Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

Turn, Serve, & Wait in the New Year

Dear Friend,          

 Here’s a way to think about your coming year. It is based on the wonderful word ofaffirmation given by the early Christian believers in the region around the town of Thessalonica speaking of the faith of the Christians in town:

They themselves report… how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead,Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. I Thessalonians 1:9b-10*

In the year 2020, let us by the grace of God:

Turn – from idols – that which pulls you away from complete devotion to Jesus Christ. Focus on an attitude or practice in your life that you will decisively turn from.

Serve – the living and true God – consider your present service to Christ – in your daily living and in service. Consider anew way or a deeper way you will serve.

Wait – for his Son from heaven – whom he raised from the dead – Jesus – who rescues us from the wrath to come – this is the very essence of our faith and hope.

Having turned from idols to face Jesus and now as we serve him with warmth, affection, and devotion, we wait for him:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3

 Lord, grant us the grace this day and thisNew Year to turn decisively toward You.

 With joy – E. Stanley Ott

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©Copyright 2019E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the ESV

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Turn, Serve, & Wait!

From what attidude or practice will you turn in 2020?

What new way will you serve your Lord in 2020?

Enjoy Psalm 130 as you wait on your Lord.