1 Thessalonians 4:1…live in order to please God.

May I continually have this perspective. 

1 Thessalonians 3:13 May He strengthen your hearts.

Lord, do that for me, our family, our Christian friends, and our Christian leaders. 

Acts 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

In our darkest hours, we must not give up hope as the Almighty will rescue us in His timing.

1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

Clear the way, Lord!

Acts 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Vindication may not always come quickly, nor when we expect it.

1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Effective ministry requires persistent praying. May I persevere in prayer! 

Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

When we lack courage, the Lord stands beside us and encourages us.

Acts 20:20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Ministry is accomplished privately in homes; not simply public teaching.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.

Help me to recognize Satan’s tactics, blockades, and opposition to ministry. 

Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

When we obey God, He will use us in extraordinary ways.