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I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 1 Thessalonians 3; 2 Chronicles 31; Ezra 4.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-11
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
When I think of people who refresh my spirit, I think of Don, president of a small congregation in South Texas. He was always so encouraging, forward thinking, and fully devoted to bringing people to Jesus. I think of Lloyd, who served as president of the congregation I was serving long ago. He was always so encouraging, supportive, and gracious to listen. I think of Jim, good friend and dedicated follower of Jesus, generous with his resources and engaging in his friendship. These men – and others – were sons of encouragement to me. I thank God for them, and others not named.
Paul had his sons of encouragement, not the least of whom would be Timothy. Barnabas was the first to encourage him, even introducing Saul to the Apostles after his conversion (Acts 9:27). But Paul writes a letter to “Timothy my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). As Paul writes to the Thessalonians here, he expresses his appreciation for Timothy’s visit, and the encouragement he brought. Timothy had brought the good news of the Thessalonians’ faith and love and reported that they always remembered him and his missionary companions kindly and long to see them.
The source of true refreshment and encouragement is the grace of God and the Holy Spirit’s work. When we are delighted to learn of others’ faith it is evidence that God is at work in them as well as in us. Who but a follower of Jesus would rejoice to learn of others’ who are following him? Who but one who believes in Jesus would rejoice to learn of others’ faith in him. Who but one who loves Jesus and neighbor would be thankful for a report of others’ love for God and neighbor?
Paul desires to see these people face to face. For it is in those skin to skin, eye to eye, heart to heart encounters that our souls are most fully refreshed.
I’m pretty certain Lloyd has died. So has Jim. But I look forward to being with them and all those who believe and who have served to refresh my spirit. One Day we who believe in Jesus will be eternally refreshed in spirit. We will rejoice together at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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