1 Thessalonians 1

Personal Note:
Yeah!! A problem that I've been working on the webpage is now solved! And...(here goes some boasting) - I was right and the tech was wrong. He still is my good support guy, but it's nice to know that persistence and God watching out for me are what made the difference today. Thankfully it wasn't a problem that others were seeing, it was a behind the scenes headache, but very important problem that would affect the site's future changes if not solved. (I know, BORING - but if you spent over 16 hours on a problem, you'd be rejoicing too!)
Also found out today that I was going to get to watch Catherine's graduation from grad school. Then the next day is Sunday, and they've planned a special brunch for Ash's mom and I. What neat kids I have!!
Overview:
This letter to the Thessalonians is from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. He commends their faith as evidenced by what they do (labor of love) and their confidence in their salvation (steadfastness of hope). Paul and his companions were models of Christ-like behavior before them and they began to imitate him and the Holy Spirit. They became Christians inspite of the affliction they were suffering at the time, and that led to them being an example to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. They were such a testimony to believers everywhere because they formerly were idol worshipers that turned to the living God.
Application:
If I am exhibiting Christ-likeness, then others will notice and want to know more about the God I serve. That is something to aim for... The other thing that hit me was that they turned to Christ while under affliction. Being a Christian would only add to their afflictions, but they were true lovers of God and wanted to be imitators of Him. We turn to God when we are having hard times - that's common, but if it would cause us additional pain, I fear - at least w/ out the Holy Spirit's filling/control - that I might postpone my acceptance if I were in their place.