New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
Jesus, Strong and Kind by Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

Lyrics:
Jesus said
That if I thirst
I should come to him
No one else can satisfy
I should come to him

Jesus said
If I am weak
I should come to him
No one else can be my strength
I should come to him

For the Lord is good and faithful
He will keep us day and night
We can always run to Jesus
Jesus strong and kind

Jesus said
That if I fear
I should come to him
No one else can be my shield
I should come to him

Jesus said
If I am lost
He will come to me
And he showed me on that cross
He will come to me

Passage:
1 For you yourselves know, brothers,[a] that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery,[b] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Musical Reflection:
Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

Reflection Notes:
This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen