Christ and His people than the “hard work” of ministry?  So often this hard work goes without accolades or recognition or pay.  It sort of like a watch…we are not concerned with how it works until for some reason the clock stops keeping time.  Well it’s our favorite watch so we take it to a repairman.  He pops the back of the watch off to reveal an intricate design of small gears.  Those small gears working unseen behind the scenes make a watch keep and show time.
 
Those servants...LABORING…behind the scenes make our church strong, vibrant and able to minister to the needs of people who are hurting.  I thank God for those “laborers” who do their work day in and day out.  God help us to never take them for granted.
 
Father, grant those who “labor in love” the strength they need to never grow weary in doing good.  Help them when they feel unappreciated and fill them with Your Spirit of strength and perseverance.  Thank YOU for all they do…In Jesus Name…Amen!!!
 
 
Blessings
Bro. William
​