1 Thessalonians 1:1 New International Version 1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
It is through Jesus alone that we have peace and grace with God the Father. Our sin separates us from Almighty God. Before coming to Christ we are often fearful at the thought and concept of God. We don't know Him personally and when we come to understand that He is holy and righteous, it can be terrifying when we examine the sin in our own lives.
But through the precious blood of Jesus we find forgiveness for our sins. In Christ our sins are washed away. It is as if we have never sinned. We are a brand new creation in Christ because He who did not have sin became sin for us. Jesus took the wrath and punishment that we deserve.
It is important to see that when God sends out His servants, He never sends them out alone. As Paul begins this letter to the Thessalonians we see his traveling companions were Silas and Timothy. Paul was an incredible servant of Almighty God. He most likely could be considered one of the greatest of all the apostles. But even in his greatness as a servant he could not do it in his own strength or on his own. He needed his fellow brothers in Christ to encourage him and to also bring the gift and anointings they were given by God.
In Christ we have a reconciled relationship with our Father in Heaven. Because of sin that relationship is broken. But through Christ that relationship is healed and restored. Our Father each day desires that we simply come and spend time in His presence. There is so much He desires to teach us. The Holy Spirit lives within us and will equip and empower us for every work in His kingdom. What a wonderful gift God has given us in salvation.
Prayer
Father help me today to trust and fix my heart upon you. Help me to understand the depths of your grace and mercy. Father may my heart and mind become one with you. Remove from my life anything that is unpleasing to you. But in every where I go and all that I do, may I simply be your hands and feet. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection
In what way has the grace of God changed your life? How has knowing Jesus truly transformed who you are?