Paul's Great Advice - Words to Live By

Luke 24:1-12
The Resurrection
'Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn't here. He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?' (5-7)
The women who went to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary mother of James and several others. They told the apostles what happened, but the story sounded like nonsense, so they didn't believe it. (10,11)

This passage reminds me that we are naturally 'doubters'. We must take the Lord's words and promises to heart. If this passage were alive in me, I must continue to read and familiarize myself with God's word. I ask God for continued strength in discipline and diligence to 'practicing the presence' my personal committment to spend time in the Word every day.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Paul's Final Advice

• Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love.


• Remember to live peaceable with each other.


• We urge you to warn those who are lazy.


• Encourage those who are timid.


• Take tender care of those who are weak.


• Be patient with everyone.


• See that no one pays back evil for evil but always try to do good to each other.


• Always be joyful.


• Keep on praying.


• No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (12 -17)

Wow! These are great words to live by. Things that I can work on: 'warn those who are lazy, keep on praying and always be thankful...' I must admit that there are times when I am not particularly thankful, but everything I have is truly a blessing. I never thought to warn those who are lazy, mostly because it is "confrontational" and I don't like being that way. But there is truth in telling them if it will elicit change. I humbly thank God for all the good he has filled my life with and I ask that He continue to work in me to be an even better and faithful follower.