1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (The Message)
"Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. "
I read this today, and started thinking about all the students that come through our doors on Friday nights at NURV. Some of you have been coming here for months and months!! Others have only been here a handful of times. Either way, I'm so glad that you attend, and that there's a strong sense in you that you "belong" here. I want you to know that I pray for you. I pray that God's presence would be strong in your life, every day. I pray that you would continue building strong friendships with others you believe in Him. I pray that you would allow God's word to bring life to you everyday...bit by bit, changing your habits and your thinking. I pray that you would resemble Jesus...in your speech, faith, conduct, love and purity. An more than all this...I pray that you would recognize how much God loves you, and awaken to the FACT that God has a plan for your life. What we teach you every week is not just simple words; it's life and truth...breathed from the heart of God. Keep serving Him!! Stay strong!! Know that you're loved! We're proud of you!!
