1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Practicing the Presence.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) pray without
ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) pray continually;
COMMENTARY PEARL
How do I live in Gods presence? How do
I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and
his inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows
familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you
and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here
are a few ideas:
Give God your waking thoughts. Before you
face the day, face the Father. Before you step
out of bed, step into his presence. I have a
friend who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed
onto his knees and begin his day in prayer.
Personally, I dont get that far. With my head still
on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer
God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is
not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on
how much sleep I got, it may not even be
intelligible. Often its nothing more than Thank you
for a nights rest. I belong to you today.
Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend
time with him in silence. The mature married
couple has learned the treasure of shared silence;
they dont need to fill the air with constant
chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being
silent with God. Be still, and know that I am
God (Ps. 46:10 NIV). Awareness of God is a fruit
of stillness before God.
Give God your whispering thoughts.
Through the centuries Christians have learned the
value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can
be whispered anywhere, in any setting.
Imagine considering every moment as a
potential time of communion with God. By giving God
your whispering thoughts, the common becomes
uncommon. Simple phrases such as Thank you,
Father, Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord,
You are my resting place, Jesus can turn a
commute into a pilgrimage. You neednt leave your
office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where
you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or
the classroom a chapel. Give God your whispering
thoughts.
And last, give God your waning thoughts.
At the end of the day, let your mind settle on
him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to
God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him
about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his
strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance
in the promise: He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep (Ps. 121:4
NIV). If you fall asleep as you pray, dont
worry. What better place to doze off than in the
arms of your Father. [Max Lucado Daily Devotional
at maxlucado.com]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160731-1728.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies:
http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Restoring The Power by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
