1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
For years, this has been my favorite scripture. I think God saved it for me, because it was Monday before I got the famous high-tech clipboard that passed through the congregation on Sunday morning. With only four scriptures left to choose from, my favorite was one!
I love this scripture , because it offers wonderful concise , succinct lessens for life. I have read many versions of this scripture, and chose the following simple list for these life lessons.
be cheerful.....no matter what
pray all the time
thank God no matter what happens
these are ways he wants us to live
don’t suppress the spirit
don’t stifle those who have a word from God
don’t be gullible
check out everything
keep only what is good
throw out anything tainted with evil
May God make our spirit, soul, and body whole and holy
God is completely dependable
what he gives us in word, he will do it.
Some of these are harder to grasp than others, i.e. thank God no matter what happens; and how does God make my spirit, soul, and body whole and holy?
Therein, it seems, is yet one more lesson!
WE have never had all the answers, even the time of His birth, but the scripture (vs 18) says these are ways he wants us to live. For God (vs 23) to make my spirit, soul and body whole and holy is a great miracle. This season surrounds us with the reflection of the great miracle in our lives. Thus,
(Vs 24) God is completely dependable. What a lesson!!!
~ Lydia Grubb