DEVOTION//GPS help needed

Are we lost?

GPS is an amazing thing. Remember the old days of paper maps? Unfolding, foIding, hoping your map was up-to-date.

I remember a trip my wife and I took to New England. GPS was still new and we hadn't updated the map program. It was a hungry morning, and we set the coordinates for a nearby fast food spot. We got there all right, but all we found was a hole in the ground with a sign: “Coming Next Year - Your New McDonalds!"

Not exactly what we had in mind. The GPS got us there all right, but that just led to more questions and some confusion on our part.

Paul and the Thessalonians

Paul had spent time in Thessalonica instructing new converts about their Savior Jesus and his second coming. He acted as their GPS pointing them in the right direction. Even though they were on the right road, the Thessalonians were confused. They thought they might have missed Christ’s return. Paul wrote to tell them they hadn’t missed anything.

Still, they had lots of questions:

• Would today be THE day?

• What would happen to those who died before Jesus' return?

• How would they know when Jesus returned?

• How would it work for those still living when he returned?

Paul did not want them "to be uninformed." He answered their questions in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. (Read his directions here.) He kept them pointed in the right direction on their road to heaven. What a blessing for them!

Our role as God's GPS

316NOW seeks to be a faithful GPS directing lost souls to heaven. Imagine the excitement of new converts as--for the first time--they can know they are headed for heaven. They can rejoice in the knowledge of meeting their Savior and being reunited with other fellow believers.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we find great hope knowing you are coming again. Keep our faith strong. Guide us all our days to meet with you in our heavenly home. Through your Spirit, lead us to share this sure hope with those you bring into our lives. Amen.