August 23, 2018
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
If you are reading this devotion today, it is a reminder for you that you have been chosen by God to possess salvation in Jesus Christ. You were chosen to connect to Christ and live in the Truth. Just think about it, God chose you to be the light of his love and heart for the world. If you could pull back the skin from your body you would see his light pulsing as life in you. What started as a divine spark within us can become a roaring fire when Truth is lived out. He saved you so you could reveal his salvation to others; to demonstrate his loving care and provision for your life. You are a carrier of the divine fire!
God is not angry with you, he loves you and delights in you. He did not choose you for anger or wrath. He chose you to walk in his favor and grace. All he asks from his children of light is to stay in the light and be an authentic witness for him. We are to live with his love over our hearts. We are to make our decisions with the helmet of his wisdom over our thoughts. We are to stay ready for his return by living in his resurrection power, because we have the great privilege to be beacons of the Truth in a world that prefers the darkness. Allow Jesus to shine through you, today!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming
5 Now, brothers and sisters, we don’t need to write to you about times and dates. 2 You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night. 3 People will say, “We have peace and we are safe.” At that time destruction will come to them quickly, like the pains of a woman giving birth. And those people will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness. And so that day will not surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all people who belong to the light. You belong to the day. We don’t belong to the night or to darkness. 6 So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control. 7 People who sleep, sleep at night. People who drink too much, drink at night. 8 But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us. And the hope of salvation should be our helmet.
9 God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes. 11 So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.
Prayer: Lord, let me choose to radiate light, today. Holy Spirit, help me to live with love covering my heart as I go from place to place. Help me to make wise decisions. And, help me to live ready for your return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.