Grace in Action

                                                        1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
                                         We give thanks to God always for you all,
                                      mentioning 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

Paul wrote a letter of thanksgiving and prayer to the church at Thessalonica commending them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. He recognized how they worshipped and worked together, building each other up in faith, becoming a church of community.

As I read this Scripture I couldn't help but wonder if this would describe my church. Do we gather to grow in our faith, showing one another unconditional love, encouraging one another and building each other up in the faith? Do we grow in confidence in who we are in Christ because we have been with our community of sisters and brothers?

                          And let us consider one another in order to stir up love
                          and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
                          together, as is the manner of  some, but exhorting one another,
                          and so much more as you see the Day approaching.    
                                                                                                   __Hebrews 10:23-25                              
When we feel genuinely loved we are free to be ourselves. There is no need to be self conscious or timid in our faith, but rather we are free to express our love for the Lord and for each other. In a community such as this there is no room for judging. We realize we have all sinned and are in need of a Savior. If we should stumble in our walk we have the assurance that those with whom we worship will gather us to themselves in love and assurance, giving us the confidence we need to walk once again in the grace of Christ. This is grace in action; loving others as we have been loved.

                          A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, 
                          as I have loved  you, that you also love one another. By this all 
                          will know that you are My  disciples, if you love one another.   
                                                                                                   __John 13:24-35  
             
The church of Thessalonica set an example for us all to follow. May we be willing to live a life of grace in action, encouraging one another in our community of believers, as together we grow in our love and faith in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Holy Prayers

                                                                       Luke 22:31-32
                                               Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked of you,
                                                          that he may sift you as wheat.
                                     But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.

Jesus sat with the disciples sharing all that was about to happen as He faced the cross. Not wanting to believe Jesus, Peter cried out to Him,
           
                                       Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison
                                       and to death.                    __Luke 22:33

Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. He also knew Peter would need protection from Satan when he realized what he had done. Jesus knew Peter would be distraught because of denying his Lord, and that Satan would love to take his faith from him.
                                    "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail."

Reading these words make me stop and consider; does Jesus pray for  me when I am tempted, discouraged, or confused? Does He pray for me when I am hurting, brokenhearted, concerned about a love one? Does He see when my faith is hanging on by a thread?

As I read further regarding Jesus praying at the Mount of Olives, knowing what He was about to face, and then the scripture to follow, I felt certain the answer was Yes indeed, Jesus does pray for me, for you, for all His children as they cry out to Him.

                                    "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;
                                      nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done."
                                      Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven,
                                      strengthening Him.       __Luke 22:42-43

Could it be that as we cry out to Jesus, our Abba, He prays for us, and in praying sends angels to strengthen us? When we are discouraged, and after praying feel encouraged, strengthened, and filled with hope, could it be our Abba has sent angels to minister to our soul. I believe He has. I believe Jesus is praying for us, that our faith should not fail. 
                                    For He shall give His angels charge over you,
                                    to keep you in all your ways.      __Psalm 91:11