Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

June 10
Sunday


READ:
1 Thess. 5:12-24
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Do not quench
the Spirit.
__1 Thessalonians 5:19
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The black-capped chickadee has a surprising level of complexity in the noises it makes for alarm calls. Reasearchers found that chickadees use a high-frequency call to warn of danger in the air. Depending on the situation, the "Chickadee" call can cue other birds about food that is nearby or predators that are perched too close for comfort.

Studies have also found that chickadees don't sense danger from large predators such as the great horned owl, because they're not likely to prey on such a petite bird. But smaller owls, which are closer to the size of the chickadee and more of a threat, prompt sentinel chackadees to repeat the alarm sound of their calls--the chickadee's distinctive "dee" note.

A similar level of awareness might serve us well. In the apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he didn't just conndemn the evils of the world. He also focused his attention on the matters of the heart that can do harm to us with barely a notice. "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good." "Do no quench the spirit." "Test all things" (1 Thess. 5:15,19,21).

With the Spirit's help, let's keep attuned to every caution in the Word about our heart. __Mart De Haan
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~~~~~~~~~~~~How we need a keen awareness~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~Of God's voice that is His Word,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~Quiet whispers, gentle nudgings,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~So we'll make Him King and Lord. ----Anon.~~~~~~~~~
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God speaks to those who are willing to listen

**********Today's Bible Reading ---1Thessalonians 5:12-24**********

12 And we urge you,
brethren, to recognize those
who labor among you, and
are over you in the Lord
and admonish you,

13 and to esteem them very
highly in love for their
works sake. Be at peace
among yourselves. 14 Now
we exhort you, brethren,
warn those who are unruly,
comfort the fainthearted,
uphold the weak, be patient
with all. 15 See that no one
renders evil for evil to
anyone, but always pursue
what is good both for
yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray
without ceasing, 18 in
everything give thanks; for
this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the
Spirit, 20 Do not despise
prophecies. 21 Test all
things; hold fast what is
good. 22 Abstain form every
form of evil.

23 Now may the God of
peace Himself sanctify you
completely; and may your
whole spirit, soul, and body
be preserved blameless at
the coming of our Lord
jesus Christ, 24 He who
calls you is faithful, who
also will do it.
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Today's Bible reading contains one of the great practical portions of the New Testament. In it, Paul encourages his readers to honor those who minister among them (vv.12-13), to be involved in others' lives (vv.14-15), to rejoice (v.16), to pray (v.17), to be thankful (v.18), and to be sensitive to the Spirit (v.19). He also challenges them to handle the Scriptures wisely (v.20) and to use good judgemnt in the affairs of life (vv.21-22). All of these encouragements are useful and help us to face life in a strong and wise way. __WEC