No Stopping Here!

Today’s Verse:

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. ~1 Thessalonians 2:13

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Most things we do in life having stopping points. When we travel, there are stop signs at specific locations so that we can yield the right of way to others. There are stopping points between destinations points. There are stopping points in sports events, which give the athletes moments of rest. We have start and end times to events. Every book has a starting point and ending. Just about everything in life has a stopping point. However, in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he refers to three essential practices that should have no stopping points. These three practices are emphasized as “no stopping here!”

We must be nonstop in our RESPONSIBILITIES.

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” 1:3. The church at Thessalonica was a remarkable church that is considered a model for evangelistic churches. This church was unforgettable in its labor of love, work of faith, and patience of hope. This was a church that put its faith to work through service and soulwinning. The members of the church served in the church as if this was their main occupation. They served without compensation for their efforts. This was a church that, in spite of persecution and trials, demonstrated that their eyes were on the imminent return of our Lord Jesus. We should be nonstop in our responsibilities. The best testimony we can have for the Lord is for being known and remembered as a church that is diligent and fervent for the Lord. Paul thought often about this church, and how it embraced its responsibilities day in and day out for God’s glory. Let us be nonstop in our responsibilities.

We must be nonstop in our RECOGNITION.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” We should be nonstop in our recognition of the good and blessed things others do. In the One Minute Manager, the author teaches us that when we see someone doing something good, praise them immediately. Let others know they are appreciated. Let others know you are thankful for what God is doing in their lives. Let others know how much they have been a blessing to you. Let others know you are thinking about them. We can never praise or thank other people too much. Let us be nonstop in our recognition.

We must be nonstop in our REQUESTING.

“Pray without ceasing.” One of the hardest things to do is to pray, and to pray consistently. Our flesh does not want to pray. We struggle to pray for long durations of time. Paul emphasizes the importance of praying without ceasing. Samuel said, “God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you.” Praying without ceasing is nonstop praying. It is having a spirit that is ready always to pray. It is being ready to pray for others. It is taking advantage of every praying opportunity. It is realizing that we have an endless list of people and things to pray for. Praying without ceasing is the means to successful praying. It is the means of drawing closer to God. It is praying that pleases God. It is praying where the chief exercise of the day is approaching the throne of grace continuously. Let us be nonstop in our praying.

Be a nonstop Christian when it comes to your responsibilities, recognition, and requesting. Realize that in these areas, there should be no stopping points!

Have a nonstop God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Job 17-20

#1Thessalonians #Thanksgiving