Today's Passage - 1 Thess 1:1-2

1 Thessalonica 1:1-2   Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.   The church in Thessalonica was established during Paul's second missionary trip.  When Paul wrote this letter, the church was under tremendous persecution.  Therefore, Paul specifically greeted them with "Grace and peace to you."  Grace and peace were exactly what the church needed back then, and we also need to bless one another with grace and mercy.   In all kinds of hardship and temptations, we need peace from the Holy Spirit and grace in Jesus.   Paul truly understood how to pray blessings on the church and brothers and sisters.  We often see what's lacking, but overlook all the grace that God has already given us.  When my daughter was small, on a birthday I took a day off to take her out to play.  When we were having dinner, I asked her whether she was happy.  Suddenly she thought of the fact that we didn't go see a movie, then she started chanting that she didn't see a movie.  I reminded her that I spent the whole day with her, but she still only remembered that she didn't get to see a movie.  This is the attitude of a child, but aren't Christians often like that?   We often only see what we don't have, and we keep on asking God for more, but we don't see all the grace that God has already given us.  Brothers and sisters, do you often give thanks for the church?  Have you ever given thanks for the pastors?  We often see the shortcomings of the pastors, but not what they're good at.  We need to give thanks for the gifts that God gave us and for the good shepherds that He provided us.  Some churches don't have pastors for years and it's really difficult for them.  Let us give thanks for our pastors and coworkers now!  And may God help us to not just see the shortcomings of others, but also see that God has already given us great coworkers.  In the big family of Christ, let us uplift one another as we together dash forward on the heavenly path, and that is a wonderful grace of God!   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we thank you for giving us a great church, coworkers and brothers and sisters.  Let us dash forward together and support one another on the heavenly path so that your name can be glorified.  Give us a thankful heart as we face our daily life.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!     Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow the project on Facebook ! Help us to reach our Phase I Target, and witness how God expands His Kingdom on earth!  Click here to donate online.