November 28, 2020: SOAP #4013:  Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is praying for his dear friends in Thessalonica.  He wants to be able to see them, to spend some time with them. He prays for their relationships with each other.  But he ends his prayer with eternity in view. 

He prays for them to be blameless and holy when they stand before God.

APPLICATION:  I often hear myself and others praying for temporal blessings like good health, good job, increased finances, etc. …but we do not pray for their eternal life and reward.  May the Lord who shed His blood for their salvation be pleased when they appear before Him!   May He know that His sacrifice was worth the suffering!  

PRAYER:  Lord, may my life today bring you honor and joy.  But mostly when I stand before you may I be blameless and holy. My faith is in your sacrifice as payment for my sins.  My faith is in the presence of the Holy Spirit to walk with me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!