ON A PERSONAL NOTE
- Key Verse
- "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father," (1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Paul, Silas and Timothy were filled with joy at what God had done in the lives of the Thessalonians. Despite tribulation, they had received the word and were living lives characterized by faith, hope and love - spiritual gifts vital to the body of Christ.
Reflections
I’ve never seen Twitter, I’m not on Facebook, and I only text under duress. Call me old fashioned, or just stubborn, but isn’t there anyone left who speaks and writes in complete sentences? My grandmother did. She wrote to me often on her beautiful stationary with precise cursive writing. Things like: “I can’t stop thinking about your visit with the children and their singing. You are a wonderful mother; the children love you . . . remember, they watch everything you do.” I also have several handwritten notes from my grandfather. Although any paper would work, the words were carefully chosen and his signature was unmistakable. “I am proud of you for finishing your race and I loved hearing about your trip. I am concerned; do you need to run so far? . . . everything in moderation. Love, Grandfather.” I treasure those letters and their impact.The apostle Paul knew how profound the written word could be. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 he, like my grandparents, was encouraging (vs. 3), exhorting (vs. 6-7), reminiscent (vs.5) and personal (vs.2). Paul and his companions had traveled to Thessalonica on their second missionary journey. The gospel had been so well-received that the jealous Jews had persecuted them and forced them to leave. Because Paul had no iPhone, this letter was his way of keeping in touch with his new “family members." God-inspired, he reminds the Thessalonians of the power of the Gospel they received, he applauds their faith and service of the living and true God and admonishes them to look with expectation for the return of Christ. I can imagine the reception and reading of the letter by the Thessalonians. They were remembered, they were cared for, they had received the truth, and they could be steadfast in the hope of the Lord. I imagine they treasured that letter. I imagine they reread the letter several times, felt the edges of the paper, recognized the writing and the signature, and purposed to be like the beloved writer of the letter. I can imagine.
Discussion Questions
- Did you read Paul’s written letter to the Thessalonians - as if it were written to you?
- Will you write letters to friends and family to encourage and exhort them? (I Thessalonians 5:11)
- Do you treasure God’s letters to you, His family member?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Doug Quinn
March 22, 2010 08:25 AM
Liz, thank you for a great way to start this week! Your devotion is full of wisdom, and truth. I enjoyed it very much!
Robin
March 22, 2010 09:34 AM
Thanks Liz. Your sweet precious grandparents.! I know those letters/written words mean a lot to you now especially since they are gone. I'm reminded that God's letters are precious life giving words from Himself to me and to be savored and embraced. What a gift of His continual instruction and encouragement in our lives to live faithfully for HIm! I am blessed to ponder this truth this morning.
Denise
March 22, 2010 09:55 AM
Thank you for your wisdom this morning! I have gotten caught up in texting, emailing, etc. Thanks for the reminder to connect more through letters.
Karen
March 22, 2010 10:06 AM
Liz, Your words and reminders of one of the lost arts in communication have empowered me to make some changes in my own communication style! Thank you!
Shirley O'Connor
March 22, 2010 11:08 AM
Liz...thank you for this beautifully written message.
Linda King
March 22, 2010 11:12 AM
I am also old fashioned about my preferred method of communication; sharing face-to-face. I have a file full of personal notes and letters that loved ones have written to me over the years. They are priceless! Liz, thanks for reminding me of the power of the spoken and written word.
Susan Miner
March 22, 2010 01:40 PM
Great devotional, very well written. Thank you.
Mary Ann
March 22, 2010 01:51 PM
What a wonderful word Liz. I am encouraged and motivated to write more hand written letters to my loved ones. It is sad to think that a generation is growing up that may not have a box full of loving, crinkled letters to read and re-read. Thanks for sharing your heart and your experience.