LOOK BACK TO SEE AHEAD: I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Today is the last day of 2012. I think the following verses give us a few things we can think about to help us grow in Christ in 2012. I don't want to dwell in the past but sometimes when we think back just a bit it helps us remember the direction we should be going.

"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven whom he rescued from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." I Thessalonians 1:9b-10

The first thing Paul reminds the Thessalonians about is that they turned to God from idols. There were many things we trusted in to bring us happiness and wholeness before we came to Christ. Remember, those did not bring you wholeness. Only Christ can fill that God shaped hole in you heart. Remember to turn to him.

The second reminder is that they began to serve the living and true God. I don't know what your god was before you came to Christ but you came to Christ because you realized it was not the answer. Remember that serving God is where you will find your place. If you are having trouble finding your place, ask God before you go to church (or anyplace) that he would give you one person to encourage or help. Go to serve, not be served. I hear a lot of people ask, "Are you being fed?" I want to know, are you serving? 

The last reminder is that we are waiting for the return of Christ. God raised Jesus from the dead and he sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. Remember, we are waiting for his second coming because he rescues us from the coming wrath. Salvation is now and salvation is then. Now we have a foretaste of the kingdom. Then we will sit at the banquet table of the king. 

As 2012 winds to an end remember the great things he as done in your life, serve him with your whole heart and wait for Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Father, thank you for bringing us through this year. We ask for your guidance, blessing, protection and prosperity for 2013. We wait for you, Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, we also lift up Lorraine  to you, whose brother died two days ago, (https://plus.google.com/u/0/117118145137155948677/posts/4ur2s2thZhD?cfem=1) please comfort her and her family and provide for their needs. Praise be to you in us today!