1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

Before I start relating the message, its come to that time f year when WP starts hounding me for money. In light of that and simply having too much to concentrate on as I also try to grow my Substack, I’m asking for prayer and guidance on this matter. I coukd always do a post directing anyone wanting to maintain a blogging relationship over to my Substack, or even creating a new one.

Today we are looking at 1 Thessalonians an Overview -”From Better to Best”

Paul was writing letters from his prison cell in Rome to all the churches he started and /or visited before his incarceration. For Thessalonica, he wanted them to know they were doing pretty good overall, but there was room for improvement.

First in his greeting he tells them that the peace of Christ is with them. Also, that they have this peace because of God’s grace.

He said they had been good at getting rid of sexually deviant behaviors, standing firm in their convictions, and defending love in spite of opposition.

He told them he always thanks God for them and remembers them in his prayers. He noted that while some came to know God, many were still defiant, not wanting to believe, so they had work to do.

He said that he continues to pray for their endurance, which was inspired by hope, their work produced by faith, and their labor which was promoted by love even while facing opposition. He said it was because he and Silas and Timothy knew that God had chosen them.

In fact, it was predetermined that Thessalonica would be an outpost-maybe because it was a port town? He thanked them for their faithfulness, that they trusted the Lord and believed in His gospel.

I hope and pray that you know the grace and peace of God as we face down the old year and embrace the start of 2026. Do you know the good news? Have you heard of Jesus? I’m 🙏 that if you don’t, you will join me as I start a new Bible plan come Jan 1 on YouVersion Bible app.

I’m starting the plan, chronological in 90 days. This I will do in addition to my morning devotional and mini-study. I know, I know…I am not even through the Old Testament yet, but I wanted to learn something new. Maybe by reading in chronological order, I will understand the Bible in a whole new way!

I invite you to come study with me on YouVersion, start whenever you want, but the new plan goes into effect on Jan 1. Until then, add me as a friend in the app so we can work and pray together, no matter what. If I do leave WP and move over to Substack, it will be less about travel and writing and more about our new adventure and our Jesus journey through it all.

We should work together to spread the Good News. Let’s start 2026 on the right foot. Let’s start with God and see where He takes us. 🙏😌