Paul’s writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.”

The words “Do not quench the Spirit” caught my attention. It reminded me of hearing someone say, “Don’t lose your Joy.” or “Keep your chin up,” which I think that is what Paul is trying to get across to the folks in Thessalonica, and to us.

Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22-23, “the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” So “quenching the Spirit” would be suppressing or stifling these characteristics.

I think putting these pieces together tells us that rejoicing, praying and giving thanks, helps us avoid quenching the Spirit, and helps us maintain the characteristics or fruit that the Spirit produces.

Dear Lord, praise and thanks to you for all you give us. Help us nurture the fruit the Holy Spirit puts in us so that we may keep our joy under all circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you ever had a conversation with the parent of a toddler while the toddler was playing on a park playscape? The parent’s eyes are always darting back toward the toddler, ready to run and protect the child from a fall, from some other danger, or from getting out of sight.

In ways, this is what is described in Psalm 33:18 which says, “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

God is watching and is aware of our situations; our successes and struggles, our hopes and our fears. We are not alone, He is always there and ready when we call.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the assurance of your presence. Help us use this confidence to be bold Christians sharing your love and good news. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the challenges some of us have, is thinking, though incorrectly, that it is our job to “convert” people into believers.

Fortunately, our job is not to “convert,” people, it is sharing the Word, the Good News of Salvation that comes to those who believe, and leaving the Holy spirit to work in their hearts.

Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” and in Ephesians 2:8 he says, “by grace we are saved through faith,” and in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “…and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.”

We share the word. The Holy Spirit does the “converting.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that you are the Savior, we are the witnesses. Give us the strength and wisdom to share your word so the Holy Spirit can bring your saving grace to those who hear. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Most people have heard Bobby McFerrin song “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” and most, if asked, would probably agree that it is easier said than done.

Why?

I think the answer is because it is difficult to take our focus off of the things that are worrying us and focus on those things that are pleasant and make us happy.

Similarly, in Luke 8:50, Jesus tells a man who was just told that his daughter died, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” This may seem also like an impossible suggestion. How could someone in his situation not be afraid?

The key is to change the focus from the thing that scares us, to Jesus, in whom we have faith.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your cares on Him, for he cares for you.”

As difficult as it may be for us to overpower those fearful thoughts, If we think about the fact that God, the immeasurably powerful force that created everything, cares about us individually, and personally, we can displace our fears with faith. God has our concerns completely under control, we do not need to fear.

Dear Lord, You tell us many times in Bible accounts that our faith effects events. Help us truly believe in your power and hand over our concerns and fears to you, with faith that you will work them out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

The direction in this verse is pretty clear, that if we give, we will receive. However, I think the second sentence has a deeper message. “For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” Some translations write “by the same standard of measure…” This part of the message is not necessarily about how much we give, but the “standard of measure” we have in giving. I think this means the mindset or attitude that we have in giving. If we give reluctantly, worried about what is being done with “our” gifts, or concerned that we cannot afford to give, we can expect to receive by this standard.

But if we give generously, with the confidence that God always provides, we will receive with the same “standard of measure.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Dear Lord, you provide all we have, and can give us much more, at your will. Help us remember then to give with a generous measure and you will allways give us everything we need and plenty left over. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.