Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (NLT)

17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.

18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!

20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

Often we will hear someone say that their child is their pride and joy, others may say it’s their grandchild, still others may say it’s their pet, or their car, or their boat. I believe what we are actually saying is that I had (or have) a part in raising, or in the success, or in the beauty of the person or object that we consider our ‘pride and joy’. The question I had to ask myself after meditating on this passage is: what is my pride and joy in ministry? What have I, or what am I so intimately involved in that my heart bubbles over with joy when I think about that one thing, or hear about the successes of that one thing? I trust that for each one reading this devotional that you will think about the same thing. Try and think about at least one thing or person that generates a certain amount of pride in you as a result of the part that you have played in their salvation, their Christian walk or their ongoing their ministry effort. If you struggle in determining at least one thing, then perhaps you are way too self centered. You see, others are watching you. Some for points of failure, but many because they see values in your walk or in your talk that they would like to incorporate into their lives. Many are desperate for words of encouragement so that they might continue in a ministry effort. Many wish they were as smart, or as successful as you and would love to come alongside of you and learn more about how to look, talk and act like a ‘real’ child of God – you! Do what you can in Jesus’ name so that others may benefit from His love and His example through you. This will result in great increases in your pride and joy in those that you become involved with!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, there are so many that are hurting today. So many that are alone and need words of affirmation and encouragement. Please use this child of Yours to reach out to someone today who needs this type of encouragement. Please help me to look for ways to help others and encourage them in the ministry and even in their everyday walk. Lord, please help me to keep my character in check with Yours so that I will not become a stumbling block to anyone. Oh that You may be lifted up through my actions today! Oh the joy that will be mine when I see others being blessed by something I may do or say that may result in praise and honor to You. Please help me to always lift up any praise that I may receive to You, and never become personally prideful of anything that I might do, but always give it up to You.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
ß