Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, In Everything Give Thanks
Don't Place Yourself In The Belly Of A Giant Fish
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-22
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
”I Thessalonians 5:16-22 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1th.5.16-22.nkj
Obeying these commandments to rejoice always, to never stop praying, and to be thankful in all circumstances, often goes against our natural inclinations.
However, in Christ, our joy, prayers, and thankfulness, should not fluctuate with our circumstance or feelings.
To rejoice always is a command and a choice to focus on joy in Christ rather than temporary emotional happiness.
It is to see our cup as half full rather than half empty. It is an attitude of happiness and positivity, rather than negativity and sadness.
This kind of joy comes from absolute trust and obedience in God regardless.
When we make a conscious effort to do what God wills, we will begin to gain peace and see others in a new perspective.
When we do God's will, how ever difficult that may seem, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful, so don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (NEHEMIAH 8:10).
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 outlines essential habits for Christian living, urging believers to maintain constant joy, prayer, and gratitude, regardless of circumstances, as part of God's will.
It calls for fostering the Holy Spirit's influence, valuing spiritual messages, and exercising discernment to hold fast to good while avoiding all forms of evil.
We can't spend all of our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude at all times. This attitude is built upon our knowledge and dependence on God, our awareness of His presence within us, and the decision to obey Him in all things.
To pray continually implies maintaining an ongoing conversation with God, keeping a constant connection rather than strict, uninterrupted rituals (v17).
Even though, we can be busy in life, we can involve God in all we do by constantly remaining in conversation with Him.
Paul said that believers should never stop praying. A Christian's persistence is an expression of faith, that God is always listening and does answer our prayers. But conversion is two way, therefore, we must not only speak, but listen too. There’s nothing more annoying than to have a conversation with someone who won’t allow you to speak.
They like the sound of their own voice and nothing can stop them. They don’t hear a word said to them-they don’t understand why they cannot hear God.
Faith shouldn't fade if the answers are coming slowly, or in a different way than one hoped for, for God knows you and your needs far better than you. He sees not just in part, but the whole picture and the future, so you can be sure He is present at all times and answers prayers accordingly, so that His will shall be done, not necessarily yours.
That may well feel uncomfortable at times, He may send us into circumstances that don’t make sense or may not even seem biblical, but He’s always right, and rebellion is likely to steal your peace and even place you in the belly of a giant fish, and like Jonah, having been spat out on a beach stinking and traumatised, the Lord will tell you, now go to the place I sent you and do as I will . Jonah rebelled against God out of fear, but he very quickly overcame his fear after spending three days in the belly of a fish.(JONAH 1-2).
People rebel against God for many reasons, fear is probably the most common, some out of pride, or they don't feel comfortable, and some simply just because they can't be bothered, or just don't to, or that's not what actually want in life. My beloved, they always bow after the experience of the giant fish. Learn from Jonah, and do that what God sent you to do and be happy about it and even give thanks for it.
To give thanks in all circumstances is God's will for believers, encouraging gratitude during both positive and difficult times because God is in control (v18).
Do Not Quench the Spirit is a warning against suppressing the Holy Spirit's work, guidance, or influence in one’s life and the church.
By warning us to not "quench the Holy Spirit," Paul is saying that we shouldn't ignore or toss His plans aside or reject prophecy simply because we don’t understand it, but rather, submit to God’s plan for you however bizarre that may seem.
But in all prophecy, test and approve, and look for and ask for confirmation.
Therefore, test the spirit, the source of the word, rather than the word spoken (1 JOHN 4:1-5).
We shouldn't scoff prophecies, or make fun of those who are called to speak for God. But we should always test everything that is said by testing the spirit and checking their words through prayer are from God.
We are putting ourselves in very dangerous ground if we mock or rebuke a person who speaks out for God. We should check out what is being said, accepting everything that is true, and rejecting that what is false.
Sometimes it is difficult to discern for there are many false prophets in the world and the devil is clever and deceitful. He uses them to bring his lies often through our emotions to get the reaction he wants. The devil will use emotions to stop your calling, draw you away from truth, and or to manipulate people to do his dirty deeds.
Emotions are not a tool of discernment, therefore, take every thought captive and bring them to the obedience of Christ (2 CORINTHIANS 20:5).
Do not treat prophecy with contempt, but hold them lightly and ask God for confirmation.
But false prophets are real and many are deceived.
“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.””
Acts 5:38-39 NKJV
My beloved, Paul gives us good advice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever. Amen.
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God bless you all.
