This morning I was reading 1 Thessalonians 1-2.
In this passage, Paul is teeming with excitement over the people in Thessalonica because they “get it”! In a culture of idols or tradition or apathetic religion, they are honing in on Jesus.
And really good things are taking place because of that.
Paul says:
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
Their search wasn’t in the easiest of times. Some were even persecuted because of their new faith.
But despite what anyone else was doing, something new was happening on the inside of these people.
The word of God was effectively working in them. My hope in these past 30 days was that you would carve out a quiet time with Jesus.
Have you found that secret place?
I hoped that spending time alone with Jesus would become a treasure in your day, a place where you could shut out all the hype and just tune in to God.
Because doing so changes us. We discover who to trust, how to listen, where to soak in peace when chaos is all around us.
But the greatest gift is that, even in the midst of affliction, we find the joy of the Holy Spirit
It’s a deep inside-out way to live your faith and it’s transforming.
Today, read 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2. Hear the voice of Paul as he talks to these believers. Circle any words that describe what is taking place in these believers.
In your journal write the words that describe you. If there are words you wished described you, simply write them down in prayer form. No angst. No worries. Just anticipation of what is to come.
Thank God for changes taking place in your heart.
Did you realize our 30 days are coming to an end?
I pray that you’ll stick around. That you’ll join me in the next 30 days as we discover what takes place when the Word comes alive.
We’ll still journal. We’ll still hang out with Jesus. But we’ll dig into the Word of God together, taking apart a passage each week until it soaks into our hearts and transcends into our daily lives.
Are you staying with me?
It begins next Monday, November 5th. All you need is your Bible, your journal, and a few minutes each day.
I hope I see you here. Tell your friends. Join me on Facebook so we can talk about it throughout the week.
Have I mentioned how awesome it is that you showed up here today?
Suzie
Thank you Suzie! I thought of the passage, “The joy of the Lord is my strength”. Indeed it is true for me. God is an awesome God and to be adopted into His family, to be able to spend time with Abba is so wonderful. I truly look forward to your blogs and enjoy studying with you.
Really looking forward to the next 30 days.
I second Kelley- look forward to the next 30 days 🙂
I loved the last 30 days. It was amazing and I looking forward to my quiet time with Jesus. What a difference 30 days makes. I heard you were continuing with a bible study and I knew I was in. See ya Monday.
thank you for the walk this past 30 days… I look forward to continuing the journey
Oh my goodness, Suzie! You are reading my mind. I am the women’s ministry director at a church in Dallas and I’ve been talking about how to teach women to get the most out of their bible study. I want to see The Word become honey on their tongues, but it’s not such a simple process. It’s not intrinsic. I love that you posted this because you are thinking the same thing!
I call this ‘coincidence’ a God Dot!
Love this!
I can’t wait to dig into this! Starting tomorrow. : )
Suzie, I fell a bit behind, but regrouped and here I am at your last post. This journey has been extremely enlightening with the verses you shared as well as the quotes from Charles Spurgeon, which I found deeply moving. I am ready for the next stage of our journey…through a deeper focus on Scripture passages. Gonna try to get to that post right now and try to catch up! God bless!