1 Thessalonians 5:17 - God's Presence And Continuous Prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - God's Presence And Continuous Prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) pray continually;
INTRODUCTION
I love technology and gadgets. My favorite gadget is my phone
because it allows me to stay connected to my wife. We can text, video
chat, and send each other pictures of our kids or funny things we see.
We can even do this weird thing where we actually talk over the
phone. The point is, we can check in with each other throughout the
day. Each of us can each see how the other is doing, tell each other
if we need something, and check to see if we can do anything for
each other. We have an ongoing dialogue.
This reminds me of how prayer works for me. I used to think
it had to be formal, every word thought out before it was spoken,
but that has all changed for me now. Instead, prayer for me is an
ongoing conversation. There is no "amen." I'm not saying there isn't a
time for formal, concentrated prayer. I'm saying I like being so
connected to God, just as I am with my wife. I love being able to speak
his name and feel his presence.
Father, thank you for allowing me to speak with you whenever
and wherever I am. I love our long talks and knowing you are as
close as my own breath. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery
Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
You need Me every moment. Your awareness of your constant need
for Me is your greatest strength. Your neediness, properly handled,
is a link to My Presence. However, there are pitfalls that you must
be on guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your
inadequacy presents you with a continual choice - deep dependence on Me, or
despair. The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with
problems or with My Presence. Make Me central in your consciousness by
praying continually: simple, short prayers flowing out of the present
moment. Use My Name liberally, to remind you of My Presence. Keep on
asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and
complete. (1 Th. 5:17; John 16:24) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
Rest in Me, my child. Give your mind a break from planning
and trying to anticipate what will happen. Pray continually, asking
My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that
you are on a journey with Me. When you try to peer into the future
and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion
who sustains you moment by moment. As you gaze anxiously into the
distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours.
How foolish you are, My child!
Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline. Never lose sight of
My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day,
every day. (1 Th. 5:17; Psa. 62:5) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me.
Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances,
even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. You yearn for
a simplified lifestyle, so that your communication with Me can be
uninterrupted. But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered
world. Accept each day just as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it
all.
Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your
feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix
everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is
one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things
remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list
(written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask My
Spirit to guide you moment by moment. He will keep you close to Me.
(1Th. 5:17; Pro. 3:6) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
Refuse to worry! In this world there will always be something
enticing you to worry. That is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet:
Things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is
constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind. The best
defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with
thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence fills your mind with Light and Peace,
leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your
circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to
Me! Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay. (Luke 12:25,
26; 1Th. 5:16-18) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140224-0752.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060426-0935.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Music Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
