The epistle reading this week is packed with sound advice... advice that would change the world, if only we would follow it.
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Can you imagine the transformation if we all approached life with a spirit of rejoicing and thankfulness, and if we kept in close communication with God through prayer? And how different this world would be if everyone "tested the spirits" - if we would only use good judgment - testing the spirits - in choosing what to read, what movies to watch, whose company we'd keep... and if we avoided those things which would tarnish our relationship with our Creator? How wonderful it would be if we all retained what is good and refrained from every kind of evil.
Not only that - but we don't have to accomplish this on our own. Reread the last few verses:
I could never achieve the tasks laid forth in the first few verses on my own. But with God's help, I can continue to progress in that direction.May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
Such a beautiful piece of scripture, particularly for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment. I don't see the link to Seasonal Sundays in your Sunday grouping. Perhaps you didn't get a chance to insert it yet.
Have a Merry Christmas.
- The Tablescaper
You're so right on with this post. I know I need to do more testing of the spirits. Thank God that when we open our hearts to Him, He never disappoints us.
ReplyDeleteI definitely needed the reminder to pray without ceasing. I've been working on that area of faith lately, and discovering how important prayer is in my life.
ReplyDeleteApproaching life with rejoicing and thankfulness -- the best way! Even in the hard times there is much to praise our Heavenly Father for. I've found a gratitude journal is a good way to be sure I am doing this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pamela
The more we keep in close communication with God the closer our earth will be to heaven.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Sunday Scripture Study Share!
We have so much to be thankful for this time of year! Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful piece of scripture today.
ReplyDeleteWise words here. And there. :) But, I guess He wrote the book on wisdom, right? Gratitude in the heart changes so much.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite verses. Beautiful.
ReplyDelete"Rejoice always. In all circumstances give thanks." In a week of hard news, this is exactly the message I need to hear.
ReplyDeleteSo true: we can only do it through God's help. And he is always willing to help.
ReplyDeleteReflecting on those verses here. This is the part that pops out:
ReplyDelete" ... give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
The will of God, is that we GIVE THANKS.
Thank you for sharing.
I have noticed the difference since I started approaching life with joy and thanksgiving, and I can tell when the grumbling has returned. When we obey his word we are changed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this encouraging post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
I could not agree more! Rejoicing and thankfulness . . . just wonderful. Thank you for this timely reminder. And for linking up with NOBH. Smiles -
ReplyDelete