ABC's for Believers

A - Abide in the Word of God.

 

John 15:4-7 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

 

If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 

Jesus was the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us.  He and the Word of God are inseparable. He said.

 

“If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My Words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.”

 

If you want to walk in victory in 2014, if you want your prayers answered. Then you must stay attached to Him by living in His Word. His Word must be the plum line for your life, it must be the final answer to every question, and the basis for every decision.

 

B - Be not afraid.

 

Mark 5:36 Be not afraid, only believe . KJV

 

When you are afraid, when you allow fear to control you, you stop your faith from working.

Keep your faith strong by rejecting all fear, and confidence and trust in God.

 

Psalms 56:3-4 What time I am afraid , I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.  By [the help of] God I will praise His Word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me? AMP

 

The NLT says: But when I am afraid,   I will put my trust in You.  I praise God for what He has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?

 

When fear knocks on your door, you speak to that fear.  You tell that fear to leave you.  That you trust in God and His Word.  Then tell that fear what God’s Word says for your situation.  And start thanking God for the victory . That is how you stop yourself from being agitated and disturbed by fear.  Give fear no place in your life, run it off with the Word of God.

 

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]  AMP

 

C - Call upon the Name of the Lord.

 

Romans 10:13  For everyone who calls upon the Name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. AMP

 

Acts 2:16-21  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:   And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:   The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:   And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. KJV

 

In 2014-2015 there will be signs and wonders in the heavens, there will be 4 Blood Moons!

 

Even the NASA confirms their existence.  But you have nothing to fear because you have called on the Name of the Lord, you have made Jesus your Savior .  Soon and very soon the church will meet Him in the clouds, His wrath is not reserved for the righteous.

 

D - Do Not Doubt in Your Heart.

 

Mark 11:23-24  …All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart.   Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it. NLT

 

James 1:7 -8  A person who has doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord.  A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can’t make up his mind about anything.

 

E - Employ Every Effort in Exercising Your Faith

 

2 Peter 1:5-8  For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence , resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),

 

6 And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),

 

7 And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.

 

8 For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). AMP

 

Faith is a muscle and you must use it and exercise it for it to grow stronger. Exercise your faith in 2014 and believe God for some BIG things.

 

F - Forgive.

 

Matthew 6:14  For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  AMP

 

If you do not want your prayers hindered, you must forgive.

 

Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.    But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.  KJV

 

Walking in love and forgiving everyone, every time must be a way of life if you are to walk in victory in 2014.

 

Matthew 18:21-22  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times ?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times : but, Until seventy times seven.  KJV

 

 

G – GIVE

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Remember this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

 

7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].

 

You reap what you sow, you should know,what you plant is what will grow.

 

Luke 6:38  If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving — large or small — it will be used to measure what is given back to you."   NLT

 

H - Holy

 

1 Peter 1:14-16  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:   But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;   Because it is written, Be ye holy ; for I am holy. KJV

 

It is the Word of God that will transform you and make you HOLY.

 

John 17:11-12 “ I’m not asking that you take them out of the world .But that You guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world Than I am defined by the world.  Make them holy—consecrated—with the Truth; Your Word is Consecrating Truth.” (The Message)

 

In 2014 renew your mind, your way  of thinking and acting with the Word of God.

 

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. AMP

 

I - Instruction

 

1 Peter 1:25  But the Word of the Lord ( divine instruction , the Gospel) endures forever. AMP

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17  Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction , for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),

 

So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  AMP

 

Proverbs 3: 5-8 Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.   Listen for GOD’s instruction in everything you do, everywhere you go;   He’s the one who will keep you on track.

 

Don’t assume that you know it all.  Run to GOD! Run from evil!  Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (The Message)

 

J - Judge Not

 

Matthew 7:1-5 Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

 

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

 

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. KJV

 

We are not to judge each other’s heart , because no one knows the heart of a man except the Lord. But we are admonished to judge something …..

 

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.

 

Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

 

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  KJV

 

We are commanded to judge the fruit of those we look to as examples in our lives, those we ask counsel of and those we fellowship with.

 

K - Knock and It Shall Be Opened Unto You

 

Luke 11:9-13  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock , and it shall be opened unto you.

