Good Advice
I know that I finished 1 Thessalonians yesterday, but that isn't going to stop me today from relaying God's message on this blog. Keep in mind that I'm not saying that I, Janna, am the sole provider of "God's message", but I do believe that any time God's word is sent forth, it is of Him. These words definitely aren't mine.
With that said, I decided to post today on about something I read in the last chapter of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. Keep in mind that so far we've seen how much Paul has cared for these people. He has some good advice for them, to either keep them strong in the faith or protect them from impure doctrine sneaking into their chuch. We find some more great advice as Paul closes out his letter. What Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to do is still very applicable to us today. Here is Paul's advice to them and God's advice to us from 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22:
1. Support the weak with love. (v 14) We need to gently speak the truth in love to others to build up those that are in sin, being patient with those and comforting those who are less fortunate than ourselves or who are going through difficult times. (Ro 15:1)
2. Be kind no matter what. (v 15) In other words, turn the other cheek, so to speak. (Mt 5:39)
3. Rejoice evermore. (v 16) No matter what is going on, if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we will have no choice but to be joyful because we are so thankful for who He is and what He has done.
4. Pray without ceasing. (v 17) What more can I say here?
5. In every thing give thanks. (v 18) God does have a plan for everything. Remember who is in control and that He only wants what is ultimately the best for us.
6. Quench not the Spirit. (v 19) Are you letting God have all of you? Do you try to stifle His still small voice?
7. Despise not prophesyings. (v 20) God's word is right, true and good. Period. Are you trying to fit your way of thinking to what the bible says or trying to fit what the bible says to your way of thinking?
8. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (v 21) Prove everything - what you read on blogs, hear in church or bible studies or see on TV - by the truth of God's word. If it is good, hang on to it tightly.
9. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (v 22) Don't you just love this gray area? Bottom line: Christians are held to a higher standard than everyone else, especially Christian leaders. A good testimony that took years to build can be destroyed in minutes.
That is all for now. This kind of reminds me of the 22 questions list I posted about a few weeks ago. I'm once again reminded how much prayer that I need!!
P.S. I pray that this post is exactly what someone needs today. My internet connection has been acting crazy since I've been trying to write and post it to the site. Thank You, God for answering my prayer that the connection problems cease. You are bigger than the itty bitty prince of this world. Amen.