A FEW THOUGHTS ON TODAYS READING...
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and father,". He goes on in 1:6-7, "And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe." As Paul stated about the believers in Thessalonica, when you are filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, though facing persecution, tribulation, affliction, etc. this joy which defies human logic is a witness to others. Notice this mindset in Paul, as he was writing the letter to the Colossians from a prison cell, that he did not ask for better conditions or release, but we read in Colossians 4:2-4, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." In another letter when Paul was locked up in prison, we read in Philippians 1:12-14, "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Paul never lost his focus on what he was on earth for, despite his circumstances, as we read in 1 Thessalonians 2:4,13, "But as we have been entrusted with the gospel. even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts...For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe."
How do we measure success or happiness? To most it is good health, freedom, a good marriage, good income and job, good children, etc. For Paul, it is being able to pursue God's calling. I'm sure Paul would have preferred not to be in prison. But, despite his circumstances this all seems secondary to the joy he experienced in being able to share Jesus with the outside world. If life seems to be letting you down. If it seems that your dreams are not coming true. Perhaps, you are looking at life with the wrong lens. Success in God's eyes has nothing to do with our circumstances, but rather is defined as being faithful to His calling. We all have that opportunity, despite our circumstances, every day. Our next opportunity is now.
THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ~Colossians 4:5-6

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Seek for happiness and you will never find it. Seek righteousness and you will discover you are happy. It will be there without your knowing it, without your seeking it.
— D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)








"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
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