I Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order”

We live in a world of constant motion and continual confusion.

Life often resembles the old Abet and Costello routine “Who’s on First”.

Yet in the midst of the world we live in, the church and Christians should be different.

We should “live on purpose”; doing everything we do in an appropriate manner (decently). 

Each action we take and choice we make must be done in light of what is needed at that moment.

Then we are exhorted to “live with order”.  Our lives should be arranged with a plan to fulfill the revealed will of God. 

Living on “auto pilot” is not God’s will.

Today let us take charge of our life by making the choices which will keep us within boundaries and purpose of God’s will.

I Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

The one question that is at the center of every question is, “Who do I belong to?”

You see the question of ownership ultimately determines purpose and direction. 

Every believer belongs to God completely; both in body and in spirit.

There is no telling what God can do in and through each of us as we live lives of sweet surrender.

Today let us surrender ourselves from the inside out to His purpose and His glory.

II Thessalonians 3:4-5 “We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command.  And the Lord directs your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (Red & yellow notations added)

If you find yourself in a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty then you are in good company.

The Christians in Thessalonica were struggling with both, and finding it difficult to keep their hearts and walk in the right place. 

In the midst of all that was going on Paul challenged them to have confidence in God.  (Yellow)

Our verses today affirm that God is able to make us obedient to His word as we rest in His love, and stay faithful to His calling. (Red)

Today let us call upon Him in prayer and rest in Him with confidence that we can abide in obedience, love and faithfulness.

I Thessalonians 1:2 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers”

What do the people in your life need from you today?

When you first hear that question you might start making a list, maybe a long one, of things that others want you to do for them.

Yet the reality is that often we confuse what people need from us with what they want from us.

In our verse for today we are reminded by Paul’s example of at least two things that those in our life desperately need from us.

That is to be thankful and to pray for those that intersect our lives.

Do those in your life know how thankful you are that God has brought them in your life?

Do they know that, regardless of any challenges you might be having within the relationship, you are thankful for them?

If you are struggling with being thankful for certain people it may be because of the lack of prayer.

Remember: You will always value that which you pray for!

Today, let us commit our heart to praying for others within the sphere of our life, and to communicate to God and them how thankful that they are in our lives.  

Let’s have a thankful and prayerful day, today, and the rest of the week!

Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Life is filled with the certainty of uncertainty.

We don't know what any single moment or day might bring.

Yet we are called upon to possess our inward being (soul) with faithful perseverance within the call of God upon our lives (patience).

We each need to be steadfast in our dependence on and expectation that God will always do what He has promised.

God is working in our life today for His glory and for our good.

He is on time and in control.

So today let us continue patiently within the events we don’t understand and the outcomes we cannot predict. .

Let us rest with constant confidence that God will keep His Word in our life and the lives of those we love.

Luke 17:5 “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

Faith is not a blind leap in the dark nor is it wishful thinking.

 

Faith is transferring our trust to God.

Trusting in who He is and what He has promised as revealed to us through His word.

 

Today, let us ask God to lead us into a more intimate walk with Him as our hearts are

drawn to rest in Him.

 

May each of us seek to  grow in our confidence in and dependence upon His power to accomplish His plan.

This week as we begin our missions conference may we as a church specifically ask God to increase our faith as we consider our Faith Promise Offering. Let us pray that God will guide each of us to trust Him in ways we have not been able to do to this point. Remember, wherever God guides He always provides.

Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

The story of Martha and Mary in the last few verses of Luke 10 is filled with insight and practical application. 

Martha was busy being active – Mary was busy being attentive.

The choices of Martha and Mary were not between right and wrong but between better and best.

Most of us start each day with a full schedule and if not, we tend to fill it up as the day unfolds.

That is how life is lived. We can’t stop time or responsibility. But the point is we have to prioritize our life. We have to value making time to be in the presence of Christ and, being attentive to His words, a priority.

Today remember that doing right demands being right. Being right demands a consistent and consuming relationship with Christ.  Let us spend time at the start of, and throughout the day, spending time in His presence; attentive to His Words and committed to His Will.