 

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

 

12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

 

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? KJV

 

God’s  Holy Spirit was given to us to lead us and guide us and  show us things to come.  You are to Ask  Him for direction , Seek Him for help, Knock on His door looking for solutions.

 

L - Look away

 

Luke 11:9-13     Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. AMP

 

In 2014 Do not be distracted by the cares of this world.

 

Luke 21:25-36 And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.

 

People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

 

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.]So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

 

Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.

 

In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.

 

I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

 

Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.

 

Don’t let that day catch you unaware,  like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.  Keep alert at all times. NLT

 

M - Move Mountains

 

Mark 11:22-24  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

 

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea ; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

 

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. KJV

 

2014 is the year to move those mountains that stand in your way and step into all God has for you!

 

Just like the children of Israel before they were delivered from Egypt, they were taken out not as poor slaves , but delivered with the gold of Egypt.

 

The wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous and God is coming for a glorious church!

 

N - Not in Your Own Strength

 

Philippians 2:12-16…work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).

 

13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and  delight.

 

14 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],

 

15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world,

 

16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, (AMP)

 

In 2014 -Don’t stop the BLESSING of God from working in your life, with grumbling, complaining, and fault finding.

 

Don’t question God, don’t doubt His ability to do exceedingly abundantly all you could ask or think.

 

This is the time of the sweatless victory – it is not anything you have done, or can do.  It is the  UNMERITED Favor of God.

 

Philippians 4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. AMP

 

It is in His Power and His Might! We are made every bit whole, nothing , missing and nothing broken in HIM!

 

O - Overcome evil with Good

 

Romans 12:18-21 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

 

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.

 

20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.

 

21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. AMP

 

Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;   For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord will reward you. AMP

 

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, AMP

 

In 2014 the only way to walk in VICTORY is to walk in LOVE.

 

 

P - Plead the Blood of Jesus

 

Romans 3:24 -25 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His Grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,

 

25 Whom God put forward []before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His Blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. AMP

 

You plead the Blood by faith to overcome the evil one and his attacks.

 

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him ( meaning the evil one, the devil)  by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony; KJV

 

It is the Blood of Jesus that paid the price for your redemption.

 

The Blood redeemed you from the curse, satisfied the debt, so the curse and all it entails has no legal right to afflict you

 

When you plead the Blood of Jesus, it covers you and stands against sickness, disease, poverty, lack and danger.  It negates the enemy’s power and reinforces your blood bought right to victory.

 

Q - Quench not the Holy Spirit

 

1 Thessalonians 5:19  Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; AMP

The AMP version says - Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;

 

In 2014 make yourself for available to the Holy Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit is looking for people to flow through to the hurting world around them.

 

Wake up each morning and let the Lord know you are available to be a blessing – let Him know He can ask you to go, say or do anything He needs said or done.

Don’t be so full of self- Have a reporting for duty, Sir…. kind of attitude.

 

Be willing to lay your life  down….. what you want, , what you want to do, where you want to go .  Be willing and  available for God to use.

 

R - Run Your Race to Lay Hold of the Prize

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.

 

25 All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

 

26 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.

 

27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. NLT

 

Be eternally minded.  It is not about the right here and now.   Be Spirit led and not flesh led.

 

Crucify your flesh, make it take a back seat to the spirit.

 

In 2014 make spiritual discipline a part of your life.

 

Set aside time for God.  Make time to pray and read the Word.

 

Make God and His Word a priority in your life.  Do not be just a hearer of the Word, but be a doer of the Word.  Apply what you hear at church and read in the Word to your life!

 

And most of all, be teachable.  Allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to change what needs to be changed in your life  and remove what needs to be removed in your life.  So that you can be a vessel fit for the  Masters use.

 

Philippians 2:15-16 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world,

 

16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.  AMP

 

S - Sing Praises unto God

 

Psalms 150:6  Let everything that has breath sing praises to the LORD! KJV

 

Sing praise to God through the day. Sing songs from your heart to Jesus. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master and Savior, Jesus.

 

Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

 

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; KJV

 

Sing in the Spirit and with your understanding – O magnify the Lord!

