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Christmas Countdown 2020 Day 8

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Today I am looking at another way 1 Thessalonians shows us how to live in 2020. 

I, like you, am disheartened when I hear condescending references to “evangelical Christians” or see believers portrayed as a joke. 

When the faith I hold to is mocked and ridiculed, misrepresented and even distorted by false teachers and those who would use portions of what I believe to the advantage of their agenda, I tend to shut down. 

Even boisterous believers who are declaring things that seem bold yet I know do not line up with the teachings of Christ can send me scurrying to get away from the noise. 

Then I read Paul’s words in the opening passage of Chapter 2.

“Brothers and sisters, you know our visit to you was not a failure. Before we came to you, we suffered in Philippi. People there insulted us, as you know, and many people were against us. But our God helped us to be brave and to tell you His good news.” 

1 Thessalonians 2: 1-2

I ask God to help me do so many things that I don’t know how to do. 

Navigating relationships, technology, directions, time managements…all of these are a challenge to this girl. And so I pray for help all the time. 

As I look at the words of Paul, I am reminded I can also pray for God to help me brave in the times we are living in. 

I carry within me the hope of Christ and I want to be bold in sharing that. 

I don’t need boldness to share my opinions about the hot topics of this day. It is easy to vent and complain and theorize about what is going on amongst friends and on social media. 

No. I need boldness and grace and ample amounts of joy to share the Good News even in the face of conflict and opposition. 

This is not a popularity contest. And how I am received does not deem me a success or failure. Suffering is not a sign of being wrong. We are here to proclaim the Gospel. We tend to overcomplicate it and try to figure out how to make it relevant.

It is relevant.

We needed a Savior and God sent us the only One who could do the job.

So today I pray, Lord help me to daily live proclaiming the Good News that You so loved the world that You sent Your only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. 

Blessings friends! 

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2 Comments

  1. Dearest Laura, I hear your cry for strength in these harrowing times that surround us, COVID-19 and such, but I know as do you that we are not alone in the trials these times present before us. I too think of Paul and all that he went through to bring the Gospel to the nations of that time, he suffered much but he kept his eye on the prize before him. I don’t say lightly that this too must be our focus, I need to remind myself constantly of this.
    You stated, ‘I carry the hope of Christ I have within me’ so daily you and I can be bold as Paul was in sharing and carrying on as some would say ‘to the bitter end’ but we know the end here for us will not be bitter, but joyful beyond words can express as we keep our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
    I am loving your daily sharing in this season.
    God bless you Laura as you keep strong in Him.
    Love fro Lynette

    1. Amen! As the Church, we join together over the internet and over the miles and rejoice in talking about the hope we have! It builds are faith and we are stronger to share the Gospel as we wait for His Return! Thank you friend!

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