PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
May
14

Keep The Glass Half Full

John Tilton

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 3:6-7

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.

Observation

Paul points out that their spirits were lifted because of the report Timothy had brought back about their faith and love. Needless to say, everything probably wasn't perfect in Thessalonica, however, Timothy chose to bring back the positive news about their faith and love, which truly encouraged Paul and the others.

Application

Is it better to be the bearer of bad news or the encourager of good? I realize that it is so easy to sometimes let myself focus on the drama of concerning news and situations. However, if the negative situation does not have an immediate relativity, why ponder and dwell on it; rather then news or encouragement that can be uplifting and positive? It’s like the old saying about a glass being half empty vs. half full. It seems that if I surround myself with the positive and encouraging, knowing that things and life are not perfect, I will probably be a blessing to others and to myself. Dwell on the negative, end up negative. Dwell on the positive, find hope.

Prayer

Dear Lord, may I not get caught up in things of drama and the negative. But rather, guide me to focus, dwell and share the positive to uplift others and situations.


Devotions for May 14

1 Chronicles 22,23,24
1 Thessalonians 3

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