But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
—1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

~~~~~

Thanking God For You
By Jennifer Kane

I am overjoyed
to see the beauty
God is shaping in you.

Step by step,
you’ve been walking with Jesus—
learning His heart,
growing in His love,
trusting His voice.

Through quiet prayers
and surrendered days,
you’ve let Him teach you
grace in trials,
strength in weakness,
peace in the waiting.

I see His light
shining through your words,
your kindness,
your life—
like a lamp set high
for all to see.

This is the work of His hands,
the fruit of His Spirit,
the faithfulness of the One
who began a good work in you
and will be faithful to complete it.

So I praise the Lord—
for His mercy that called you,
His love that sustains you,
His Spirit that is shaping you still.

May you continually
be rich with His joy,
steady with His peace,
and overflowing
with the Spirit’s leading.

You inspire me—
and I thank God
for letting me witness
your journey with Him.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

In our world, it’s easy to celebrate when someone gets a new house, a promotion, a car, or other material blessings. Those are good gifts from God, and they can be worth rejoicing over. But Paul’s heart shows us a deeper joy—one not rooted in wealth or status, but in faithfulness.

When Timothy returned with news that the Thessalonian believers were still standing firm in the Lord, Paul didn’t just smile politely—he overflowed with joy and thanksgiving. He said, “Now we really live…” Why? Because their spiritual health mattered so deeply to him.

We might congratulate someone when they are financially successful. But do we feel the same joy when a brother or sister grows in love, overcomes a spiritual battle, or walks in deeper obedience to Christ? Paul’s heart challenges ours:
Do we truly rejoice when someone turns from sin and lives in holiness?
Does our heart swell when someone is growing in prayer, faith, and love?
Do we encourage that growth, or only applaud worldly achievements?

It’s not wrong to be happy about someone’s earthly success—but if our greatest joy is not in their spiritual prosperity, we may be missing the heartbeat of Christian fellowship.

Reframe your congratulations. When you hear good news, look for the spiritual dimension. For example, if someone gets a promotion, rejoice not only in the career step but in how they can now shine for Christ in new ways.

Pray for spiritual growth. Like Paul, ask God to make their love overflow and to strengthen their hearts in holiness.

Encourage what matters most. Speak life into the faith, love, and hope you see in others—not just into their material accomplishments.

~~~~~

Father God, please give me a heart like Paul’s—one that treasures the faith and love of others above all else. Let me rejoice most in the growth of Your kingdom in the lives of my brothers and sisters. Make me quick to celebrate spiritual victories, patient to intercede for spiritual struggles, and faithful to encourage spiritual maturity. May my joy always be anchored in You and in the work You are doing in those around me. In your name I pray, Lord Jesus, Amen.

July 30, 2025