April 28 – Always, Continually, In All Things

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Our lives as followers of Jesus Christ are intended to have the habit of always rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all things.  How can we expect to be always joyful?  No matter what happens in our lives, even in the most difficult circumstances can we be joyful in what God has done and promised to us.  How can this be?  It can be by abiding with God in continual communication, always praying.  This doesn't mean that we are 100% of the time on our knees in formal prayer.  It means that whatever is going on, we are in communication by thought or words or song with God who is there helping.  The result will be a desire to rejoice in the most difficult times for God is carrying out His plan for our lives.  And we are to give thanks in all circumstances.  God is here with us and we can be thankful about that.  It takes work and commitment but with a joyfulness in God and with regular communication and depending on Him, we find giving thanks a natural reaction.  And, after all it is God's will that we do this because we are in Christ Jesus.

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June 1 – Always and Everywhere

“But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built.” 2 Chronicles 6:18 (NASB)

These words in our verse today were spoken by King Solomon in a prayer of dedication for the Temple which he had built in Jerusalem. This was the first temple built in the nation of Israel.  Solomon puts in perspective the omnipresence nature of our God. We know that God has promised to be with us always. So why did Solomon ask if God wold really live with men on earth?  Of course he was talking about God living in a house like we do, and being confined to one dwelling – and he was thinking of the Temple he had built.  God did let His presence be known in Solomon's temple. His glory did fill the temple. But God was still everywhere else too. His dwelling is with us and with every true child of His throughout the world. We can be glad that the Lord God has promised this to us and we can know with certainty that He is with us today. As we understand the true meaning, we can answer Solomon's question for God is with us – always and everywhere.