August 23, 2018

Are We Awake?

August 23, 2018

DAILY READING

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
This weekend’s reading: Genesis 4:1-16

FIELD NOTES

From The Voice Translation:
“Now, brothers and sisters, you don’t need further instruction from us or anyone else for that matter regarding how the seasons and times will play out. That’s because you know the truth well enough. The day of the Lord will race onto the scene and surprise us like a thief in the night. People will be going about their business chanting, “All is well! All is at peace!” and in the next moment, ruin and destruction will suddenly seize them as labor pains grip a woman about to give birth; for them there will be no escape. My brothers and sisters, it will be different for you. You do not dwell in the darkness, so that day will not surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light. You are sons and daughters of the day. We are not created of night, nor are we owned by darkness. So then let’s not give in to sleep or wander around in a stupor as some do, but let’s stay awake and in control. You see, sleepers sleep through the night, and drunkards drink the night away; but since we belong to the day, we should stay sober and in control, covered with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us, His chosen, to face His wrath but to be the heirs of salvation through our Lord Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, who died for us. So regardless of whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. So support one another. Keep building each other up as you have been doing.”

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

  • Are we awake, or are we asleep? 
  • Am I awake or asleep?

PRAYER

Lord, may we be awake to what you are doing in and through our lives and the lives of those around us.  May we be given the strength to build each other up.  Amen.