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While I sit here reviewing my daily instructions, an email from David Jeremiah caught my attention. I was momentarily distracted by a dotted red line under “Thessalonians” in the title of this blog and quickly realized I shouldn’t have surprised. I often hit the “i” key as it’s location on the keyboard is just left of the “o”. Many times I’ve typed “Gid”, which also results in a dotted red line, and never has my suggestion been “God”.

With that little annoyance behind me, for the moment anyways, Dr. Jeremiah sent me to 1Thessalonians 1. I remember Pastor Myers choosing this book for our current teaching series because we’re seeing ✔️’s on our list of things that will happen before Christ’s return. Sadly, I couldn’t remember why this book now. I opened my Study Bible app and started with the introduction, remembering the many times I’ve heard, “How many times do I have to tell you?!” My answer, “over and over and over again”.

Paul is the writer of this letter to the church in Thessalonica and gives them “a handful of reminders on how to prepare themselves for the Second Coming”. In revisiting chapter 1 I was reminded that after Paul & Company’s visit the people, by faith, had become imitators of them and of God in the midst of severe suffering. They turned from idols to serve God and to wait for his Son from heaven who will rescue us from the coming wrath.

As I slowly work my way through Revelation I recognize more and more why preparation is needed in this oh so dark world.

<>< Hebrews 11:1