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Paul Remembers the Branding at Thessalonica

¹ You cowboys and cowgirls remember that we didn't just make a social call when we came to work your pastures. ² Even though we went through hell in Philippi, we boldly told y'all the same message that caused us so much trouble there. We pulled out our running iron to change people's brands from the world to God's brand through Jesus Christ. And there were plenty of people who wanted to stop us at any cost. ³ We are not trying to change people's brand for selfish motives or personal gain. We didn't try to trick y'all like smooth talking horse traders. ⁴ We were bold and honest. God gave us a job of gathering the lost and bringing back those who strayed away. He told us to brand those who believed with the Holy Ghost. Even then, we weren't trying to be cool in people's eyes. We did this to be right with God and do the job he entrusted us with. ⁵ We didn't sugar coat the message or try to use it to get rich. God knows this to be the truth. ⁶ We didn't want you or anyone else patting us on the back or looking up to us, even though as God's chosen cowboys we could have used that authority.

⁷ Instead, we rode through your herd like little kids at their first branding. We cared for y'all with the gusto of a protective stud watching over his mares and foals. ⁸ We showed you we loved you, not with words, but with action and commitment. We shared the good news with y'all, but we also told you the hardship of the narrow trail we've ridden.

⁹ Don't you remember all our hard work? We were the first ones saddled up in the morning and the last ones to unsaddle in the evening. We even took all the night check duties so we would not be a burden and expect others to do something we wouldn't do. We preached and worked at the same time. ¹⁰ Y'all saw with your own eyes, and God was watching too, how we conducted ourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord every single day. ¹¹ We treated y'all like a loving rancher teaches his own kids how to be top hands. ¹² We encouraged y'all every single day to never give up, get back on when you were thrown, and to ride in a manner that would make God smile. Every single part of our ride should bring glory to God and his outfit.

¹³ We are so thankful you didn't turn a deaf ear to what we had to say. You didn't act like God's message was just another self-help course taught by the world. It was the word of God and you accepted it with the awe and reverence you should have. It is this power that is now available to you and at work within you whether you realize it or not.

¹⁴ Now that you are branded with the Holy Ghost, you've experience just how hard it can be to be a real cowboy. You've had trouble from your own friends, family, and countrymen because of the cowboys you've become. You're not alone in your suffering. This is what had already happened to the outfits in Judea. Those cowboys suffered horrible things from the Jews just because they rode for the brand of Jesus. ¹⁵ The Jews have a habit of killing God's cowboys. Some of them are even responsible for the death of Jesus himself. If they did it to them, they'll do it to us. Your troubles aren't because you've done something wrong, but because you are now doing things right. We are living evidence of this fact. But make no mistake about it. God ain't pleased with them or their ways. They, and the others of the world like them, stand in the gate to the narrow trail in hopes that a little difficulty will make those destined for eternity turn around and run. ¹⁶ These Jews have parked themselves in front of the gate and try to prevent us from bringing the remnants into God's green pastures. But God isn't turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to what they are doing. He's just giving them enough rope to either hang themselves or tie hard and fast to the grace that is available to all.

Paul Can't Wait to Ride Back to the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, just because we've been separated physically (not spiritually), that doesn't mean we don't hanker to return and ride in glory with y'all again. ¹⁸ We, especially I, Paul, have attempted to return time and time again. But that old forked-tail devil has seemed to block the way every single time. ¹⁹ But he can never succeed. Y'all will be the trophy saddle in heaven one day when we stand before the Lord at the awards ceremony. ²⁰ Y'all are our crowning achievement and the source of our joy.