1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
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Jesus had said in His closing statements in the Sermon on the Mount that not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ to Him will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. {Mat.7:21} We have been given a good and true picture of the Father's will in today’s verse!

It is in fact a formula for success in serving God and living life as it should be lived! And yes, in spite of what so many people say, the Lord is very much given to formulas. He had said ‘For I know the plans that I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ {Jer.29:11} It is like a recipe. You follow the directions and you get the desired, the promised result.

When the Lord was leading His people into the land of promise, Eretz Yisrael in Hebrew, He spoke to Joshua first of all telling him the destination, giving him a vision, and then telling him to be strong and courageous, followed by the need to be careful to do all according to the words that Moses had commanded—so that you may have success wherever you go. {Jos.1:2-7} Vision+Attitude+Diligence=Success ... a formula that works every time!

Another formula, or recipe if you will, for spiritual victory in our lives is found in the apostle Paul's writing to the believers in Rome. He wrote that our faith leads to exulting in hope of the glory of God, which leads to the ability to even exult in our tribulations bringing about perseverance. And it is that ability to persevere that builds our proven character and that gives us hope. And that is a hope that never disappoints because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. {Rom.5:1-5}

The Lord has shown us the plans and given us the power of the Holy Spirit to carry them out so that we will be both blessed and will be a blessing to others. He has given us the formula, the recipe, all of the instructions to live in victory over the schemes of the devil {Eph.6:10-17} as we boldly proclaim His excellencies. (1Pt.2:9} He has given us the battle plan:

“Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it. You islands, and those who dwell on them. Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices, The settlements where Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud, let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord and declare His praise in the coastlands.
    The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.” (Isaiah 42:10-13)

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS