A simple lesson

                           Short and sweet food for weekend thought--

        One of the passages we discussed in Sunday school this morning--and it's is simple, short, and oh so sweet:
              "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (I Thess.5:17-18)
       Such incredible wisdom and supernatural power in those words.
       And the very next verse warns us: "Do not quench the Spirit." (I Thess.5:19)
       Why?  I think it's because a sure-fire way to quench the Spirit is through a lack of worship, prayerlessness, and ingratitude.  On the other hand, if we want to fan into flame the Spirit's power in our lives, then we need to choose to do those three simple things--rejoice in the Lord continually, pray unceasingly, and give thanks consistently, no matter the circumstances.
        How do we do this?  God's Word!  Daily input of His life-giving, strength -sustaining, joy-enhancing, gratitude-provoking Word.
       If I skip a meal, I get mighty grumpy, mighty quickly!   And I lose the energy and desire to get anything done.  Why on earth would we think it would be any different with the far more important consumption of our spiritual food each day?  His very words are life, we're told in the Scriptures (John 6:63).
        No Word--no wisdom.  No Word--no worship.  No Word--no willingness to obey.  No Word--no walking with the Spirit.
        It begins with the Word.  Which leads to worship...and prayer...and thanksgiving.  And the wonderful result is the mighty empowering of the Spirit in our lives.  
       "We are guilty.  The cross purchased our forgiveness.
        We are unable.  The Spirit gives us power.
        We are foolish.  God's Word provides wisdom." (Paul D. Tripp)
        Thank You Lord for Your powerful, glorious Word.  Thank You for Your powerful, glorious Spirit.  And thank You for Your simple but utterly life-transforming command to rejoice always, prayer without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.  Help us to obey, Father, by the gift of your grace, through the power of Your Spirit, and for the glory of Your Son.
        To God be the glory.