2020 Daily Devotion - Day 63

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I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRS
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In this passage, the Apostle is describing three elements of a healthy church. 1) They are a church filled with joy. This means the healthy church is not filled with legalism, but rather joy in knowing the Good News of what Christ has done for us through His death and resurrection. A church of joy knows the good news of the Gospel and celebrates it. 2) It is a church of prayer. It is a church where the members, both collectively and privately, are always in prayer; a church where the faithful know prayer is their greatest and most powerful weapon. 3) A healthy church is one where the family of God is always giving thanks. This church is always looking for a reason to give thanks, even in the most difficult times. 

Paul concludes verse eighteen by stating it is God’s will for us to be this kind of church. God’s will is that His people in His church would be people of joy, who are always praying and finding reasons to be thankful. In these days of the Coronavirus, we can be this kind of church.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, it is very easy to be people who are complaining and finding fault. But You are calling us to higher ground. You are calling us to step up. Help us to be a church of joy; always praying and looking for reasons to be thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church

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