Note for 20250821 - 1 Thes 5v16-18 - What is Good
Daily Devotional
Note for 20250821 - 1 Thes 5:16-18 - What is Good?
1. Opening
There are a few ways in which you can partake in the Daily Devotional:
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
2. Scripture Text
Again, the Verse(s) of the Day from the You Version Bible App
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV
[16] Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.16-18.KJV
3. Devotional Reflection
As you may know already, I share the verse of the day as often as possible, most of the time, almost every day. I understand that for many, that is the only guidance they get in the day out of the Word of GOD, hopeful that at least they may have the inner working of the Holy Spirit in them.
This morning, 3 verses given for that purpose, and yet for today, these three alone does not finish the concept for understanding, it is but a partial guidance. Note how the verse ends with, "this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you." And that is dangerous, that people will assume that is all said here. But, look at what follows in the text.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-24 KJV
[19] Quench not the Spirit. [20] Despise not prophesyings. [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [22] Abstain from all appearance of evil. [23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.19-24.KJV
"Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it." That seems important to know, doesn't it? Fully quoted, this quickly becomes so much more, that it is not just about smiling and saying thank you all the time, but look, "quench not the Spirit," so what if the Holy Spirit says, "go help that man, " or, "take a different route this morning to work?" Does the Holy Spirit not do that in us? "Despise not prophecyings."
When you understand the gravity of this, how not to "grieve the Spirit" or to "blaspheme the Holy Ghost" and the peril in these transgressions, concerning forgiveness, you will also understand why it is written to test all things (by the Spirit) and keep what is good. That is how He that calleth (note present tense) you, will also do it. When you understand that it is the Spirit in you that gives this guidance, joy will come and you will have gratitude, and not count it as if you yourself is good, but that GOD in you performs all good through us. At best, we can be satisfied with ourselves if we are obedient, and even that can only be true, if you quench not the Holy Spirit (or ignore the quiet voice of GOD within.)
You know friends, the Word of GOD is not like a bumper sticker, or some saying that remains on paper or maybe a desktop wall paper. The will of GOD is that we should live out His Word, repent of our sin, be forgiven in Jesus Christ and be saved. Remember? This is the will of GOD, that all be saved and none be lost, for GOD loved the World so much, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe on Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Today, I don’t give you the links to the scriptures, because I did not look it up. I give it to you as it lies in me. There is also this concerning today's scripture. Try the spirits if they are of GOD. Taking captive every thought, and I suggest you test your thoughts too, if they even be of GOD.
Now, how is this possible without praying without ceasing? Is GOD first in your body, mind and soul? Do you love your neighbour as yourself? Yes, friends, all of these apply to the text today, when the full thought is completed.
The verse of the day should I fact not be that one liner you take with you each day, alone, but more a guidance to remember a section of the Word each day. And how often have you noticed that the verse of the day confirms the Word received by the Spirit? If only we are obedient and seek the kingdom of GOD first. Who is it that brings our daily bread? Not your pay cheque, for without the grace of GOD you would not even have that. That brings us right back to being grateful and having joy for the favor that GOD shows us. There are those that GOD has called to thank-less jobs here on earth, some even without any financial reward. How soon are those abandoned for something that will sustain the bank balance in the black?
The word of GOD is like instructions to survive an oppressive world system, to endure until the end, so we may receive the true reward that awaits us with Christ Jesus at redemption.
In the Word, there is even more for each day, but if we can hold on to what GOD gives today, we might receive what He gives tomorrow. So it is GOD doing it, not us, for without His guidance by both the Spirit and the Word, we would not even know what is good to do. In realisation of this Truth, we are back at gratitude and joy again. Then we can know what to be thankful for, that we are not just wild animals, but that it is the breath of GOD that made us living souls.
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Note on the Verse:
The Bible verses of today are used for the main devotional, and expanded therein.
5. Optional Reading / Study Expansion
New identity in Christ (Part 7 - Final)
I have enjoyed this Bible reading plan so much that I want to share the link with you. Not only was it insightful on its own, but has served as a confirmation of the daily devotional too. Remember, we do not believe in coincidence, but divine order and purpose. So as before, I added the scriptures from this plan here today, because it actually builds out from the Devotional to an even deeper realisation, in a “crossindexing” way. Today, I want to share with you the actual devotional from the Bible plan, with credit to the authors and a gratitude to GOD for bringing it on our way. Listen to what Andrew and Wendy Palau writes:
Try this one thing… (Their title for the devotional)
Do you ever feel like there’s a war going on in your mind? There really is! The Bible describes your mind as a battlefield. When we follow Jesus, we commit ourselves to aligning our lives with the truth. The father of lies does not like that—so he desires to pull you away, tricking you with words of doubt.
Don’t be fooled. Don’t even listen to the enemy’s definition of who you are. You ARE who Jesus says you are.
Here’s how the Bible teaches us to fight the enemy’s lies...
It says in 2 Corinthians 10 that:
“…though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power (that’s spiritual power from God) to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments (these can be arguments from the world or Satan) and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
The word of God—it’s like a spiritual weapon—it is stronger than our minds, and it’s stronger than the lies of the enemy. You can learn to wield it as a defense against the lies of the enemy.
The Adversary does not give up.
He will never stop trying to convince you that you’re not who God says you are. He’ll use your negative thoughts, hurtful people, and worldly value systems to try to convince you that you’re…
Not good enough
Not pure enough
Not worthy of God’s love
Unlovable
Worthless
And that you might as well give up.
Even though we know these things aren’t true, they can seep into our minds without us even noticing. We all have areas of life that are particularly sensitive for us—old wounds and parts of our lives where we feel extra vulnerable. These are the areas where the enemy likes to come and attack us. We need to fight this battle by replacing the words of the liar with words of truth from the Bible. And we get better at this the more we practice it.
God says in the Bible that you are…
His child
That you are chosen and incredibly loved
Completely washed clean by Jesus’ blood
Securely saved out of death, and
Created for a wonderful purpose.
Your identity is no longer in the world, or in yourself, and certainly not in the lies the enemy would have you believe.
I want to invite you today to write down a list of all the particular lies the enemy likes to tell you about who you are. Then make a new list showing who God says you are.
When you’re finished, rip up the old list and throw it away. Take the truth of who you are in Christ, and pin it up somewhere you’ll be likely to see it every day. Maybe next to your bed, or even where you eat your meals.
Remind yourself daily who you are in Christ, and the voice of the adversary will fade.
1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.5.6-11.KJV
See how this section then also speaks back to what we have looked at in the week gone past too. Even as we now have a full view look at Ephesians 6 which has been referenced so much in this process. Now, you can see that it is part of your new identity in Christ. And, if you are still struggling, this might be where you want to put your attention, to gain a deeper understanding of this. For we are a “No Fear” people, only fearing GOD (Having reverence for the LORD)
Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.10-20.KJV
Find this Bible reading plan on YouVersion Bible App at:
6. Closing Paragraph
What a journey we have gone through, hey? Talk about security and peace, where else is it so sure as it is in Jesus Christ. For now, we know that we are in GOD’s Hand, and that He will work all that is needed to see us through, if only we trust, and obey; which are elements of our faith.
There is now truly no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ, who walks after the Spirit and not the flesh. We should thus not forget that our salvation is in Jesus Christ and not the opinions of man, this world or worse, Satan himself.
Do you now feel equipped?
Selah, Shalom.
7. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
Find playlists at: https://soundcloud.com/houseofbread4u/sets
Radio Stations:
House of Bread Music Radio App
Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.houseofbreadmusic
The Stern Watch Radio App
Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.sternwatch
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