Scripture

We continually remember before our God and Father

     your work produced by faith

     your labour prompted by love

     and your endurance inspire by hope

     in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation

Paul is continually praying for the church at Thessalonica, as he does for many such churches.

The gospel came to them, not just with words but in power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

The Thessalonians are legendary for the depth of their conversion from idolatry to serving the living and true God.

Application

What an awesome church this must have been! When Paul came to preach to them, they received the gospel with deep conviction. They repented from idolatry and served the living God. They took the message everywhere. Signs, wonders and salvations were occurring regularly.

This is not to say that the church was without flaws. However, they were deeply committed to following the way of Jesus and many people were impacted.

The challenge for us is to imitate their behaviour, letting the word of our testimony and the power of the Holy Spirit flow out from us to the world.

Prayer

May I be thoroughly converted Lord, with every gram of my being dedicated to you. Amen.