I choose patience...I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage. 
- Max Lucado

(The key word is "choose." Pray the grace to remember to use wisely your power to choose your response to the circumstances in your life.)

1 THES 1:1-5, 8-10;    PS 149:1-6, 9;    MT 23:13-22

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.

Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia!









We give thanks to God always for all of you ,,, calling to mind your work of faith. 

Paul's letters give us a glimpse into the earliest years of the church. His first letter to the Thessalonians is the oldest writing we have in the New Testament. Paul founded the church in Thessalonica and clearly had a great deal of affection for them. At the beginning of this letter, Paul gives thanks for their faith in spite of persecution. These gentile Christians faced much pressure to return to their previous beliefs. Because of their faithfulness, the Thessalonians became examples for believers "in every place your faith in God has gone forth." 

Let others see evidence of a firm, joyful faith in us.

- Jeanne Lischer