by Susan Barnes | 31 Oct 2022 | Short Devotion
“We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 The New Living Translation puts...
by Susan Barnes | 24 Oct 2022 | Short Devotion
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “He will do it.” God...
by Susan Barnes | 17 Oct 2022 | Short Devotion
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Leading a quiet life was wise and practical advice. Christians were a persecuted minority in the first-century Roman Empire and Paul didn’t...
by Susan Barnes | 10 Oct 2022 | Short Devotion
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy.” 1 Thessalonians 3:11 In Judaism, “wish-prayers,” that is, prayers that start,...
by Susan Barnes | 3 Oct 2022 | Short Devotion
“You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Christian leaders are to be known for their gentleness, not for their resolve or...
by Susan Barnes | 26 Sep 2022 | Short Devotion
“Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5 The Gospel isn’t merely good information that tells us how to get saved. Rather the message comes with the power of God to bring...
by Susan Barnes | 18 Jun 2012 | Devotions
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 There are three things, while not wrong in themselves, make living a quiet life difficult: wealth, fame and power. Whether our wealth has come from our own efforts or from some form of inheritance it’s...
by Susan Barnes | 31 Mar 2008 | Devotions
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10 The heart of God is for relationship. Whether we live or die he wants to be with us. While this is a great comfort it’s also a great challenge. Sometimes we...