Blessed Savior, grant Your faithfulness in the life of this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (King James Version, 400 years young this year!)
Have you ever suffered from physical pain and sought help from all kinds of folks rather than the doctor? One tells you to do this and another to do that. One says buy this and the other says buy that, and off we go. When we finally can stand the pain no longer and we go to the doctor, we get a prescription and perhaps a plan to avoid the pain in the future. Would you follow it? Most of us would say, Of course! Today's passage is a prescription and a plan for our Advent journey. Whatever may be ailing you spiritually stands no chance against one who is rejoicing. Just yesterday I reread the comment attributed to Martin Luther, "Laugh at the devil and he will flee from you." That makes sense. The devil does not want someone who is rejoicing, especially over something God may have done in their lives. The second part, Pray without ceasing. Occupy your mind with prayer and there is no room for anything that may detract you from God. Third, In everything give thanks! A grateful heart is a heart filled with grace, and a grace-filled heart is one filled with love, so much so it pours out unto others. Fourth, Quench not the Spirit. Receive and be guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, do not resist the Holy Spirit. Fifth, speak God's word in all circumstances and situations. Sixth, reason out if what you are doing is good or not. Do no harm, Wesley said; Christ said for us to do good. Seventh, live a life that shows the positive presence of God in your heart.
What will be the result? A sanctified life; that is, a life made holy in this journey of life. And that may be just what your neighbor has been waiting to see and experience so that their life may be made right and ready for God.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I seek to live the life You intended, let me bless You and be a blessing to Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
