I’ve been reading/journaling I Thessalonians for small group. It’s not the first book of the Bible I turn to when I need an answer from God, nor is it one of my top 10 favorites. BUT reading it today opened my eyes to the many GOOD, practical things God has written in it. What struck me today is how much Paul cared for the believers in the city of Thessalonica, and they for him. And how they encouraged one another in living lives that made a difference.

4:1 says: Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

Paul gave all kinds of instructions on how to live a life that pleases God, and then he says… Keep doing what you’re doing, only more so – be more dedicated, be more loving, be more….. Step it up a notch and keep stepping it up until you see God face to face.

So now I’m thinking where do I have to step it up a notch? I want to keep growing and living a life that pleases God. So I’m renewing this journey by looking for ways to live in a way that pleases Him more and more – step it up.