insideout

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