1 Thessalonians 2:20

Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

There are many people I have served as a pastor over the last 17 years who fill my heart with joy, more than I can count.

One who sticks out in my memory is a believer named Paula, who is now in heaven. Paula came to my church years ago and she wore her faith on her sleeve. As people came into the church, she was ready with hugs. She wanted to know about your week and how you were doing. She loved the Word. She was always in the front row at Bible study with her husband, eager to listen, learn, and grow. She was one of many people who always lifted my heart and filled my ministry with joy. God took her home to heaven much sooner than I and many other people wanted, but her memory still brings me joy.

Paul thought of the Thessalonians in that way. They brought him great joy, a group of people who latched onto God’s Word, believed it, and wanted to grow in faith even though they only were able to spend three and a half weeks with Paul. The people Paul served gave him great joy because he had been used by Jesus as the instrument to bring them to faith and someday to glory.

I have been writing these weekly devotions since September 2018 and I want you all to know that I feel the same about you as Paul did about the Thessalonians. It is truly a humbling and amazing thing to realize God is using me and his Word I share with you to grow your faith and discipleship. Some of you are close by and others are far away. Some of you are part of my congregation and some are not. But none of that matters, because I know God is using his Word to do great things in your life wherever you are.

I pray God continues to draw you closer to himself through his Word I am privileged to share with you. Thank you!