Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! Our theme verse this year is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 where the Word promises, “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” This message of forgiveness of sin through faith in Christ that all may have the promise of eternal life inspires our teaching. God is faithful and HE will do it. HE will sanctify us. Understanding this helps us to live Hopefully, Thankfully, Peacefully, Faithfully, and Joyfully as Christians.
It always amazes me how focusing in on one scripture passage for 9 months brings about so much depth to our understanding. Of course, this isn't the only scripture passage we study all year but it is exciting to highlight one for focus as we live out our lives during the school year. I pray this year we will clearly see God’s action as we study this passage. We live in a world that focuses all its attention on the self. To shift our focus to our creator and savior and the work He is doing is often hard and uncomfortable. We would rather look at what we are doing and pat ourselves on the back for our good works. God is faithful; we are not. God will do the good work; we cannot.
Often the beginning of the school year is stressful for all of us as the responsibilities pile high. This passage brings peace. Peacefull knowledge that God will do His work among us. He is in charge and His work will be accomplished. This gives us HOPE, PEACE, and JOY. Lord help us to be THANKFUL and to always remain FAITHFUL to you.
