He will do it

I am so grateful for Bible Study Fellowship. It is my first year to be a part of this Bible study, which includes groups all around the world studying the same passages of scripture each week. Being part of an organized Bible study has helped me be more consistent about reading the Bible. I really need that.

Today all six kids who were in my house slept late, and I was able to catch up on a few days of this week's lesson. I read through 1 Thessalonians and was spurred on by a couple of passages.

1 Thess. 1:3
Paul was talking to the church...
"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
I need to focus on these things...it seems like it should be simple. :)
faith -->produces work
love -->prompts labor
hope -->inspires endurance

1 Thess. chapters 2 and 3
 Paul is such a great of example of how we are to love others; especially those we are shepherding. I really want to work to be more like Paul.
1 Thess. 3: 12-13
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones."

1 Thess. chapters 4 and 5
These chapters are loaded with so many instructions on how to live a life that's pleasing to God. I needed this reminder...
1 Thess. 5: 16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

And this final nugget. My favorite of the whole book:
1 Thess. 5: 23-24
"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it."