Attitudes of the Heart

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the Will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.  (1Th 5:16-24)

As Paul is closing his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, GOD gives those of us who are His a series of short reminders of several attitudes and exhortations to proper Christian behaviors.  From an attitude of praise, prayer, thanksgiving, to actions of obedience, discernment, and holiness.  The promise here is that GOD will, as a good and perfect Father will do His part to raise you to be more like Him.   The end result of our faithfulness and obedience to His Word is GOD's faithfulness and preservation toward those of us who are His children.

And these instructions are not to those that are outside the family of GOD, who have never received Jesus Christ by faith and trusted Him as their all sufficient and final sacrifice for sIn and Salvation.  For you GOD commands you to repent, to surrender to Him on His terms and be born again.  GOD is not willing that any should perish, but allows you to choose.  Choose you this day whom you will serve.

And for the child of GOD, I exhort you with Paul to continue in the things which He has taught us, and live for Him that others might know the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet