RIGHT ATTITUDES (4 OF 5)
Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:16-22
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Right Attitudes (4 of 5)
Series: Thessalonians
Stephen Whitney
I Thessalonians 5:16-22
Missionary Benjamin Weir was kidnapped off the streets in Beirut Lebanon in May 1984 by an Islamic Fundamentalist group and held for 16 months in miserable conditions. He was placed in a cell without light, a straw mattress and a bucket. Bread and water were passed through a small opening in the door once a day. Every three or four days the bucket he used for a latrine was exchanged.
He saw no one. He had no contact with his family or anyone else in the outside world. Each day he would make a mark on the wall indicating another day in confinement.
In his first interview after his release, he was asked how he spent his time and how he dealt with boredom and despair. His answer stunned the reporters. He simply said, ''Counting my blessings.''
''Blessings?'' they responded. ''Yes,'' he explained. Some days I got to take a shower. Sometimes there were some vegetables in my food. And I could always be thankful for the love of my family.''
We can understand why the reporters were astonished. It's hard for most of to be consistently thankful for the commonplace blessings that make life pleasant and comfortable:
1. The daily provision of food and shelter.
2. The companionship of family and friends.
3. The wonderful mercies of God's grace and forgiveness.
Paul calls believers to be thankful in all the circumstances of life, not just when things are going well and they are enjoying life.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE :16-18
Rejoice always :16
People are naturally happy when life is going well for them, but the Christian's joy is not dependent on their circumstances. It comes from what Christ has done for us and that does not change.
Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God in one's life.
Our sins are completely and totally forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Nothing that happens in my life can change the fact that Jesus died so I ...
Series: Thessalonians
Stephen Whitney
I Thessalonians 5:16-22
Missionary Benjamin Weir was kidnapped off the streets in Beirut Lebanon in May 1984 by an Islamic Fundamentalist group and held for 16 months in miserable conditions. He was placed in a cell without light, a straw mattress and a bucket. Bread and water were passed through a small opening in the door once a day. Every three or four days the bucket he used for a latrine was exchanged.
He saw no one. He had no contact with his family or anyone else in the outside world. Each day he would make a mark on the wall indicating another day in confinement.
In his first interview after his release, he was asked how he spent his time and how he dealt with boredom and despair. His answer stunned the reporters. He simply said, ''Counting my blessings.''
''Blessings?'' they responded. ''Yes,'' he explained. Some days I got to take a shower. Sometimes there were some vegetables in my food. And I could always be thankful for the love of my family.''
We can understand why the reporters were astonished. It's hard for most of to be consistently thankful for the commonplace blessings that make life pleasant and comfortable:
1. The daily provision of food and shelter.
2. The companionship of family and friends.
3. The wonderful mercies of God's grace and forgiveness.
Paul calls believers to be thankful in all the circumstances of life, not just when things are going well and they are enjoying life.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE :16-18
Rejoice always :16
People are naturally happy when life is going well for them, but the Christian's joy is not dependent on their circumstances. It comes from what Christ has done for us and that does not change.
Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God in one's life.
Our sins are completely and totally forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Nothing that happens in my life can change the fact that Jesus died so I ...
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