Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 12:1-2, James 3:13-18
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.
The Book of 1 Thessalonians: The book of 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s letter of encouragement to the church in Thessalonica concerning their sustained faith in the midst of suffering. The letter served to correct misunderstandings about end-time events and to remind readers that continued sanctification is God’s will for His people.
How 1 Thessalonians Fits into the Story: First Thessalonians contributes to our understanding of the second coming of Christ. Paul wrote this letter to correct the church’s misunderstandings of this teaching and, in the process, showed that Christ’s eventual return gives us true hope in all circumstances. He also speaks to the practices that make us more like Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. How can the acts of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving train and develop believers to become more like Christ? How does this mindset provide comfort in every season?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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89 thoughts on "1 Thessalonians"
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Reflection Questions:
1. How can the acts of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving train and develop believers to become more like Christ? Habits are the foundation for continuous steady growth, retention of knowledge, and good practices.
How does this mindset provide comfort in every season? You know what you can turn to in times of uncertainty.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
We can continue to grow in our faith if we keep turning back to the word and prayer.
Us rejocicing always will create a heart filled with the joy of the Lord. It would have been very difficult for us to become sullen if we lived this way. When we pray constantly it keeps us in perfect harmony with God Himself, and prayer brings us closer to God. Making us more aware of His presence around us, coming to God with grateful hearts giving thanks to Him for all that He has done. Prayer creates a heart full of gratitude, when we have this mindset it provides us great comfort and relief. We will not let go of ourselves like we are the victims, we’ve got to accpect no matter what comes our way that we accpect it. We can always to God for comfort, strength when we are weak also courage for us to keep going. God is the ulimate provider for our lives giving us what we need, because He knows exactly what we need.
Amen..
Praying for you all today!!
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Having been a self-improvement and business-guru junkie for years, spending time in His word for the first time this past year has been so mind blowing for me. It’s all in here! He gives us everything we need in His word! He give us life AND the handbook for it AND eternity!!! We are abundantly blessed!
Amen, DeeAnne.
Praying blessings over yall. We Rejoice in the Lord. Thank you Jesus
Anna, God bless you toooo!❤️
I am learning to praise and give thanks IN all circumstances, and I pray a lot (I don’t know about “without ceasing”).
Rejoicing, I’m struggling…
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I do want to glorify God and fulfill His purpose for my life but I seem to be failing at this. I desire closer relationship with Him, sometimes for the wrong reasons. Like to selfishly gain comfort, peace, joy, etc. for myself to feel better—overcome despair/fear/anxiety, etc. :/
God forgive me and help me.
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Rejoicing always creates a heart of joy. It would be very hard to become sullen if we live this way.
Praying constantly keeps us in harmony with God. Aware of His presence. A conscience.
Giving thanks in everything creates a heart of gratitude.
This mindset provides great comfort. We are not letting ourselves feel like victims. We accept what comes our way. We turn to God for comfort, strength, perseverance. He provides all we need.
Amen!
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Amen, sweet Traci, Amen. ❤️
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Rejoicing. Praying. Thanking. Does my face, my words, and my actions give evidence of these? – Churchmouse
Oh our sweet Churchmouse. WE miss you greatly!! Can’t wait to someday give you a tight squeeze. I wrote this on a note and taped it next to my bathroom mirror. It needs to rewritten as it’s gotten wrinkled, water splashed etc…
Thank you, Mari for sharing Church Mouse’s words of wisdom. When I reread my journals, I have some of her words of wisdom too. Love seeing her words here again!
I thought of Churchmouse the other day.. she truly is sorely missed.. ❤️
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In my low seasons, practicing rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving becomes a vital lifeline that reframes my entire perspective. Personally, I have found that choosing to extend immense gratitude to God when the shadows fall acts as a powerful reminder of His unchanging goodness. It interrupts my anxiety and opens my eyes to see just how much I truly do have, even when circumstances feel empty or painful. By anchoring hearts in thankfulness during the hardest moments, we are trained to look past our temporary trials and rest securely in the abundance of His grace, finding a steadfast comfort that no changing season can ever take away.
Ines, this is so good, thank you for sharing..❤️
Yes! @ Lisa A, Jess S, & Kayla Bostwick.
You have all echoed the thoughts that were running through my head .❤️ Well said!
Agree, I find myself feverishly copying down wisdom posted by others here! So grateful!
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1. How can the acts of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving train and develop believers to become more like Christ? How does this mindset provide comfort in every season?
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Rejoicing-
1 Chronicles 16:10
Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
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Philippians 4:4-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
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Nehemiah 8:10b
The joy of the LORD is your strength.
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PRAYER:
Matthew 26:41-
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!
