2 As you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, our visit with you wasn’t a waste of time. 2 On the contrary, we had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition, although we had already suffered and were publicly insulted in Philippi, as you know. 3 Our appeal isn’t based on false information, the wrong motives, or deception. 4 Rather, we have been examined and approved by God to be trusted with the good news, and that’s exactly how we speak. We aren’t trying to please people, but we are trying to please God, who continues to examine our hearts.
Reflection
Earlier this week, on March 22, Pastor Joe’s Sunday message addressed the courage of the women who followed Jesus to the cross. In that spirit today’s devotional finds us reflecting on how Paul and his earliest followers, who were mainly women, acted courageously in their journey from non-believers in Jesus Christ to Believers and Followers. Many of us are not very familiar with First Thessalonians but Paul’s early travels found him NOT very well-received by the majority of people he encountered. For that reason this passage refers to God’s good news encountering a lot of opposition in verse 2. According to the notes in my CEB Study Bible “Many agree that this letter is among the earliest of Paul’s letters, if not the very first. It is addressed to the Gentile Christians of Thessalonica who had left pagan gods and practices for the worship of the God of Jesus Christ… In this letter Paul calls on the followers of Christ to remain faithful to Christ and the Christian community under trying circumstances. He encourages them to continue in love for each other and in faithful work. He encourages them to stand firm during times of intense opposition and to maintain love for one another.” The phrase that sums it up for me is in verse 4 “…we are trying to please God, who continues to examine our hearts.”
What does it mean for us to “please God?” For Christians throughout history it has meant to consult God when we make decisions. We do this through prayer; in solitude or with others, in corporate worship, or, sitting or walking in nature, with or without meditative music, or whatever helps us listen to God.
by Kathleen Stolz
For Pondering and Prayer
I am currently reading “How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith” by Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington. In it, she reflects on moments in her life and the lives of others when they were faced with making decisions and accepting the
consequences of those decisions. The chapters each focus on how we make decisions: 1) Deciding to Go; 2) Deciding to Stay; 3) Deciding to Start; 4) Accepting What You Do Not Choose; 5) Stepping Up to the Plate; 6) The Inevitable Letdown; and 7) The Hidden Virtue of Perseverance. As I read this intriguing book, I found myself reflecting on decisions I have
made, especially in my career in ministry.
I encourage you to spend some time in prayer reflecting on the decisions you have experienced throughout your life.
How did your decisions work out?
How have you discerned God’s hands at work in the outcome of your decisions?
Prayer: Loving Lord, Thank you for walking with me throughout my life. Many of my decisions were made without acknowledging your presence and for that I apologize. I am so very grateful to you for helping me discern the results of the multitude of decisions I faced, from continuing education, marriage, children, employment and the countless choices you have led me to make. For your constant presence in my life I shall be eternally grateful. Amen.
