Loving Jesus Style

A Devotion on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice Always In his letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul issued a powerful command: 'Rejoice always' (1 Thessalonians 5:16). This is not a mere suggestion, but a directive that holds immense significance for our spiritual journey. The key to maintaining a constant state of joy, even in the face of trials, troubles, and temptations, lies in understanding that our joy is not contingent on our circumstances, but on our unchanging relationship with God. He is the wellspring of our joy, and His love, Salvation, strength, and eternal presence are our constant sources of rejoicing. No matter our challenges, we can find solace and joy in the Lord, our unfailing hope and help. Pray Continually Paul's instruction, 'Pray continually' (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “It is not in the moving of the lips, but in the elevation of the heart to God, that the essence of prayer consists’ (Lightfoo t ), and it is this that enables us t...

Scripture: Acts 17:16-18 (ESV) 16  Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18  Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Devotion:             This week we are going to spend some time with Paul in Athens. Paul had just been run out of the cities of Thessalonica and Berea for preaching the gospel. Because of the intense opposition to the gospel, he sought refuge in Athens. Paul waited there for Timothy and Silas, his ministry partners, to join him.        ...

  Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13b-18 (ESV) Be at peace among yourselves. 14  And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15  See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16  Rejoice always, 17  pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Devotion:             In writing these words, the Apostle Paul was aware of the condition of the church at Thessalonica. His first statement, “Be at peace among yourselves,” speaks to the condition of the human heart. There was no doubt about this first-century church's full range of human emotions and conditions. Jealousy, envy, laziness, anger, bitterness, all of the destructive emotions are unfortunately just as common among the people of God as they are shared among t...

  Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (ESV) {M}ay the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,  13  so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Devotion:             Yesterday we celebrated a day set aside for giving thanks for all the good gifts the Lord has brought our way in the last year. However, for most Americans Thanksgiving is quickly forgotten in the rush toward Christmas. Most eyes will turn from plates overflowing with food to carts overflowing with merchandise. The afternoon naps following the consumption of so much food will turn into the hustle and bustle of buying presents for family and friends. Paul reminds us that our priority should be loving our neighbors.             It is easy to take God for granted i...