SANCTIFICATION
Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The remains of a fortification wall and entrance which was built in the times of the Byzantine Empire in Thessalonica. History is depicted on the walls as a reminder to all who pass through (see photo below).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 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.
In today’s reading Paul teaches us concerning the second coming of Christ, and instructs us as to how we should live. The word “sanctification” is repeated three times! As the vessels in the “Sanctuary” (tabernacle) were set aside for holy purposes, we are to live a holy life! Here’s how it’s done: (1) “Abstain from sexual immorality.” (2) “Love one another.” (3) “Lead a quiet life.” (4) “Mind your own business.” (5) “Work with your own hands.” (6) Act “properly to those who are outside.” (6) “Comfort one another.” (7) “Watch and be sober.” (7) Put on “the breastplate of faith and love.” (8) Put on “as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (9) “Whether we wake (life now) or sleep (death) we should live together with Him.” (10) “Edify one another.” These 10 powerful New Covenant commandments take us up to Chapter 5, verse 11.
Paul also gives us important guidance for our own lives. We will be blessed by reading again and taking time to digest excellent counsel from 5:12 to the end of the book. There are 12 more instructions here (not optional for all who are sanctified).
If Paul had a blog he would no doubt type the words from 5:27, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the brethren!”
Our key verse shows us how God will accomplish these things in our lives. This is a good verse to memorize! (5:23).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Great God of peace, I yield myself to You. I pray that You will sanctify me for Your purposes. Only You can keep me blameless; I cannot do this on my own. I thank You for working in me to accomplish Your will. In the Name of the One who always did what is right, Jesus Himself, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In the very first letter Norma-Jean wrote to me, she used letterhead with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 printed at the top of the page: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” She claims that she did not choose this verse on purpose; it was just the writing paper at hand. However, it has proven to be a prophetic Word for us for almost 59 years of marriage!
Yours because of the One who is FAITHFUL, “Who also will do it” (verse 24 of chapter 5),
David
P.S. Our 59th wedding anniversary is coming up on September 19th, which also happens to be the the day of a special fundraising event for Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries, a ministry led by my son Ron and his wife Ann. So many marriages in Canada need help, So… YOU CAN HELP ME HELP THEM by sponsoring me to golf in their upcoming Heart to Heart 1st Annual Golf Classic! Whether or not I have the strength to swing a golf club that day, I don’t know…but I do know it’s a great cause! HERE is a link to a video Norma-Jean and I just recorded about this event which will be held on our anniversary! AND to sponsor me you can click HERE. Thank you so much!
Some of the history of Thessalonica depicted on the structure (described in the top photo caption).
Amen to your prayer, and upcoming 59th wedding anniversary, David and Norma-Jean. Awesome guidance from Paul and amazing photos; takes me back to my art history, days. Oh, to have lived in those times. We love You, Lord and give thanks and praise to You and only You. In Jesus’ precious Name. Prayers and blessings to all the saints.
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 NIV
I Wanna Go Back – [Lyric Video] David Dunn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0VirZWCtJQ
Thank you, David and all your faithful co-workers, for this blog. It is a daily inspiration and encouragement. May God bless each of you in unexpected and wonderful ways. And all the blog readers and fellow-Christians, too. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen, Rob!
Yes, Amen Rob!
Blessings on your 59th Wedding Anniversary David and Norma-Jean Mainse!
Have had you on my heart in prayer, Irene. God bless you, dear sister-in-Christ!
Thank you Beverlee for you discernment…I really needed prayer last week, the Lord has heard your prayers, Praise His Name!!!
Amen!!!
Lord I have such anxiety! there is much stress regarding the forest fires, no rain, homes burned down! Help us Lord! Give us comfort! Lord move all those agencies who have promised to help the people! May they do so immediately, no restrictions; help families prepare for school to start in September; help the children through all these very devastating events!
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us!
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory Forever and Forever AMEN AMEN
Agreeing in prayer with, Sah, Lord. Please, send rain, send help, send everything the people in BC who are going through such devastating trials need. Thank You Lord, for being their rock to lean on and to pray to. Amen!
Amen Agreeing in prayer with you Sah and Beverlee
Yes, congratulations on your upcoming 59th anniversary Pastor David and Norma Jean and I agree in prayer concerning the fires and need for rain in BC Sah and Beverlee.
Yes I am also agreeing in prayer for those suffering because if the fires in B.C.
Congratulations David & Norma-Jean on your upcoming 59th Wedding Anniversary.
Praying, David, for God’s continued healing touch upon your life – giving you new strength for each day – “as thy days, so shall your strength be” (Deut: 33:25b KJV). Also, Psalm 138:3b, (KJV), “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul”. Special prayers as you participate in the Heart to Heart Golf tournament.