Daily Devotional for Thursday, April 11

The Enthusiasm of the Gospel

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Thomas was one of the twelve disciples who followed Jesus’ earthly ministry. After the resurrection, Thomas was mired in doubt that Jesus had risen and declared he would not believe unless he saw for himself. Doubt is a normal human emotion that can hinder any believer. But, when doubt leads to cynicism toward God’s Word, danger is near.

The believers in Thessalonica were commended by Paul for not doubting the Word of God as it was being preached. Unlike our doubting brother Thomas, these believers seemed to receive the Word enthusiastically then go home and study to confirm the truths that had been preached. The church at Thessalonica had been grounded firmly in biblical teaching because of their willingness to hear the truth and believe it.

When we Christians study God’s Word and cling to its eternal truths, our lives are rooted and grounded in the unshakeable and infallible Word. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Winds of doubt may blow through our lives; yet, we can plant our souls in the eternal, unchangeable Word of God.

Steven Ridings