Children of teh Light

Written By Betty Predmore

1 THESSALONIANS 5:4-28

(October 12)

Paul calls the recipients of this letter "children of the light and of the day." What exactly does he mean by this? Paul has lots to say about how children of the light should live.

"Be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded." (vs.6) Nighttime was a time for sinful actions like drunkenness and immorality. He urged them to let their armor of faith protect them from those sins.

"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (vs. 11) It was an encouragement for them to know that Christ died for them, and he would return to bring them to live with him forever.

"Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work." (vs. 12) Paul wanted them to recognize the guidance the leaders gave them, and that they should be loved and respected because of the great work they put into leading them.

"Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy." (vs. 14) Continued encouragement towards those who were struggling was necessary to keep them moving forward in their faith. This encouragement also applied to those who were timid and weak. Patience was required for everyone.

"See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people." (vs. 15) This was a "turn the other cheek" type of suggestion to the Thessalonians. Paul didn't want them to try to even the score when a wrong was committed against them.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances." (vs. 17-18) God's will was for them to stay in communication with him through prayer, with their hearts filled with joy and thanksgiving. Paul wanted them to understand they had much to be joyful and thankful for.

"Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said." (vs. 19-20) The best way to know the difference between what was good and what was evil was to let the Holy Spirit have rule over your heart and mind. Then you would hear prophecy in the right frame of mind, and you would be able to live in a Christ-like manner.

Are you staying alert? Encouraging others? Honoring your leaders? Warning those who are in danger of falling short? Doing good instead of evil? Joyful? Thankful? Praying continuously? Is the Holy Spirit leading you?

Yes, these same considerations hold true for us today. These are the things we should be practicing daily if we want to be imitators of Christ ... children of the light.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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