Children of the Day

The cherries were abundant this year. My daughter and the grandchildren helped me pick and pit them. The birds were a little intimidated by the shiny CDs that I hung in the tree and left us more to ripen than other years. The rabbits have enjoyed the cherries that fell to the ground.

The currants are ripe now—ready to be made into jelly. I delight in the garden, the variety of God’s creation. It is a blessing. But a greater blessing is God’s word. 

Over the past couple of months, I have been studying Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Our Bible study group has been discussing Paul’s encouragement for this group of believers. He gives them instruction for their choices in daily living.

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you … May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ… As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:1,5,13

Throughout his letters Paul is focused on Jesus and the gospel. I can choose my focus in life. Am I distracted or am I steadfast in faith? Am I growing in my love for others? I pray that I will daily place my focus on Jesus.

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