REJOICE EVERMORE...the Wayfarer 12/17/17

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REJOICE EVERMORE
12/17/17

1 Thessalonians 5:9 KJV
 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD Jesus Christ,

Paul's writings to the churches, both those early ones, and those latter ones that remain in existence were filled with exhortation to remain true to the very salvation provided through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.

Exhortation, warning, guidance, given the young and the old alike facing the same temptation of the society of that time, and this as well, echo through the centuries to any and all, to "Whosever" takes the time to read and heed the simple message brought by Christ Himself of the necessity of repentance and Faith in the redemption provided through that very sacrifice.

In addition to the exhortation, warning and guidance, he also provided a constant reminder for the reason behind those exhortations, warnings and guidance... the gift of eternal life to be had by any and all, "Whosoever" was willing to accept that gift, those seeing the value of that gift that exceeds the value of anything offered in substitution by the world, then and now, that could not ascertain the importance, permanence, and value of that gift.

The summation of both warning and promise found in this 5th chapter of the first letter to the Thessalonians begins with reminder of the necessity to endure in patience in full assurance of the accomplishment of prophecy provided from the beginning, as found in the first book of the bible, through the last book of our precious scripture that has continually provided the same warnings, exhortations, guidance and promise of redemption for those willing to hear and heed what has been given.

1 Thessalonians 5King James Version (KJV)

5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
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.
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.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

As the world hurtles on in the commercialism and denial of the very reason for celebration of a gift given without cost, without false promise, without hidden fee or tax to be collected,  there need be a reminder of the joy, the unending joy and acceptance into the very presence of  our Creator... a welcoming home from a long and tiring journey that attempts to divert each step away from the destination  intended for that journey.


Philippians 4:4King James Version (KJV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Each and every day that brings us ever closer to the end of that journey provides continual reason to rejoice.

Let us, therefore, continue to give close attention to the exhortation, warning and guidance given, providing strength for that journey for ourselves, and for those met along the way that have embarked on that same journey, whether recognizing it or not.

Let us share the permanence and eternity of the gift given with all willing to receive that gift, ever mindful of the pitfalls of the journey itself, ever mindful of the false promise being accepted by so many that deny the promise already delivered by Christ.

Let us be constantly mindful, not only of the words written by  Paul, but more mindful of the source of those words.

Let us be mindful of the promise brought by Christ, and the joy of having heeded the warning brought by Him as well.

Let us REMAIN ever mindful of the commandment left us by him:

John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Let that LOVE show through to all encountered along the journey, so that they too have a reason to 
rejoice evermore... not only for the birth of a Savior commemorated annually, but for the resurrection of that Savior, that LIVING Savior that continues to provide reason to rejoice  for all who accept the promise provided by that resurrection, looking forward to the return promised by that King of Kings to gather the scattered sheep still on that journey.

2 Timothy 1:12King James Version (KJV)

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Amen and Amen
the Wayfarer

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