January 30, 2012 Monday Message:
We’re looking at Paul’s instructions for Christian living, in chapter 5 of 1st Thessalonians.
•Always be joyful.
•Never stop praying.
•Be thankful in all circumstances (for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.)
•Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
•Do not scoff at prophecies.
•Test everything that is said.
•Hold on to what is good.
•Stay away from every kind of evil. (1 Thess. 5:16-20 NLT)
The 3rd point, be thankful in all circumstances, may seem difficult at first. Life isn’t always fair. But when things seem to be going the wrong direction, God could be using that to teach you a valuable skill to use in the kingdom. That makes being thankful the right thing to do, though it may not seem like it at the time. God is still on the throne, even when life seems to have dealt you a crummy hand.
Don’t miss the point that remaining thankful in all things isn’t so much a command; it’s a privilege! It’s not that you HAVE to do it because God said so. It’s that you’re ALLOWED to give thanks in all things, knowing that God is still in charge and that he will use everything for good. Giving thanks in all things is God’s idea, and He only has good ideas!
About these first three points, Spurgeon writes, “When joy and prayer are married, their firstborn child is gratitude.”
May the Spirit fill you this week.
Norton Lawellin
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