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James 5:16-
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
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THANKSGIVING:
Psalm 26:6b-7
I come to your altar, O Lord,
7 singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
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Revelation 7:13
They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
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Theses practices help us to focus on Who God is, who Jesus is, and they strengthen our desire for a deeper relationship. As we become more intune to Him and His will, we take on more of His characteristics. We often start speaking and acting like someone we spend a lot of time with- not always intentionally- it just happens. The same happens with spending time with God and people of God. Some changes are intentional, but some are not – just a product of the relationship. I hope my ramblings make sense! ☺
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We find comfort in every season when we can acknowledge that our circumstances may change, but God NEVER changes. He never made a promise He didn’t keep. He is faithful so we know He is worthy to put our faith in Him.
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SONG SHARE:
Praise (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore) | Elevation Worship
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤ May we truly have a heart of thanksgiving and praise as we go about our days.
Yes, your ramblings kinda summed up my ramblings! :)
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Also…I played “Praise” last wkd at Jail…got them up clapping and praising to start our time off right!! Guess who gets to see a Chandler Moore concert Friday?!! Me! WITH…Stacey!! My butterfly bought Me the ticket!! I bought tickets to see Charity Gayle for August for us both!!
Wow, Rhonda, that’s so sweet! ❤
Rhonda, this is so cooooool, so good…❤️
Rhonda, this is so cooooool, so good.love this, dear Cee Gee..❤️
Amen
When the world crushes you, where else do we go but Christ? Truly rejoicing is knowing we can not know joy outside of Him. Every other feeling is fleeting. The first question here asks how that can train and develop us to be more like Christ. I think to truly know Christ is to know suffering and know we can not be strengthened outside of Him.
Maybe I’m saying that because that is how I’ve been feeling lately, but I know the moments I am growing and becoming more like Christ are in the valleys.
Asking for continued prayers as this week has been especially heavy —a wedding coming up this Saturday that I am unable to attend because of the person who was acting inappropriately towards me is attending/part of it.
I feel like outside of that, I’m just grieving years of disappointment and pain of unanswered prayers.
I know God will answer my prayers in time…. Sitting in the in between is just a hard place to be.
Sending you love and prayers!
I’m so sorry that you are missing the wedding! It seems like “Mr. Inappropriate” should be the one to miss out! Just saying!
Praying for peace for your hurting heart, sweet friend!
I do know that hard place in the valley. And as Christians, the good thing is we RECOGNIZE it as so, and keep trusting and praising/ worshiping the Lord. It’s okay to feel discouraged and disappointed, yet love the Lord and honor him!
I waited 5 years in the valley. When I tried to “connect” myself it always was harmful and regretful. When I trusted His timing is when it came. My son was 2…when I was divorced….and I kept thinking Lord..my son is growing up…and I NEED someone in our life RIGHT now. But it would be 5 years later when the man came! We weren’t married until (w/ me trying to force it sooner, lol) 2 years later. My son was 10. He develops in the in valley, and we try to learn to put our total trust in Him. If I would have gotten married right away, no telling what would of happened, lol. I hope we get to see all these things in heaven!!
We do know that we will see our life and be sad that we didn’t do more with what we knew in truth. So let that motivate you as well! Hugs to you friend!! Maybe some new songs can come from this? Would love for you to share more on SRT FB page! :)
Praying, Michelle.
Psalm 139 “Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me; you have placed your hand on me. This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it. Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I fly on the wings of the dawn and settle down on the western horizon, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night” — even the darkness is not dark to you. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to you. For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. , Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began. God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you. God, if only you would kill the wicked — you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me — who invoke you deceitfully. Your enemies swear by you falsely. Lord, don’t I hate those who hate you, and detest those who rebel against you? I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”
Psalms 139:1-24 CSB
Jane, this psalm always bring me such peace! ❤️
Michelle, i am truly sorry for your decision to not attend a happy day event because of a person whom you want to avoid..
Michelle, how about all sisters here pray you find the peace to attend and that ‘that person’ is never in your vircinity whilst you are there. Why should you miss out on a day that will be talked about and you not be able to comment!
Okay if notning else can you not just go to the service.?
i hate that another human is holding you back!
My mama heart speaking, hopefully with God leading!
I’m praying..❤️
Great idea, Tina! I am praying this right now! ❤️
How good it is to read these letters from Paul to the CHURCH, US! Christ-followers. It would seem they would be pretty focused on Jesus being so recent they were taught and brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus, being shown by those that actually walked with Jesus himself!!
Yet, human nature, the same then the same now. We humans need something/someone to remind us and keep us on track.
These great letters are there in the Holy Book to be used, to be valuable, to be obeyed. Paul was given the words by the Holy Spirit. We can’t take and choose scripture in verses by themselves.
