Verse of the Day 9/24

Through the Bible - Isaiah 4-6, Galations 4

Good morning,
For this morning's verse, we'll go to the close of the book of 1 Thessalonians where we find another one of Paul's encouraging benedictions.

1 Thess 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us. NKJV

I've heard from a few of you recently of hardships, loss of jobs, changes in ministry, and personal/relational struggles. In those times especially we need God's peace. It is not the peace of the world, it can only come from God.

Yesterday's devotional spoke of holiness, today's speaks of sanctification, this is done by the work of the holy spirit working within us, changing us, strengthening us in and for the troubled times.

Paul is encouraging his readers then and now to be transformed in spirit, soul, and body and concludes by asking for prayers for "us".

Let us pray for each other. Lift up those today that are facing hard times. As verse 23 starts out pray that the peace would come "now".

As the Holy Spirit works in you, may he bring about the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in Galations 5:22 which will be part of tomorrow's New Testament reading.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. NKJV


In Christ,
Mike

1 Thess 5:12-28
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Blessing and Admonition
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

NKJV