Pastor Josh referenced and recommended the book, “How to Work With Complicated People” by Ryan Leak. Find the book HERE (pro-tip - Ryan is a fantastic speaker, he reads the audio book version. Highly recommend!)
Day 1 — Encourage One Another 1 Thess. 5:11–12
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11–12
“Help, encourage, admonish in love, practice patience… it energizes the team every time.”
Paul begins with an energizing command: encourage one another.
Encouragement is fuel. It lifts the weary, steadies the anxious, and strengthens the discouraged.
Leadership that energizes doesn’t criticize from a distance — it comes close, lifts up, and points people toward God’s faithfulness.
- Where do you see someone who needs encouragement today?
- What kind of encouragement helps you feel energized and supported?
Practice: Speak one sentence of encouragement to someone who needs hope today.
Day 2 — Be Patient with All 1 Thess. 5:13–15
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15
“People are complicated.”
Paul invites us to patience — with everyone.
Ministry energy drains quickly when anger, resentment, or irritation take over.
But patience renews energy by keeping our hearts aligned with God’s grace.
Patience is not passive; it is an active practice of the Spirit.
- Who tests your patience, and how might God be forming you through them?
- How does patience restore energy in relationships?
Practice: Pause before reacting today. Let patience shape your next response.
Day 3 — Rejoice and Pray 1 Thess. 5:16–18
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Rather than the world’s noise without ceasing, we’re invited to pray without ceasing.”
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.
These disciplines energize our faith by shifting our focus from control to trust.
Gratitude and prayer open us to God’s steady presence and renewing power.
- Where do you need to exchange constant noise for constant prayer?
- What noises or voices are God inviting you to turn off today and spend more time in God's presence?
- What can you thank God for today — even if it feels small?
Practice: Set three prayer moments today: morning, midday, and evening.
Day 4 — Do Not Quench the Spirit 1 Thess. 5:19–22
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22
“Without clarity of vision: energy spent is energy drained. With clarity of vision: energy spent is energy gained.”
The Spirit is always at work — stirring vision, wisdom, conviction, and courage.
Energy fades when vision is clouded; energy grows when God’s calling is clear.
Sometimes we need to pause, step away from routine for prayer and discernment, to listen to God and find clarity of the mission God has for our life.
- What vision from God brings you energy this season?
- Where might God be calling you to “hold fast” or “let go”?
Practice: Name one distraction to release today so the clarity of God's call on your life can shine through.
Day 5 — God Will Do It 1 Thess. 5:23–24
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
“When our energy runs out, God never runs out.”
Paul ends with a blessing: may God sanctify you wholly — spirit, soul, and body — and keep you blameless.
The promise is clear: the One who calls you is faithful. God will do it.
Our energy is finite; God’s is infinite.
We are sustained not by our effort, but by God's unstoppable faithfulness.
- Where do you feel depleted and in need of God’s strength?
- Where do you find yourself struggling to hold on to hope?
- Taking time at the beginning, middle, and end of each day to pray, to engage in the Word is an invaluable (and necessary) practice to remain hopeful in all things. Reflect on the good things from your day. Call to mind that for which you are grateful. Let these focal points fill your mind as you remember God is always near.
Practice: End your day with the prayer: “God, you are faithful. Renew my strength.”