THE CHURCH
Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The 4th century AD Rotunda of Galerius is one of several Roman monuments in the city of Thessalonica.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
As an introduction to these two letters of Paul to the believers at Thessalonica, Greece (currently called Salonica), we may be better informed by reading Acts 17:1-15. First and Second Thessalonians are beautiful examples of the care a true Pastor has for his people. For three Sabbaths Paul taught in the synagogue to the Jewish people, and some believed and received his message. Then the team, Paul, Silas (called Silvanus here) and Timothy spent considerable time reaching out to non-Jews who “turned to God from their idols to serve the true and living God” (1:9b). Paul “laboured night and day” because he probably made tents here, as he did later in Corinth, in order to support the team financially (2:9). We may take notice of two facts:
(1) When we believe the Word of God, it produces EFFECTIVE change in our lives. Watch for this change as we proceed through the Bible in this blog!
(2) While Paul taught and worked, he prayed “exceedingly” (3:10). Firstly, he prayed for God’s direction (3:11). Secondly, he prayed for an increase in love (3:12). Thirdly, he prayed that, “[God] may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (3:13).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as I read the prayers of Paul, I make them my prayers to You for myself, my family, and all my fellow bloggers. May You give us direction and produce effective change in our lives as we pray “exceedingly,” that we may increase in love. And may You establish our hearts blameless in holiness before You “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In the early days of ministry, I was involved with others in planting new congregations. Like Paul, I worked “that I might not be a burden to any” (2:9), not at making tents, but as a carpenter, a catcher of bull frogs for a Montreal restaurant, a Bell telephone contractor (removing telephones from homes where the bills weren’t paid – some I felt so sorry for that I paid their bill), etc. When the congregations grew and prospered, they were able to provide a salary, so that I could work full time in ministry. God has always provided for me and my family. Thank You, Lord!
Throughout the years in television ministry, I’ve been involved in helping to produce television in 18 languages, some of which were released in the homelands of our hosts. Rev. Bazil Zetas, an immigrant to Canada from Greece, leads a Greek language congregation in Toronto. He became our Greek language TV host while supporting himself as an employee of Canada Post, and at the same time planting a church. The first TV station in Greece to begin carrying our telecast was Salonica (Thessalonica). Then Athens TV began the transmission of the Word of God on TV, so all of Greece received the Good News of Jesus on television. A BIG thank you to all who have supported Crossroads television (click here for information on supporting Crossroads).
Yours to see the “Word of God” work effectively in us all,
David
P. S. A few days ago I promised that I’d try to find an old video clip of Norma-Jean and me singing a trio with our daughter Elaine Stacey. It’s Norma-Jean’s song, “He Shall Direct Thy Paths.” I attached the sheet music on my August 6th blog. Click here to watch the video.
Outside view of the Rotunda of Galerius in Thessalonica.
Inside view looking up into the Rotunda.
The love, comittment, architectural engineering in the building of these ancient cathedrals is spectacular to behold! Thanks for the pic, Reynold! It is amazing how much Gods love ruled in St. Paul’s heart as he remembered and prayed for those whom he shepherded in Thessalonica and elsewhere. Truly an example of the power of Gods love working in and through those committed to Christ! Blessings to all!
Amen, David. Wonderful message and prayer, today, on this Sabbath day of worship, in the House of our Lord. As I was reading Paul’s writing, I thought about him being the worst sinner of all, who Jesus chose to work through. It leaves me feeling speechless and in awesome reverence of our Lord and Saviour. We pick up our crosses and carry them for You, Lord! Oh, how we adore Thee!! Wishing all saints a most blessed day!
This song is for you, Kathie, from yesterday:
Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here by Kim Walker Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktsPuZvH-rQ
And here’s another beautiful song:
I Exalt Thee by Kim Walker Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMb8g8cOgE
This will post twice, as it is awaiting moderation, because I copied two links, which this blogsite does not like. I wanted everyone to enjoy the link to the song Kathie mentioned, yesterday. I will also re-post the second song link.
Amen, David. Wonderful message and prayer, today, on this Sabbath day of worship, in the House of our Lord. As I was reading Paul’s writing, I thought about him being the worst sinner of all, who Jesus chose to work through. It leaves me feeling speechless and in awesome reverence of our Lord and Saviour. We pick up our crosses and carry them for You, Lord! Oh, how we adore Thee!! Wishing all saints a most blessed day!
This song is for you, Kathie, from yesterday:
Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here by Kim Walker Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktsPuZvH-rQ
🙂
And here’s another beautiful song:
I Exalt Thee by Kim Walker Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMb8g8cOgE
WOW!! I’M speechless! 🙂
WOW!
What powerful words and singing. Such a talented family.
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
Thank you David
for your faithfulness In posting the daily blogs.
