by Dr. Joelle | Nov 23, 2022
When we remember the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, of others and ourselves, we give thanks to God. We are to remember faith, love, and hope without ceasing because it enables us to stand by faith and remain victorious during trials and tribulations. Our faith for what is coming increases.
What we remember affects our prayers. When our focus is on the weaknesses, failed expectations, or on the lack of changes in some areas … our faith and hope in God working in our lives and the lives of others diminishes. We see the connection between prayer and thanksgiving throughout the Bible. Love motivates our prayers and keeps them fervent. They avail much!
Remembering, even briefly, what the enemy has done can plant seeds of fear and hinder our faith. We rebuke his lies by remembering and praise God for His truth. We do not see our glass half empty, but half full. Praise God, we have a glass! We also remind each other to walk in faith, hope, and love, from glory to glory!
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.”
by Dr. Joelle | Sep 17, 2022
Paul recognized that the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord in the Thessalonian Church should also be in our lives. Faith without works is dead, but works of faith are visible and effectual. Through faith, by God’s grace, we can press through any opposition. Faith sees, says, and seizes the promises of God.
Our labor of love is not in vain in the Lord. We glorify Him in our daily lives. Love motivates our works of faith and fuels our steadfastness. We love one another, heart to heart, in all circumstances. Through it, others can witness the reality of God’s love and grow in faith. We also see it in the lives of others and it affects ours. Our hope becomes unwavering.
Under pressure, what we really believe can be heard and seen. Our walk of faith becomes clear. Instead of being offended, we walk in love. We forgive and let go of resentment. Patience and peace rule our behavior in new ways. We see the works of the Spirit instead of the works of the flesh, from glory to glory!
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.”
