Thessalonians

Last October a friend wanted to return a Bible I gave her years ago to use in a Bible Study. She didn't have the version the study suggested. I went over to see her and pick up the Bible, I knew it was the last time I would see her here, it was nice to say goodbye, tell her one last time I loved her and treasured our friendship, and pray for her. She died a few hours later.

I finally worked up my nerve and looked at the pages she had bookmarked in the Bible. One was Psalm 121 which we memorized as part of the 1st Bible study we did together in my home.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

She also marked many passages in the Gospels and I Corinthians, as well as placing sticky notes in I and II Thessalonians. The past week, I've been knee deep in I Thessalonians. (I am still in chapter 1.) Bittersweet in one way because I would prefer to have her next to me as we explore Scripture but edifying knowing what she read at the end of her race.

She highlighted this verse, may it bless you as it did me:

I Thes. 2:19-20 For what is our hope, our joy, of the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.