WARNINGS

Well if anyone ever wanted a to do list from the Lord, I guess I Thessalonians would be a great place to start.  Throughout the book it Paul tells the church to live as the Lord will be here today.  (Not his words but mine) He will come quickly and rest assured the dead will rise first, which then we will meet them in the sky.  Even Paul back then prayed continually for the Lord's people to be blameless on that day.  That is encouraging to know, especially when I goof up and sin in my anger, etc.  I feel like a turd for yelling at everyone yesterday.  To be honest, I don't know what came over me.  I desire honesty and communication with my family and I guess I just didn't get it yesterday.  I hurt several people and pray that they truly forgave me. 

[Lord, I have to stop right here.  I am sorry for my actions, they were not of you.  I pray that you will surround me with your ways; I want your meek and mildness, your love, your kindness, your gentleness, and your self-control.  Help me to run away from the temptation of anger.  Please increase your Love in me and strengthen my heart so that I will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God.  Lord I want to be able to control my body in a way that is holy and honorable.  Please Lord allow me to encourage, comfort, and urge my children to live lives worth of You.  I know that I can't do that acting as I did yesterday, so please forgive me and allow forgiveness from them and myself.]

Paul tells us some key things to live a life that is holy and worthy of God, to please him when he comes for us:

Build one another up (5:11)

Respect our leaders (5:12)

Hold leaders in the highest regard (5:13)

Live in peace (5:13)

Warn the idle  (5:14)

Encourage the timid  (5:14)

Help the weak  (5:14)

Be patient   (5:14)

Resist revenge  (5:15)

Be Joyful  (5:16)

Pray continually (5:17)

Give thanks (5:18)

Do not put out the Spirit's fire  (5:19)

Do not treat prophecies with contempt (5:20) 

Avoid every kind of evil (5:22)

count on God's constant help  (5:23)

God, thank you for your guidelines.  I know that for me, it is comforting to know that the one true God is by my side helping me in this world.  I have truth and encouragement in your word.  Thank you for forgiveness.  Thank you for sending your son into this horrible, sinful world for me to die a death not worthy of a King.  I pray that all these things that you have brought to me, you would be of constant help to produce in my life.  I want to live a life that is worthy of you and will withstand the fire.  You are so mighty and true.  God you fill my life with peace and hope for a future.  Thank you.  I lift these things to you from my heart.  In Jesus' name, Amen.