READ 1 Thessalonians 3
Paul is not able to visit Thessalonica so he sends Timothy instead.

INSIGHT
Affliction is part of life. Sometimes circumstances afflict us; sometimes other people afflict us; sometimes we afflict ourselves. In the midst of affliction, we need encouragement. Paul writes that he sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians “to establish and encourage” them because of their afflictions (vv. 2-3). Paul feared for their spiritual well-being. When we see others in the midst of affliction, we should be quick to encourage them. Rebuke, exhortation, counsel, and instruction all have their time and place, but encouragement is one of the most powerful ministries on earth.

PRAYER
Praise God for His encouraging Word!
I call on you, God,
Because you will answer me;  
Listen closely to me; hear what I say.
Display the wonders of your faithful love,  
Savior of all who seek refuge  
From those who rebel against your right hand.  
Protect me as the pupil of your eye;  
Hide me in the shadow of your wings
(Psalm 17:6-8).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
And he judges the world with righteousness;
He executes judgment on the nations with fairness
(Psalm 9:8).

Confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16).

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Joy in the midst of unpleasant circumstances
• A positive, encouraging mindset
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The instruction of the Lord is perfect,
Renewing one’s life;  
The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.  
The precepts of the Lord are right,
Making the heart glad;  
The command of the Lord is radiant,
Making the eyes light up
(Psalm 19:7-8).