Today you get three acronyms for the price of one.
Paul wraps up his letter to the Thessalonians by giving these commands in rapid fire succession, with the only explaination given "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
But these commands, though small and simple, are some of the most powerful truths to live out in our daily Christian walk, and simple doesn't mean they're easy.
As for the reason Paul gives us to live this way? It's the will of God.
I think that is a very good reason. :)
R.A.
Do we rejoice always? So much of the time, our mood and level of happiness is effected by our circomstances. Instead, it should come from the fact that we have an awesome God who made the ultimate sacrifice in sending His Son to die for our sins.
Even through hard times, we are told in James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
P.W.C.
It's so easy to pray during our personal devotion time, or say a quick prayer before we dig into supper, but all throughout our day we should be talking to our heavenly Father. It can be a thank you, a plea for help, whatever the prayer- God wants to hear from you. Colosians 4:2 says, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilent in it, with thanksgiving." To pray "without ceasing" doesn't mean without taking a break, but like Colosians says, to "continue earnestly". Don't give up praying about something just because God's not answering it in your timing; be persistant.
I.E.G.T.
How can we give thanks in everything? Because our Great Savior has everything in His control, even though we may not be able to see it at the time. We have so much to be thankful for, no matter the situation. Romans 8:18 & 28 are a great reminder of this. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes." I encourage you to read all the way to the end of chapter 8, as it's such a powerful passage of Scripture.
These three commands, though small, will take us a lifetime to master... so why not start now?
Do we rejoice always? So much of the time, our mood and level of happiness is effected by our circomstances. Instead, it should come from the fact that we have an awesome God who made the ultimate sacrifice in sending His Son to die for our sins.
Even through hard times, we are told in James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
P.W.C.
It's so easy to pray during our personal devotion time, or say a quick prayer before we dig into supper, but all throughout our day we should be talking to our heavenly Father. It can be a thank you, a plea for help, whatever the prayer- God wants to hear from you. Colosians 4:2 says, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilent in it, with thanksgiving." To pray "without ceasing" doesn't mean without taking a break, but like Colosians says, to "continue earnestly". Don't give up praying about something just because God's not answering it in your timing; be persistant.
I.E.G.T.
How can we give thanks in everything? Because our Great Savior has everything in His control, even though we may not be able to see it at the time. We have so much to be thankful for, no matter the situation. Romans 8:18 & 28 are a great reminder of this. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes." I encourage you to read all the way to the end of chapter 8, as it's such a powerful passage of Scripture.
These three commands, though small, will take us a lifetime to master... so why not start now?
Rejoicing always and giving thanks in everything seem to go together, don't you think? Because when things are going our way and we are happy it's easier to give thanks. In a Bible study I just finished the author was explaining how "joy" and "happiness" are two different things. While happiness is a mood, joy is more of a mindset; which, I suppose, makes it easier to rejoice always? I still find it hard.
ReplyDeleteYes, they go together very well, and I think it is true that being "happy" vs. having "joy" is different. We had a conversation about that at school, started by the question, "Does God want us to be happy". It is hard to be joyful, but certainly good to practice.
DeleteI nominated you both for the Sisterhood of blogs award
ReplyDeletehttp://keturahskorner.blogspot.com/2015/05/sisterhood-blogger-award-post.html?m=1
Thanks, Keturah!
DeleteHey, just so you know I am using the PWC for my Sunday school class!
ReplyDelete