SANCTIFICATION
Today’sĀ 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
Some of the history of Thessalonica depicted on the structure (described in the top photo caption).
Paul has certainly given us a tall order. Yes dear David, I believe it would be beneficial to memorize much of God’s word.
Blessings, blessings on all dear saints.
Asking for urgent prayer for Robert Schellenberg and Michael Spavor, detained in China. Schellenberg’s death penalty has been upheld by the Chinese courts and he has 10 days to appeal it again. Spavor is being sentenced next week. Lord God, we hold these men up to You for You can free them. The Meng Wanzhou extraditoin to the US from Canada is likely affecting these two Canadians. We pray for Your holy intervention Lord to free these two Canadians and send them back home. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen.
For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
Lamentations 3:31-32 ESV
Ryan Stevenson – The Gospel (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTdFEZhjiko
I was typing when you posted.Good to see you on here.Thanks for this info.It is very sad and disturbing.I have to leave now.Blessings
Beverlee…I am joining you in urgent prayer for these to men.
Oh lord we are all deserving of death, but Jesus Christ is our Saviour, He took our place!
Thank you for your incredible gift to us..we are covered by the blood of Jesus!
Oh Heavenly Father may these two men, Robert Schellenberg and Michael Spaver be covered by the saving and protecting blood of Jesus!
May these two men sense your peace and presence and comfort and may they be freed and back home in Canada soon!
Amen to your prayer Beverlee and Anne.
Glad to see your back Beverlee
God Bless you all!!!
Amen to your prayer, Beverlee
To ‘hear’ Paul is like hearing Jesus speak.He only met Him in the Spirit and became His most powerful servant.
Keep praying for Beverlee.May God bless
I prayed right away for the two Michaels when I heard it on the news. Father God, in Jesus Name, open a door for them to be returned home. Change the minds of those making the decisions. Thank You Lord. Also bless and strengthen Beverlee today mightily. Thank You Lord. Amen and amen
Amen
Amen šš¼Agreeing with your prayer,Doreen ! Blessings to all! Btw. does anyone know if Rob and Sah are well?
Amen to the prayers for the two Michaelās and Robert Schellenberg and got all fellow bloggers in special need of prayer
Thankfully our Heavenly Father knows all our needs. May he bless each of you
I prayed David’s prayer today, I sure want to do God’s will in everything. Agreeing with all prayers for the two Michaels. Also continue d prayer for Beverlee. Blessings to all Eleanor .