Monday, January 2, 2012

A Heart of Thanksgiving, Part 2



Last week we looked at how we are to “rejoice always,” as the Scripture states in 1 Thessalonians. This week we are picking up with the next directive Paul is admonishing us with in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 17, “Pray without ceasing.” What does that mean? It means, “do not cease praying.” Just turn it around. Without ceasing, pray. It means we should always be in an attitude of prayer. That doesn’t mean that we should be walking around with holy garments and saying, “Ohhhh Gaaawwd,” and standing on the corner like the Pharisees. It means to remain in an attitude of prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is communication with God. We should be in a constant state of prayer, even if we’re not “talking.



Do you know that you don’t always have to be talking to God, and He doesn’t always have to be talking to you? But it’s awfully good to know that He’s there when I need Him. And wouldn’t it be good if God knew that I’m always here if He needs me, too? That I’m not distracted; I’m not caught up in other things. Hello? Hello? There’s God, “Hello, hello, are you there? Can you hear Me now? Hello?”



What if we were as quick to listen to God as He is to listen to us? God hears, but He doesn’t always answer because God isn’t duty-bound to respond. And there’s sometimes when we’re just babbling, and it’s a one-way conversation. I’ve wondered if God sometimes just takes the receiver and holds it off to the side while we’re sounding like one of Charlie Brown’s teachers on the other end. I’m not saying that God does that; I said I wonder if He does. Actually, I’m pretty sure that He doesn’t have a cell phone. That might be hard for some to believe: there are no cell phones in heaven. Oh boy, I just rocked somebody’s world.



Pray without ceasing, verse 18. “In everything . . .” What does “everything” mean? Is there anything that is not included in everything? I just love the way that Paul makes these statements. Look at verse 16 again, “always.” Then in verse 17 it says, “without ceasing.” These are very clear instructions. “In everything give thanks.” Why? Because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! Does that settle the argument? It ought to. “But you don’t understand. How can I possibly give thanks in my situation.” Why don’t you just hush up and do what Paul says do! Paul says that it’s the will of God in everything to give thanks to Him.



Now, we want to debate that! If you don’t believe it, you’re not debating and contending with the preacher or any other human being, you’re trying to strike up a debate with God, and guess what? You have already lost! The minute you open your mouth to try and debate an issue with God, you’ve lost the debate.



In our academy, we teach our children effective communication, and in the rhetoric stage, they also learn effective argumentation. They learn to communicate regarding ideas and/or truths that are based upon true logic. It is illogical to contend with God. You cannot win the debate. God is not a debater. God doesn’t call us together to maybe, just maybe, find some common ground. God’s not looking for common ground. He’s looking for people with enough common sense to understand that He is God. My friends, His way is not only the best way, but it is either God’s way or the highway. He gives us this powerful thing called choice, or free will. Next week we will go on to the next portion of Scripture that deals with “not quenching the Spirit.”



This gives us plenty to work on this week as we are stepping into this New Year:



1.     Rejoice always.

2.     Pray without ceasing.

3.     Give thanks in everything.



May God bless you mightily!

~ pg 




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