“Pastor Dan Baty’s Monday Morning Boost”

For those of you who attended or tuned into your church services yesterday, or set apart personal time to spend with the Lord… There you were. Praying. Giving thanks. Worshipping. Rejoicing. Just as believers throughout the centuries have done. Believers like the Thessalonians, of whom Paul said, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Like them, you sought and welcomed the Lord’s message to you despite your troubles, your unresolved issues, and your disappointments. Whether with shouts of joy or tears of sorrow, there you were. Not by your own power, but by that of the indwelling One who “gives perseverance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5) to each of us in ways that defy the difficulties we may face. The One who gives us hope against hope. The One whose grace will always be sufficient for us. The One to whom we belong both now and forever.