We read and we do. We are transformed by the word. Sanctification until the day of the Lord. Loving each other, more than we love ourselves, revealing God’s Glory in all we do. Being self-less is a hard thing, but with the Spirit we will see the fruit.
When trouble comes, pain, and confusion..The word of the Lord will be in us, and guide and comfort us. It is on our heart and mind therefore it is just who we are. I can see the difference in my thinking and acting, and responses since I started reading scripture daily about 12 years ago. It was the game changer in my walk…taking religion to relationship. It began before that when I hit my knees and cried out to the Lord almost 25 years ago. That was good (from growing up in church), it showed me that I needed to make Jesus more than just my Salvation, but the Lord of my life. But if we aren’t studying and meditating on God’s word daily, we are missing a vital part of the relationship. It’s like a marriage, we know he’s our husband and we have the license that assures that, we live together…BUT if we don’t want to keep a close, growing relationship with him, communicating, intimate love-then when the problems come there isn’t good roots there, no firm foundation. We grow apart slowly till we realize we don’t have what we thought. We don’t run to our spouse in our need, we go elsewhere, to girlfriends, a new prospect, the bars, the wine at night…!
Be in a church where the word is taught, in small groups that give you a tighter group to help you learn, grow, and sharpen each other (sometimes the sharpening and the admonishing doesn’t feel good but is indeed for growth when in love and gentleness). Churches have lots of issues, but we need the body. It’s okay to change churches if you need to grow.
Not just for ourselves…but to reveal to others-
“7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol* on your forehead.”
Before phones we talked, sang songs of old, learned scripture while doing chores. We have lost the ways of old almost completely. We are distracted and busy. It saddens me…for I was a child of the 80’s on a farm. I miss those days for our kids today.
There’s just so much today in all the passages! I love seeing your comments and insights! Today is Jail Day. Please keep Tosha in your prayers. They are working on depositions and will most likely go to trial for life or even death. The pressure is great, and this is on top of the death of her son (which she is accused of). My heart aches for her as her whole life has been upended, and to be in the unknown and wait in jail for over a year. Many say they are innocent, but I know she is, the Lord makes it clear to those that know her. Please pray for strength today. And for my sister still, thank you.
From “religion to relationship” – amen, Rhonda! Praying the truth is revealed in the trial or before for Tosha!
Amen, Rhonda❤️
even so come, Lord Jesus, come
Amen! I often look into the sky and say, this would be a great day for You to come back, Lord!
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1 Thess 5:16-18 has been one of my favorite verses for years. I just bought a new large framed script to hang on our living room wall:)
Its important to note that we give thanks IN everything and not FOR everything. These are not the same and there are things that are hard to just arbitrarily difficult to be thankful but while IN it we can still reach out to the Lord to be our hope, help, He carries us and He works for our good and His glory in all circumstances. It just all points to God’s faithfulness and goodness, that His ways are good. The acts of intentionally rejoicing, thanksgiving and prayer, posture our hearts, minds and eyes to focus on Jesus and pursuing His character and His heart. Having praise and gratitude rewires our thinking and pushes negative thoughts away, it shapes our mindset, our hearts and our thinkng towards Christ. For years, i have kept a daily journal that I write down what I am thankful for. Its a great practice/habit for each and every day to take a few minutues to praise the Lord for the things He has blessed me with and not dwell on the other things of the day.
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18
Love to be carrying this verse as I go into my day. Blessings on your day, SRT Sisters ❤️
Song share- Everyday Hallelujah- by Phil Wickham
You said exactly what I wanted to say but couldn’t Wendy! Thank you!
Thanknyou Wendy..
I love to rejoice. I love to give thanks. I love to pray with thanksgiving in my heart..
He is worthy, even when..
Amen.❤️
…”always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
This is a great reminder and contrast that what the world suggests we do is so opposite of what God would have us to do. It’s very subtle but yet in our faces that we should do what is “best for us.” When clearly God wants us to always be aware of what is good for each other. How do we do this? By not conforming to the patterns of the world, and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Which brings us right back to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 for the “how to” – rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
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This is a lesson I needed to hear today.
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Happy WednesdayShe’s! Off to pick up my little grand, for which I am so, so, thankful for!
Continued prayers for your requests.❤️
Everyday is a lesson learnt in gratitude.
Hugs Shron.❤️
I feel like I want to tattoo 1 Thes 5:16-18 on my arm. This is God‘s will for me in Christ Jesus to rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything. I need a constant reminder to do this will of His. I am so thankful that I no longer have an appointment with wrath, Jesus canceled this appointment for me on the cross. Our God is so very good.
Yes!!!
I think i am going to have 1 Thess 5 on repeat for awhile. Such an encouraging passage!
