Sunday, August 16, 2026, 12:00 AM
Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit
3 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be [a]disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; [b]and so it came to pass, [c]as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to [d]find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the [e]coming of our Lord Jesus with all His [f]saints.
Footnotes
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Or deceived
- 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Lit just as
- 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Lit and
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Or to know, to ascertain
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Or presence
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Or holy ones
Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance.
A Psalm of David.
143 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit [a]is overwhelmed within me;
My heart is [b]appalled within me.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You, as a [c]parched land. [d]Selah.
7 Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
[e]I take refuge in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level [f]ground.
11 For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And in Your lovingkindness, [g]cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.
Footnotes
- Psalm 143:4 Lit faints
- Psalm 143:4 Or desolate
- Psalm 143:6 Lit weary
- Psalm 143:6 Selah may mean: Pause, Crescendo or Musical interlude
- Psalm 143:9 Lit To You have I hidden
- Psalm 143:10 Lit land
- Psalm 143:12 Or silence