DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 9, 2026
READ: 1 Thessalonians 1 (Focus vs. 2-7)
MEMORY VERSE
“We remember . . . your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
BACKGROUND
Emily Kenward walked down Lavender Street in Brighton, England. Having recently become a believer in Jesus, she now saw the street differently.
She noticed how many homes had their curtains drawn in the daytime, and how few older people were about, despite the area’s high elderly population. It spurred an idea.
Emily found out where Brighton’s elderly lived and invited them to an afternoon tea. Those who came told a similar story. Now living alone, they often went months without seeing anyone. What they longed for, they said, was a visitor.
Believing in Jesus changes how we respond to the world and its needs. We see this happening to the Thessalonians. Having turned to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), they had become a model of faith to others by their transformed lives (vv. 6-7).
The apostle Paul noted their “work produced by faith” and their “labor prompted by love” (v. 3). True faith had moved them to acts of service that brought honor to Jesus.
Emily was so moved by what she heard at that afternoon tea that she started a charity linking Brighton’s elderly with volunteer visitors. She remembers one woman hugging her tightly, sobbing, grateful for finally feeling seen and heard.
The work grew, inspiring others to do the same. It makes me wonder what labors prompted by love the Holy Spirit might inspire you and me to do today.
Sheridan Voysey
INSIGHT
Acts 9 introduces us to a believer in Jesus who was prompted by love to serve others. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha [Dorcas] . . . ; she was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36).
The Greek word at the root of the word translated “helping the poor” means to “have mercy” or “pity.” In Joppa, there was a specific group of people who benefited from Tabitha’s “acts of charity” (v. 36 esv).
We read how “all the widows stood around [Peter], crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas (Tabitha’s Greek name) had made while she was still with them” (v. 39).
Her legacy of love for Christ included acts of mercy and kindness for vulnerable people. Her example as well as that of believers in Thessalonica remind those who’ve been “loved by God” (1 Thessalonians 1:4) to allow the Holy Spirit to help us find ways to tangibly show love to others.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What need do you see in your community? Listening to the Spirit, what would a labor prompted by love look like to help meet it?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“(Believers) who’ve been “loved by God” should allow the Holy Spirit to help them find ways to tangibly show (that) love to others.” Adapted
PR’s TAKE
“The Resurrection not only changes us but sends us” ODB – Adapted
“When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love.” Mother Theresa
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou
PRAYER
“Holy Spirit, please fill me afresh to love others well!”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“PASS IT ON” Kurt Kaiser
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on
What a wondrous time is spring
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing
The flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing it’s fresh like spring
You want to pass it on
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass…. it on