 

1 Corinthians 14: 15-16  I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.

 

16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? NLT

 

In 2014 never feel  tired, run down, depressed, worried, or anxious again. Isaiah 61:3 says to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Bless the LORD at all times: let  his praise shall continually be in your mouth.(Psalms 34:1)

 

 

T – Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving is the inevitable out come of a life lived in Him. Being rooted and grounded in Him, walking in faith results in continual thanksgiving.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.  Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the Truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thanksgiving.

 

In 2014 remain unaffected by the pressures of the world,  keeping your focus on Him, His praise and thanksgiving continually in your mouth, bathed in the peace only He can give,  it will be an  indicator to those around you that you serve the One True God. And glorify God.

 

Philippians 4:5-7 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

 

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

 

And God’s peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMP

 

 

U - Unceasing Prayer

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; AMP

 

1 Timothy 2:1-3 First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,

 

2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

 

3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, AMP

 

Pray at all times with all kinds of prayer.

 

Ephesians 6:18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

 

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.

 

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:   And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

 

V –Vision

 

In 2014, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Gospel of Christ. Stand united, singular in vision, one spirit and one purpose contending together for the faith, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition.

 

Do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your adversary and his minions, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.(Phil. 1:27-28)

 

W - Wisdom

 

Proverbs 4:6-7 Forsake not Wisdom, and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you;  get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)!  For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.  AMP

 

James 1:5-8  If any of you is deficient in wisdom , let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

 

Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

 

For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,

 

[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].  AMP

 

James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom — if you want to know what God wants you to do — ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.   But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

 

People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. NLT

 

X - Exhort others

 

2 Timothy 4:2 Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable.

 

[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, preach the Word [to show people in what way their lives are wrong.]

 

And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and exhorting and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. AMP

 

I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God keeps the books. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead.

 

He is about to split the Eastern sky, His Kingdom will be established on earth as it is in heaven and He will reign forever and ever.

 

The time to gather in the harvest is at hand.  Exhort those around you,  proclaim His  Message with intensity; challenge, warn, and urge everyone you know.

 

Don’t ever quit. Keep it A-B-C simple. Tell them the truth. Our God is a good God, He loves them and Jesus died for them and He is coming soon.

 

 

Y – Yesterday is past

 

This exhortation is found in Philippians 3:10 -12

 

In 2014 make this your  determined purpose - that you  may know Him - that you may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.

 

And that you may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers].

 

So may you attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts you] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

 

Press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make your own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of for you and made you His own.

 

Forgetting  all the failures and the yesterdays  past and look forward to what lies ahead, press  on toward to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling you upward.

 

 

Z – Zero Tolerance

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 1 As to the suitable times and the precise seasons and dates, brethren, you have no necessity for anything being written to you.

 

2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.

 

3 When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.

 

4 But you are not in darkness or given up to the power of darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.

 

5 For you are all sons and daughters of light and sons and daughters of the day; you do not belong either to the night or to darkness.

 

6 Accordingly then, do not slumber, as the rest do, but keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on your guard) and  remain calm, collected, and circumspect.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 Practice self control; put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

 

9 For God has not appointed you to [incur His] wrath [He did not select you to condemn you], but [that you might] obtain [His] salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)

 

10 Who died for you so that whether you are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], you might live together with Him and share His life.

 

11 Therefore encourage, admonish, exhort one another and edify, strengthen and build up one another.

 

Caution and seriously advise those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; but encourage the timid and fainthearted.

 

Help and give your support to the weak, [and] be patient with everybody, striving to  keep your temper].

 

See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Be happy [in your faith]; rejoice, and always be  joyful;

 

17 Never stop praying

 

18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

 

19 Do not suppress or subdue the [Holy] Spirit;

 

20 Do not despise what God has already revealed and do not discount or ignore  inspired instruction; godly exhortation or warnings].

 

21 Test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is God;  and [to that] hold fast.

 

22 Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep far from it] in whatever form or  whatever kind it may be.

 

And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through. Separate yourself from profane things, be pure and wholly consecrated to God.

 

And may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete , nothing missing and nothing broken, every bit whole;  [and  may you be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

 

From this do not deviate.