❤️ So true Marya
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I keep going back to God’s will is to make his name great. And every day it keeps coming up, if we are following and giving thanks in everything we know he is in control and he is getting the glory no matter what “good” we do. It is amazing to see the whole of his name being made great weaved through all of history when his people make more of him and less of ourselves.
Amen!
Amen
The lyrics “remind me who I am” just came to mind. I wasn’t even sure it was a song until I googled it. Maybe it is meant for someone here. I think rejoicing, prayer and thanksgiving remind us who we are:)
Jason Gray “Remind me who I am”
When I lose my way
And I forget my name
Remind me who I am
In the mirror all I see
Is who I don’t want to be
Remind me who I am
In the loneliest places
When I can’t remember what grace is
Chorus
Tell me once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
To You
When my heart is like a stone
And I’m running far from home
Remind me who I am
When I can’t receive Your love
Afraid I’ll never be enough
Remind me who I am
If I’m Your beloved
Can You help me believe it
Chorus
Tell me once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
To You
Bridge
I’m the one You love
I’m the one You love
And that will be enough
I’m the one You love
Chorus
Tell me once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
Tell me once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
To You, to You, to You
Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks help keep my eyes on Jesus instead of my circumstances. I especially love 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 because it isn’t telling us to be thankful FOR every circumstance, but to be thankful IN every circumstance. That’s a subtle but powerful difference, and it’s such a beautiful picture of the hope we have because of Christ. They remind me that God’s goodness doesn’t change, even when life does. That kind of mindset brings peace and hope in every season because it’s rooted in His faithfulness, not my feelings!
Today’s reading also shaped my understanding of redemption by reminding me that God is continually at work in His people, transforming us to become more like Christ while we wait for the day He makes all things new.
I love that Lisa. Thank you.
“It is rooted in his faithfulness, not my feelings.” So true Lisa!
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I love this so much! Thank you for sharing, Lisa!
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So good Lisa, thank you.❤️
I think that Romans 12:2 answers this perfectly: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” When we spend time in prayer and reading God’s word, when we rejoice and give thanks even in the midst of our sufferings, our minds are slowly transformed and our actions follow. So where we once may have despaired, retaliated, worried, resented, gossiped, watched this or that, etc… we don’t – because we are taking ion the “mind of Christ”. Obviously I/we don’t do this perfectly, but we/I are in process. God who started a good work in you/us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
And for Q2 – like other readings in the NT, Gd doesn’t want to just redeem us, he wants to restore us. We are all saved when we decide to follow Christ, but then the work of sanctification starts and it is a lifelong process.
Yes!
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Amen
1 Thess 5:11a
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another.
Comfort = encourage
Edify = build one another up
As SRT sisters in Christ, we do this every day ❤️ so thankful!!
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5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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V 18 reminds me of Psalm 118:24,
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
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Regularly (daily, hourly, minute by minute) rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving reinforce who God is (The Great I AM), what He has done that cannot be replicated, what only He has done and can do – we only have a glimpse of what that encompasses. This intentional focus on our God builds memory and recall that we can hold onto in the hardest of times to remind us that we are NEVER alone.
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Praying for requests as I work on catching up. ❤️
I love this Searching! We are “building memory and recall”! Yes!
You were missed! Hope all is well. ❤️
Thank you, RACHEL (CO) ❤️ Everything’s good, just been wrangling a house full of littles … down by half this week so a bit more ‘me’ time
Blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice
Glad you are back; great words of wisdom and I second the thanks for this community! Glad you have some ‘me’ time!
AMEN, Searching. ❤️
Actively rejoicing, praying, and being thankful keeps believers mindful of our need for God in everything, just as Jesus relied on the Father to complete His assignment of the Cross.
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This mindset brings comfort in every season because we don’t have to make things happen, but instead trust that God is working all things out for His glory and our good.
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Today’s reading gives practical ways to live as one who has been redeemed to show others what a difference Jesus makes in our lives.
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Praying “the God of peace himself [sanctifys] you completely” and that the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” today.
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This mindset brings comfort in every season because we don’t have to make things happen, but instead trust that God is working all things out for His glory and our good.
Amen, Kelly..❤️
The acts of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving train our hearts to love God, to value what He values, and to live in light of truth! These acts are the means by which we are transformed to become more like Christ—it is the process of our sanctification! Praise God for His complete salvation work that not only redeems us from the power of sin and death, but makes us alive in Christ!
Amen!
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It is so easy for me to let jealousy and selfish ambition dictate the decisions that I think are “good” for my life. I don’t even recognize it until I think about the why behind what I want to do/buy/etc. When we are busy rejoicing, praying, and thanking God for all He has done in our lives, it’s much harder to let jealousy and selfish ambition rule our thoughts. So thankful for the word of God!
❤️. Spot on!
So true, Jess❤️