“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
I Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV
Thank You
This week I want to say a special “thank you” to all of the MD5 originators, leaders, and participants of the past (all of you receiving this email). Your faith is an encouragement to me to continue the work to add more and more to our number. Not just for the sake of numbers but to see men’s lives changed which will change marriages which will change families which will change generations to come for the glory of God.
We have to believe in the ONE who is worthy to place our faith in. We have to believe in the process. But it will not happen on its own. We must work at this.
These Stood Out to me
A work of faith – Jesus still works miracles in the hearts and minds of people. Only Jesus can save a soul. Only Jesus can redeem the lost. Only Jesus can change hearts and lives.
Labor of Love – We are called to serve a living and true God who is good. This service/ labor can only be done while walking with Jesus in love and truth. Its not an option but rather a requirement. James 2:17, So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (See also Ephesians 2:10)
Steadfast Hope – Maintain confidence while waiting for His Son from Heaven even when bad things happen. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
The Truth is that our lives get busy and can easily crowd out the most important. But it’s rewarding to see and hear of others coming to faith in Christ, growing in their faith, and living out their faith. We all need a reminder of what is most important.
Apply It
Find or call a brother today and encourage them in their faith journey. Find or call a lost person and share your faith (the Gospel)…then let us all know how it went. No matter the result, we are called to share our faith and leave the results up to God. It will be an encouragement to all the others to do the same.
Remember…to follow is to fish.
Keep the faith by going fishing…
Paul Hopp
MD5 Facilitator