Today's Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Sunday, January 6, 2008

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
— 1 Thessalonians 1:6
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Many of us find it easy to let our circumstances determine our moods. Paul is addressing a group of new Christians in Thessalonica who had been under attack from the beginning of their Christian lives (Acts 17:5-9). Yet Paul reminded these believers that their new life in Christ had brought them joy despite their outwardly harsh circumstances. Their joy was not a fleeting, circumstance-determined veneer. Instead, they welcomed the powerful message of salvation with joy despite "severe suffering." Their joy was not dependent upon their earthly circumstances. Instead, they rooted their joy in their Savior's example, his abiding presence through the Holy Spirit, and his promised salvation.

My Prayer...

Dear heavenly Father, please make my joy immune to outward circumstances. Please empower that joy through your Holy Spirit abiding in me. Please bless and empower me as I seek to conform my life and attitude to the example of my Savior. Please help me become a better example of spiritual joy to those around me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Received with Joy
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. "
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
Devo: Today's Verse
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a..."
Imitators
Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
Inspirational illustration of 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 -- 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia
A Marvelous Message
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Thank you for the great numbers of believers in Jesus Christ, for their works of faith, their labors of love, and their steadfastness of..."
See All 6 Related Resources about 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 1:6 — You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 6, 2008

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Quotemeal
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Quote by Os Hillman:
"It is the acknowledgment of our humanity and our frailness that places us in a position to have a personal encounter with the living God."
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A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:9
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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