An Awareness of God

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The three commands in today’s passage may look simple because they’re short, but many people find them challenging to obey. Our lives are so full of responsibilities and activities that it’s all we can do to keep up our schedules, let alone live as these verses command. There’s only one way to succeed—not by trying harder but by focusing on Christ. When He becomes the center of our attention, our attitude and behavior will change. 

Rejoice Always

Pray without ceasing

Give thanks in everything

These three admonitions are a call to become preoccupied with Christ. If we are consumed with other thoughts, it’s easy to feel irritated, worry unceasingly, and complain about everything. But when we begin each day in God’s Word, we are reminded of His instructions and His care.

Questions in 2 Chronicles 

16:8

Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand.

18:3

So Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?”

  And he answered him, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.”

18:5

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?”

  So they said, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the king's hand.”

Thoughts 

. I want to adorn myself, not out of a worldly pride, but for the love of God alone. - Elizabeth of Hungary

. It is certain because it is impossible. – Tertullian

[Message No: 7829]