TODAY IN THE WORD
Charles Spurgeon once wrote concerning God's promises: ""It is a cause of much weakness to many that they do not treat God's promises as realities. If a friend makes a promise, they regard it as a substantial thing...but the declarations of God are often viewed as words which mean very little....Rest assured [however] that the

Lord never trifles with words.""

We don't want to be guilty of discounting God's promises. He's too faithful for us to take the assurances of His Word lightly. God's dependability is one matter; our faith in His dependability is another. Spiritual benefits come to those who believe God and act on His promises.

Today's reading is a good example of this. The commands listed in verses 16-22 are part of what it means to be sanctified,

to be ""set apart"" from the world and become more like Jesus Christ. Salvation is instantaneous; we are saved the moment we believe. But sanctification,or Christian growth, is a lifelong process.

Paul had already told the Thessalonians, ""It is God's will that you should be sanctified"" (1 Thess. 4:3). Chapters 4 and 5 go on to explain what this means in very practical, everyday terms.

We still struggle, however, to live up to the high calling we have in Christ. We're not talking about trying to keep or earn our salvation; the issue is how we should live as those who already belong to Christ.

Consider verses 16-18. There aren't many words here, but a lifetime of challenges: being joyful at all times, keeping our hearts in a constant attitude of prayer, and giving thanks for whatever comes our way.

Now add to these the following commands concerning the Holy Spirit's ministry and the importance of shunning evil. That's quite a list.

How can we do what God wants us to do--let alone be found faithful at the Lord's coming? The answer is in verses 23-24, and it rests on God's faithfulness. Paul prays for our sanctification--and then reminds us that we can do what God requires because God Himself will enable us! God gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us for holy living, and the promise of His faithful presence to keep us faithful.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Let's discuss the command for us to ""give thanks in all circumstances"" (v. 18).

This is the time of year when many of us play spiritual ""catch up"" on all the reasons we have to be thankful. As you review God's goodness, don't forget to thank Him for the times when being thankful may have been the last thing on your mind. Even in the hardest trials, God gives us reasons to praise Him. Today, why not review His faithfulness in a difficult time and share your praise with family and friends?

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