Sunday Scripture

 

Delightful graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

I've decided to take a break from the Psalms study to focus on Thanksgiving.  Again today, I'm sharing some insights from a Thanksgiving/fall study with Good Morning Girls that I did back in fall of 2013.  Sadly, it seems that this little but oh-so-meaningful 2-week study -- Focusing our Hearts on Gratitude -- is no longer available.  If anyone is interested in the Scripture verses to do your own little study, just let me know and I can send you the references.  

The verses I chose for today are from Day 4 of the study.  We were to read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, and the verses to SOAP were 16-18.  ( Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.  And if you've never tried this simple method, I hope that you will give it a try and see if you find it as helpful as I do.)

So without further ado, here is my very simple study of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

S=  "Rejoice evermore.
"Pray without ceasing.
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

O= This letter was wrtiten by Paul to the believers at Thessalonica.  C.I. Scofield says, "Timothy's good report of the faith and love of the Thessalonians and their tender regard for Paul prompted the apostle to write this touching and intimate letter in which he commends them for their steadfastness, reminds them of truths he has taught, and clears up questions about the Lord's return."

The instructions Paul gives in this last chapter of 1 Thessalonians are brief and to the point.  The verses I am looking at give some pretty all-encompassing direction:

🍂 Rejoice evermore.

🍂 Pray without ceasing.

🍂 In everything give thanks.

I could summarize this as: "Never stop rejoicing; never stop praying; never stop thanking God."

Paul tells us too why we should thank God in every circumstance: this is His will concerning us.

A= The application to my life is pretty obvious.  

🍂 I'm to be continually rejoicing.  This isn't easy.  Life is tiring and some days and circumstances are hard.  Yet I'm commanded to rejoice evermore.

🍂 I'm to be continually in the attitude of prayer.  To me this implies staying "prayed up", keeping short accounts with God, confessing sin as I'm aware of it, so I may remain in constant communication with Him.

🍂 I'm to be thanking God in every circumstance of life, acknowledging that it's His will for me.  He allows these circumstances for my good and His glory.

P= "Lord, these are tall orders you have for me in this passage.  These "100% words" -- evermore; without ceasing; in everything -- are quite a challenge.  I can only rejoice continually and give thanks in everything in Your strength.  I praise You that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. 

"Help me, Lord, to keep short accounts with You so that I may be in constant fellowship with You throughout each day, maintaining an attitude of prayer.  I praise You for the privilege of prayer and for the clarity and practicality of Your Word!  In Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is our very simple study for today!  I know these are a good bit more basic than the Sunday Scriptures I've shared in recent months, but I do hope they'll be a blessing and an encouragement to someone.