1 Thessalonians 3-4

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What is God’s will for the Christian (4:3-7)? Why do we not need to grieve like non-Christians at the death of a fellow believer (4:13-17)?

Application

Am I allowing God to work the process of sanctification in me? Do I encourage others (and myself) with the message of Christ’s return and the resurrection of all believers?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:

Dear Lord, Sanctify me by your word and Your Spirit. Help me to walk and to please You. Keep me from sexual immorality that I may keep my body in sanctification and honor, not with lustful desires like those who don’t know You. For you have not called me to impurity, but to sanctification. Grow in me love toward my brothers and sisters in Christ, and may I choose to BE loving to them even if I don’t FEEL loving. Thank You for the great comfort of the coming appearance of Christ, and the resurrection of all your saints to eternal life and complete victory over sin and death! Help me to remind myself of these words, and to encourage others with them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

SATURDAY

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.

• Chris & DeAnn Smith (Sasha, Noah, Gavin, Natalie)
• Danielle Youngblood (Kayla, Kendra)
• Moy & Janeth Ortiz
• Brook & Erica Butts (Brooklyn, Boston)

Ministry:

• Chapel Mission India

CLF:

• That we would be devoted to thanksgiving and praise to our Lord–for what He has done, for what He is doing, for what He will do, and for who He is–in good times and bad.

Community: Pray for single adults…

• To embrace Christ as their best friend and lover of their souls
• To more fully grasp the family heart of God
• That God will bring them Godly friends to care for and support them
• That God will give them a peace and drive away lonliness
• That God will provide them with meaningful work & ministry in which to use their gifts

SUNDAY

• Jenn Austring
• Sher Brodoski
• Debbie & Amy Brueggemann
• Chris Carlton

Missionary:

• Lito Dictican, Port of Tacoma

CLF:

• That we will be devoted to evangelism and growth; that the Lord will add to our numbers those who are being saved.

Community: Pray for marriages in our community…

• that Christ-like love would be exhibited
• for good communication between spouses
• for unity in finances
• salvation for non-believing spouses
• that they would balance work and home life
• that Godly friends and mentors would come alongside them.

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time. – 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NET)