MONDAY MORNING!

"Be joyful always ..."

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -- I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I want to say, "Wow. Really Paul?  Really?" But then I remember what he wrote to Timothy: "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

So, now I am saying, "Okay, God, show me." And He does. 

I begin to see that the "joyful" comes from what He has deposited inside of me and is not dependent upon my outward circumstances or situation. I begin to see that prayer is part of my communication with "the creator of all things." I begin to see that giving thanks is from a grateful heart remembering the perfect sacrifice of love for me on the cross. And, I begin to see that all of this --- being joyful, praying, being thankful --- is His will -- His choice -- for me in being connected to His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

My prayer right now? "Father, I want (I will -- I choose) to know You more. I want (I will -- I choose) to be joyful always. I want (I will -- I choose) to pray continually. I want (I will -- I choose) to give thanks in all circumstances. I want (I will - I choose) Your will for me in Christ Jesus. Amen"

Bottom Line: May we realize God's will -- His choice -- for us in Christ Jesus. May we be joyful always. May we be praying continually. And, may we give thanks in all circumstances. Amen? Amen.

 

MONDAY MORNING!

"... keep in step..."

 "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. ... But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come." -- John 16:7 & 13

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." -- Galatians 5:25

One of the many purposes of the Holy Spirit being sent is to keep us in step with Father. If I should want to go one way and the Spirit wants me to go another way --- I am not in step with the Spirit.

Spirit: "Go encourage that person over there."

Me: "No, I am not in a place to do that."

Spirit: "Go pray for that person over there."

Me: "No, I'm not good at that."

Spirit: "Go this way not that."

Me: "Really? But I want to go that way not this way."

Keeping in step with the Spirit requires paying attention -- yes. But, it also requires obedience.

Keeping in step with the Spirit requires having hearing ears -- yes. But, it also requires  obedience.

Keeping in step with the Spirit requires seeing -- yes. But, it also requires obedience.

Keeping in step with the Spirit requires not talking -- yes. But, it also requires obedience. 

He, the Holy Spirit, will gently nudge, quietly speak, lovingly show and mindfully still our lips   --- all of which will keep us in step with Him and Father --- if only we obey.

Bottom Line: May we know, may we learn, may we accept that truly living by the Spirit is being in lock step with Him in all matters, on all occasions, for every situation and circumstance. May we come to know His gentle nudge, His quite voice, His loving sight, His mindful closing of our lips --- and obey Him. Amen? Amen.