I like the way this is written in The Message by Eugene Peterson. Paul, in writing to the church at Thessalonica and tells them how God wants them to live. He uses words like:
Honor the leaders who work hard for you - overwhelm them with appreciation and love Tell the freeloaders to move on Get along - each do your part Encourage the stragglers Reach out for the exhausted - pull them to their feet Be patient - attentive to individual needs Don't snap at each other Look for the best in each other - do your best to bring it out Be cheerful - pray all the time - thank God no matter what Don't suppress the Spirit Don't stifle those who have a word from God Don't be gullible - check out everything - keep what is good-throw out evil
God says Jesus is coming. We don't know WHEN so we need to be ready NOW.....So HOW do we do that?
I think the first thing we need to do is (#1) remember God is in charge and submit totally. Once we do that, we are open to hear His words, we are open to read our Bibles, we are open to prayer, we are open to learn and we are open and willing to accept whatever God brings to us because we will know He is the truth.
