A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 NIV
These are such great verses to enter into the New Year. We should be like the Thessalonians and
be imitators of God and His amazing Grace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We should welcome the message, because we are going to face severe suffering and we need to have joy given by the Holy Spirit in the midst of our suffering.
This is how we become model followers of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We can’t do it ourselves we do not have the capability or the authority. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our lives, or any lives are changed. Therefore, we must pray that God would intercede through the Holy Spirit in the lives of our family, friends, country and world. So let’s follow the lead of our Savior and His Holy Spirit and preach the gospel in Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea hand to the ends of the earth!
Lord we thank you for an amazing year! Thank you for all the blessings we received and thank you for being with us and carrying us in the difficulties. Lord we know there will be more suffering in 2023, help us to rely on you and your Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy the blessings that are to come in 2023 as well. Lord give us strength and peace to present your gospel, use the power of your Holy Spirit to change the hardened hearts of our family, our friends, the people of this country and world who do not know you. We pray all these things in Jesus Name Amen!
Happy New Year!
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!