Joy, Prayer, Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)
While serving with the Far East Broadcasting Company on the island of Okinawa, our house was often filled with military men and women. Families enduring the stress of war came to us for meals, Bible study and fellowship, and a home away from home for them. The time to rotate back to the US came, and often they would ask, "What do we look for in a good church?" My answer was simple. "Find a church that is prayerful, thankful, and joyful."
These three priorities are essential for each of us as they give life to our faith and show that it is real. Joy will indeed be evident in us always as we become people who pray continually. No matter what the circumstance - through the hard times as well as the good times - be thankful. We live in a world where many believe they are entitled to an easy, charmed way of life. But rarely does a spirit of thankfulness follow a spirit of entitlement. Paul's words would not be popular in today's world. But they will help us grow into godly people, and be "the Church" we're meant to be.
INSIGHT
GOD'S TRANSFORMATION IN US ALLOWS US TO BE PEOPLE OF JOY, PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Chronicles 11-12
Psalm 13
Matthew 19-20
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
New International Version (NIV)
Final Instructions
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
IS THE GOSPEL RELEVANT? [PART 5]
with Darrell Johnson
The world is a house under siege and occupied by a strong enemy. Who can rescue us from such an opponent? According to Jesus we need someone stronger to free us from this adversary.
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