Verse of the Day 11/20

1 Thessalonians 5:18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.    English Standard Version (ESV)

In the past couple of posts we've considered some verses that should be easy to memorize, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 "rejoice always" and 5:17 "pray without ceasing". Today's verse follows on the heals of those two.  It is a little longer and may take a little more effort to memorize, but it is one that is fitting for this week as we head  towards Thanksgiving.

After posting "pray without ceasing" and considering the today's verse I was reminded of some of the first prayers that I learned as a child;  at meal time there was "come Lord Jesus be our guest" and at bedtime it was "now I lay me down to sleep and pray the Lord my soul to keep".  It is important to teach our children and grandchildren how to pray and hopefully, make  it second nature to them to pray, to give thanks, and seek Him in time of need.

I recently visited my son Jason and daughter in-law Kristen.  They have taught their kids a slightly different first prayer that is said at mealtime;

"God we thank you for this food,  For rest and home and all things good,  For wind and rain and sun above,  But most of all for those we love.  Amen!"

It's a good start for them and a good start for us to think about this week as Thanksgiving approaches.  May we also be reminded that just as  we learned that God was listening back then as a child, we can be assured that He is still listening now, to hear our prayers of thanksgiving and everything that is on our hearts.
Steven Curtis Chapman captures the hear to this in his song "Still Listening".

The years can take us far away
From the simple childlike faith.
But I am longing to return
To the place where I first learned.
That God is great and God is good
So I will speak the words

[Chorus:]
God our Father, once again
I bow my head to pray.
You are my Father and my Friend,
And You hear every word I say.
A prayer for forgiveness, 
A desperate cry for help,
Or praise flowing from a thankful heart.
Like each time before
I come knowing You're still listening.

Jude 20-25The Message (MSG)  But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

^22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.

^24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

 

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18Living Bible (TLB)

¹⁴ Dear brothers, warn those who are lazy, comfort those who are frightened, take tender care of those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else. ¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Always keep on praying. ¹⁸ No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.