"Verse of the Day"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)  Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We've recently been considering several verses regarding prayer and how it is part of the call as Christians to seek, do and teach the gospel.

Today's verse is a challenge.  It won't come easy, in fact, you might say that it is impossible in our own strength.

I've recently read Milton Vincent's "Gospel Primer" in which I read the following quote from C.J. Mahaney, "Never be content with your current grasp of the gospel.  The gospel is life permeating, world altering, universe changing truth.  It has more facets than a diamond.  Its depths man will never exhaust."

Someone that rejoices always, in all circumstances, prays persistently and gives thanks in all circumstances is putting this life permeating gospel on display.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, such a life will be world altering and universe changing.  It may not be for the whole world or universe, but you can work on one persons world or universe at a time.  Who knows where it will lead?  God knows.

You may be the next Barnabas, (whose name means Son of encouragement), it was through his and Paul's work that people were first came to be known as Christians, "little Christ's", in Antioch (Acts 11:26).  They put today's verses into practice, which changed a town, and is still changing the world.

In Christ,
Mike

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Eph 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 5:16-21 Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.