God Gave Us Boldness
Brothers and sisters, you know that our visit to you was not a
failure. You know what happened earlier in the city of
The
appeal we make is based on truth. It comes from a pure heart. We are not trying
to trick you. In fact, it is just the opposite. God has accepted us to preach.
He has trusted us with the good news. We aren't trying to please people. We
want to please God. He puts our hearts to the test.
As
you know, we never praised you if we didn't mean it. We didn't put on a mask to
cover up any sinful longing. God is our witness that this is true. We were not
expecting people to praise us. We were not looking for praise from you or
anyone else.
As
Christ's apostles, we could have caused you some expense. But we were gentle
among you. We were like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were happy to
share with you God's good news. We were also happy to share our lives with you.
You had become very special to us.
Brothers
and sisters, I am sure you remember how hard we worked. We labored night and
day while we preached to you God's good news. We didn't want to cause you any
expense.
You
are witnesses of how we lived among you believers. God is also a witness that
we were holy and godly and without blame. You know that we treated each of you
as a father treats his own children.
We
gave you hope and strength. We comforted you. We really wanted you to live in a
way that is worthy of God. He chooses you to enter his glorious kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
On
Mother’s Day there are more calls made than on any other day of the year. Funny
thing is, on Father’s Day more collect calls are made than on any other day of
the year. It seems that children still depend on their fathers to provide, even
when they are far away from home.
Fathers
are needed and wanted for much more than financial help. Children need the
encouragement of their Fathers. Fathers comfort their children, and make them
feel safe. Nothing is more valuable to a child than the time given by a father
to listen and talk. Be thankful for Fathers who help their children walk in a
way worthy of God.
Good Fathers should reflect their children, their wives, and the
heavenly Father.
Our Daily Bread –