It’s like taking a nice warm shower in the word of God every morning.
I was not able to get ” He shall direct thy paths” I’m not sure if it’s my
iPad or the posting, but thought I’d pass that on.
May The Lord continue to bless you and your family
What a great clip! I will be singing “and he shall direct my paths” all day, your sister in Christ, Carol
Thanks for sharing the song, “He shall direct thy paths”, as sung with your family! It was a special blessing to me and hopefully for many who also heard it. Thanks again.
I absolutely love that song, “He Shall Direct Thy Paths”. I know I have a ‘record’ of Norma Jean’s songs somewhere. I need to find it, dust it off, and play it again!! God Bless you all!! I know he is!!
Thank you for your Ministry over all these years to you, Norma Jean and all of your family. There have been times when I don’t know what I would do without your Ministry. God has used it mightily throughout my life!!
I love that song and the way you presented it, that scripture was given to me in 1960 when I accepted Christ -Hallelujah
Amen David!! Even when we think we’re all filled up with Love He shows us that there’s always room for MORE! I was born in Montreal and I’m sure I’ve eaten frog legs before so THANK YOU!!
What a day! Had to leave early to go to Scarborough from Hamilton/Ancaster today. I stopped on the way to attend the church of my childhood in east Toronto. Loved it. Saw some people I remembered! One lady was a neighbour of 18 years when we lived in Scarborough. Really enjoyed the service. This church was so structured when I was young. No one clapped or raised their hands at all. I saw both today! Praise God. Enjoying the music included in the blogs as well. Thanks for the teaching today and the pics and processing everything needed in the blog. (one of my bridesmaids passed away so that was the reason to be away today – “Celebration of Life” for Lois – we will meet again)!
Amen Doreen!
Our twosome prayer team is about to become a threesome! What do you think about that? Imagine the exponential power of 3!!! Blessings fellow bloggers!
As I have a copy of Norma-Jean’s song “He Shall direct Thy Paths” I sang along with you. Thank you for the link!
Thank you for all the pictures Reynold! and thank you Rev. David for blessing us with this blog. What love and compassion is revealed in Paul’s love and concern for the church in Thessalonica.
i ALWAYS CAN HEAR EVERYTHING ON U TUBE, CAN’T GET SONG ON HUNTLEY STREET, IT BREAKS UP AND DISAPPEARS!
Thank you for the link to Kim Walker, love her songs, yes, Holy Spirit come, come and fill up the atmosphere….gives me goose bumps…..
Holy Spirit shower me with abundant financial means, enough that I can put it in my lap, pat it, roll it over and pat it again….(that’s in Scripture somewhere) enough to pay off debts and help family/friends and just talk to people, pay their bills if need be, just desire to be a blessing to others, make plans to find children….yes, Holy Spirit come, come and filll up the atmosphere………..thank you Lord for all the blessings of this day………thank you, thank you Lord………
Hi Sah! A while ago David suggested writing down a prayer and keeping it on you as sort of an extra powered prayer. Have you tried this? Last year I wrote a check to myself for $100,000 and signed it from Jesus. I look at it every day. I’m still waiting and am thankful I have great patience!
I wrote a cheque for $10 million on Sept 30, 2011, it’s on my fridge, with the word JESUS underneath and Scripture 1 Peter 5:8 and Jeremiah 17:8, and the words “stay rooted”
God has blessed me in the most miraclous ways; finding a “small” swim ticket 2 hours after I lost it, it was on the ground in front of the last place I had been, it was partially covered in wet sand, but there it was! A Bright yellow ticket, many vehicles could have drove over it and the ticket could have stuck to any tire, but GOD made sure it was exactly where it fell, 2 HOURS AFTER..
He has done many, many things like that situation: a lost hubcap, a lost wallet with all my ID in it and so many other wonderful things God has done!
I sometimes feel that He is waiting to see what I will do! ALso, He removed smokes/alcohol from me 20 years ago in just a flash!
He also turned my broken leg into me learning to swim! I love it, I did a swim-a-thon in my community, raised money for a non-profit society, I enjoy swimming and I meet the most fabulous peole at the pool!
All I can say is “THANK YOU GOD'” “THANK YOU OVER AND OVER DEAR GOD”
THANK YOU GOD!!
God is SO good.
🙂
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Hi Susan!
Hello David
Just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday, and to let you know how much we appreciate all the time and work you put into this project of bringing God’s word to so many readers through your blog. (and also for all the work you’ve done with the TV ministries, etc.) Aside from reading your daily blog, we also watch the daily 100 Huntley Street, and we have read your remarkable book. Your life and your family have been such a blessing to this world — we pray that you will continue in good health, and will be able to continue sharing God’s story with others. God Bless,
Barbara & David