2-23-09

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 (New International Version)
Final Instructions 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May 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. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Our work is to serve and honor God. Our leaders are to warn us of dangers. Listen to them. They are also to give us good counsel. We should honor and love them. Acknowledge our Ministers and Pastors. Also we need to love our brothers and sisters in Christ who are laboring for the Lord. Labor is making a strenuous effort. I love that...not just working but making a strenuous effort. That is so good! They are out there laboring to bring souls into the Kingdom and telling everyone about Jesus. Support them in what they are doing. Encourage them and continually pray for them.
I like this too...to encourage your brothers and sisters who might be weak and also encourage them who are not quite sure of themselves of what their calling might be. This is a hard one - be patient with one another. The Lord will be coming soon and we want to be ready. Love and be devoted to Jesus. We should be joyful, prayful and thank God for everything He has done for us. Thank God for the gifts of the Spirit and His Word. Continue to pursue good. Act in love and not react in anger. As believers, we should put the good of people before personal benefit. God is a faithful God. I love this part - "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely." God will take care of our whole being. He chose us and He will make us complete because He is faithful. We can depend on Him and trust Him.