March 15, 2017 – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Part of the lyrics describing a flourishing faith is: The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing; All things are mine since I am his—How can I keep from singing?

Where there is love for one another, a richness deepens, there we find the peace of Christ.  A new friend is an opportunity to love another child of God.  A deep breath and God places joy in our hearts.  Another favorite lyric sings in my heart – I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, or His Eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!

Without the unchanging Jesus Christ in our hearts and lives, there is no peace, no joy, no freedom, that grows and grows.

Our endurance and faithfulness can only come through the One Who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  John 8:36 – So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Slavery to sin is constricting. But in Christ Jesus, we endure and sing, How can I say thanks for all the things You have done for me…All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee…To God be the glory!

We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:4