1 Thessalonians 5. 04.02.26
SCRIPTURE
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
OBSERVATION
“pray WITHOUT ceasing,”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB
Pray without Ceasing…sounds impossible..but this is what Paul is saying as evident by his example…never stop praying (NLT).
At anytime (day or night)—in any attire—in any place—in any position—and under any circumstance—prayer is appropriate.
Praying should be a way of life.
An immersive, complete—ongoing never-ending constant communion with God.
Such an unceasing prayer life would require a massive heart shift.
It’s not necessarily saying that we are always verbally involved in prayer.
But we have come to a place where we are so closely connected to God—
that we view everything in life in relation to God.
If we hear of something bad happening,
we react by praying for God to act in the situation
because we know—God cares.
If we hear of something good that has happened,
we respond with immediate praise to God for it
because—God—is glorified.
Paul’s letters to his churches are perfect written illustrations of his lifestyle. So many of his heartfelt powerful prayers are recorded in his letters. Some of these prayers seem to burst out spontaneously demonstrating his deep love for God AND those God has entrusted to him.
APPLICATION
REJOICE ALWAYS—GIVE THANKS
As I Pray without Ceasing
These three encompass the Heart of Worship
Rejoice Always…
Perhaps somewhere along the way my heart at times can become worldly focused. I may tend to forget the very purpose for this Rejoice. Circumstances never alter The ONE purpose to Rejoice—
The GOOD NEWS.
Jesus has Saved me! My Eternity is Secure— Whatever comes…
I KNOW I can and Will —ALWAYS REJOICE -
“REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS; again I will say, REJOICE!” (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
Give Thanks IN All Circumstances
We know in this life we WILL face many troubles and trials. Jesus told us it is a certainty. But why are we to GIVE Thanks for these troubles AND is it even humanly possible to Give Thanks in the midst of trials and troubles?
God allows things in our lives to help us grow to be MORE like Christ. We KNOW God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). That “Good” means that God even uses hardships in our lives to help shape us to Be More Like Christ. We can be Filled with Thanksgiving knowing that there is purpose—even in the difficulties we can’t understand.
God has purposes in everything HE does!
Suffering brings perseverance; perseverance develops character; character that has been tested develops hope; and God’s kind of hope never disappoints.
If God can use suffering and trials to help us mature, then it is worth the experience and our full surrender and worshipful Thanksgiving!
It may not seem humanly possible —but it is God—Possible!
Amen to your WILL, God! amen! Hallelujah all Glory and Thanksgiving be to God!
“I can do all things [which HE has called me to do
through HIM who strengthens and empowers me
to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency;
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through HIM—
who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.”
(Philippians 4:13 AMP)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
Help me to fully yield to YOU and YOUR Will. Forgive me for the times I rush ahead or lag behind. Whatever state I am in…may I Rejoice ALWAYS. Give me a fresh revelation of Your Gospel Love. The pure Goodness that sets captives free. Help me to see everything through the lens of YOUR Love—to pray without ceasing in an uninterrupted communion with YOU Heavenly Father.
Lead me in the way I should go. Thank YOU for YOUR Sovereign Hand that has placed me purposefully where YOU have—on this day. Prepare hearts to receive what YOU have for them today. Prepare my heart to be ready to Go into Your Harvest Field. Here I am Lord Jesus. Send me.
Tina L Kudelka