Date: 11-28-2020

Title: There Is More Than Rejoice, Pray and Giving Thanks

(S) cripture:
    1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (NASB) We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(O) bservation:
    We are real familiar with verses 16-18, “Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks…” But we have neglected the verses that precede them. Verses 16-18 deal with me but verses 14-15 deal with how I treat others. It is interesting that we neglect our responsibility toward others and focus only on God’s blessings for ourselves.

(A) pplication:
    On this Thanksgiving weekend when we have emphasized being thankful and given some thought to rejoicing and prayer, I must also focus on living out verses 14-15. I want to be mature enough in my walk with Jesus to know when to warn, encourage, help, and to be patient with those around me. I want to love them the way Jesus would and how Paul instructed. I want to live the way God expects his children to live. Today and in the days ahead I will look for opportunities to live out in a God honoring way the instructions of verses 14-15.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me sensitive today to your leading. Let me treat others the way you would want in each situation. Let me live for you today. Amen