Do you have a to-do list? As an engineer, I like to have a plan in every situation. I want to see clear goals and objectives. A solution has to be determined and then there needs to be a roadmap or some sort of figurative blueprints—literal ones are even better. I want to see a timeline with clear action steps and to-do lists that show who is responsible for each task. I really want to have a plan.

In I Thessalonians 5, Paul, Silas and Timothy give instructions—an extended to-do list—for living the Christian life.

Live at peace with each other, warn those who are idle, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong, always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. — I Thessalonians 5:13-22

As I look through this to-do list, I find that some are easier for me than others. But, of course, Jesus is not asking us to choose which ones we want to put on our own to-do list. Fortunately, He has given us His Spirit—The Counselor—to help us become more like Christ and live out this to-do list each day.

There are lots of things to rejoice and praise God about. The Good News of Jesus is being proclaimed in new places, God is opening doors for new ministry opportunities and building His Church around the world.

At the same time, we need to be praying continually for our ministry partners who are trying to get government permissions to do ministry. Pray for radio equipment to arrive safely and be installed in hostile places. Pray for wisdom for our teams as they meet with partners to give training and look at new ministry opportunities.

Please also pray for our missionary staff, and their family members, who are facing very significant medical challenges. Please pray that God—The Great Physician—would provide relief and healing to them in a way that would bring Him glory. Pray that they would be able to give thanks even in difficult situations.

I hope you have found some new things to put on your todo list!

May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.