Kristi Burchfiel

VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 3:3–But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. TRUTH: Where does our strength come from? Who is in charge of our protection? The Lord God is over both these responsibilities. Why? The Lord is faithful. He is trustworthy and reliable and we can depend on Him to do what He says. Are we relying on the Lord for strength and protection, or are we trusting in ourselves? RESPONSE: Father, I will focus and rely on You and Your strength in all things today. You are my protection and You are over all.

VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 2:10–and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. TRUTH: While God is loving and wants to give salvation to all, the fact remains that not everyone will receive it. There are plenty of people who are not interested in the love of truth and as a result will not receive the gift of salvation that is offered. They are deceived. We must do our part to share with those around us so that as many as possible learn about the truth of God’s love and salvation that is available if…

VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 1:6–For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you. TRUTH: The people of Thessalonica were experiencing persecution at the hands of others because of their belief in God. Paul reminds them that it is not up to them to see about getting people back. Retaliation is something that only God does. He is the One to repay affliction. Even in our life, we are not to go after those who hurt us. We are to forgive and allow God to respond in His perfect timing. RESPONSE: Father, I pray You will help me to be patient and wait on…

VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18–in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. TRUTH: In everything give thanks. When everything comes together, when the plans seem to go where we expected, and when all seems to be well, give thanks to God. When the world falls apart, when we lose all we hoped for, and when we can’t make sense of anything, give thanks to God. He is over all things and our praise to Him doesn’t depend on our circumstance, but on the truth of who He is. RESPONSE: Father, no matter what this day holds, I will praise You. You are over all and…

VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 4:8–so he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gave His Holy Spirit to you. TRUTH: So many of us fear rejection by others and use that fear as a reason not to share our faith or stand up for what we know is right. Yet, God reminds us that those people who reject the things of God are not rejecting us, but God Himself. Our fear of rejection should play no part in our decision whether to share or not. People are choosing to accept or reject God, not us. RESPONSE: Father, help me to be bold in my witness for You,…

VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 3:8–for now we really live, if you are standing firm in the Lord. TRUTH: Christianity and the obedient Christian life were not meant to be lived alone. We are to build up one another and pray for one another. We are encouraged to be invested in each other’s life. Paul here in this verse rejoices because others are being obedient. When we stand firm and remain obedient, we encourage others and when we see people we’ve prayed for and worked with standing firm, it encourages us. RESPONSE: Lord, thank You for the people in my life that are there as an encouragement to me. Thank You for…

VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 2:12–so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. TRUTH: How’s our walk? The Lord wants us to walk in a manner that reflects Him and His kingdom and glory. Are we displaying His glory to all in every situation? RESPONSE: Father, I want my actions and attitude to reflect You. I pray You will be glorified in everything I do throughout the day today.

VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 1:7–so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. TRUTH: Paul is writing to the believers in Thessalonica and encouraging them because they have a reputation of being an example of how to live the Christian life. We are all examples of something, whether good or bad. If we are seeking to imitate Christ it will show in our lives and others will see it. RESPONSE: Lord, I praise You and I desire to live my life like You everyday. I want to be an example to others how to live their life following Jesus.