Tag: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

HomeTag: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

22
Nov '18

Be Thankful in “All” Things

Posted on Nov 22, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

22
Nov '18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
 
I must be honest, sometimes it’s the “all” in that verse that gets me. Most of us can be thankful, for lots of things, at lots of times, but in “all” circumstances? That can be tough. 
 
What about when you find yourself suffering illness, or defeat, or you’re walking through huge loss…what about when a loved one leaves this world too soon and you still can’t see past your tears…or when you’ve been praying for your prodigal loved one to come home and it seems like the prayers are unanswered…what about when you’re discouraged, disillusioned, and struggling with disbelief…or when you’re overwhelmed, overextended, and just fighting being over-stressed…what about when the needs mount high and the way doesn’t look clear…or when people are cruel, life seems unfair, and the enemy’s breathing down your back…what about when the storms come, and the car breaks down, or the air conditioner stops working on a holiday weekend (true story)… 
 
Yes, these are the “all” things that can be hard to find gratitude in, whether it’s huge losses or just life irritations. But God’s word never changes to fit our circumstances. His Truth rises above our circumstance, so that we can too. He doesn’t say give thanks “for it”, but “in it all,” for He knows He’s building more deeply into our lives and character than He could ever build without the hard times. 
 
We’re gaining strength. We’re gaining perseverance. We’re being reminded that true joy is never based on how we feel or our outside situations. We’re understanding that God’s ways are bigger, His thoughts are higher, and we can be assured that He holds us in His hands. 
 
And He is with us. 
 
Always. 
 
No matter what you might be facing, the good news is this, you woke up. He’s given us today. And if we’re still here, living and breathing, may our every breath bring honor to Him. 
 
Be assured my friend, you never fight the battles alone. Stay strong. Choose joy. Choose to be grateful in it “all.” For He is building greatness. He’s working things out for good. He hears our prayers, He sees all, and knows all. He has purpose for our pain, and brings hope for our tomorrows… 
 
Grace to you this day. 
 
Recognize today, that the most difficult challenge you’re facing right now, may actually be a greater blessing, as God is working in and through your life in powerful ways. No matter how hard, choose to give Him thanks, in “all” things. 
 
Wow, I honestly don’t know what more to add to this devotion. I myself cried as I read it. I need this reminder today, tomorrow and every day after and I can’t help but think someone somewhere out there also needs this, so I pray as you read this that you are encouraged and uplifted and that you choose to give thanks in “all” things today, tomorrow and every day after, no matter what your facing, remember,  God is working in and through your life in powerful ways. Be encouraged today. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Psalms 100:4 

04
Oct '18

Contentment

Posted on Oct 4, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

04
Oct '18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
 
A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.” 
 
What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible? 
 
For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ. 
 
Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13). 
 
No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content. 
 
The world is filled with so much good, that brings us joy and pleasure, but true fulfillment only comes, when Christ we love and treasure. Amen! As today’s devotion states, when you put Christ first in every situation you encounter, He will strengthen you. We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:12-13 

19
Mar '18

Surrender in Thanks

Posted on Mar 19, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

19
Mar '18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What do you do when nothing but uncertainty and insecurity fill your mind? How do you overcome the sensation that your entire body is burning as a result of fear and panic? Whether we admit it or not, all of us will have to deal at times with circumstances that overwhelm us. We all go through problems that take us by surprise, come out of nowhere and make us feel trapped that we have to surrender to its way. It has been in these times that I have cried out to God from the depths of my heart, “Why?” My thoughts range from “What have I done wrong to deserve this?” to “Where is God?” My mind sorts through the circumstance until I am exhausted, while my body burns like a fire that melts my insides. For some of us, we share the pain we are suffering because we are searching for answers and trying to sort through our thoughts and emotions. For others, we attempt to control and mask the thoughts and emotions so no one will suspect the struggles we face.

Regardless of how we look or feel in a time of crises, we need to learn how to get through those times with the Lord. The circumstances may seem to trap us, but getting and keeping control are not the answers. The only way to find freedom when life has pinned you down and chained you in is through surrender.

The word “surrender” has mixed connotations. It is an easier word to accept than “submit” but it really does have the same meaning. During those times that our mouth is praying out of panic, our inward soul needs to learn to surrender and submit to the sovereign, all powerful, ever present God. In other words, your heart needs to speak words of praise and thanksgiving even though your flesh (including your mind) is pleading for God to rescue you. It is in this place of praise that an overwhelming peace begins to cover your heart, mind, soul and quenches the fire within you. To give thanks in everything is a hard action to apply. The Christian who can truly apply this principle to his or her life demonstrates a real maturity in their walk. It is in this place that the chains of oppression will be broken, setting the captive free.

Oh Lord, teach me how to sincerely praise You in the good times so that a wellspring of thanks may truly overflow from my heart during those frightening, overwhelming trials. I want to walk in power and peace. I know that they stem from a heart of praise. Help me to have that heart of thanksgiving for everything You are doing in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

When I read this it blessed me. I feel so many people can relate to those overwhelming feelings of fear, weather we admit it or try to hide it but then I am reminded of Psalms 139, O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Reach out to Him in times of joy and in times of fear. Surrender in Thanks! 

Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 7:9