like strong clothes

 Saturday, January 20, 2024 (5:25 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed, Loving Father God,

Thank You! There was sleep. Waking. Thoughts. Prayers. More sleep. And now? Coffee. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that You teach us to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). “Always be joyful” (v. 16). And “Never stop praying” (17).

Yes Father. Thank You that we have Your Word of Truth and promises to lead and guide us every day.

Mm, yes. We get to choose. Will we “pay back evil for evil”? No! Not if we read and apply Paul’s words to the Thessalonians believers (v.15).

(6:33 a.m.)

Reading in the Worldwide English (New Testament) I am reminded that we “all belong to the light… the day… not the night or the dark” (v.5). We’re to “keep watching and not get drunk” (6).

Yes Lord! “We must keep believing in God. We must be loving towards each other. Faith and love will be like strong clothes [armor] to cover our bodies. The hope of being saved will protect us like a hat or helmet covers our head” (7).

We are to “comfort and strengthen one another” (10). Encouraging and building each other up. “… Talk to those who fear, and say something that will make them strong. Help those who are weak. Be patient with all people” (11).

We are to not do wrong to others. “Always do good to one another. Be good to each other and to all men” (12). “Always be happy” (13). “Talk to God at all times” (14). 

Thanking You for everything, Ephesians 4:31-32 (and 5:33) are quite important to me as well. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven You.”

Father, it’s YOU that has been teaching us all these years to forgive. Be kind. Put on Your armor (Ephesians 6:11-17). Wearing Your strong clothes of faith and love.

“So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Thank You for teaching us Lord. Thank You for loving us.

Use us exactly as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(401 words ~ 7:18 a.m.)