Today’ Thought “The word … is at work in you believers” (May 17)

“The word … is at work in you believers”

As we started reading Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians we cannot help but be arrested in mind – and feel challenged by Paul’s perception of the spirit among the believers there. Paul had

“charged (them) to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (2:12).

That charge has come down to us – and it is more than a simple request to try to do this. This is because when they

“received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God …” (verse 13).

That “word” says Paul “is at work in you believers”. Let us get the point, Paul realizes that what he writes is inspired by God. As God’s inspired word if they (and ourselves) take it into both their hearts and minds, then that “word” will be “at work in … believers” today as well: but only in believers whose hearts are alive with the conviction and wonder of having a relationship with God; truly sensing that, as Paul told the Athenians, that

“‘in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

As we read God’s word every day we must let it come ‘alive’ in our minds – and our hearts – only then can it be

“the word … which is at work in you believers”

and we, as Jesus told his disciples,

“are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:3,4).

If we truly do that, day by day, then as Paul told the Thessalonians, God’s “word … is at work in you believers”.

Let us become in heart and mind genuine latter day disciples – and how soon now – before our faith is turned to sight, because God’s word has been “at work” in our hearts and minds; and let us constantly pray, using the words of David,

“Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous – you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!” (Psalm 7:9).

Preceding

Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #3 Voice of God #3 A voice to be taken Seriously

Being in isolation #3 Gathering and Sharing

Being in isolation #6 to Hear Call from God and breaking isolation

Today’s thought “Being made prosperous and numerous on conditions” (May 13)